Shape Yourself - Shape Your World

Align with Nature.... Yoga Church, May 22nd

2011-05-16T14:56:00.003-05:00

A first distinguishing mark of Hatha Yoga (yoga done by physical exercises and postures) is a Reverence for Nature. Rather than an attitude towards Nature/the World/Manifestation as the troublesome materiality of the world void of spirit, Nature (Prakrti in Sanskrit) is to be celebrated as the divine creative principle... an organic-ness to model rather than avoid.

Therefore the practice of yoga is to align with Nature, and with alignment comes great flow. This Sunday, we explore what our nature is... so like the surfer on the mighty wave, we can align with it and be nothing more than simply our deepest selves.

See You There!

New Teacher Training Q&A Added to Schedule

2011-05-14T14:54:00.007-05:00

There are now 2 Free Teacher Training Q&A's you can come check out and pick my brain on what the Teacher Training is about.

5/22 3pm at Kaivalya
5/24 9:10pm at Perfect Knot

I'll say a little bit about the training, and you have license from there to ask what you like and take it from there. I encourage anyone with interest to come. This is a modular training which means you can go through it at your own pace and also pay-as-you go as fits your schedule and budget.

(Next entry is June 9th, Applications due June 5th)

more info at Madison Yoga Teacher Training .com

Contact me with any questions.

Namaste!

Alex's Sub Schedule for May

2011-05-14T14:48:00.002-05:00

I will be subbing Bikram classes at the Perfect Knot for Carla while she's out of town. Here are the classes I'll be covering.

SAT 5/14 10:30 AM
SUN 5/15 9 AM
MON 5/16 5:45 PM
THR 5/19 9 AM
MON 5/23 5:45 PM

All my regular classes are exactly as they usually are except: Monday 7pm at Kaivalya on 5/16 and 5/23 will be covered by Cari Gilligan (if you're not coming to see me at the knot, check out her class!)

Peace.

Yoga Chruch May 15th - Spring Cleaning

2011-05-09T17:53:00.003-05:00

May 15th is end of the semester for students and university teachers. It is a transition time for us all. Therefore this Yoga Church will focus on the role of the spiritual state in purging the old demons & starting anew. We'll explore what the sages said about this and apply it to modern life. See you there! 10:30 Kaivalya Yoga

Madison Yoga Teacher Training Website is Up!

2011-05-09T17:51:00.004-05:00

Check it out: Madison Yoga Teacher Training .com

Yoga Church May 8th - Mother Goddess

2011-05-05T00:29:00.003-05:00

This week's Yoga Church (10:30am) at Kaivalya will be dedicated to the Goddess energy in honor of Mother's Day. I will be presenting the basic architecture of the 3 primary Goddess Energies from the Tantric (non-dual) Traditions... Kali, Sri, and Lakshami. These 3 Goddesses encompass the ranges of potential in all human beings and in our practice, we'll explore how these energies exist in all of us.

The way Tantra suggests reading the mythology is to read each character as a part of ourselves. These were never meant to be taken literally, but are stories of who we are as human beings. In this mythology, the masculine principle represents unattached consciousness, the feminine represents LIFE-FORCE or ALIVENESS! Hence, being fully alive is to radiate one's Goddess energy.

Come on into Yoga Church this Mother's Day and get ready to leave fully Alive!

Namaste,

Alex

Alex's Spring Schedule

2011-04-11T11:37:00.002-05:00

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
** 10:30a Yoga Church @ KV		4:15p Yin @ PK	5:30p Flow Yoga @ The Studio	3:30p Mad Yogi Flow @ KV
	7p Bikram @ KV	7:30 Bikram @ PK	7p Bikram @ KV	5:15p Hot Flow @ KV
		9:15 Lab @ PK

** starts Sunday May 1st!

KV = Kaivalya Yoga Studio, 777 University Ave. (2nd Floor of U-Square, corner Lake & Univ)
PK = Perfect Knot Yoga Studio, 409 S Few St. (next to Weary Traveler)
TS = The Studio, 613 Williamson St. Suite 204 A (in Machinery Row)

You are likely familiar with Bikram, Flow, and Hot Flow Classes, but not Tuesday Night "Yoga Lab" or Sunday's "Yoga Church".... here's a description...

Yoga Lab
Yoga Lab is an opportunity to have free practice time, PLUS rent my expertise. This is a sort of hybrid between a private yoga lesson and open practice time. Show up with whatever it is you want to work on in your practice whether it be a specific pose, internal struggle, body issue, or even if you just want me to watch your practice and I make a suggestion about what I would see as the next thing for you to work on.... we'll work 1-on-1 for at least 12 minutes (like a mini-private). When it is not your turn, you are welcome to open practice, watch as I help others, meditate, or just hang out!

Note: I also get folks who are wanting to work on their dancing come in at this time too. If there are both yoga and dance folks in the same lab, yoga folks will be on one side of the room and dancers on the other - to keep it as safe and non-distracting as possible.

Yoga Church
Intermediate Yoga with Spiritual Themes. Expect a strong / deep stretch yoga sequence that emphasizes intention, inner intelligence, and connection to being, Alex shares and interprets poetry and prose of mystics from all times and all over the globe including Rumi, Lao Tse, Kabir, Einstein, Heisenberg, Patanjali, St. John of the Cross, Ken Wilber, David Deida, the early yogis, and many others. The inclusion of scientists and multiple traditions here underscores the core principle of the mystic. A Mystic is one who believes that true spirituality - or - (being, complete authenticity, pure reality, ultimate concern) must be tangibly experienced for oneself and as such has no conflict with modern science. This class is for the Mystic in you. It is simply an exploration into your deep nature.

