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Empowerment Through Yoga Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

For women, who make up 72% of yoga practitioners in the U.S., yoga has been lauded for its ability to cultivate self-love, confidence, and inner peace as well as strength, courage, and vitality. Yoga has fueled many heroine journeys.  

For BAMBU’s Kim Winnick, pranayama (yogic breath) gave her the power to overcome debilitating anxiety. Yoga taught Tracy Tushar that she didn’t need to “earn” the peace and quiet she craved, empowering her to prioritize her needs.

March 8 is International Women’s Day and in honor of our students – most of whom are women – we want to celebrate you and your stories of Empowerment Through Yoga. 

Through my practice of yoga, I realize all beings everywhere deserve peace and happiness it does not have to be earned.

~ Tracy Tushar

Has yoga helped you curb anxiety, reduce stress, and discover the joy of being in your body? Maybe it taught you the importance of deep and profound rest. Did it provide tools for you to step into your power and live life on your own terms? Whether it’s resulted in physical strengthening or mental fortitude, changes big or small, your yoga story is unique and worthy of reflection and celebration.

What is your story? How has yoga at BAMBU made a difference in how you live your life? Tell us about it here and we’ll send you a gift.

Although it would take more than a decade before I could eat normally, mastering how to use my breath as a tool for relaxation saved my life.

~ Kim Winnick

You can read Kim’s story here.

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Teaching Our Inner Heart with Lessons for the Outer Body

Building lovingkindness – an inner attitude of wholeheartedly wishing all beings experience happiness – is trickiest when it comes to extending these feelings toward those with whom we’re in conflict. Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to extend lovingkindness without condoning bad behaviors in others or accepting harm done to us.

In Yoga we can take our lessons from our physical practice and extend them off the mat. Let’s look at Revolved Half Moon Pose (Parvritta Ardha Chandrasana) and how it relates to lovingkindness practice.

Most heart-opening poses taught in connection with lovingkindness, involve big heart openings such as backbends. But in this version of Half Moon we must balance on opposite hand and foot. This creates restrictions in the body when attempting to radiate the heart center up and extend the other hand and foot outward. It’s much like trying to send out feelings of lovingkindness from a place of conflict. It’s harder to get where we want to go, but not impossible.

To move into the pose, we root down into the standing leg and lift the back foot to hip height, drawing both hips in toward the midline. The shoulder of the grounding arm draws in as the hand roots down. As we anchor hips and shoulder we fortify our core and our foundation from which we can twist and open up the heart center and extend the upper arm. Maintaining integrity in the foundation is key. If the hip of the extended leg begins to drop, reduce the twist. Don’t sacrifice the balance in the hips for the extension in the chest and upper arm. Greater ease and extension in the pose will come in time with consistent practice.

Note the importance of shoring up the torso where manipura (naval/courage) chakra and anahata (heart/compassion) chakra reside and the setting of boundaries (not allowing the hip drop) to keep the core steady. Developing a lovingkindness attitude toward those who are difficult for us, means opening up from a place of strength. It takes courage. It also takes practice.

For more on lovingkindness practice see our post here or practice along with this recorded meditation.

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If 2020 were a yoga class…

In a year upended by a pandemic, navigating the events of 2020 was like being in a perpetual Yoga class, the kind that’s physically hard and emotionally draining yet leaves you forever changed by its powerful life lessons. 2020 demanded that we see things in our world as they are and not just how we wish them to be. It challenged us to balance effort and ease. It required us to practice surrender and acceptance.

It also dispelled some unspoken myths of what’s required to practice Yoga. Like the Grinch who stole Christmas, the shutdown in March stripped Yoga of its commercial trimmings. Without brick-and-mortar studios to house our practice, we soon learned that the magic of Yoga can manifest without straps, bolsters, and blocks. It doesn’t require candles or music or essential oils. Even without a serene practice space, Yoga will transform, support, and meet us wherever we are.

As you show up for your practice in 2021, BAMBU is here to support you. Our skilled and compassionate teachers will help you get right to the heart of what’s needed most in our livestream classes.

We’ll also help you expand your practice with a monthly theme. This month we explore the use of Sankalpa as a tool for clarity and connection with our highest aim. (Sign up for 5 free daily email lessons plus a Yoga Nidra practice here.)

If you’re new to yoga or restarting your practice, consider our four week Absolute Beginner series. We also have a new Weekly Unlimited package that you can get for a limited time for just $21 per week.

If financial constraints are keeping you from your practice, please reach out for support. We’re here to help.


So bring it on 2021, we’re ready for you!


