You teach a style of yoga called LifeForce, which is used to manage depression and anxiety. Tell us a little more about this practice.
What makes LifeForce different is that it doesn’t make up any new techniques, but it pulls specific techniques from different yogic traditions to help mange our moods. It then organizes them in a way that makes it very user friendly for people who are dealing with anxiety and depression. Even if you aren’t into yoga, you can look at the practice and say: ok, this breathing technique and this sound and this pose is what I need today. Then, you can put those together and practice it. It could take a minute or 30 seconds to do some of these practices. On another day, you might feel completely different, but you’ll have the understanding of how the breath affects your mood. Then you can look at the techniques and choose the ones that you need for that day. The essence of LifeForce yoga is organizing these traditional techniques in a way that is very easy to follow for people who are dealing with mood issues.
In class you were very open in saying that you came to LifeForce Yoga through your own depression. How has your journey evolved since you found this practice?
Throughout my adult life I’ve had periods of depression and periods of anxiety. I live in Vermont and I’m really affected by the darkness of the winters that last for a very long time. So I find that it’s a constant struggle. Yoga is helpful for mood issues in general, but I think what’s changed is that with LifeForce Yoga, I feel more empowered because the techniques just work so well and so quickly. It makes me feel so proactive because I know that this is a system that’s really designed to help with the issues that I was experiencing. It’s like if you’re feeling down, you can take Zoloft, which I’m not against at all, I think it can be really helpful for people, or else you can use this mantra or this breathing technique. It’s just tightened it up for me. It’s not the only type of yoga that I practice, but when I’m going through a depressive period, I’ll jump into my LifeForce yoga practice and it’s really effective so I feel more in control.
What does it mean to you as a local Vermont teacher to be a part of the Wanderlust Festival?
When they first asked me to teach of course I had extreme anxiety, but it’s really fun being here. I’m really involved with Off the Mat into the World, and we have a huge contingency here. Seane Corn, Suzanne Sterling and Kerri Kelly are teaching here so I feel really privileged to be teaching at an event that they are teaching at. I have a lot of support and a lot of friends here so it’s been really great. Very exciting.
It is here. The first day of summer and the sun was right on schedule, bestowing us with a hot, bright day. As I write, at 9 pm, it is still light outside. The peas in the garden have begun to flower. Fresh air wafts through the window. I feel an increase in energy and a desire to celebrate. This weekend is the perfect time for the Wanderlust Festival in Bondville, VT where yogis and musicians will gather to practice yoga, listen to music, celebrate and revel in the outdoors. Jane, Emily and Sofi will all be teaching at Wanderlust this weekend and many other LRY teachers and yogis will be there to practice and enjoy. Whether you make it to Wanderlust or not this weekend, we wish you a summer full of long, lazy days where your only worry is to remember to pack your swimsuit.
Jane , Laughing River Yoga retreats , Santosha
Women’s Yoga Retreat on Isla Mujeres (the Island of Women) with Jane Yoga
WOMEN’S YOGA RETREAT IN PARADISE: With Jane Jarecki Lanza: October 30th- November 5th, 2011
Explore ancient yogic philosophy, relax, and energize with asana flow by Jane Yoga. Learn the power of breath and meditation in various settings and ways. Experience the serenity of Isla Mujeres and Na Balam resort. Spend time resting and reflecting on your own as well as enjoying the community of women around you. Ample time for optional spa treatments, adventures on the island, and excursions through the Yucatan Peninsula into the Mayan World.
Isla Mujeres is short ferry ride from Cancun. Na Balam Resort, located on the far North- Eastern tip of the island, is Isla Mujeres’s premier beach and the islands only yoga orientated hotel.
Typical Day:
7-8:30 am: Time to sleep in, practice meditation, or walk into town for coffee & snack
8:30-10 am: Awaken with Morning Yoga and the Power of Breath
10-11 am: Yogini Breakfast: eggs, breads, greens, granola, yogurt, chai coffee, fresh juices
11-4: Free time to rest, walk, read, swim, get a spa treatment, or plan an excursion
4-6 pm: Evening Yoga at Yoga Life Studio
6 pm on: Enjoy dinner on your own at the islands many yummy hot-spots.
Price with shared room: $999 Price with private room: $1399
- Na Balam: where we stay
- Isla Mujeres
- Yoga Life Studio at Na Balam
- Images: April 2011 Jane Yoga retreat at Na Balam
ABOUT THE TEACHER:
(Although all is well and he will be greatly missed, due to unforeseen circumstances, Yogiraj Prem Prakash will not be co-teaching at this retreat).
Jane Jarecki Lanza, certified in Kripalu yoga, teaches diverse students in all stages and walks of life. Through years of personal practice, teaching, and meeting people worldwide on the yogic path, Jane’s discovered yoga’s power to heal. She shares this knowledge and love. Along with her husband, Ben Lanza, Jane creates the Liberate Music & Yoga Festival& the Burlington Yoga Conference, Vermont’s first yoga festivals. New yoga events are forthcoming in Vermont and beyond along with a SEVA component. Jane has been featured in Yoga Journal, Seven Days, Burlington Free Press,WCAX, and weekly on ”The Yoga Show,” on VCAM.
Community , Laughing River Yoga , Lindsay , News , Sofi , Yoga benefits
Yoga On The Mountain 2011
Come join The Vermont Community Yoga Project for the 3rd annual Yoga On The Mountain Fundraiser.