Alex's July Schedule

2010-07-08T12:56:00.003-05:00

Here is my very reduced schedule for July. I will be spending the month preparing the teacher training program I hope to lead in October. If you are interested in participating in my teacher training, drop me an email.

FRI 9th 4pm Bikram at Perfect Knot
SAT 10th 9am Flow at Jewel in the Lotus
MON 12th 2:30 Flow at Kaivalya
4:15 Yin Yoga at Perfect Knot
6:30 Flow at Kaivalya
FRI 16th 4pm Bikram at Perfect Knot
SAT 17th 9am Flow at Jewel in the Lotus
MON 19th 2:30 Flow at Kaivalya
4:15 Yin Yoga at Perfect Knot
6:30 Flow at Kaivalya
FRI 23rd 4pm Bikram at Perfect Knot
SAT 24th 9am Flow at Jewel in the Lotus
MON 26th 2:30 Flow at Kaivalya
4:15 Yin Yoga at Perfect Knot
6:30 Flow at Kaivalya
FRI 30th 4pm Bikram at Perfect Knot
SAT 31st 9am Flow at Jewel in the Lotus

108 Sun Salutations On June 26th. Summer is On!

2010-06-09T20:33:00.005-05:00

Hi All,

In the interest of non-interference with Father's Day, I've decided to hold the 108 Sun Salutations Mala at 12:45 at Main Street Yoga. For directions to the studio, go to www.mainstreetyoga.org. See you there!

- Alex

.

Alex's June Schedule + 108

2010-06-05T15:11:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone. I'm subbing a lot this month, so while I don't usually post every sub date - I thought it relevant given the number of options.

www.kaivalya-yoga.com
www.mainstreetyoga.org
www.perfectknot.com
www.jewelinthelotus.com

Monday June 7th
9am Anusara at Main Street Yoga
2:30pm "Yoga on the Rooftop" at Kaivalya Yoga
4:15pm Yin Yoga at the Perfect Knot
6:30pm Flow at Kaivalya Yoga

Tuesday June 8th
8am Flow at Kaivalya Yoga (only $5 !)
5:45pm Anusara at Main Street Yoga

Wednesday June 9th
9am Anusara at Main Street Yoga
4pm Anusara at Main Street Yoga
6:30pm Flow at Kaivalya Yoga

Thursday June 10th
9am Anusara at Main Street Yoga
6:30pm Bikram Yoga Hour at Kaivalya Yoga

Friday June 11th
9am Anusara at Main Street Yoga
12:15 Power Flow at Kaivalya Yoga
2:30pm Flow at Kaivalya Yoga
4pm Bikram Yoga at Perfect Knot

Monday June 14th
9am Anusara at Main Street Yoga
2:30pm "Yoga on the Rooftop" at Kaivalya Yoga
4:15pm Yin Yoga at the Perfect Knot
6:30pm Flow at Kaivalya Yoga

Tuesday June 15th
8am Flow at Kaivalya Yoga (only $5 !)
5:45pm Anusara at Main Street Yoga

Wednesday June 16th
9am Anusara at Main Street Yoga
4pm Anusara at Main Street Yoga
6:30pm Flow at Kaivalya Yoga

Thursday June 17th
9am Anusara at Main Street Yoga
6:30pm Bikram Yoga Hour at Kaivalya Yoga

Friday June 18th
9am Anusara at Main Street Yoga
12:15 Power Flow at Kaivalya Yoga
2:30pm Flow at Kaivalya Yoga
4pm Bikram Yoga at Perfect Knot

Saturday June 19th
9am Flow at Jewel in the Lotus

Monday June 21st
9am Anusara at Main Street Yoga
2:30pm "Yoga on the Rooftop" at Kaivalya Yoga
4:15pm Yin Yoga at the Perfect Knot
6:30pm Flow at Kaivalya Yoga

Tuesday June 24th
8am Flow at Kaivalya Yoga (only $5 !)

Wednesday June 25th
9am Anusara at Main Street Yoga
6:30pm Flow at Kaivalya Yoga

Thursday June 26th
6:30pm Bikram Yoga Hour at Kaivalya Yoga

Friday June 27th
9am Anusara at Main Street Yoga
12:15 Power Flow at Kaivalya Yoga
2:30pm Flow at Kaivalya Yoga
4pm Bikram Yoga at Perfect Knot

Saturday June 28th
9am Flow at Jewel in the Lotus
10:30am Anusara at Main Street Yoga

Sunday June 29th
9am Bikram at Perfect Knot

Monday June 30th
2:30pm "Yoga on the Rooftop" at Kaivalya Yoga
4:15pm Yin Yoga at the Perfect Knot
6:30pm Flow at Kaivalya Yoga

Also, unmarked for June: 108 Sun Salutations!

108ers, please post your preferences below! (or mail me)

Location + Outside (weather permitting) or Inside ?
(likely locations: Perfect Knot, Main Street Yoga, Lucia Crest Park, Orton Park, Yoga Eight)
Weekday or Weekend?
East Side or West Side?

108 Sun Salutations On March 27th. Spring is On!

2010-03-14T23:03:00.002-05:00

The people have spoken. It's official, spring arrives a little late in Wisconsin.

Most of you wanted Saturday March 27th.

We'll meet for 108 Sun Salutations at Main Street Yoga (corner of First & Main, map) at 4pm.

Don't forget about Sunday's Workshop! There's 6 spots left. We'll be focusing on Power & Flow Yoga and poses like arm balances, down dog, and other Flow Favorites.

Power Up!

