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The workshops provided by Harmony Yoga and Pilates Studio are absolutely wonderful.  Mantrini (Helen) Mikuska offers a variety  of interesting workshops that cover philosophy, anatomy, asana, and modifications, useful for both students and yoga instructors.  The studio is bright and welcoming, and the calm aura enhances the learning experience. 

I highly recommend Harmony workshops and trainings. 

Namaste, Carol MacMillan

 

IMG_2656Get Ready for Spring/Fall!

Ayurvedic Cleansing Workshop

 Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $60.00 (incl. gst)

This workshop will help you understand your Ayurvedic constitution (Prakruti) and your true nature (Vikruti).  Discover your dosha (Pitta, Kapha, Vata or a combination of them). Every individual is unique.  A 15 day Fall Cleanse will be discussed and everything that it will entail, then you will be given specific asanas to work with your individual doshas.  Bring your glasses and a pencil as you will be completing forms and taking notes in this workshop.

Yoga Workshop – Yoga for the HipsIMG_0963

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00- 3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

The goal of this workshop is to work with hip openers to increase strength and range of motion in and around the hip joint.  Healthy hip joints absorb the shock of physical movement (walking, running) but also provide a steady foundation for the spine.  When the hips are tight and weak this can affect the spine and torso over time.  Your hips will respond to a regular practice over a period of time.  Come out and learn some hip movements to do just this!

 

Yoga Workshop – Yoga for MenopauseSupine Ankle Knee Pose

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

Yoga outlook for women who have been practicing yoga in earlier years, physical difficulties at menopause are less intense and any emotional disturbances practically non-existent.  As with all hormonal imbalances, yoga asanas have a tremendous stabilizing effect.  Some estrogen continues to be produced by the liver and kidneys even after the ovaries cease their secretions and the correct yoga practices can stimulate these extra sources as partial compensation for loss of ovarian hormones.  For those who have not been practicing yoga before, it is never too late to begin and women who have undergone a hysterectomy or any other major operations are equally able to commence.  Workshop will include the practice of asana, learning pranayamas specific to menopause along with some suggested mantras and mudras.

 

Yoga Workshop – Introducing the Nine PlanetsIMG_0604

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

The planets project powerful cosmic forces which influence us on all levels providing a source of subtle mental and emotional energies.  Workshop includes meditation on the nine planets with yantras, mantras and mudras.

 

Mantra and Meditation Workshop IMG_0285

Introducing Saraswati – Goddess of Wisdom

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

Saraswati means “the essence of the self.” She symbolizes creative. Learn mantras to improve your memory and intelligence, musical skill and success in spiritual endeavors.  Concludes with a Saraswati Meditation.

 

Yoga Workshop – Yoga for the FeetIMG_2326 (2)

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~  (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

Each foot is a complicated arrangement of bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles and fascia. Together this arrangement dynamically balances us as we shift during gross movements and as we hold statically.  Most of us ignore our feet.  In this workshop we will work with the calve muscles, arches of the feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions and hammertoes.  If you wish to “feet your feet” again this workshop is for you.

IMG_0150Yoga Workshop – Yoga for the Eyes

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~  (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

We use our eyes constantly for work and play.  Keeping them focused & fixed for long periods of time on a computer screen, a highway, the television or reading a book causes strain.  This also limits our peripheral vision; some of the muscles in the eyes become strong and others lose their integrity.  If there is tension, then even a short period of reading can strain the eyes.  Plan to attend this workshop to strengthen your eyes with a wide variety of “asanas for the eyes”.

 

IMG_1081 (2)Yoga Workshop – Yoga for the Back

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~  (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

Backache is one of the most common disorders today.  It is estimated that between 50-60% of the population will suffer from an incident of acute or more long-term back pain at some stage during their life.  Most lower back pain results from degeneration of the intervertebral discs and consequent pressure on nerves.  While this is a part of the normal aging process, injuries and poor posture speed up degeneration.  The majority of backaches are caused simply by muscular insufficiency and inadequate flexibility of muscles and tendons.  The most common site of backache is the lower back, followed by the neck and the region between the shoulder blades.  The pain arises when the muscles surrounding and supporting the spinal column are held rigidly and uncomfortably contracted over a long period of time.  This situation commonly arises from long hours in car seats and office chairs, which creates a state of tight painful spasm.  Plan to attend this workshop to learn yogic techniques and asanas to relieve back pain and increase functional capacity of the weak muscles.

 

IMG_0388 (2)Mantra and Meditation Evening

Chandra Namaskar Mantras

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~  (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

The moon relates to the Goddess or the cosmic feminine who increases mental health and peace of mind.  Learn mantras dedicated to the Divine Mother to help develop peace, faith, receptivity and surrender to this Divine energy.

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Mantra and Meditation Evening

Introducing Ganesha – Remover of Obstacles

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 7:00- 9:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

Ganesha is the principle of unity who removes obstacles/difficulties in our lives.  Learn mantras to defeat obstacles, increase shakti, assist healing and to bring individual and world peace.  Concludes with a Ganesha Meditation.

 

IMG_0291Mantra and Meditation Evening

Introducing Lakshmi – Goddess of Abundance

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 7:00- 9:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

Lakshmi is the energy of abundance in all forms. She gives you the ability to attract and maintain abundance by granting health, wealth, beauty, fertility, happiness and abundance.  Concludes with a Lakshmi Meditation.

