February 2011

This month's focus at KamaDeva Yoga is backbending, an important element of a well-rounded vinyasa yoga practice. We invite you this month to playfully and willingly explore some back bends with us.... The word KamaDeva means "God of Love" ( the Deva of Kama), and if we can move beyond the fear that some of us may experience while 'bending' backwards (which also represents moving into the unknown), we can begin to uncover the deepest source of our being, which is LOVE itself. To assist you in this process, we are thrilled to offer a new Meditation class with Buddhist nun Gen Kelsang Norden.

We also welcome Jivamukti certified teacher Martha Evenson to the KamaDeva family, rocking it out vinyasa style on Saturday 5:30-7pm and Sunday 4-5:30pm. Expect a perfect blend of Bhakti (devotion) and Tapas (heat and intensity) to support you in your efforts or attaining the highest goals of this practice - perfect Oneness with Self and Others!!!

We were also psyched to welcome Beryl Bender Birch the past couple of weeks at KamaDeva. Her classes were a great surprise and a great success. Stay tuned for more Beryl in the very near future!!

Lastly, we all can probably agree that it has been a bit of a rough winter here on the East End, and it's not over yet! When we are challenged by the circumstances of our lives (namely, how freaking cold it is and how much snow is being dumped on us!), all the more reason at these times to turn within - not to shut out and ignore what is going on around us, but again, to tap into the delicious, ever present, always available center of the center of the center. Please check out my most recent blog on Athleta Chi to read a bit more about this....

If you do have the opportunity to get away this winter, consider joining us in Rincon, Puerto Rico this March for a SUP (stand up paddling) and yoga retreat, or an Athlete's Performance retreat this April. Don't let the name fool you - these retreats will be an exciting marriage of yoga, athletcs, nutrition and more in amazingly beautiful locations specifically chosen for the availability of organic fresh food, surf, sun, and Peace!

Much Love,
Jessica and the KamaDeva family

View Our Winter Schedule Online | Download Schedule (PDF)

Focus of the Month

'Backbending' by Dwight Garcia

Backbending is a misnomer. We are actually back-extending to increase the space in the posterior vertebrae, nourishing the intervertebral discs and refining the exquisite opening in the chest and pelvis. Because the anahata (heart) chakra is the pinnacle in backbending poses such as Urdhvadhanurasana (Wheel) and Ustrasana (Camel), our heart opens, and therefore we also receive a deeper movement of nutrients through our circulatory system. Because our heart is above our head, there is direct stimulation of the thyroid and pituitary glands which are responsible for important metabolic function.

Besides the physical benefit, there are spiritual and emotional benefits to a regular backbend practice. When we turn ourselves upside down and "shake things up", we invite our LILA, (spirit of divine play) to emerge. Backbending has a powerful effect on our mood because of it's anti-depressant effect that draws our minds to a refined level of sensitivity and concentration. We begin to invite happiness, compassion, patience and ultimately more love into our lives. It is no coincidence that backbending is challenging for many students because of it's emotional release of tension.

Upcoming Events...

NEW SERIES: 'Love, Happiness and Fulfillment'
Meditation Class with Buddhist nun Gen Kelsang Norden

Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:15pm (March 9, 16, 23, 30. Apr 6, 13)

Each class consists of guided meditation, a talk on a different aspect of meditation and Buddhist thought each week, and an opportunity to discuss and ask questions. Classes are self-contained so you can drop in at any time, although pre-registration is preferred. No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome! Gen Kelsang Norden is a Western Buddhist nun and the new Resident Teacher for Vajravarahi Meditation Center. She has been teaching Buddhist meditation and practice in the US and the UK for the past eighteen years.

Cost: $15 per class or $60 for the six week series (save $15)
Location: KamaDeva Yoga, East Hampton, NY
Information: Please visit HamptonsMeditation.org or call 631.728.5700 for more information.
Registration: To sign up please email jessica@kamadevayoga.com.

Rooting the Thigh Bones: Yoga Alignment with Jessica Bellofatto

Saturday, March 19, 2:00-4:00pm at Kaia Yoga in Connecticut

Whether through effort or surrender, every asana will be transformed. Rooting the thigh bones back into the hamstrings creates an ease of breath, a freedom in the lower back, and a movement deep into the core of the body. A seamlessly blended vinyasa class which includes enlightening alignment for protecting, engaging and stretching the legs, inspiring dharma, music, meditation and mindfulness! Rooting the thigh bones back into the hamstrings is one of the most elemental alignment points in asana. This action creates an ease of breath, a freedom in the lower back, and a movement deep into the core of the body. In this workshop we will explore this action in various asanas...

