Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Autumn Newsletter


You're
among
friends.

Share the joy! 
Introduce a friend to Akasha to experience total wellness.
When your friend becomes a new member,  you'll receive half off your next month's membership. 

Spread the word and start enjoying your savings today!
Offer Valid September 1 through November 30, 2012


Jennifer's Corner

 Jennifer EwertWhen the seasons change, transformation is in the air. Our thoughts shift toward warm foods, indoor activities and creating more peace in our lives. We trust that you have had a wonderful summer and are now ready for change as well.


At Akasha, we have many ways to help you de-stress, decompress and relax through Tai Chi and Yoga classes, workshops and healing arts. This season brings exciting musical events every month, as well as daily yoga classes and plenty of indoor activities.

For example, we have added a seasonal "Healing Arts Spotlight" event to feature our growing healing arts staff. These practitioners can give our bodies a tune up as well as our minds. They will answer questions about what they do and how they can help you to eliminate stress. Check out Deb Berg's article above about reflexology and how it can help you prepare for the months ahead.

Janette Warner takes us to the mat with her backbend posture, a wonderful way to take on the new fall season. Our next yoga teacher training session is already gearing up and we are thrilled to share what we know about yoga through this nine-month program. Join us for your own spiritual growth or to become a teacher. Either way, you will become an instrument of peace and calm in your community when you live and share with others what you have learned about this ancient practice.

We have added a midday class to our Monday schedule if you need to squeeze in a class for lunch from 12-12:45pm with Gina. Our Saturday community class at 3 p.m. will change in fall to every 4th Saturday of the month. This free class, led by new and seasoned teachers, is offered to anyone interested in learning about yoga. In addition, we are adding Meditation Mondays in September. Join us every Monday at 8:30 a.m. & 8:30 p.m. for a half-hour meditation class. Deepen your practice with some guided assistance from our staff in a group environment. What a great way to start off the week!  



Akasha wishes you joy & peace during this colorful season of transition!
    
            Shanti,

            Jennifer
Wellness Matters: Reflexology  

A Drug-free Choice 

The art of Reflexology presents a logical and drug-free solution
to many physical aches and pains.

With the approaching fall weather, it is important to target the lymphatic system to ensure you maintain a healthy immune system. Since the lymphatic and cardiovascular systems are closely allied, it is not surprising that every area that is worked on the feet indirectly helps the lymphatic system.

Reflexology clears the lymph vessels and nodes keeping them free of obstruction and inflammation thus allowing the immune system to do its important job of fighting disease.  Everyone has experienced a swollen throat or tonsils which are the most notable of these nodes.  

Where there is a blockage, there is pain, inflammation or disease. But the good news is that you can do something about it!  

Clear those pathways and relax at the same time with a quiet soothing hour of Foot Reflexology. 

Deborah Berg 
Licensed Reflexologist
Yoga Spotlight: Vimanasana
(Chariot of the Gods)  


   Fall brings many changes along with its crisp air. For many of us, our children return back to school and we return back to our routines. Our clocks are set back, the days become shorter, & for some of us, as the sun fades, so too does our energy. Our shoulders start to round forward in an effort to keep the body warm as the cold weather sets in.  

Luckily for all of us who practice yoga, we have poses that can expand the chest and abdomen, and correct rounded shoulders. These poses are Backward Bends & they are invigorating, filling us with energy, while also strengthening the nervous system. Since other things are falling back now, why not our yoga bends too?

Backward Bends improve circulation through the chest, pelvis, and all of the vital organs. They also increase circulation through the spine, invite the spine to lengthen and the chest to lift. It's important to always be mindful when practicing Backward Bends; keep the buttocks contracted and the pelvis tucked, so as not to aggravate the lower back.   

  

  

One of my favorite Backward Bends is Chariot of the Gods pose, sometimes affectionately referred to as Superman Pose because you will almost feel like you can fly as the energy extends out your fingers and toes.



To come into the pose, lie on your abdomen and extend the arms overhead alongside the ears. Stretch out through the legs, keeping the feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lengthen, lifting the arms, upper body, and legs. Take a few breaths here, and then release back down to the mat on an exhale and rest.    

Enjoy the instant burst of energy, always available to you, by simply bending back.  


Janette Warner
Certified Yoga Instructor
 



Upcoming Classes and Events
Mondays are all new this fall with Meditation Mondays and lunchtime yoga. Check out our Healing Arts Spotlight, special monthly music events and other happenings too, at our Event Schedule for all the details.


Wednesday, May 30, 2012


Summer
Double
Dip
Members - save $20 (double the regular member discount) with each Wellness Services practitioner once this summer.

