Thursday, December 30, 2010

Pictures of my recent life.

Thank you to my good friend and amazing bead artist Laura Silverman Splaver for making this video of some of the pictures of my recent life I love it.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

NEW CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT!!

I am honored to announce that starting January 2, 2011 I will be teaching a gentle hatha yoga class at The Yoga Source on Wiles Road in Coral Springs, Fl every Sunday. Class will start at 9:00 and will be perfect for first timers, beginners or yogis at any level that want a relaxing stretch on a Sunday morning.

I will also be teaching a gentle hatha yoga class on Sunday at 11:00 at the yoga loft upstairs from Etro Salon on Sample Road in Coral Springs. I am looking forward to teaching two classes on Sundays. (Directions are on the schedule page of this blog).

If you are interested in coming to the 11:00 class at the Yoga Loft at Etro Salon, please call me and I will wait for you to come before starting class. :)

Don't forget about my hatha level one class on Tuesday nights at 6:30 at the yoga loft upstairs from Etro Salon. No need to call ahead. Just come to the salon, walk to the back and up the stairs. Please leave your shoes at the bottom of the stairs. :)

I am very excited about my new schedule. I hope to see you there. :)

Monday, December 6, 2010

Holiday special!


Claudia’s Yoga Holiday Special

BRING A FRIEND GET ONE CLASS FREE!!

If you bring a new student to class at Claudia’s Yoga you will receive a gift certificate for one free class to keep or share.

Claudia’s Yoga gift certificates are now available.

It’s the perfect gift for any beginning yogi or experienced yogi on your holiday list.

NAMASTE


CLAUDIASYOGA@GMAIL.COM

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Busy time? Slow down!

The holidays can be a very stressful time of year for many people. When we look past the Christmas songs, Channuka decorations and family dinners the holiday season may not always be a happy time. We may be worrying about money shortages or searching the malls for the right gifts for the all of the people on our holiday lists. Some of us may be feeling lonely remembering the time when the kids were little and we were a little younger. We may be thinking of the holidays when we ourselves were kids and our parents were young. We may be thinking of loved ones that are no longer with us. Yes, sometimes it can be hard to feel the happiness and joy of the season.

One of the things you can do during this time is slow down. How do we do this? Take a moment to sit quietly and breathe. Our mind can say "slow" on the inhalation and "down" on the exhalation. Notice how you feel when you are breathing. Notice where your body is receiving the breath. Notice how your body feels when it relaxes on the exhale. This will help you focus on your body instead of the stresses of the season. Slow down!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Free Download Friday

Every Friday Spirit Voyage offers beautiful yoga music downloads for free. This week it is Guru Ram Das by Gurunam Singh. I loved it and thought I would share it with you. The website is http://www.spiritvoyage.com/Friday-Download.aspx?id=37 Download free music. It rocks!!

Hatha yoga will be held at the yoga loft at Etro Salon on Sunday at 10:30. Hope to see you there.

Monday, November 15, 2010

The 2010 Yoga Journal Conference

Last Saturday Ruth and I went to the Yoga Journal Conference at the Diplomat Hotel in Hallendale Beach and it was truly a wonderful time. I am feeling sore now but I am so glad that I went. I am very lucky to have a good friend like Ruth who is also a yoga teacher (we did teacher training together) and shares my passion for yoga.

Ruth and I so happy to be at the conference

Ruth picked me up at 5:45 am and we set off on our adventure. When we arrived at the hotel I was totally blown away by the beauty of the Westin Diplomat. We walked around for a while checking the place out and scouting out the room where our first class was going to be. Then we to the Cafe and had some coffee in this gorgeous hotel.

Arriving at the hotel

Hips and Twists with Rodney Yee was going to be our first class and we were extremely excited about it. We were the first ones to put our mats down and we made sure we had a good spot. I have been doing Rodney's DVDs for years and I was sooo psyched not only to see him in person but to take class with him. All of a sudden the door opened and there he was. The famous and fabulous Rodney Yee sat on the stage in front of us with his wife Colleen Saidman Yee.

Ruth waiting for Rodney Yee


I was waiting for Rodney too!!!


Rodney and Colleen

We worked hard in the two hour class that focused on hip opening and twisting. Rodney and Colleen took turns teaching and adjusting students in poses. When they brought us into downward facing dog with a twist Rodney came over and grabbed my extended leg and helped me go further into the twist. I felt like I was just touched by......well....the Yoga God. LOL I was surprised by how down to earth and friendly he was. He taught us with a sense of purpose but also a sense of humor. It was an honor to be in the in same room with this amazing teacher.