- Alex

Alex's run subbing at the Perfect Knot ends Sunday!

2010-03-09T11:50:00.005-06:00

I'd like to thank Carla for providing me the opportunity to meet so many of you and for me to get back into teaching Bikram Yoga. Carla is back from her sabbatical and will teach her first class back at the Perfect Knot on Sunday March 21st.

Sunday March 21st; 9am : Carla's first class back!
Sunday March 21st; 3:30pm : Alex's last 90 minute Bikram class as 'house' Bikram teacher
Monday March 22nd; : Carla is back in action!

Once March 22nd hits, my schedule will be as follows:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Th	Friday	Saturday
	8a Flow @KV		--		9a Flow @JL
1:30p Flow @KV			--	1:30p Flow @KV
4:15p Yin @PK			--	4p Bikram (75min)@PK
6:05p Flow @KV		6:05p Flow @KV	6:05p Flow @KV

PK = Perfect Knot (www.perfectknot.com)

KV = Kiavalya (www.kaivalya-yoga.com)

JL = Jewel in the Lotus (www.jewelinthelotusyoga.com)

108 .. when?

2010-03-08T23:22:00.002-06:00

For anyone interested in the Spring Equinox 108 Sun Salutations.

Which would you prefer?

Saturday March 20th 4pm.

Thursday March 25th 6 or 6:15pm

Saturday March 27th 4pm.

Any of these will be on the near east side.

.

Alex's March Schedule

2010-03-07T23:03:00.003-06:00

Alex's March Schedule

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday
9a Bikram @ PK		7a Flow @KV
	1:30p Flow @KV	9a Bikram @PK
3:30p Bikram @PK	4:15p Yin @PK		5:45p Bikram @PK
	5:45p Bikram @PK

Thursday	Friday	Saturday
9a Bikram @PK		9a Flow @JL
	1:30p Flow @KV	10:30 Bikram @PK
5:45p Bikram @PK	4p Bikram @PK

PK = Perfect Knot (www.perfectknot.com)

KV = Kiavalya (www.kaivalya-yoga.com)

JL = Jewel in the Lotus (www.jewelinthelotusyoga.com)

Schedule accurate through March 21st.

Special Valentines Day Workshops!

2010-02-02T14:58:00.001-06:00

Saturday the 13th Partner Yoga &
Sunday the 14th Thai Massage

2010 Schedule for the Next 2 Months

2010-02-02T14:50:00.002-06:00

Here is my 2010 Schedule for the next 2 months...

Tuesdays 7am - Kiavalya Yoga - Morning Flow

Saturdays 9am - Jewel in the Lotus - Beginner Flow

The following classes are Bikram Classes at the Perfect Knot.

Monday 5:45pm
Tuesday 9am
Wednesday 5:45pm
Thursday 9am & 5:45pm
Friday none
Saturday 10:30am
Sunday 9am & 3:30pm

Create Your Own Workshop

2009-10-26T17:40:00.002-05:00

What do you most want to learn from me?

What do you most want to get out of your yoga practice?

What is the main skill you hope to get out of life from yoga?

Tell Me What You want and I'll create a workshop out of it. Yes. You get to create your own workshop:

So what kind of workshops would you like?

2hr, 3hr, day-long, weekend-long?

Focused on Therapuetics?

Focused on Bikram/Hot Yoga?

Bodywork Focused?

Focused on Energetics?

Bodywork?

For a specific Sport or Lifestyle?

Yoga for Men?

A Mini-Teacher Training?

Flow/Breath?

Something Else?

Let me Know and I'll Create It.

Cold / Flu Protocol

2009-10-22T14:08:00.002-05:00

Everyone is getting sick. I can name at least a dozen people right off the top of my head who I know have fallen ill in the past two weeks. I am around these sick people, and hopefully I don't get sick too.

Thankfully I have a secret weapon. It was given to my 2004 Bikram Training class by our nutritional expert teacher Dr. Frank. Here is the protocol:

1 Lemon
1/2 cup blueberries (frozen is fine)
1000mg Vitamin C
1/4 to 1.5 cup water (depending on desired thickness)
1-14 drops of Stevia Extract - OPTIONAL - to taste

Take a vegetable peeler and peel the yellow rind off the lemon. Leave the white rind on. Cut the lemon to de-seed it and put the lemon and other ingredients into a blender to liquefy.

Drink It.

Every two hours if you are currently sick. Three times a day if you are prone to being sick (because of stress or others around you being sick).

You will recover quicker if you are sick. You will be better at avoiding infection if you are using it preventatively.

The stevia is a natural zero sugar, zero calorie sweetener and is optional for those who like their drink a little sweeter. You can find stevia extract at Whole Foods or the Willy St. Co-op. DO NOT ADD SUGAR of any kind, and as a matter of fact - you should avoid sugar anytime that you or people around you are sick. It supresses your immune system.

This drink is an immune system booster particularly good for cold and flu. Dr. Frank used this protocol to rescue his wife from a fever/infection the hospital had no idea what to do with. He was giving it to her every half hour, but assuming you are not hospitalized, you shouldn't need it that often.

I have had success with this drink myself. I have gotten sick in the past 5 years, but it seems to be much less than usual for me. I don't have a particularly strong immune system normally, but I have avoided getting sick this year. PLUS last winter when most of the teachers at Inner Fire Yoga came down with a crazy mutant sinus infection (I did too) - While most of my fellow teachers required antibiotics - I beat it by drinking this every two hours for a few days in a row.

