Yogi TJ

first and foremost 'kindness for all'

in -- 2,300 miles down, 315 to go -- obv. spending that much time in a car is torture on your back, legs, shoulders, neck, hips, etc. and because anything can be a , why not use your car to get some yoga in while on the road? this variation of pose is a quick cure-all for the aches--opening the hip flexors, deep posterior hip muscles like the , and stretching out the chest to counteract hours of shoulders rolling forward. this pose could be modified in multiple ways like excluding the hand bind, or using the hood or bumper if you aren't 6'1" and can't throw your leg up on the trunk.

anicca anicca anicca (change change change)—the time has come again for me to say goodbye and head off on a new adventure. here i sit reflecting with what feels like the entirety of the emotional spectrum pulsing through me.

a few years ago i was at a low point—a quarter-life crisis to be flippant. i had experienced deep personal and professional loss. i felt like i may never have fulfilling work or even be happy period. the voice of self-doubt seemed to drown out everything else. eventually it got to a point where i knew i needed to flip the script, or else i just wouldn’t be able to carry on.

so, i started practicing metta bhavana (lovingkindness meditation) with the lovely people at first unitarian madison. then my friend, emma, got me back on my yoga mat after an extended hiatus. i stopped listening to society and started listening to my body—seeking out things/people/places that made my soul happy.

one thing led to another, and i found myself spending the holidays in a 10-day silent vipassana retreat. and then i was living and training in costa rica with heidi michelle, heidi grace (h2om) & my inspiring YTT sisters at selva armonia.

before i knew it, i was a full-fledged yoga teacher (or 'yoga sharer', as i prefer). the past two years of work have brought so many new challenges and rewards to me. i’ve been pushed to my limits and then went above and beyond. the voice of self-doubt had been reduced to a faint whisper. (this s**t works)

this past year has been especially productive and rewarding, working at danyasa, the twisted warrior, & yoga on the lake. i have to give a huge thank you to sofiah, lucy, & ashley for taking a chance on me and letting me share my practice. and another huge thank you to my co-teachers—i’ve learned & integrated something from each of you, and you continue to inspire me.

and to the yogis who have come to my classes—words can’t express my gratitude. thank you for listening to my absurd house music and always being up to try whatever random idea that caught my fancy. it’s cliché, but you really have taught me so much. recently, some of you have reached out with farewell messages, stayed after class to chat about yoga & life, and i even received a few presents! it makes my heart swell and my eyes tear up with mudita (sympathetic joy) to hear that some of what i’ve shared has helped you find peace, stillness, and more ease as you move through your daily life. thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! i hope to see you sooner than later.

to quote siddharta gautama—the awakened one:

"he who has taken one step on the path is one step nearer the goal. he who has taken a hundred steps is a hundred steps nearer the goal. he who has taken all steps on the path has reached the final goal. you have to walk on the path yourself."

“behold, o monks, this is my last advice to you. all conditioned things in the world are changeable. they are not lasting. work hard to gain your own salvation.”

may we continue to deepen our practice & become more present
truly living & enjoying our lives
may this practice be for the benefit of all beings who suffer
may all beings be happy
may all beings be free
may all beings know true peace
namaste

The year is winding down and this beach rat is making a pilgrimage to the desert to wait out the snow. I’d love to see you at the studio!

Taking time for & is perhaps more important at this time of the year than any other. One of the best ways to give back to yourself is with a yoga practice. Get in touch with your breath, body, and mind as you prepare to finish this year and start the next!

12/13
9:00AM Gentle Yoga (The Twisted Warrior)
5:30PM Vinyasa 2 (Yoga on the Lake)
7:00PM Yin Yoga (YOTL)

12/15
5:30PM PowerFlow (TW)
7:00PM Gentle Yoga (TW)

12/16
8:00AM PowerFlow (TW)

12/19
5:30PM Vinyasa 2 (YOTL)
7:00PM Vinyasa 1 (YOTL)

12/20
9:00AM Gentle Yoga (TW)
5:30PM Vinyasa 2 (TW)
7:00PM Yin Yoga (TW)

12/22
5:15PM PowerFlow (TW)
6:30PM Gentle Yoga (TW)

12/23
8:00AM PowerFlow (TW)
12:00PM Vinyasa 1 (YOTL)
4:00PM Yin Yoga (YOTL)
5:30PM Vinyasa 2 (YOTL)

12/26
8:30AM Partner Yoga Workshop -SPECIAL EVENT- (TW)
5:30PM Vinyasa 2 (YOTL)
7:00PM Vinyasa 1 (YOTL)

12/27
9:00AM Gentle Yoga (TW)
5:30PM Vinyasa 2 (YOTL)
7:00PM Yin Yoga (YOTL)



Fondy Social PR 📷:

playing around w/ Lisa after class today--stay tuned for upcoming partner yoga workshop!

tonight!

Happy Hour Power Flow w/ Yogi TJ --Friday 10/7 @5:30PM--ICE COLD beer, wine & cider after!

Just a little inter-class heat treat--whirlpool+sauna+steam room+shower--then off to v2 & tonight

(Updated) Excited to be sharing a broad spectrum of yoga asana practice--try them all and see what works for you!