Rodney in Side Angle

When class was over we met him and Colleen and he was nice enough to sit and pose for picture with both Ruth and myself. Ruthie and I were like groupies. LOL It was the perfect beginning to a wonderful day.

Rodney with my hand on his knee. Yeah, I had to touch him. :)


Rodney and Ruth
After taking pictures we ran to our second class which was a fun class about unstacking or decomposing postures. The teacher was Cindi Lee and she really taught us a lot about starting in simple poses and working up to more difficult postures. It really gave me food for thought.

Then it was time for lunch and shopping!!! We had so much fun walking around the yoga marketplace buying new shirts, mugs and of course, a shirt for Ruth's granddaughter, Emily. I managed to spend all the money I had allocated to this shopping spree and more. It wasn't hard to do. :)

We had an hour or so to relax and hang out so we walked around and went out to the pool area to find a place to sit and regroup. The weather was beautiful as was the pool at the hotel.

Ruth and I by the pool

We were pretty tired by this time but we managed to find a way to have fun and laugh. Boy, did we laugh.

Gangsta Yoginis

Our last class turned out to be a bit of a surprise. We thought we would be taking a class on how to teach beginner students but it turned out to be a beginner student class. We had a totally fun time in this class just being together. There was a lot more laughter in this class than there probably should have been.

Then it was time to go home. We were both very tired but so happy we had gone to this conference. It was a time that neither one of us will ever forget.

Waiting for the car


I don't know about you Ruth but I am looking forward to next year's conference. If it is half as much fun and inspiring as this was it will be fantastic. :)

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Last night and some changes.

Class rocked last night. I got so into it that I ended up going an hour and 45 minutes. I just couldn't stop. :) We worked from the back, seated, straddle, all fours, standing....we did it all. We even did some Breath of Fire for the first time. The students did really well. I am very proud of my students. They are getting stronger. I can see that in the way they are holding the poses longer and how much stronger they look in their postures. We worked a lot in Downward Facing Dog, floating into plank, pushing back into dog, 3 legged dogs, side angles into Pigeon to name a few. This was a strong class and everyone did well keeping up. :)

Claudia in Downward Facing Dog
It's looking like I may change my Saturday Class to Sunday. I have spoken to my Saturday students and they are liking the idea of the change. The salon is closed on Sunday and it will be much quieter. It sure can get noisy on Saturday morning in a hair and nails salon. :) We will be trying out the new time this week so there will be no class this Saturday. It has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 14 at 10:30 am.

Today I am subbing for Juliana at her house. It is her Wednesday class which is a level two kick butt class. I love teaching this class. It's fun and challenging all at the same time. Today will be lots and lots of standing postures and flowing. My intention for this class is movement.

I am also subbing for Juliana again tomorrow which is her level one class. I'm am looking forward teaching to both classes in Juli's studio. It's where I did my teacher training. It's like coming home. :)


Friday, November 5, 2010

New time on Saturday

Hi Everybody,

After asking my regular students I have decided to chance the time of my Saturday Hatha class from 11:00 to 10:30 am at the yoga loft upstairs from Etro Salon in Coral Springs. I hope you will come on by and take a class with me. :)

Namaste,
Claudia

Monday, November 1, 2010

Back to my old schedule and subbing too.

I have been back from LA and I'm happy to say classes have begun again. I am making a change to my Saturday class schedule. The Hatha one class will start at 10:30 am instead of 11:00 am starting on November 6th at the yoga loft at Etro Salon .

Tuesday night's Hatha class will resume tomorrow night at 6:30 pm. I am looking forward to teaching class tomorrow. I've gotten a couple of cute emails saying that my students are happy that I am back too. That's a nice feeling. :)

I will also be subbing for Joy on Wednesday morning at 9:00 am at The Yoga Source on Wiles Road in Coral Springs. I am extremely excited about this. Come and check out my class!!!

Namaste,
Claudia




Friday, October 29, 2010

Richard and me


I'm back from LA and happy to be here, that's for sure. I'm sorry to say that I didn't get a chance to take a yoga class there I did get to see my wonderful friend Richard Simmons who totally kicked my butt in two classes. I know this has nothing to do with yoga here is a picture of us together. I love him. He is the best!! He changed my life and that change led me to yoga. Here is a link to the class that I took with him. If you look real hard you can see me in the back wearing green.