Vitimin C is a known immune system booster; however, as with everything in nature it is not just about the chemical we can isolate in a lab. The white rind of the lemon is chalk full of enzymes and other co-factors that aid Vitimin C to do its job. (don't keep the yellow rind, its bad for your stomach) This is why natural is better. Science is amazing, but nature, even at this micro-level is such a complex system, you cannot simply reduce it to 30 or so Vitamins, Minerals, and known nutrients. The white rind of the lemon is vital to this protocol.

Blueberries are beginning to be recognized as a super food. Perhaps I will write about those too... but later.

Now, I gotta run.

Hope this helps. Stay Healthy!

.

Pranic Energy For Dummies Workshop FREE!

2009-10-09T15:56:00.001-05:00

1pm Saturday November 14th. More Information Coming Soon.

Alex On Vacation Until October 7th

2009-09-29T00:01:00.002-05:00

This post is to let everyone know that I will be on vacation until Wednesday October 7th.

This means I will not be taking appointments, I may not answer emails, and I won't be teaching any yoga classes until then. The lovely Connie will be subbing my Oct. 3rd class at Jewel in the Lotus and I've canceled my October 5th class.

My schedule will resume as usual on October 7th.

Be Well.

.

Fire & Rhythm, Special Class This Sunday at Perfect Knot

2009-09-25T22:07:00.003-05:00

This Sunday at the Perfect Knot, I will be teaching a one-time special yoga class titled, "Fire & Rhythm, a yogic exploration into Creative Flow."

It is recommended that you have done one month of Flow Yoga (Sun Salutations) if you are attending this class. All Attendees should also have a good sense of their own pace and limitations.

Class Starts at 5:45pm - This Sunday. $10 Drop In.

This class will feature integral explorations of breath and body to allow you to shine light into where once darkness slept. Once we kindle the fires on consciousness, we will bring ourselves into deep flow - featuring my famous "lightening round" of Sun Salutations to cap things off before cooling down and allowing the creative juices to gestate.

Hope to see you this Sunday. I promise a journey.

108 Suns Set For Sunday

2009-09-16T16:28:00.002-05:00

We will be doing our Autumn 108 Sun Salutations this Sunday at 1pm. We will be at the beautiful Perfect Knot yoga studio near Willy St Co-Op right behind the Weary Traveler. There will be lots of great music and celebration.

I will be heating the room to 85 degrees. This will give us plenty of sweat without worrying about over heating. If you can do a regular flow class, believe it or not, you can do this class. Here are some survival skills for this event for anyone doubting your stamina:
* Use "Ridgetops" of hands to protect wrists when putting weight through your arms
* Do "mini-cobra" for a backbend
* Remember its more about getting into rhythm with the group than about being an "Iron Man", you can always rest.

The class will be by donation suggested at $5 to $10. No one will be turned away, looked down upon, or anything less than loved for lack of financial resources.

108 Sun Salutations for Autumn

2009-09-10T16:44:00.002-05:00

Its that time again.

I'm aiming for the week of 17 - 24th.

Please Chime in with your choices:

Choice #1 :
a) East
b) West

Choice #2 :
a) Outside if 5pm Temp 80+ degrees and fair weather; otherwise inside.
b) Outside if 5pm Temp 70+ degrees and fair weather; otherwise inside.
c) Inside, regardless of weather.

Choice #3 :
preferred day/time

Alex's Fall Schedule

2009-09-10T16:37:00.006-05:00

I will still be limiting my teaching time until I build something better under the surface.

So, here's my fall schedule:

1 East
1 West

Eastside Jewel in the Lotus : Saturday Morning
9am to 10:15am "Flow Yoga Fundamentals"

Westside A Way Of Life Yoga
7:15 to 8:30pm "Yoga for Stiff Bodies"

I can promise you classes of depth, learning, and new horizons that you've come to expect.

Enjoy the Summer as she flowers the rest of her pleasure before the autumn season!

-- Alex --

Alex's August Teaching Schedule

2009-08-11T00:36:00.005-05:00

Mondays: August 10, 17, 24, 31
5:45 Bikram at Perfect Knot

Tuesdays: August 11th
5:45 Anusara at Main Street Yoga

Wednesdays: August 12th
4pm Anusara at Main Street Yoga

Wednesdays: August 12, 19, 26, Sept 2 :
5:45 Bikram at Perfect Knot

Thursdays: August 13, 20, 27, Sept 3 :
9am AND 5:45pm Bikram at Perfect Knot

Friday: August 14th. STRONG INTERMEDIATE YOGA
5:45 at Main Street Yoga

Saturdays: August 1,8,15,22,29
9am Flow at Jewel in the Lotus

Sundays: August 16, 23, 30
9am Bikram Yoga at Perfect Knot

.

The SUN is ON!

2009-07-14T22:55:00.000-05:00

Despite the thunderstorms, we are ON for 108 Sun Salutations. The sky will be clearing for the afternoon, and we'll hit the peak temperature (82 + humidity) around 5pm.

The weather will be perfectly sunny with CLEAR SKIES!

(note, if you really like heat it'll feels 90's in the sun light).

We'll be at Lucia Crest Park. -- near the old Bikram Studio - 5:15 start.

I suggest using Heather Crest Road to get there (not Lucia Crest Road).

Come out and Salute the Sun the way is was meant...

...

... with actual Sun!

- Alex

ps. Don't worry if you can't do 108 Sun Salutations, come join us anyway!

We allow rest.

108 Sun Salutations VOTE HERE!

2009-07-01T14:05:00.002-05:00

Summer Sun Salutations will be Wednesday July 15th. (To give everyone time to plan).

There are 2 Things We Must Vote On:

1) Where At. Orton Park (east side) or Lucia Crest Park (west side by old Bikram Studio)
2) What Time. 4pm or 5pm or 6pm.