Please Click Here for Full Description, Costs and Registration > > > >

Let's Twist Again: Yoga Workshop with Jessica Bellofatto

Tuesday, March 22, 6:30-8:30pm at Ishta Yoga in New York City

Twists are amazing, detoxifying, and invigorating postures. They are also a wonderful preparation to backbends. In this workshop for all levels, we will explore a variety of twists in different relationships to earth (standing, lying down, sitting). We will feel how the twists squeeze and release the muscles of the back as we emphasize the elongation of the torso. Twists cleanse the organs and backbends, sequenced AFTER twists, increase circulation to pump those toxins out that we have just released into the system.... The effect on the yogi is one of a great sense of renewal and an increase in energy, perfect for this time of year when we are so ready to be emerging from the winter months but still have a ways to go!..

Please Click Here for Full Description, Costs and Registration > > > >

SUP & Yoga Retreat in Rincon with Jessica Bellofatto & Gina Bradley!

March 24-28, 2011, Rincon, Puerto Rico

Our fitness retreats to Puerto Rico have become so popular that we have added a second March retreat!! This retreat combines the elements of land, sea and earth to provide our guests with an incredibly integrated trip that will get your body and brain in shape! Join Jessica Bellofatto and Gina Bradley of Paddle Diva and travel to Rincon - located in Puerto Rico’s rural Northwest corner. Only a three hour flight on Jet Blue from JFK, this location has the most beautiful stretches of beaches in all of Puerto Rico that offer calm waters, perfect for Stand-up Paddle Boarding, small surf breaks for beginners and larger waves and surf breaks for intermediate surfers. There are plenty of isolated beaches for private yoga sessions and relaxing!

Please Click Here for Full Description, Costs and Registration > > > >

Athlete's Performance Retreat w/ Adam Kelinson & Jessica Bellofatto!

April 2011 (Exact Dates to TBA) in Mexico, Costa Rica or Bali!

We are excited to offer you an Athlete's dream immersion getaway to one of several beautiful ocean-side locations worldwide - including, but not limited to Mexico, Costa Rica or Bali! This retreat is aptly named "Athlete's Performance," and was created by Adam Kelinson, owner of Organic Performance, author of The Athlete’s Plate: Real Food for High Performance, three time ironman finisher, backcountry guide, all around athlete, and chef. Daily doses of delicious movement including running, surfing, and yoga practice, combined with organic, nutritious meals and nutrition education are guaranteed to jump start your training season. Learn the hows and whys of eating for enhanced performance, better and faster recovery, and the maintenance of an ideal weight. Whether you are a lifestyle athlete, or just an active individual looking to feel better, move your body a bit more, and eat well for greater vitality and longevity, this retreat is for you!

Please Click Here for Full Description, Costs and Registration > > > > > >

Special Offers at KamaDeva Yoga...

Only $108 for Unlimited Yoga!

For our regulars, our un-matched monthy auto-pay deal for UNLIMITED yoga classes is only $108 per month with a minimum committment of 4 months! We have classes of all levels and abilities. Give yourself in this new year this time for yourself- this reflective, quiet, meditative, nourishing TIME which is so vital to both our mental and physical health.

Click here to take advantage of this offer!

$40 New Student Introductory Offer!

For students who are absolute first-timers to KamaDeva Yoga we are offering a special introductory offer of $40 for a month of unlimited yoga. This is a one-time only offer for brand new students only. Please contact us by email or speak to a teacher directly at the studio to take advantage of this great deal!

WE ARE ALSO OFFERING 5% DISCOUNT FOR ONLINE PURCHASES OF MULTI-CLASS PACKS!

Final Note...

I leave you with this poem from Kabir:

The flute of interior time is played whether we hear it or not.
What we mean by "love" is its sound coming in.
When love hits the farthest edge of excess,
it reaches wisdom.
And the fragrance of that knowledge!
It penetrates our thick bodies,
it goes through walls.
Its network of notes has a structure as if a million suns were arranged inside.
This tune has truth in it.
Where else have you heard a sound like this?

Happy Valentine's Month!

Jessica Bellofatto & the KamaDeva Family
KamaDeva Yoga, East Hampton