Where: On Top of Mt. Philo, Charlotte VT
When: Saturday, July 30th 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (you can either walk up or park at the base, the walk takes about 30-45 min)
What: V.C.Y.P. invites yogis to join us for 108 sun salutations on top of Mt. Philo. You can choose to do all 108 salutations or gather your friends for a team. All are welcome regardless of Yoga experience. Many different sun salutation options will be led.
Proceeds from this event will go towards bring mindfulness based yoga class to youth and under served members of our community.
**** This years featured recipient is: Girls Move Mountains ****
Raise $500 or more and you will be entered into a raffle to win prizes such as a Yoga class card, massage, yoga clothing, and more.
Click here to print a sponsor form and let us know if you can attend!
We spring forth from the ALL
fed by the light,
clothed in matter,
sculpted by streams of inspiration.
We shape love like the eagle shapes the wind,
returning at last to the sun.
Part of a poem by Haven Trevino
Lindsay teaches Gentle Kripalu Fridays at 9 am. She uses poetry in her classes.
Laughing River Yoga retreats
Dates announced for the 5th Yoga like a Monkey Costa Rica adventure!
March 11-17, 2012 in Nosara, Costa Rica at Villa Cortes with Emily Garrett and Sofi Dillof.
Come practice yoga, surf, swim, and relax on the beach as you explore the natural beauty of the Nicoya Peninsula.
The retreat includes lodging,
mid day brunch, daily meditation, 2 yoga classes a day, and more.
Prices for a seven night stay range from $1300-$2000 depending on accommodations.
Please contact Sofi or Emily for more details.
Laughing River Yoga is excited to announce its 200 hr Yoga Alliance certified Teacher Training Program. Come study what you love in a safe, supportive and dynamic environment.
The next Yoga Teacher Training with Sofi Dillof and Emily Garrett, will take place January through October 2013. This training is geared towards aspiring teachers as well as serious practitioners who do not expect to teach but wish to deepen their understanding of all aspects of yoga.
Our philosophy: Emily and Sofi believe that in order to authentically connect with students, a teacher must be able to first authentically connect with them self. Our teacher training will encourage and support you in doing the work necessary to deepen your understanding of who you are. You will use traditional yogic techniques, journaling and group discussion to explore yourself in a skillful and compassionate way. We will be holding an informational meeting about the training for all who are interested at the studio. Dates TBA.
What will be covered:
- Analytical training in how to teach and practice asanas, pranayamas, chanting, mantra and meditation.
- How to demonstrate, observe, assist and instruct yoga.
- Qualities of a yoga teacher
- Anatomy and physiology
- Yoga philosophy
Through this process, you will learn how to safely guide others through a complete yoga practice. You can expect to work hard and go deep.
About the teachers: Collectively, Sofi and Emily bring 26 years experience teaching yoga to groups and individuals. Sofi teaches Jivamukti, Vinyasa and LifeForce yoga. She has made it her life’s work to study and practice yoga philosophy. Emily teaches Kripalu, Vajra, Vinyasa, Yin and Restorative Yoga. Her classes emphasize alignment and self awareness. Sofi and Emily have developed a comprehensive teacher training that includes an understanding of the physical, emotional, energetic, and psychological benefits of yoga and meditation along with the tools to guide others through a safe and well rounded Hatha yoga class.
Dates: The nine month program includes one weekend of intensive classes a month plus 35 weekly drop-in classes with Sofi and/or Emily at the studio, home study and one weekend retreat at Dreaming Mountain in Johnson. If you miss one weekend you are still eligible for certification. If you miss more than one weekend you will need to make up the time in order to be eligible for certification.
The weekend session consists of Friday evening 7-9, Saturday 12-6 and Sunday 9-3.
The dates for 2013 are :
Jan 11-13, Feb 8-10, March 15-17, April 12-14, May 17-19, June 7-9 , July 19-21, September 20-22 and a graduation weekend October 18-20.
Pre-requisites: This training is open to all sincere, serious students of yoga who want to take it to the next level. We recommend a daily home yoga practice of at least 20 minutes and at least one group class a week with a teacher of your choice for at least six months leading up to the training. This will set a strong foundation for the group, generate questions about practice, and inspire you to learn more.
Required reading: Shambhala Guide to Yoga by Georg Fuerstein and Living Your Yoga: Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life by Judith Lasater, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali commentary by Swami Satchidinanda, Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
Recommended Reading: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness by Erich Shiffman, The Bhagavad Gita commentary by Stephen Mitchell
Monthly Responsibilities: Journal writing, reading/writing assignments, practice teach in small groups outside the teacher training weekends, class observation, weekly class attendance with Emily and Sofi (class fee included as part of the teacher training tuition) at Laughing River, personal yoga and meditation practice.
To register: Cost is $2500. To save your spot please mail or drop off a $500 deposit to Laughing River Yoga, One Mill St. Suite 126, Burlington, VT 05401. Balance due prior to the start of the training. VSAC offers non-degree grants for this training.
Find out more in person: We are hosting an informational meeting for those interested in the teacher training at a date to be determined. Come and ask questions and meet others who are also interested.
Cancellation policy: More than three months prior you receive your deposit minus a $75 processing fee. Three months prior you receive 50% of your deposit back. Two months prior you receive 25% of your deposit back. Less than one month prior there will be no return on your deposit. If you decide to withdraw from the training after it has begun your money will not be refunded.
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