COMMENT BELOW TO VOTE!!!
- vote now, voting ends on July 6th.

We'll keep an eye on the forecast. The cold/rain weather date will be Wednesday July 29th.
(game time forecast of 78 degrees or above)

Here are the locations of the Parks:
(click to see map)

Orton is Near Willy St. Co-Op & Lucia Crest One Block from the old Bikram Studio

VOTE BELOW - VOTING ENDS JULY 6.

Summer Bummer

2009-06-21T20:35:00.011-05:00

Unless you have a fast connection speed, you may want to take 10 minutes to let this load. You will need to hit the play button first. Push pause if you need to let it load.

The short version of the story is this:

The new studio hasn't worked out - at least for now.

There is a lot of change in my life.

I am needing to emotionally process, move, and take a break from working to start a new yoga gig.

Basically, I have to take the first step towards creating my new life. My new personal life, my new home life, and my new professional life. Right now I must pull my financial, mental, and emotional resources in and create a launching pad I can use to create what I am meant to create at this time.

I apologize that things have not turned out as expected.

I am disappointed myself.

Thank You for your Well Wishes, Hopes, Prayers, and Thoughts.

They are not unappreciated - and touch me.

May your summer be lovely and be filled with the pure timelessness of life lived well.

108 Sun Salutations for Summer - Check Out Here.

Be Well,

- Alex

108 Sun Salutations For Summer!

2009-06-18T00:48:00.004-05:00

Where do you want to do them?

I'd like to do them outside.

Please Comment:

Alex

Free Harmonic Balancing for the first TEN

2009-04-16T02:56:00.002-05:00

I've noticed from my blog stats that at least 9 of you have been checking my blog at least twice per week. I can't send out an email for every single event (or I'd be jamming up everyone's inbox!) but I'll still post to my blog each time for everything from major announcements to sub - teaching.

So I've decided to throw a little treat out here for everyone watching my blog.

To the first TEN people who ask for it, I'll give you a free session of Harmonic Energy Balancing. It takes less than an hour and is a $70 value. Just for paying attention to my blog when no one else is!

Harmonic Energy Balancing - Using Acupressure points/meridians, binaural sound, and acrylic harmonics, Harmonic Energy Balancing assists in raising the flow and amplitude of basic life force energy (prana, chi). Shifting negative energies into positive life force increases the body's innate ability to heal itself.

Its pretty cool. I highly recommend trying it. ... and its free. Unless you wait for ten people to jump in line ahead of you.

Claim your prize by emailing me: alex@integralnest.com
put "HEB" in the subject line (with whatever other words you want)

Off to the races:

4 New Polls

2009-04-10T22:44:00.002-05:00

Please Check Out My New Polls to the Right, Scroll Down and Make Your Voice Heard with a Few Mouse Clicks!

The polls are right underneath "Related Websites"

New Yoga Studio to Open this Spring/Summer

2009-04-06T01:00:00.008-05:00

Okay. Here it is: The Big News. (deep breaths)

I can't say exactly where, yet but I can tell you that its along in the set up process.

This is your chance to shape your yoga studio.

You tell me. Comment Below.

What do you want in a yoga studio?

... in a teacher?

Alex is subbing Today at "A Way Of Life Yoga"

2009-04-06T01:00:00.007-05:00

5:45 pm "Yoga for Strength Class" Look forward to seeing you there!

www.awayoflifeyoga.com

Teaching at 5:45pm on Monday April 6th

2009-04-02T23:48:00.002-05:00

April 6th, I will be subbing at A Way Of Life Yoga.

5:45 - 7pm "Yoga for Strength"

A Way Of Life Yoga Website.

A Way of Life Yoga & Body Works, LLC
6510 Grand Teton Plaza, Ste 102
Madison, WI 53719

Partner Yoga Saturday April 4th.

2009-03-26T23:02:00.002-05:00

My Partner Yoga Workshop is this Saturday at "A Way Of Life Yoga" near Market Square / Grand Teton Plaza.

I promise you, this will be Fun.

You do not need to bring any Partner to this Workshop.

1:30 to 3:30

ONLY $25 !!!! (if signed up ahead of time!)

To sign up for the early bird rate, contact Deb Knuth by Thursday:
608-347-9390
drkyoga@yahoo.com

A Way Of Life Yoga Website.

A Way of Life Yoga & Body Works, LLC
6510 Grand Teton Plaza, Ste 102
Madison, WI 53719

No Partner Required.

See You there!

108 Sun Salutations 6pm on Monday March 30th at Body in Balance on Odana Rd

2009-03-21T00:18:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the Vernal Equinox!

Vernal = the time of Life
Equinox= derived from the Latin aequus (equal, balanced) and nox (night)

It is time to bring ourselves into balance in our full quality of life!

... and it is a new night which gives birth to the day...

... I may have some new news for you ...

The Spring 108 Sun Salutations will be at 6pm on Monday March 30th at Body in Balance across from Market Square on Odana Rd (see directions bellow).

Not everyone knows about this, so please tell anyone who might be even a little bit interested.

If you can do twenty Sun Salutations, you can do this! (no kidding, if you are careful and pay attention to how I'll talk about modifications, wrists, and low back at the start, you'll do just fine). Almost everyone I know who has tried this has absolutely loved it.

I will be there by 5:30 to set up so you're welcome to come early to get comfortable in the space. This spring we will be Sun Saluting for clean water around the world. Charity Water builds wells for those in developing nations who do not have access to clean water. Water-Sanitation is the leading cause of illness and death in the developing world and Charity Water can help us all make a HUGE difference in the lives of others.