Hatha yoga classes are back on the normal schedule starting Saturday, October 29, at 11:00 am at the yoga loft at Salon Etro. I'm looking forward to seeing all of my students again. Namaste!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

I Love Being a Teacher, I Love Being a Student

I love being a yoga teacher. I feel as if I have been given a gift to be able to help my students deal with some of the stresses of their daily lives. I have students that tell me that they have never been able to relax before taking my classes. I have students that tell me that they hear my words during stressful times and turn to their breath and mantra to help them through. I have one student who keeps my card by her computer so that she can read the saying on the back to help her keep her inner peace. Hearing these things makes me feel so good deep down inside. I feel very lucky to be a yoga teacher.

I love being a yoga student. I learn something new in each and every class that I take. I took class today from a teacher named Paul. If memory serves me well, this is the second man I have taken class from other than on a DVD. It was a good class and I was able to further my practice again. Paul took us into crow pose and I was able to balance in this posture for a moment or two. He also asked if anyone wanted to do a headstand and I love a good headstand. No more kicking up the wall for me. Now my abs do the work. I'm getting stronger and stronger. Paul also brought us into wheel pose which I also love to do but am not supposed to do according to my doctors who I don't listen to. :) It was a great class. I really enjoyed it. I feel very lucky to be a yoga student.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Class rescheduled for Thursday at 6:15

Hi Everybody,

I am back from from my visit with Kerry at Notre Dame. I had a fantastic time and was able to continue my practice on Kerry's yoga mat which is on the floor in her bedroom. I had some back issues from hours and hours of being on my feet but stretching with the breath, doing lots of spinal twists and backbends really helped me through.

I've had a couple of requests to teach a yoga class on Thursday evening to make up for not being in town on Tuesday and Saturday so there will be class at the yoga loft upstairs at Etro Salon tomorrow at 6:15 pm.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Claudia's yoga schedule for October.

Hi Everybody,

I just wanted to make sure that there are no questions about my class schedule for the month of October. There will be class on Tuesday, October 5 at 6:30 pm as usual. There will NOT be class on Saturday, October 9 at 11:00 or Tuesday, October 12 at 6:30. There will be class on Saturday, October 16, at 11:00 am and Tuesday, October 19 at 6:30. There will NOT be class on Saturday, October 23 or Tuesday, October 26. Classes will resume as scheduled from then on.

I hope all of my students will continue their practice when I am not having class even if it's just some Pranayama (breath control) and a few asana (poses) that can be done on the floor in the living room and a short relaxation. Spinal twists, knees to chest and forward bends can be done on a towel anywhere you might want to do them. Go on and make me a happy Yogini and tell me that you practiced on your own. :)

So, yes, there is class this Tuesday at the yoga loft upstairs from Etro Salon at 9717 West Sample Rd, Coral Springs starting at 6:30 pm. See you there. :)

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Tropical Storm Yoga and Saturday's Class

Tuesday night was a wonderful night for a yoga class. There was a tropical storm rolling in and the weather was perfect for an evening of asana. We could hear the thunder during class which really made it easy to connect to the energy of the earth and sky. We listened to the thunder, we listened to our breath and moved slowly through the class with awareness focusing on breathing, letting go and enjoying the postures.

There were two new people who had heard about my class from a friend and decided to give it a try. Now we have people who have never practiced yoga before and some who have been regulars for a while now. They all did really well and my gold star for the night was relaxation with Viparita Karani which is Sanskrit for legs up the wall. Everyone really enjoyed the long relaxation with the Lavender aromatherapy massage that always ends my classes.

I feel blessed to be a yoga teacher. I get to help people and watch them get stronger physically, mentally and even spiritually. It's awesome!!

Saturday's class has been changed from 11:00 am to noon at the yoga loft at Etro Salon.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

My Practice and Your Practice.

I had my private this morning with Juliana and it was really fantastic. I LOVE my privates. They allow me to work on things that I can't do in a class setting. We worked on a lot of standing postures and I think I may incorporate some of those postures into tonight's class. It depends on who is there. I try to feel the energy in the group and allow the class to develop from there. I am expecting two new students tonight who are friends with Michele. Tuesday's class is growing. :)

Saturday's class was very gratifying to me. My wonderful student Erin who had already brought her friend Rita brought her husband Tim. He did really well for a first time student. I am going to start to incorporate one or two more challenging postures next Saturday and see how they do. I'm sure they will rise up to the challenge. :)

I love that I am sharing the benefits of yoga with so many new people.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Subbing and my own Saturday class

I had the pleasure of subbing for Juliana on Thursday morning. I always look forward to teaching at Juliana's studio. I love it there. As soon as I walk in I feel more grounded and mindful. I guess it's because it is where I've been taking classes for over 10 years. I also took my teacher training in that studio and it was such a wonderful joyful experience that I always want to get that feeling back by teaching there.