Fall 2016 Schedule

Mondays:
8:00AM PowerFlow (The Twisted Warrior)
4:00PM All-Levels Vinyasa (Acuity Insurance)
5:30PM Vinyasa 2 (Yoga on the Lake)
7:00PM Vinyasa 1 (YOTL)

Tuesdays:
5:30PM Vinyasa 2 (YOTL)
7:00PM Yin Yoga (YOTL)

Thursdays:
5:15PM PowerFlow (TW)
6:30PM Gentle Yoga (TW)

Fridays:
8:00AM PowerFlow (TW)

day 5 of (garland/ ), the standard prep for ( ) -- this has become one of my fav poses to practice and throw into classes, it's a movement that we should all find completely natural (it's how we're supposed to birth, eliminate and chill out) but because of our western ways of chairs/couches/cars it can seem impossible for some people--a blanket under your heels, a block under your pelvis, leaning against the wall, or finding a supine (on your back) wall squat are all great ways to ease into this pose

with
・・・
September Instagram Challenge 🙏🏻 September 1-16, 2016. Sixteen chances to with us!

Day 4 is Revolved Head to Knee Pose. This posture stretches your spine, shoulders, and hamstrings. Stimulates abdominal organs- liver & kidneys. Helps aid in digestion. Thank you TJ demonstrating✨

Sponsors: &
Join the challenge for the chance to take home🤗 item including a yoga mat, sweatshirt, water bottle or signature tank. giveaway of one free month of unlimited yoga & special retail discount in the Yoga on the Lake boutique.
All are welcome to join! Laughing & playfulness is encouraged.
1. Post a photo/video of yourself on Instagram of your version of the pictured for the day.
2. Tag , & one new friend to join the challenge.

Lucky participants will be announced on Saturday, September 17th. Giveaways designed for both men & women.

Day 3 of to post-YTT at playa ventanas--being a model isn't all fun and games, those rocks were covered in little mollusks--ouch!

ch-ch-ch-changes turn and face the strange...

Starting Sunday, Sept. 11

Pre-Register Online: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/home?studioid=49285

Hot Power Flow
Hot Power Flow is a form of vinyasa/flow yoga. The studio is heated to about 90˚F with ceiling fans turned on. This practice focuses on syncing breath, body and mind while building up a sweat and getting a workout! Classes focus on flowing sequences, standing poses, arm balances and inversions. Modifications are offered. All-levels welcome. 60 or 75 minutes.

Slow Core Power
Slow Core Power focuses on challenging core (torso, abdomen, back) work as well as traditional yoga poses allowing you to find easier posture in everyday life, as well as, build strength toward more difficult inversions and arm balances. Modifications are offered. All-levels welcome. 60 minutes.

Yoga Basics
Yoga Basics is perfect for the new student or the more experienced yogi looking to deepen alignment and get back to basics! Classes are geared toward learning the foundations of alignment and vinyasa flow. The studio is warm (heat turned off, aired out) with fans on for this slower practice. Modifications are offered. All-levels welcome. 60 minutes.

Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga focuses on stillness in seated, supine (on the back), and prone (on the stomach) poses with longer holds working deep into fascia and other connective tissues to increase flexibility. This is the perfect compliment to the 'yang' practice of Power Flow. The studio is warm (heat turned off, aired out) with fans on. Modifications are offered. All-levels welcome. 60 minutes.

Gentle Yoga
Gentle Yoga combines the best of yin, restorative, chair, wall, and vinyasa yoga to help you relax, restore and renew. Yogis will use a variety of props (blankets, blocks, bolsters, etc.) to find support, accessibility and opening. Classes feature a luxurious shavasana. The studio is warm (heat turned off, aired out) with fans on. Modifications are offered. All-levels welcome. 75 minutes.

day 2 of 'king dancer' this pose is named in honor of the deity shiva whose cosmic dance destroys the universe before bringing it back into existence--as the season begins to change what can you let go of? What can you destroy to allow change and creation?

'I bow to the lotus feet of the supreme teacher/ who reveals the happiness of self-realization/ who like the jungle doctor removes the delusion/ caused by the great poison of conditioned existence' 🙏🏼 Day 1 of practicing ( ) at my other hOMe before class

Current Schedule (as of 8/3/16)

Mondays
PowerFlow 8AM (The Twisted Warrior)
Vinyasa 1 7PM (Yoga on the Lake)

Tuesdays
Vinyasa 2 5:30PM (YOTL)
Yin Yoga 7PM (YOTL)

Thursdays
PowerFlow 5:15PM (TW)
Beginner Yoga 6:30PM (TW)

Fridays
PowerFlow 8AM (TW)

No classes tonight @ The Twisted Warrior!

004 Bryan Kest - Discovering the Power of Yoga www.chrisbrownstudios.com My in depth interview with Bryan Kest, world renowned yoga instructor and founder of Power Yoga. Bryan shares his wisdom about yoga...

this was such an awesome experience, i got to work with the photographers in their gigantic warehouse studio where they do all the stunning ads for --such a trip to get in front of the camera for a change! Yoga on the Lake

Join us for Yoga & Gong this Friday 6-8pm ✨ Gong Lab is known for its deeply transporting blend of guided visualization, healing sound, hypnotic percussion and vocals. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a pillow. $25 workshop

bring in a new yogi and enter your name for a chance to go to Bryan Kest's Power Yoga

The Twisted Warrior

voga model--totally geeked out in this giant studio/playground Yoga on the Lake