PS – In December we switched our studio software to fitDEGREE and transferred all existing student info. Learn more about the new platform here.

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Community Care – Election Week Specials

We’re here to help you release stress and stay grounded. Be sure to register to take these complimentary live stream community classes this week:

  • Tuesday, November 3: MID-DAY STRETCH at noon – sign up!
  • Tuesday, November 3: SLOW FLOW at 5:30 pm – sign up!
  • Wednesday, November 4: YOGA NIDRA at 7:30 pm – sign up!
  • Thursday, November 5: MID-DAY STRECH at noon – sign up!
Also enjoy these pre-recorded offerings anytime you need them.

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Mantra: ADI SHAKTI

In honor of Mother’s Day we offer this devotional mantra that invokes the primary Creative Power which is manifest as the feminine. It calls upon the Mother Power.

Mantra:

Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti, Namo Namo
Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Namo Namo
Pritham Bhagvati, Pritham Bhagvati, Pritham Bhagvati, Namo Namo
Kundalini Mata Shakti, Mata Shakti, Namo Namo

Translation:

First force of all creation, to You I bow
Divine force, everywhere, to You I bow
Creative force, primal force, to You I bow
Rising up, Divine Mother, to You I bow

Benefits:

The Adi Shakti Mantra tunes one into the frequency of the Divine Mother, and to the primal protective, generating energy. It is said that chanting it eliminates fears and fulfills desires.

 

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yoga-where-do-i-begin

Taking a first step into yoga can be daunting. Google the word yoga and you’ll find more than 600 million results including videos, photos, and articles. With so much information to sift through, it can be challenging to know where to start.

That’s why we created  Absolute Beginners. In six weeks, we’ll show you that  yoga isn’t something that is scary or intimidating. It is a practice that is completely attainable regardless of age, gender, background, or size. Yoga is for every body.

What is Absolute Beginners?

Absolute Beginners includes six weekly sessions that explore yoga in a fun, safe, and comfortable, judgement-free environment. Classes progressively build to provide you with a solid foundation in the fundamentals. The format is open and students are encouraged to ask questions. The group is at the same experience level, and with the class enrollment capped at a small size, each student receives personal attention from the teacher.

What makes Absolute Beginners unique is that it allows you to immerse yourself in what you’re learning. Starting in week 3, you’ll receive 30 days of unlimited classes so you can apply your newly found skills outside of the core sessions and gain confidence in your practice. You’ll also receive a complimentary yoga mat.

Absolute Beginners is perfect for first-time students as well as former students who want to reignite their practice. The program is open to all ages and levels of experience. If you have any concerns about the program being right for you, contact the studio for a consultation.

What will I learn in Absolute Beginners?

  • YOU WILL LEARN KEY YOGA TERMINOLOGY, BOTH IN ENGLISH AND IN SANSKRIT.
  • YOU WILL DISCOVER FUNDAMENTAL ASANAS, OR POSES, SUCH AS DOWNWARD FACING DOG, CHILD’S POSE, AND THE WARRIORS.
  • YOU WILL EXPLORE HOW TO COMPLETE EACH MOVEMENT SAFELY, AND HOW TO MODIFY MOVEMENTS IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR OWN PERSONAL ABILITIES.
  • YOU WILL RECEIVE INSTRUCTION ON HOW TO SAFELY USE YOGA PROPS SUCH AS BLANKETS, BLOCKS, AND STRAPS.
  • YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO APPLY THE SKILLS YOU LEARN IN YOGA CLASS, SUCH AS MEDITATION, BREATHING, AND ALIGNMENT, TO YOUR LIFE OUTSIDE THE YOGA MAT.

Two new sessions begin the first week of January. Learn more.

See also “So You Want to Learn Yoga” Part 1 and Part 2.

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Nothing Says “I Love You” Like the Gift of Yoga!

Sharing the love of yoga is a wonderful way to show someone you care about their well-being. BAMBU Yoga offers an array of treats to satisfy yogis no matter where they are in their journey.  And now through December 24, we’re offering  special savings on the items below to help you wrap up your final week of holiday shopping.

  • Mat & Eye Pillow Gift Set. Receive a free Eye Pillow (lavender or unscented) with the purchase of a Hugger Mugger Para Rubber Mat.  Constructed of eco-friendly natural rubber this premium mat provides excellent cushioning and a non-slip surface that will last for years.  Available for just $75 (a combined savings of 28% over the MSRP).

>>Available in studio only though 12/24 while supplies last.

  • Aromatherapy Balms and Bath Salts. Savasana balms in tins and tubes are available in a variety of scents like lavender, citrus, and mint and make great stocking stuffers! Pair with bath salts for a gift of stress-relieving bliss.