I taught a relaxing but challenging class complete with Lavender aromatherapy during final relaxation. The students loved it and I loved teaching, as I always do. I look forward to subbing for Juliana again soon.

Saturday class will start at 11:00 at the yoga loft upstairs at Etro Salon on Sample Rd in Coral Springs. I'm looking forward to that too. :)

Monday, September 20, 2010

Tuesday Class and Saturday shout out!

Hi Everybody, :)

A special shout out to my Saturday students for being so wonderful and understanding when I had car trouble and had to cancel class. I will be mobile again tomorrow so I will definitely be there for Saturday's 11:00 class. I hope to see you there.

Tuesday students, get ready for a relaxing but challenging class which will include balance postures and standing postures too. You guys are getting much stronger and it's time to step it but a little bit. Don't worry. You will still get the long relaxation that you all love so much. :) I'm looking forward to seeing all of you.

If you are new, please come on by. Beginners are welcome.

Namaste

Monday, September 13, 2010

Core Tuesday!!

Tuesday's level one Hatha Yoga class will be held in the yoga loft upstairs at Etro Salon on Sample Rd in Coral Springs. Pranayama (breath control) will begin at 6:30. Be ready to focus on your third chakra, Manipura, located in your solar plexus also known as your navel area. We're gonna be working our cores!!!! See you there!!!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Saturday Hatha One Class

Hatha Yoga level one class begins tomorrow at 11:00 AM upstairs, in the yoga loft, at Etro Salon. It's going to be a wonderful relaxing yet challenging class. C'mon, give it a try! Your first class is only $5.00! :)

Monday, September 6, 2010

Last Saturday and Tomorrow

Saturday I welcomed a new student to my Hatha Yoga class. My wonderful student, Erin brought a friend who is also new to yoga. I love teaching new or first time students. It makes me go back to the basics which is good to do for the teacher and student inside of me. We worked hard in a challenging class that included breath work (pranayama), moving our spines in all 6 directions (asana) and a wonderful long final relaxation with. I did quite a bit of hands on adjustments to help the students find their edge in different postures. It was great!

Tomorrow is my private with Juliana and I always look forward to that. Later on at 6:30 I'll be teaching my Tuesday night class. This is a level one class where we hold the postures a little longer which helps to build strength, better flexibility and balance. I love watching my repeat students getting stronger, more mindful and aware of their breath. It means that I am a good teacher. :)

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Saturday morning class.

I am looking forward to class this morning. Pranayama (breath control) begins at 11:00 am. We will work on stretching our spines in all directions, flexibility and getting stronger in a few standing postures such tree pose, warrior one and triangle. Hope to see you there. :)

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Quick check in

I really enjoyed teaching class last Tuesday night. All of the attendees were repeat students so I decided to step it up a notch. We did some very challenging postures and everyone did really well. We worked hard on balance, flexibility and strength while being mindful and moving with the breath. Their favorite part of the practice? Relaxation. LOL!!! It's my favorite too. :)

Today I practiced at home very early in the morning. I did lots of down dogs, twists and sun salutations. I also inverted in headstand against the wall. After relaxation I chanted to On Na Ma Si Vi Ya and then ended my practice. Shant, shanti, peace, peace, om, peace, namaste.......

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Let's Disconnect tonight.

Every Tuesday night at 6:30 pm is my Hatha Yoga class in the Yoga Loft at Salon Etro (9717 West Sample Rd, Coral Springs). Tonight we are going to work on disconnecting from the outside world and being more mindful of what we do in class. Hopefully, we can learn to be more mindful off the mat as well. See ya there!!! Oh, first class? $5.00....such a deal. :) :)

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Juliana's Kirtan Among Other Things







Last night was the chanting/meditation event at Juliana's and it was totally amazing. There were about 15 people at the event, maybe even more. We all sat in a circle in Juliana's living room and Juli started with a short meditation. Then we chanted to Snatum Kaur and Ken who gently and softly played the guitar. We continuted by chanting our teacher training anthem On Na Ma Shi Va Ya and that was really special. With Ruth, Courntey, Wendi, Veronica and Juliana singing along it felt just like I had been transported back to yoga teacher training. It was a moment that I won't forget in a hurry. We finished dancing to Krishna Das. It was an amazing sight. We were all dancing and moving with Juliana leading the way. She really is a special person. She has an energy unlike anyone else I have ever met. She is my Guru. :)

I went to 8:30 class this morning and it was really wonderful. I missed my bud Ruth though. She is always there but she just had wrist surgery and wasn't up to class (although she made it to the kirtan).