New members - get 50% off one month's membership when you sign up for auto pay  membership. Minimum of 4 months required. Contact the front desk for details.
Offer valid June 1 through August 31, 2012



Namaste everyone.
  
Summertime is filled with outside activities and here at Akasha, we are joining in on the fun. We will be teaching a free monthly impromptu outdoor yoga class at Veteran Acres park; everyone is welcome to attend. Just bring your mat, your sunscreen and natural bug spray, if necessary, and join us! We are also reducing our event schedule for the season so you and your families will have extra time to spend together. If it gets too buggy or muggy outdoors, our movie night will still be on the agenda.

Start off the summer by enjoying this newsletter about keeping cool and staying in balance. According to ayurveda, backbending keeps the pitta dosha happy. Kathy has presented a great backbend pose for you to practice. Also important is keeping hydrated by eating foods like celery, asparagus and melons. Add mung beans and chick peas for great sources of protein. Sunflower and olive oils are preferred for the summer as well.

Think bugs are the only creatures with antennae you'll come in contact with this summer? You may be surprised when you read Kris' approach to a fantastic summer and balanced life.

Our specials present even more summer treats. Members can take advantage of $20 off of the healing arts (Body Talk, Massage and Reflexology). New members will receive half off their monthly membership if signing up for at least 2 months. Our next teacher training program starts in September, so summer is a perfect time to submit your application, pick up your book list and start reading. The program is a fantastic way to deepen your practice, learn more and share with those you know.  

With so much to enjoy, we look forward to sharing our summer with you!

Shanti,
Jennifer  




BodyTalk and Frequency 

"What, my body is an antenna?" Yes, think of your body as a radio dial. If you are tuned to the station of "I am not good enough" then your frequency will attract life experiences that prove you are not good enough. Like attracts like.

"So then why can't I just change my beliefs and start attracting from a new frequency?" Well, there are many belief systems that are running in our body and mind that we are just not aware of. We are most often attracting life to us based on subconscious beliefs. Belief systems are what dictate our frequency. We inherit them from our families, our peers, our culture and then adopt them as rules for living. The bulk of these beliefs are formed in the first eight years of life.

BodyTalk is a therapy that can address even the toughest of belief systems. These belief systems show up in the body as disease, a cold, an allergy, an uncomfortable symptom. These symptoms are wonderful indicators of an underlying imbalance. It's your body's way of saying "Hey, something is wrong and you need to pay attention!" And of course, the more you ignore the symptom, the louder it will get!

In BodyTalk we can give a voice to your symptom. Uncovering the underlying cause of the imbalance helps us effectively clear or create great relief from symptoms in most cases. Because we are addressing the body from a frequency standpoint (i.e. Belief Systems), we can effect long-term change. And as we clear the old programs, we free you up inside to pursue those things in life that are really important to you.

For more information on BodyTalk check out:

Kris Freeman 
Body Talk Practitioner

Yoga Spotlight
Matsayana - Fish Pose

Matsyasana or Fish Pose is one of my favorite backbending poses, and the perfect pose to share in the summer newsletter! Like most asanas, it has many benefits. Besides stretching the neck and shoulders and improving posture, it expands the chest, stimulates the respiratory system and allows us to breath better (especially appealing to allergy or asthma sufferers)!   


Fish Pose 

Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent, arms at your sides with palms facing down. Gently lift your hips and slide your hands underneath your thighs, lowering buttocks onto the back of your hands. Have your elbows slightly bent, next to the sides of your torso. Slowly stretch your legs out, pointing the toes.

Inhale, pressing firmly into the elbows & forearms as you lift your chest toward the ceiling. Carefully, release your head back to the floor. Either the crown or the back of the head should be resting on your mat. Keep in mind that there should be very little weight or pressure on the head. You can always modify by using a folded blanket underneath the head for additional support. Keep the legs active and breath holding the posture 15-30 seconds.

To come out of the pose, exhale and slowly lower head and torso onto the mat. Slide hands from out underneath the buttocks, gently draw knees toward your chest and give them a hug!

Happy summer and be well!  


Peace,

Kathy Battcher

Certified Yoga instructor
  


Wednesday, February 15, 2012


Akasha’s Anniversary is Tuesday, February 21st.
For the entire week we will celebrating!   
2/19 Sunday: Chocolate
2/20 Monday: Fruit Platter
2/21 Tuesday: Sweet Pea Cupcakes
2/22 Wednesday: La Petite Pastries
2/23 Thursday: Cookies
2/24 Friday: Biscotti
2/25 Saturday: Chili
In celebration of this milestone we will be offering A 2 for 1 Membership. Bring in a guest during this week and both the guest and you will receive half off your next/first month of membership!