Every Single Dollar you Donate will Give One Person Clean Water for One Year!

This is a free event. I don't want finances to cause anyone to miss this. Suggested donation will be $5 to $15. Thank you for coming out to make a beautiful intention for spring and for giving clean water to those who really need it.

Directions

Body in Balance is located at:
6333 Odana Rd
Madison, WI 53719 US
(in the Hampton Building in the Olde Towne Office Park, across from Market Square, less than 1 mile East from West Towne Mall.)

For a more detailed map, please choose below which map provider you would like to use.

Get directions via Google Maps

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For more questions, call Body in Balance : 608-270-5212

See you there!

Sun Salutation Proceeds will Go to Charity Water

2009-03-20T12:36:00.003-05:00

I've decided that 108 Sun Salutations will be a donation event.

All proceeds (after rent) will go to Charity Water.

Charity Water builds wells for those in developing nations who do not have access to clean water. Water-Sanitation is the leading cause of illness and death in the developing world and Charity Water can help us all make a HUGE difference in the lives of others.

Every Single Dollar you Donate will Give One Person Clean Water for One Year.

So if you donate $10, you give water to a person for a decade. $20 will cover someone's entire childhood. I know a couple people involved with the creative department at Charity Water. All administration costs are covered through philanthropy so 100% of your donations make it to Africa or wherever the well is built.

Right now the "West Sides" have about a 2 to 1 margin. I will close voting Saturday Afternoon and make a decision then.

108 Sun Salutations for Spring!

2009-03-19T14:08:00.002-05:00

Where How would you rather do the 108 Sun Salutations?

A) On the Eastside at the Perfect Knot (near Willy St. Co-Op) Wednesday 25th. 7:30pm

B) Odana Road Area on Westside (near Market Square) Monday March 30th. 6pm.

Here's my dilemma. Either I get a westside space ten days after spring begins -- or we can join my fellow yoga teacher Jessica who teaches at the Perfect Knot on the east side. Her sun salutes will be Ashtanga (jumping) -Style.

What would you rather do? Westside a little later than spring.... or east side and join the folks at perfect knot?

Comment or email me.

Alex Subbing at Main Street Yoga Next Week

2009-03-10T16:47:00.006-05:00

Alex will be teaching the following Classes at Main Street Yoga in the coming week...

Monday March 16th 9am & 4pm
Wednesday March 18th 9am & 5:45pm
Thursday March 19th 5:45pm

All classes have a flow style with a heavy focus on alignment.

Hot Yoga Madison WI

The Cutting Room Floor

2009-03-10T16:07:00.006-05:00

Side Note: Alex will be subbing lots of classes on the east side this coming week. See Post Here for details...

---------- start new post -------------

I told everyone that I would have a video up today about my future on the westside. I don't and I'm sorry about that, but I have a good reason.

"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."
- John Lennon

You see, I had this grand plan. The grand plan, perhaps induced from the hypnotic state of a reality TV stupor, was for me to shoot video of all the places I've been looking at for a space to teach. My plan was to show all these spaces I've been checking out (two of them a wellness space, the other was the side room of a Martial Arts Studio) and

Have you vote on them.

That would have been cool, huh?

I thought so too, like a "Power to the Yoga People" sort of thing. We have this online reality show called "Where does Alex Teach Next?" You Decide. It could have been insanely fun!

But I had to cancel this show yesterday.

I had to scrap my "grand plan."

Because I have another option that blows the other three out of the water.

... And I say this with all due respect the other spaces as well as the hard work and generosity of those of you who hooked me up with these spaces. Kim, Doug, and Annie, you guys all rock and I thank you all so much for giving me wonderful options. I love you, and I may yet need them, but in all honesty... I hope I don't.

Because Option Four is the possibility that an entirely new studio may open. Better yet, I would have a lot of input on what happens at this entirely new yoga studio. I cannot say more than that because so much of this is still in progress.

But you'll know all the details as soon as all the under-current stuff gets finalized with all the legal T's crossed and I's dotted. The only place where you might find out faster than on my blog/mail list is at my photo shoot event this Saturday March 14th (2114 Winnebago St. from Noon to 4pm). I will divulge whatever details I can there and let you know everything on my blog - hopefully next week.

I am blessed to have this fall in my lap and I intend to make the most of it.

I still have all the old video, so should this "Option Four" not pan out, we can still play "Where should Alex teach Next" But I think you'll like it better if I have to leave all the recordings of those other places on the cutting room floor. (Actually in an unused folder on my hard drive, but that sounds less cool.) As a matter of fact if this fourth option pans out, I can almost guarantee,

You won't be Disappointed.

The universe works in odd ways sometimes. It all reminds me of the saying, "If you want to make God laugh...

Tell Him Your Plans. "

.

Yoga on Madison's West Side

Here Comes the Train

2009-03-04T00:25:00.001-06:00

I'll be teaching on the Westside in a minimum of three weeks from now. I'm not kidding. Things are moving super fast. I don't know exactly how its all going to pan out just yet (I have 3 options!!!), but I'll be spilling most of the details in my blog post next week. Expect it early in the week. In the meantime, here's a video for what I know so far....

Yup. I'm having a photo shoot March 14th. I'm going to be super cool and say right now that even if you just come to hang out with me on March 14th (even if you don't do photos), I'll still hook you up with the goodies below.

Synopsis of awesome bribes for coming out and hanging out with me on March 14th from any time from Noon to 4pm at your convienence:

One or more free CD's
A free yoga private lesson
A surprise - To Be Announced Monday or Tuesday March 9th or 10th on this blog.