When class was over I had to go and teach class at the salon which I was happy to do. It was a great class with lots of hands on assistance and gentle poses. I really love teaching yoga. I feel blessed that I have found it and had the good judgement to love it. :)

Ps-Thanks to Ken Keefe for the picture. I lifted it from him FB profile page. :)


Thursday, August 26, 2010

Teaching and Saturday's class

I love having new students in my classes. Most of them are new in more ways than one. They are new to my classes and they are new to yoga with my class being their first yoga class. Teaching new students can be very challenging but it can also be very rewarding.

When I was a new student, Juliana first started me with the breath. Feeling the breath, hearing the breath, using the breath and being mindful of the breath. Everything else came after that. I was very lucky to have found Juliana as my Guru and friend. I teach the way I was taught. :)

Saturday's class will be held at the Yoga loft upstairs from Salon Etro at 11:00 in Coral Springs. First class $5.00.



Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Tuesday's class and Happy Birthday Lori!

Hatha Yoga class tonight will begin at 6:30 at the Yoga Loft upstairs from Etro Salon. It's Lori's birthday and she has requested hip openers, sciatic stretches and extra relaxation at the end. In Lori's honor we will be doing all those things. Come and sing Happy Birthday to Lori! First class? $5.00. :) :)

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Juliana's back...oh yeah!!

Juliana came back from Costa Rica absolutely electric. Her energy is just off the charts. Her classes have been amazing and very different than they were before she took that trip. I am in awe of her. I always learn so much. I can't wait for my private on Tuesday. It should be absolutely rockin'. "We are an ocean of movement". Wow!!! :) :)

Friday, August 20, 2010

Hatha Yoga Class on Saturday

My Saturday Hatha Yoga class will begin at 11:00 AM in the yoga loft upstairs at Etro Salon in Coral Springs. The salon at 9717 West Sample Rd, Coral Springs. Beginners or First Timers are welcome as are the more experienced student. First class? $5.00 :)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

A class description

Yesterday's Hatha Yoga class was great. We spent time before class talking but once I started class we were able to ground ourselves and start our breath work. We practiced yogic breathing with retentions and then alternated nostril breathing. The students really seemed to like the extra breathing.

Once our Pranayama (breath control) was over we moved into the asana part. Asanas are the postures or poses that are done in yoga such as the classic downward facing dog. We moved on our backs, seated, standing, balance, and ended on our backs and then in Savanasa (relaxation pose). We moved our spines in all directions with simple and gentle movements mindfully and quietly. Final relaxation included aromatherapy and a neck massage. It was a truly a wonderful class. Lots of moaning and groaning. :) :)

Thanks to my students for coming and allowing me to guide them through their practice.


Monday, August 16, 2010

Class Today and Class Tomorrow

This morning I subbed for Ileana at the Yoga Source. I really love teaching there. I have taken so many classes at " The Source" and I feel very comfortable being there. I had three students today with one being my good friend Ruth. Both of the other students were very new to yoga. It reminded me very much of my own classes at the yoga loft at Etro Salon complete with aromatherapy and neck massage at the end of final relaxation. I love teaching so much. It still blows my mind that I get to do it. I feel very lucky.

Tomorrow is my class at the yoga loft. It starts at 6:30 PM at 9717 West Sample Rd, Coral Springs. I'm looking forward to teaching this class. I enjoy helping people to relax and give themselves the gift of yoga. It is a gift you know. :)

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Double Yoga Day

Today was a double yoga day. A real one. I had to sub at Juliana's for her Saturday 8:30 AM class and I also had my own class at the yoga loft. The first class was great. I even did alternated nostril breathing. Go me! I got a great compliment from one of Juliana's students today. He said "I took a class from you the other day and today's class was totally different". I was happy to hear that. I look all over for new postures and new takes on old things too. I'm trying to make my classes MY classes and no one else's.

One of Juliana's weekday students came to my Saturday class. Juliana's 8:30 class just does not work for her and she said that my time was perfect for her. I was glad that she came. I got a big hug when it was over and that made me feel good.