Monday, January 23, 2012

Akasha Teacher Training launches in Chicago!!

Akasha's accredited Teacher Training program (ATT) and Infuse Yoga Spa,  join energy to bring this comprehensive program to Chicago!  Infuse Yoga Spa is located at 713 W. Wrightwood Ave. and is planning on being the host site for the 200 hour program starting in March 2012.
Whether you are interested in a fuller understanding of yoga theory and practice, history and philosophy, or how yoga relates to and enriches your own life, this comprehensive program encourages you to explore your potential.  It is not necessary that teaching be your ultimate goal.  Many use this program to deepen their yoga practice and gain a better understanding of self.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be 200-hour certified yoga instructors. They will also be eligible to become Registered Yoga Teachers with Yoga AllianceTM for an additional fee.

To find out more about this program please attend the informational lecture:

  • Friday, February 3rd at 7-8pm at Infuse Yoga Spa, 713 W. Wrightwood Ave., Chicago, IL  
  • Meet Jennifer Ewert, ATT Founder and Director of Akasha Yoga Center in Crystal Lake IL
  • Meet Andrea Klunder, Director of Infuse Yoga Spa who will also be a guest instructor during the ATT program.  




Monday, November 21, 2011

Give the Gift of Yoga

At Akasha we understand how busy the holidays can be, that's why we're offering gift giving with ease. Give the gift of peace and well-being with a a one-month membership to Akasha Yoga, plus an eye-pillow for deep relaxation. Your recipient receives their eye-pillow when they come in to redeem their month of membership which includes: 
  • Unlimited Yoga
  • $10 Off Wellness Service (Massage, Body Talk, Reflexology)
  • $10 Off Tai Chi Sessions
  • Bring Two Guests
  • 20% Off Retail
  • Discounted Events & Retreats



Truly, a gift that keeps on giving. Happy Holidays! Click "Buy Now" to purchase and a gift certificate will be mailed to your home or sent to your email.


Purchase A Printable Gift Certificate for $75.00. All major credit cards are accepted.
Certificate must be used within one year of purchase date. Eye-Pillow is received upon redemption.



Shanti,
Everyone at Akasha

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Ayurveda & Wellness Services

The flurry of modern day life and healthcare concerns it raises have many turning to alternative healthcare for answers. When Ayurveda is mentioned, many wonder what in the world it is.

Ayurveda orignates from the Sanskrit words, Ayus and Veda. Ayus means life or longevity, and Veda meaning knowledge or science. Over 3000 years old, The Science of Life artfully weaves Earth, mind, body, spirit and all the senses together. (Pronuciation help.) A great movie for understanding Ayurveda and how the practice can help you is Ayurveda: The Art of Being.

How Ayurveda can not only help, but heal and prevent a myriad of illnesses, is not a mystery. The healing capabilities of The Science of Life are available to all. You could learn from books, through Gurus/teachers and some information is also online. However, experience often proves the best tool for learning. And for those interested in experiencing Ayurveda, we offer several services in our wellness center. Our practitioners are friendly and knowledgeable. We invite you to experience the art or Ayurveda at Akasha.

The art of being present, mindful and healthy is something that's available to all-and we'd like to invite all to enjoy!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

New Membership Options

At Akasha, we know how important your wellness is. Our goal is to partner with you to achieve your best. In the interest of providing added value, we've simplified our pricing with our new membership-which includes an array of benefits to support your total wellness. While September 15th marks the official start date of our new program, you can sign-up today to begin enjoying all Akasha Membership has to offer. Also added are new classes to the schedule, providing more opportunities to explore Akasha East, our space right around the corner on Beardsley Street. Be sure to keep checking our events page as we continue to add more workshops, classes and opportunities to connect with others in the community.

Akasha Membership Includes
Unlimited Yoga
Wellness-$10 off any service
Events-free or discounted*
Retreats-discounted*
Retail Items-20% off 
Tai Chi-$10 off every session
Two free guest /month

*See flyers for discounts

Auto-Pay Membership is:  $75/month and $70/month for Students and 55+

Punch cards are still available for those who are interested. Akasha continues to offer private yoga, classes every day of the week, teacher training and continuing education, free parking, yoga equipment, experienced instructors and our convenient wellness center within Akasha.

Punch Cards
5 class - $80
10 class - $150
20 class - $280

Punch cards expire 6 months from date of purchase. 10% discount for students and 55+ 

Classes in bold and events are held at Akasha East: 135 Beardsley Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014