I can't sweeten it any more than that. Not yet anyway, but just wait - one week. The news is about to get very exciting. Hold onto your mats.....

Until Then........

Note: The video above is a follow up to the "Seeds of Hope" Video.

If you're finding any of this confusing, you may want to start there and watch it first.

Saturday March 14th. 2114 Winnebago St. - Loft of Ford's Gym.

Directions to the Building:

If you're coming from anywhere other than Southeast/Monona, just find your way to East Washington Ave / First Street. Turn South onto First Street (left from east, right from west/downtown) and take a left at the next light. This is Winnebago St. Turn Left Onto It. Once you're on Winnebago Ford's Gym is about 2 blocks up the road - 2114 Winnebago. It is on the left.

If you're coming from the Southeast, find your way to Monona Drive / Atwood Ave. (its the same road) - accessible from the beltline. Almost at the end of the road, you will intersect with Winnebago St. at Historic Shenk's Corners. You'll know you're there when you see Texas Tubbs at your left and Chase Bank Up Ahead. Take a right at this light onto Winnebago St. Ford's Gym is one block down Winnebago St. on the left.

If you like maps, here's a map..

Directions to the Loft:

Ford's Gym has no street access! If you see the front of the building, you've gone too far. (If you run back into East Washington Ave. You've gone way too far.) Right before the building there is a big sign for their parking lot. There is plenty of parking in the lot. Follow the lot to the entrance in the back of the building (there is a huge billboard sized "Ford's Gym" Sign there). When you go into the door you will see a set of stairs right in front of you.

Go Up those stairs. We will be in Studio B which is the room with hardwood floors (at top, turn right walk 5 steps, turn left, walk 8 steps). If you get there early, you will see people doing an abs class thru the doorway window.

This all sounds more complicated than it really is, but if you want to be safe, I suggest you bring your cell phone with you. If you get lost, call the front desk at: 608-249-4227 & They will answer the phone promptly and help you get to the building in no time flat - no nonsense.

Once you get there, the shoot is a piece of cake.

Namaste!

- Alex

.

Yoga Madison, WI

Seeds Of Hope

2009-02-27T03:12:00.000-06:00

I feel fortunate. One, the emotional support after my last video (It explains my rapid departure from Inner Fire Yoga. Watch it if you haven't so this post makes more sense.) was so sincere and loving, I can't help but feel 10X more motivated to find a new location to teach... and two the resource support is more overwhelming. Two very kind individuals have offered me space and means to teach on the Westside as much as I want. These two are my "seeds of hope." I talk about all of it here:

I am very lucky to have a community, a kula such as you. Thank You for everything. As you see here in these two "seeds of hope." Without you, nothing happens. Thank You so much.

Very Soon.

Alex

ps. I'll be doing some teaching this week on the eastside. Some flow-like yoga (Anusara) and some Bikram. See my schedule here.

.

Alex Teaching on East Side This Week

2009-02-27T02:50:00.001-06:00

I'll be teaching the following places this coming week.

Main Street Yoga - Anusara Yoga
Monday March 2nd 9am 4pm
Tuesday March 3rd 5:45pm
Wednesday March 4th 9am 4pm
www.mainstreetyoga.org

Perfect Knot Yoga - Bikram Yoga
Monday March 9th 5:45pm
Tuesday March 10th 9am
www.perfectknot.com

Love to see some of you there!

This by no means - means anything about my future on the west side!

Wheels are in motion, thanks to you!

Alex No Longer Teaching At Inner Fire Yoga

2009-02-20T14:03:00.000-06:00

I wish that I'd had a chance to say goodbye, but my services at Inner Fire were quickly terminated. I've kinda been in shock. Since I didn't have the time to let you know, here's a video explaining, briefly what has happened. It took me a couple days to put this video together because I'm new to it and I'm battling a cold right now, so some of my speech is a little slurred. Please bear with me.

For a more detailed text description of what has happened at Inner Fire Yoga, check out my text post here. Unfortunately I thought I'd had at least until the end of the month to say goodbye as that was the deadline that was originally given for me to sign the contract. I was trying to honor Marit's business by not letting anything be known until the last couple weeks. I'm sorry.

If you know of anyone who wants to know what has happened to my presence at Inner Fire Yoga, please direct them here, to my blog.

Thank You - I Love You All.

- - Alex - - -

.

Alex No Longer Teaching At Inner Fire Yoga

2009-02-20T13:25:00.000-06:00

I will be putting a high-def version of the video here soon.
- Alex

Alex Terminated from Inner Fire Yoga

2009-02-19T17:38:00.000-06:00

As of Wednesday February 18th I am no longer be teaching at Inner Fire Yoga. I would have been leaving in a month, but was suddenly terminated in order to be kept quiet. I believe the direction of this studio, which I have loved for many years, has become one which is not a good direction for students or teachers. I am currently working hard to find my next space to teach.

The reason for my termination goes back a ways. Marit, the owner of the studio, has issued all of her teachers a new contract. This contract, which is necessary to sign in order to teach there, states (among other things), that No Teacher shall teach Yoga with any other studio within five miles of Inner Fire Yoga. If I were to sign this contract, I would be immediately in violation of it on two counts, and that doesn't even include prominent studios such as Jewel in the Lotus and Bliss Flow Yoga - both of which I have done some teaching in the past - and each falls into that same five mile radius.

This is a basic non-compete, which is new to yoga, but a standard in other industries. I signed such contracts when I was an engineer and had no problem with it. What makes this different is the mutuality. This type of contract, a guarantee that I will limit my services in order to make Inner Fire Yoga stronger is at its essence a proposal of commitment. Marit is essentially asking me if I will throw my lot in with Inner Fire Yoga. That As goes Inner Fire Yoga, so goes my life as a yoga teacher.

