by KC -

Beyond Asana Workshop Series

Asana, or the physical postural practice, is generally what comes to mind when someone mentions Yoga. However, the practice of Yoga is actually comprised of eight different branches; two of which are the Yamas and Niyamas. These teachings serve as guidelines for anyone who desires to live a more ethical or contemplative life.

Each session of this ten class series will focus on one of the ten Yamas or Niyamas which are: Nonviolence, Truthfulness, Nonstealing, Nonexcess, Nonpossessiveness, Purity, Contentment, Self-Discipline, Self-Study, and Surrender. The Yama or Niyama will be explained and then explored. Questions we will investigate include: What does it currently mean to you? What is a broader context in which it can be thought of? How can it be applied to your interactions with yourself, with others, with the world at large?

This non-secular round table discussion, hosted by KC Jenkinson of Orchid Asana, is suited for anyone interested in intentional living. Each session is designed to be standalone, but they are all, like most things in life, interconnected. No previous Yoga experience necessary.

Session dates are:

  • April 17: Nonviolence (Ahimsa)
  • May 15: Truthfulness (Satya)
  • July 24: Nonstealing (Asteya)
  • August 21: Nonexcess (Brahmacharya)
  • September 18: Nonpossessiveness (Aparigraha)
  • October 16: Purity (Saucha)
  • November 20: Contentment (Santosha)
  • December 18: Self-discipline (Tapas)
  • January 15, 2020: Self-study (Svadhyaha)
  • Feb 12, 2020: Surrender (Ishvara Pranidhana)

Investment: A New EverAfter maintains a “Pay What You Can Policy” – $22, $18, or $15 for each individual session.  $142 for the entire 10-class series.
All sessions will be held at A New EverAfter, 794 Wye Rd., Bath, OH (map)  from 7-9PM.
Register via email aneweverafter@gmail.com or by phone/text 216.626.5409.

NOTE: I will be awarding one individual a scholarship* for the entire class series. To be considered, please submit a 100 -200 word essay on why attending Beyond Asana: Exploring the Ethics of Yoga would be beneficial in your life by April 10, 2019 to: kc@orchidasana.com In the subject line please put Beyond Asana Scholarship Entry. Please include your name and an email address where you can be reached. Winner will be chosen Friday, April 13th and notified by email.

*Scholarship does not contain a cash value and cannot be used for any other goods and/or services provided by A New EverAfter or Orchid Asana, LLC. There are no refunds for missed sessions.

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by KC -

Invite Peace Restorative Workshop

Friday, February 15, 2019 6:30pm – 8:30pm at Inner Root Yoga, 1653 Merriman Road, Akron, OH 44313.

HI Yogis!

Have you been feeling stressed, tired, or run down? Give yourself some love by inviting your body and mind to relax and recharge during this two-hour Restorative workshop I’ll be leading at Inner Root Yoga. There will be a brief introduction to what Restorative Yoga is and why it is a beneficial practice in our hectic lives; followed by a Restorative practice during which the body is fully supported with props. This past fall I trained in Restorative Yoga with Anne Ondrey at Awaken Yoga in Mentor and learned the subtleties involved in this practice to create an environment that welcomes complete relaxation. This workshop is suitable for yogis of all experience levels. To foster a peaceful environment attendance is limited to only 5 yogis.

Investment in your self-care is $25 for this two hour workshop. Register online through Inner Root Yoga’s website.

If you have any questions, feel free to message me!

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by KC -

Happy Endings, Difficult Beginnings

Hi Yogi friends. It’s been a while since you’ve heard from me and for that I am sorry. When I started my blog it was never my intent to be silent this long. I finally feel ready to update you on where I’ve been and to begin connecting again consistently.

April and May were a whirlwind and centered around finishing up assignments for my graduation from Maria Santoferraro’s Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul Yoga Teacher Training. The program had a decent amount of work; not too much where it was overwhelming, but enough to keep you engaged and learning between our monthly hands-on training weekends. Never in my life did I imagine I would be learning anatomy and find it interesting, or learn so many Sanskrit words. The last thing I anticipated happening during training was to meet and grow with a wonderful group of women whom I’m so lucky to now have as friends.

The day after graduating as a RYT-200 with Yoga Alliance I was offered the opportunity to substitute teach some Sunday evening classes at Yoga Bliss’s Fairlawn location. This quickly led to more teaching opportunities with the studio at both their Fairlawn and Green locations. I was excited and prepared to jump into my career towards the end of June.  (If you’re interested in where and when I’m teaching visit my Schedule page.)

Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul class of 2018. Photo courtesy of Terrie Moeller.

Until my life irrevocably changed.

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by KC -

Eight Limbs of Yoga

Pantanjali is an Indian sage who is believed to have lived in the second or first century BCE.  He is credited with writing the Yoga Sutras, or Yoga Threads, which explain the philosophy and ethics of yoga.  In his text Pantanjali gives us the Eight Limbs of Yoga which are guides for living.  Through practicing the Eight Limbs, it is believed that it is possible for one to attain self-realization and reduce suffering.

Over time the Orchid Asana blog will take an in-depth look at each of the Eight Limbs.  In the meantime, take a listen to yogi musician, MC Yogi, sing about the Eight Limbs.

  1. Yamas: These are the first five of the ten ethics of yoga and focus on restraints and moral disciplines. The five Yamas are:
    • Ahimsa: Non-violence, or non-harming
    • Satya: Truthfulness
    • Asteya: Non-stealing
    • Bramacharya: Non-excess, or restraint
    • Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness
  2. Niyamas: These are the second set of five code of ethics focusing on positive duties or observances. The five Niyamas are:
    • Saucha: Purity
    • Santosha: Contentment
    • Tapas: Self-discipline or austerity
    • Svadhyaya: Self-study, inner exploration
    • Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrender or devotion to the Divine
  3. Asana: Posture, the physical practice of yoga
  4. Pranayama: Breathing techniques
  5. Pratyahara: Withdrawl of the senses
  6. Dharana: Focused concentration
  7. Dhyana: Meditative absorption
  8. Samadhi: Bliss or enlightenment
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