I also had a new student today. It's one of the ladies from the Salon and it was a pleasure to have her in my class too. She was brand new to yoga and had never practiced before. We discussed her physical issues and I modified the class for her as we went along. She had mentioned having Sciatica so I did some hip openers for her. I think she really enjoyed it.

I am so loving my teaching. It is so rewarding and I love to practice so much myself.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Subbing, Subbing and my own Saturday class

I spent the last week subbing for Juliana while she was away at a retreat and what a fantastic opportunity it was. I had classes almost every day and teaching class every day made me a better teacher. I really feel as if I am growing by leaps and bounds. I am very lucky that Juliana gave me the chance to sub for most of her classes. Thanks Jules!!

I am subbing this coming Monday for Ileana at The Yoga Source at 11:00 and I am looking forward to that. Subbing there for Joy was a fantastic experience and I'm expecting the same thing on Monday. If you are around come to "The Source" and practice with me.

My Saturday class will be taking place at 11:00 AM at the yoga loft upstairs from Etro Salon in Coral Springs. I hope you will come by and check it out. First class? Still $5.00!! :) :)

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Tuesday's class-Come and relax for a while

Hatha Yoga class will be held tonight at the loft upstairs at Etro Salon. 9717 West Sample Road, Coral Springs. Grounding and finding your breath starts at 6:30. Come and join your body, mind and spirit. You'll feel better if you do! :)

Friday, August 6, 2010

Combining classes

I am combining this Saturday's 11:00 AM class at the loft upstairs at Etro with Juliana's 8:30 class. If you need info about Juliana's class please email me at claudiasyoga@gmail.com. The usual 11:00 AM class will continue next week. Thanks!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Tuesday's Hatha Yoga class is on!!!!

What: Hatha Yoga Class
When: Tonight
Time: 6:30
Where: Upstairs at Salon Etro
How much: First class? $5.00

Check it out. :)

Saturday, July 31, 2010

New poll and my new weight loss story link

Hi Everybody, :)

Thanks for visiting my blog. Please take a moment to scroll down on the right side of the home page and vote in the "Favorite pose" question. While you are there you can also check out my weight loss story buy clicking on "success story" in the About Me section to your right. Thanks for voting!!! Namste.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Saturday's Hatha Yoga Class

Saturday's Hatha Yoga class will be held at 11:00 at the yoga loft upstairs from Etro Salon. Come and blend body, mind and spirit with me. Your first class is still only $5.00 :)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

My best yoga day ever!!!

Wow!!! Am I dreaming? Is it really true? What a day!!

I subbed for Joy at The Yoga Source today and it went really well. I was a little nervous at first because, well, after all, it's The Yoga Source. It's the premier studio in this area. When the class was over all of the students looked like they were stoned on drugs which means I achieved my goal of teaching a good class. LOL Everyone came up and thanked me and hugged me. It really was great to teach class there. A shout out for Joy here. She is the one who gave me my first chance at The Yoga Source. Thanks Joy!!!

The mail arrived later on in the day and there was my card from the Yoga Alliance. I knew it was coming but seeing it in person really made me happy. I set a goal for myself and I worked hard to achieve it. The Yoga Alliance card told me that I had achieved it.

To wrap up the best yoga day ever, I was informed that I was approved as a sub at The Yoga Source. I am absolutely thrilled. I am also very proud of me. Hey, I did it!! :)

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Hatha Today and Hatha Tomorrow

I am teaching a level one Hatha Yoga class tonight at 6:30 PM in the yoga loft upstairs from Etro Salon. Beginners are welcome and if it's your first class with me the cost is only $5.00. Come and see if you like it. :)

Tomorrow I am subbing for Joy at The Yoga Source on Wiles Road in Coral Springs at 9:00 AM. It is also a level one Hatha Yoga class. If you can't make it tonight maybe you can make it tomorrow. :)

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS TO ETRO SALON.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Yesterday and Tomorrow

Yesterday I taught two classes. The first one was at Juliana's studio. She is away and I've been subbing for her. I love teaching there. It's my yoga sanctuary. I feel Juliana there and it's also where I did my teacher training so I get such great vibes there. It was a lovely Hatha class with students that were just looking to relax and stretch. It was wonderful.

After Juliana's class I went to the Etro yoga loft and taught another relaxing Hatha class. I was very happy to see two new students there. One was an old friend from Long Beach who I first met in 8th grade and the other was a student who came to my class to support my yoga teaching endeavor. It was a very grounding and centering class with some aromatherapy at the end. I hope they both enjoyed it. I know I did. :)

I maybe subbing again for Juliana on Monday but I'm not completely sure about that yet. I will be definitely be teaching Tuesday night at 6:30 at the Etro loft and I am looking forward to it.