I would love to do that. I love putting everything I have into a class, a space, and a studio without having to worry about anything but my teaching. That is a perfect situation for me. This is the yoga studio that I started at, its where my friends are, and its where I've been touched by many students like you. I would like nothing more than to enter a type of Marriage with an institution I have such a history with. Commitment can be a wonderful symbol of Love & Respect.

If it is equal.

Marit has also stated that the future for teachers at Inner Fire Yoga is to be teaching no more than four classes per week. For most of us this will be scaling back. This is fine for non-full time teachers. Its also fine for full time teachers _if_ they are teaching at other studios. But put the two together: a non-compete with the scaling back of teaching hours, it doesn't balance.

So, this contract is not going to work for me personally. I cannot have 78 square miles / 50 square land miles of blackout space AND make it on four classes per week. Its impossible. It is my opinion that asking a teacher to commit to your studio by asking for a large blackout range like this one, should, like other non-compete agreements, be reciprocated by an equal commitment, such as full time work if the teachers performance warrants it.

To put it in English.

4 Classes Per Week commitment of the studio to the teacher
vs.
Huge Blackout Range commitment of the teacher to the studio

Not an equal commitment. At All.

So I'd decided not to sign the contract.

I'd made it clear to Marit exactly why. I've told her that in my opinion, this contract will lead to a degradation in teaching quality because at any yoga studio, the new teachers get better by having exposure to the full time teachers. Those of us fortunate enough to have the time to perfect our craft can share and help those who don't. I'm not saying that most of the teachers at Inner Fire Yoga aren't wonderful, but discouraging full time teachers from being in that environment can never lead to growth or an A+ learning experience for those of you paying the bills.

I'd expected that I would be able to teach until the signing deadline on February 28th; however, once it has been clear to Marit that I would definitely not be signing this, she decided to terminate my teaching there immediately. She did not want any chance where I might be telling long time students who particularly like me that I would be teaching my last in two weeks and might soon be somewhere else. As she said "Its not good for my business."

I would have been telling many of you when my last two weeks were up, out of courtesy. So, I am very sorry that we didn't get to say good bye to each other.

My next move is to find a full time space to teach yoga. On the westside because that is where many of you are. So if you have any resources you can share with me . My plan is to move quickly and be teaching again on the west side very soon.

For the record, I wish Inner Fire Yoga the best. If you decide not to follow me to my next location, thank you for being such a big part of my life. A yoga teacher - student relationship is really an unique and unmatched thing. I don't take it lightly and I thank you. For those of you interested in what I'm doing next ...

Stay Tuned Because it could happen at any moment. If you are interested or know anyone who is interested in where I'll be teaching next, DO NOT HESITATE to tell them, and direct them here, to my blog. Please let them know. Direct them here, tell them they can get on my mailing list.

If you aren't signed up on my mailing list - over there - Get signed up. Not only will you get the scoop first, but you'll get extra discounts on things like the CD's I've been working on, just for being on the list.

Thank You. Its been an honor to be your yoga teacher.

-- Alex --

-

Alex No Longer Teaching at Inner Fire Yoga

2009-02-18T16:46:00.000-06:00

As of today, Wednesday, February 18th, I am no longer teaching at Inner Fire Yoga.

Be assured that I will still be teaching lots of classes on the West Side of Madison soon.

I am sorry I didn't give you an appropriate goodbye. I will explain why in my post tomorrow where I will share what has happened and what I will be doing in the future.

Be sure to visit my blog tomorrow.

If you or anyone you know wants to stay the most up-to-date, sign up for my mailing list, just to the right of this text. You will be kept the most up to date!!!

Miss You Already!

------ Alex -----

Partner Yoga This Saturday

2009-02-16T14:28:00.000-06:00

Don't miss my 100% Partner Yoga (No Thai Massage) Workshop this Saturday at "A Way Of Life Yoga" near Market Square / Grand Teton Plaza.

You do not need to bring any Partner to this Workshop.

1:30 to 3:30

ONLY $25 !!!! (if signed up ahead of time!)

To sign up for the early bird rate, contact Deb Knuth by Thursday:
608-347-9390
drkyoga@yahoo.com

A Way Of Life Yoga Website.

A Way of Life Yoga & Body Works, LLC
6510 Grand Teton Plaza, Ste 102
Madison, WI 53719

No Partner Required.

See You there!

Also, Later this year, I'll be completing my AcroYoga Training. What is Acro-Yoga? Here's a Sample: (if you'd be interested in an acro-yoga workshop, please comment below)

Mailing List is Finaly Working!!!

2009-02-08T00:28:00.001-06:00

Hooray! Get updates and special deals from me by filling out your email over to the right. Right over there ===>>>>

I will never SPAM you. I promise.

www.integralnest.com still functioning.
I am working on another site : shapeyourselfyoga.com under construction.

Alex's Bikram Classes

2009-02-04T02:14:00.000-06:00

I will be teaching 10 Bikram Yoga Classes at the Perfect Knot over the
next two weeks. Here's my schedule: (http://www.perfectknot.com/)

WED 2/4 5:45pm
THR 2/4 5:45pm
SUN 2/8 9am
MON 2/9 5:45pm
TUE 2/10 9AM
WED 2/11 5:45pm
THR 2/12 5:45pm
SUN 2/15 9am
MON 2/16 5:45pm
WED 2/18 5:45pm

- Alex (Hot Yoga in Madison WI)