Auspicious Beginnings: New Year’s Day Practice

Wednesday January 1st  from 10 am – 1 pm PST

in-person at our Berkeley Studio

Join us to celebrate a new beginning.

As we step into the freshness of New Year’s Day, this workshop invites you to set the tone for your year ahead. With the beginning of any new phase of life, it is important to pause and look inward.  When we take time to contemplate our path, we can acknowledge the present, shed what no longer serves us, and welcome the aspirations that call to us.

Guided by the practices of Iyengar Yoga, this annual gathering creates an auspicious space for exploration and self-expression.  Our session will begin with chanting and an invigorating asana practice, leading to an extended savasana, mindful breath observation, and meditation. The day will culminate in shared moments over homemade Chai and sweets.

During our time together, we will draw inspiration from the revered deity Ganesh, the elephant-headed symbol of new beginnings and remover of obstacles.  We’ll invoke his wisdom and guidance as we begin the new year. In our practice, we will use this inspiration to clear our path and foster intentions for a smooth year ahead.

Renewal isn’t just a personal act.  When we take time to reset our nervous system and get grounded — our powerful energy has a positive impact on our connections to family and community. Renewal is an opportunity for collective revitalization, rooted in our own relationship with ourselves and the worlds around us. Having chai and sweets together will feel very special – enjoying the bounty that is befitting the new year.

This workshop is designed for all levels of practitioners. We recommend participants have a minimum of six months of consistent practice with an Iyengar Yoga teacher.

This gathering will help you feel grounded, focused and uplifted as we start 2025.  

Tuition:

$69 – Early Bird discount with code: NEWYEAR at checkout, code expires on December 5.

$75 per person

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Heather Haxo Phillips (she/her) is Director of Adeline Yoga and a certified Iyengar yoga instructor at Level 3. Among the highest certified Iyengar teachers in the East Bay, her additional certifications include:  Certified Yoga Therapist (c-IAYT), Relax and Renew restorative yoga teacher and Yoga Alliance E-500 level instructor. She has specialized yoga therapy training which includes scoliosis, musculoskeletal injuries and pain management.  One of her asana-related specialties is women’s health.

Heather has a deep commitment to the ancient teachings which includes mantra sadhana (chanting) and Sanskrit, pranayama and yoga philosophy.  You can expect to find aspects of this in all of Heather’s classes. Heather studies regularly with senior Iyengar teachers, Sanskrit and Vedic scholars, and directly with the Iyengar family in Pune India.

Heather serves as a mentor and assessor.  She volunteers for the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States where she sits on several committees including the Assessment Committee.  She is past President of the Board of Directors for the Iyengar Yoga Association of Northern California.