On Wednesday I will be subbing for Joy at the Yoga Source at 9:00 AM. Joy is an extremely talented and experienced teacher. I learn something every time I take a class from her which I am going to do this morning. I am extremely excited about subbing for Joy. I am very honored that she trusts me with her class. I want to publicly thank Joy for giving me this opportunity. Thanks Joy. :)

Friday, July 23, 2010

Hatha Yoga Class

I will be teaching a Hatha Yoga class Saturday at 11:00 AM. The class will be held in the yoga loft upstairs from Etro Salon, 9717 West Sample Road, Coral Springs. If it's your first class just mention the $5.00 introductory offer at the front desk and your first class will be $5.00!! Can't beat that price. Come and say hi. :)
Namaste,
Claudia

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Subbing for Juliana

Today I taught Juliana's Wednesday morning class and it was a wonderful experience. Wednesday's class is Juliana's strongest class and the students are very experienced. I started them with pranayama which included some alternated nostril breathing. From there we went into the asana practice on our backs but I brought the students up to standing pretty quickly. We continued with sun salutations and other standing postures, back bends, forward bends and many other cool postures. I ended the class with a deep relaxation with hands on aromatherapy. I really felt great when it was finished. All the students told me that they loved the class. I am very happy that I was able to sub for Juliana. It was a ball. AndI get to do it again on Monday. Yay!!!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Tuesdy's Hatha Yoga class is on!!!!

Tuesday's gentle Hatha Yoga class is scheduled for 6:30 PM. I promise a nice relaxing gentle class in a truly lovely space in the loft of Etro Salon. If it's your first class mention $5.00 coupon at the front desk or print out the coupon on the "special deals" page and your introductory class will be $5.00. Hope to see you there. :)

Friday, July 16, 2010

Class Cancellation

Saturday's 11:00 AM Hatha Yoga class has been canceled due to renovations to the studio. My classes will resume Tuesday at 6:30 PM. Sorry to anyone who may have been coming. I'll see you Tuesday or next Saturday.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Class Thursday 9:30 am

I will be teaching class today at 9:30 am upstairs at Etro Salon. I hope to see you there. I also want to let everyone know that there will be no class on Saturday due to some renovations at the studio. My classes will resume on Tuesday 6:30 PM. If it's your first class either bring or mention the $5.00 coupon and at the front desk and your class will be only $5.0o. :)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Class was fantastic!!!

I taught a beautiful, gentle hatha yoga class last night and I really loved teaching it. The energy in the room was fantastic. Most of the students that came had never done yoga before so it was a chance to go back to basics. It's always good to go back to basics when you teach because sometimes we forget the very basic things that we loved about yoga in the first place. I was reminded to feel the breath in the back of the throat, to synchronize all the movements with the inhalation and exhalation and just enjoy the feeling of a simple spinal twist. No warriors, no handstands, no arm balances. Just mindful and peaceful yoga that truly is my passion. Thank all of you for coming to my class. I hope you enjoyed it and I look forward to progressing our yoga practice together. Next class is tomorrow at 9:30 am. Om, shanti to all.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

CLASS 6:30pm TONIGHT!!!!!

I AM TEACHING HATHA YOGA TONIGHT AT SALON ETRO, 9717 WEST SAMPLE ROAD, CORAL SPRINGS, FL. TONIGHT'S CLASS WILL BE GENTLE AND PEACEFUL. COME IN FOR YOUR INTRODUCTORY $5.00 CLASS. :)

Sunday, July 11, 2010

New poll

In order to better serve you please take the new poll on the right side of this page. It helps us to know who is out there practicing yoga. Thanks, Claudia

Friday, July 9, 2010

BREAKING NEWS!! FIRST CLASS TUESDAY, JULY 13, 6:30 PM


BREAKING NEWS!!!!!
SCHEDULE CHANGE!!!!
FIRST HATHA YOGA CLASS
BEGINNERS AND PEOPLE
SEEKING A GENTLE STRETCH
***TUESDAY, JULY 13, 6:30***

Okay, I couldn't wait
to teach my first class. Yes, I know I had it scheduled for July 27 but I couldn't wait. :) So what does this mean to you? It means that there will be a most wonderful gentle yoga class taught upstairs from Etro Salon at 6:30 and you are invited attend. Actually, you are invited to all of my classes. They will be Tuesdays, 6:30 pm, Thursdays 9:30 am and Saturdays 11:00am. All are welcome to enjoy these calming and peaceful classes. Don't forget to go mention the introductory $5.00 first class when you come to your first class. Yes, it's affordable too. :) I'll see you there.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

My First Class at the new studio

Life in LA. :)



Tuesday, July 26, 6:30pm, be there or be square. :) :) :) I am looking forward to teaching at the new studio. I hope all my locals will come and take an introductory $5.00 class. We'll relax, we'll breathe with awareness, We will move our spines in all 6 directions, we will tone and strengthen safely and we will be in the present moment. Can you think of anything better? I can't. Come by and say hello!!!