>>Available in studio only. Save 10% through 12/24.

  • Events and Workshops.  Gift cards for special events and workshops provide the yoga lovers in your life an opportunity to deepen their studies.  Gift cards are available in every denomination.  Buy them online and email them to the recipient or let us know if you’d like to have certificates made up for pick up in the studio.  Gift Cards can be used for in-studio merchandise and class cards.

>>BUY ONLINE! Save 10% on all gift cards through 12/24 with Promo Code: HOLIDAY

  • Absolute Beginner Series. The perfect gift for someone who wants to get started with yoga but doesn’t know where to begin. They’ll receive six weekly classes designed to give them a solid foundation in vinyasa style yoga, a yoga mat, and 30 days of unlimited classes. Gift them an Absolute Beginners Series and they can choose the schedule that works best for them in the upcoming year.

>>BUY ONLINE! Save 10% on Absolute Beginners Gift Card through 12/24 with Promo Code: HOLIDAY

  • Private Sessions. Delight any beginner or experienced practitioner with one-on-one lessons with a BAMBU teacher.  Each 60-minute sessions is tailored to the individual goals and needs of the student. Privates are ideal for getting the individual attention to further master or modify poses, develop a home practice, or address specific therapeutic needs.

>> BUY ONLINE!  $75 per session, $200 for 3-session pack, $300 for 5-session pack

  • Monthly Membership. For the ultimate in year-round giving,  set up a flexible monthly membership gift plan. We offer 4x, 8x, and unlimited monthly levels. Please email us for details.
  • Create a Custom Package. Still not sure what to get someone on your list? Email us and we’ll set up a time to work with you on selecting the perfect gift.

(We’re pretty sure your friends and family won’t mind if you shared this guide with them- they may be hoping for some hints on what to buy for you!)

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Rebecca Bartuska first started yoga as a way to keep dance in her life. After dancing through college, the thought of giving it up entirely was terrifying. It wasn’t until the summer of 2014, doing teacher training at Zen Den in Margate, NJ, that she realized yoga was so much more than just a replacement for dance. Meditation and pranayama calmed thoughts, asanas instilled confidence and yamas and niyamas provided a way to evaluate one’s values on and off of the mat. Through yoga, she has grown tremendously as a person and she hopes to share that with her students. Through assisted poses and modifications, she believes each student can achieve the same bliss. With strong Iyengar influences instilled in her through her mentors, Rebecca’s style of teaching focuses on flowing through poses while building towards a peak pose. Proper alignment and meditation are stressed in all of Rebecca’s classes.  Meet Rebecca during these upcoming classes. 

Having lived in several places and practiced yoga in many studios since 2000, Brooke Weinert has always found her place on the mat, and is now so grateful to be at home in Bucks County, PA.
In 2012, she completed a 200 hour vinyasa flow teacher training as a means to re-boot her personal practice. Along the way, she discovered greater self-acceptance and the joy of teaching!
Yoga has brought her focus, strength and confidence, benefits that Brooke would like to share with as many others as possible. With a strong hatha yoga base and additional training in Restorative Yoga, Brooke stresses proper form, as well as honoring one’s body and limitations. Meet Brooke during these upcoming classes. 

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Ready to Let Go?

LETTING GO TAKES LOVE
~ author unknown

To “let go” does not mean to stop caring,
it means I can’t do it for someone else.

To “let go” is not to cut myself off,
it is the realization I can’t control another.

To “let go” is not to enable,
but to allow learning from natural consequences.

To “let go” is to admit powerlessness,
which means that the outcome is not in my hands.

To “let go” is not to try to change or blame another,
it is to make the most of myself.

To “let go” is not to care for,
but to care about.

To “let go” is not to fix,
but to be supportive.

To “let go” is not to judge,
but to allow another to be a human being.

To “let go” is not to be in the middle, arranging the outcomes,
but to allow others to affect their own destinies,

To “let go” is not to be protective,
but to permit another to face reality.

To “let go” is not to deny,
but to accept.

To “let go” is not to nag, scold, or argue,
but to search out my own shortcomings and to correct them.

To “let go” is not to adjust everything to my desires,
but to take every day as it comes, and to cherish myself in it.

To “let go” is not to criticize and regulate anybody,
but to try to become what I dream I can be.

To “let go” is not to regret the past,
but to grow and live for the future.

To “let go” is to fear less and love more.

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Vinyasa, dance,and restore workshop on letting go. Saturday, June 20 from 2-4pm