 

Yoga Workshop – Yoga for the ShouldersDSC01029 (2)

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

With the shoulder joints high mobility, there is a decrease in stability with the likelihood of injury.  Primary shoulder injuries are the rotator cuff injury, over-used syndrome and tendonitis.  Without strength and stability, the whole body weight can come crashing down on the shoulder. Injuries are common from poor posture combined with (resisted) arm elevation.  Shoulder impingement is tissue that has been ignored.

Workshop Testimonial: I have recently returned to Harmony after a long absence due to my work schedule. On any given day, my neck, shoulders and upper back are in quite a bit of pain, so much so, I find it difficult to concentrate or even to sleep at night. I was a bit apprehensive to attend a two hour shoulder workshop for fear of aggravating my injury further – but I had no reason to fear. This workshop was fantastic!!! I benefited so much from Mantrini’s instruction.  When I returned to work and after an hour or two on the computer, I was feeling that twinge of pain, I stopped and performed some of the poses that were taught in the workshop, and the pain disappeared. Now I make a point of stopping several times a day to do these poses, and I get immediate relief and I see significant improvement in my neck/shoulders.

I would highly recommend that anyone working from home, or doing any kind of computer work to take the Yoga for Shoulders Workshop the next time it’s offered.  Personally, I would take it over and over again! It’s a ‘must have’ for anyone working on a computer for any length of time.  2020 has been such a challenging year for all, but I am so grateful that Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio re-opened. It gives me something to look forward to every week, and I feel more grounded physically, mentally and spiritually. Thank you Mantrini for your exceptional instruction, your wonderful classes and all of your positivity!!!…Dar O’Neill

 

  IMG_2366Yoga Workshop – Yoga for Arthritis

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

Arthritis is inflammation of the synovial joints of the body and is one of the most common of all disabling diseases, afflicting 1/10 people.  Arthritis is a crippling degenerative process which can eventuate in irreversible destruction of the joint.  The condition is characterized by pain, swelling, redness, heat and loss of function in one or more joints.  Those most often affected are the large, weight-bearing joints (hips, knees and ankles) and the small joints responsible for repeated, finely articulated movement, such as the fingers.  In the science of yoga arthritis is not considered to be a disease in itself, but rather one symptom of a widespread metabolic and pranic malfunction which begins early in a person’s life.  Yoga offers a way to arrest this progress.  In fact, in the early stages, before irreversible damage to the joints has occurred, a complete reversal is often possible.  In the later stages, yogic practices can reduce drug dependency, maximize remaining mobility & function in joints and make one’s life more tolerable and acceptable.   In this workshop the practice of Yogic Shatkarmas, Pranayamas, Bandhas, Asanas, Mudras, Meditation & Yoga Nidra will be covered.  Also included is a diet component with recommended foods and herbs to reduce inflammation in the body.  Below is a sample of one of the restorative asanas we will practice in the workshop.

 

YIMG_2582 (2)oga Workshop – Yoga for your Neck

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

Neck pain is a common complaint.  In general, muscle spasms in the neck muscles are due to poor posture and work habits or lifestyle that results in neck pain.  We may sleep with a crooked neck, hold the phone to our ear with our shoulder or work at the computer all day long with the shoulders tensed.  Most people can expect to experience some degree of neck pain in their lives and often do not experience a complete resolution of symptoms with 50-85% of recurrence in 1-5 years since initial complaint.  Less serious neck pain may be interpreted as a general feeling of stiffness and muscles aches.  Chronic neck pain is associated with head and face pain, headaches, jaw discomfort, upper back, shoulders & arm pain.  Tingling in fingers, achy arms and a vice-like pressure encircling the skull may all be related to neck pain.  In addition a slumped posture that can lead to neck pain, may compress internal organs, contributing to respiratory, circulatory and digestive problems as well.  Yoga postures help stretch the tight muscles and strengthen the weak ones, cultivating flexibility, stability and ease of movement.  They also help release physical and emotional blockages, facilitating a healthy flow of prana.  Yoga helps to shed light on one’s habitual stress patterns and emotional reactions.  It also helps to reduce stress and tension in the neck area.   In this workshop the practice of Yogic Shatkarmas, Pranayamas, Asanas, Mudras, Meditation & Yoga Nidra will be covered.  Below is a sample of one of the asanas we will practice in the workshop.

 

 IMG_1355Yoga Workshop – Pawanmuktasana Series

{Learn Asana to Harmonize the Body}

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

The principle of movement can be seen in all the activities of the body (nervous and muscular systems, joints, circulation, digestion, etc).  Where there is plenty of activity or movement there is life.  Learn the three Pawanmuktasana Series to help generate, perfect and harmonize movement in the physical body.

 

IMG_2324Yoga Workshop – Yoga for Digestion

Presenter ~ Helen Mikuska, E-RYT500, SOYA, IYTA, Wholistic & Ayurvedic Yoga Trainer

Date ~ (TO BE SCHEDULED AT A FUTURE DATE)

Time ~ 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Fee ~ $30.00 (incl. gst)

The digestive fire is essential for good health.  When it becomes weak, indigestion and other disorders set in because of poor nourishment.  Proper digestion requires that the various “fires” of the body – the chemicals, acids, enzymes and other digestive juices are in their correct proportion to maintain growth, strength, complexion, happiness and to prolong the existence of a healthy body.  The process of digestion occurs because of heat from various chemical reactions, water which softens the digesting food and air which fans the fire.  Fire is the most important element out of which fine substances imbued with energy are produced.  Disturbed digestion, assimilation and elimination can cause a number of degenerative and metabolic diseases.  Learn to maintain good abdominal health with the practice of pranayama, shatkarma, mantra, mudra and asana to help heal the digestive tract.