Monday, July 5, 2010

CLASSES STARTING!!!!


Classes will start the week of July 26, 2010!!!!! Check out our new schedule!!!! Click here for more information. Click on"special deals" page on the side for an introductory offer.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy July 4th!

Have a happy and healthy July 4th. Celebrate America's birthday and celebrate your life. Do healthy things, be grateful for what you have and practice yoga. Live in the present moment. Be in the now. You will be happier for it.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Karma Yoga


According to Swami Sivananda Karma Yoga is doing selfless service. OK, well, what does that mean to me? :) It means that I teach yoga without the expectation of getting paid with money. I am paid by helping the world and community reap the benefits of yoga. This is the type of yoga that I have been doing lately.

When studying for my yoga teacher training final in Whole Foods with Ruth, Courtney and Wendi this man came up to us and asked us if we were talking about yoga. We said that we were and he introduced himself as Lal, the owner of Vastu Yoga in Lauderhill. He explained that his studio is a donation only studio and nobody is ever turned away because of their inability to pay for class. The teachers donate their time without the expectation of being paid. You know, Karma Yoga.

When you are a new yoga teacher you just want to teach and if you don't get paid that's OK too so I called Lal the next day to set up a date to teach. I taught at his studio that next Friday and it was really a wonderful experience. I brought most of the students with me but it was still fun to teach in this lovely space.

When I started teacher training with Juliana she made it quite clear to me that she expected me to give back. In other words to do Karma Yoga. I am glad I was able to have the opportunity to keep the promise that I made to my beloved Guru.

Today it was Ruth's turn to perform Karma Yoga at the Vastu studio. She gave a rocking great class that was appropriate for beginners and more advanced students as well. She actually had 3 people in her class that had never practiced yoga before and she did a wonderful job guiding them through a new experience. They were lucky to have her.

So we have both done Karma Yoga. We are better teachers for it.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Dreams do come true!


One day about 13 years ago I walked into the Coral Springs Art Museum with my friend Sandy to attend my first yoga class. Little did I know that I would love it so much that one day I would study to become a yoga teacher myself. I remember it as if it were just yesterday. I was very nervous when I entered but I was immediately welcomed by the teacher who was sitting in front of about 10 students. She asked me if this was my first class and when I answered yes she told me that she would be sure to keep a special eye on me.

We started the class on our backs in relaxation. Juliana who was the teacher told us to bring our attention to our breath. It was wonderful to just let everything else in the world go and only think about the breath. I relaxed into the class and heard only the words of the teacher. We moved through pranayama (breath control), asana (poses) and finally meditation. I was hooked. I felt so peaceful and joyful when the class was over I knew I had finally found what I was looking for.

I continued going to Juliana's classes at the museum as well as going to her private studio. I also started taking private sessions with her to take my practice to another level. To this day I still take my privates every other Tuesday. They allow Juliana and I to work on my alignment, balance, strength and focus only on me. Sometimes they turn into therapy session. :)

Last year Juliana asked me for my help in getting her paperwork together so that her studio could be approved for teacher training by the Yoga Alliance. It was a lot of work but I knew that if I could get it done I would have the chance to study under the most respected teacher in this area not to mention my own spiritual mentor and guru. We worked together and were able to get everything that was needed. Juliana's first teacher training started last March.

We had 7 students and it was a wide range of people. I was the oldest at 58 and Courtney was the youngest at 18. We all got along very well and bonded over many sessions of yoga philosophy, teaching technique and anatomy. Getting to spend 200 hours with Juliana was amazing. She is so knowledgeable about yoga and we were like sponges taking it all in.

Last Monday night was our graduation on the beach. It was an wonderful event complete with flowers, fruit, chanting, meditation, family and fun. All of the students were dressed in white as we sang and celebrated on the beach. Now I'm a yoga teacher. My dream came true.

By the way, that's me in the graduation picture on the bottom left. :)