Friday, November 9, 2012

An Encounter with the Radiance Sutras at Sutra Yoga

At last, another divine afternoon enjoying the Radiance Sutras awaits! I'll be joined by guest musicians, singers, and slam poets. We'll enjoy some of our favorite sutras, and of course learn about the essentials of meditation. Bring a friend or lover and come enjoy the afternoon with us at Sutra as we dive into this practices. 

Never heard of the Radiance Sutras? Think meditation is boring or even just plain weird? Wish you had something better to do, or want to find healing, relaxation, or more thrill in your life? Read on...

The Radiance Sutras, 112 Tantra Yoga Teachings for Opening to the Divine in Everyday Life, is a new version of an ancient yogic text known as the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, written by Dr. Lorin Roche, Phd. Read, spoken, or sung as a love song, its verses soothe the soul, awaken the heart, and give richer meaning to everything you experience- from heartache to ecstatic union.

You are invited to come and explore the sutras and learn what meditation can be and how it really works- which might surprise you! Rath
er than sitting around for hours in silence, calming the mind, meditation truly is following the rich pathways of all the senses into a thriving sense of well being and delight. Meditation can involve movement, breath, song, play, being in outside in nature, even eating or making love. The techniques are as individual and unique as the people that created them.

We'll explore a few favorite, often very simply ways of meditating that people have discovered, which can be found in the text. Some will be shared as spoken word poetry, or enjoyed the way you would eat a ripe, fresh fruit or piece of dark chocolate- or sip an espresso. Others will be found in your favorite song, one you might even hear every day on the radio. A few might be recognized in the usual things you already love doing, scents you love breathing in, and even simply as the healing art of being massaged by your own breath. People encounter mediation techniques all the time- on the street, while hanging out with friends and family, at the beach, on mountains, in the desert, in the kitchen, at the grocery store, at home in the morning, or while waking in the middle of the night, scared and lonely.

Even if you are a practiced meditator or experienced yogi, the Radiance Sutras has something that entices everyone, regardless of personality, work experience, religion, sex, or age. It's mysterious, exquisitely beautiful text is beloved by scholars, students, yogis, surfers, business owners, mothers, fathers, and lovers the world over. The meditation techniques are practical and come directly from living experience. When you find the technique that works for you, you'll know it- it will feel like falling in love with something you already knew, and coming home.

You'll learn about the basic skills for meditation and have an opportunity to explore your favorite technique, or simply come and enjoy the experience. We will be joined by special guests that will perform some of the sutras as spoken word and song, accompanied by live music. You'll have an opportunity to ask an experienced yoga and meditation instructor any questions you have about meditation, what it is, and how you might incorporate it into your every day life.

About the Instructor:
Melanie Foust is a professional yogini and licensed massage therapist with over 12 years of combined experience in movement and healing arts. Having spent a lot of time dealing with body aches, having her heart broken, and finally trying to heal with yoga and meditation but being really bored with it, she finally discovered the Radiance Sutras and has been avidly sharing them with everyone she meets ever since. Melanie has studied extensively with master yoga teachers Shiva Rea, Lorin Roche, and Camille Maurine, and has a degree in Interdisciplinary Visual Art from the University of Washington. She has a baby goddaughter named Rosie and a extreme love of kitesurfing in places like Maui and the Sea of Cortez.


When: Sunday, December 2nd, 2 -4 pm.

Where: Sutra Yoga on 45th, in Wallingford.

Cost: $20 with preregistration or $25, day of workshop.

Register: Call Melanie at (206) 619-9330 or email melanie.foust@gmail.com. Cash, check, and cards are all accepted.

Books: Copies of the Radiance Sutras are available for purchase. Regularly priced $24.95, you can pick up a copy for $20 on the day of the workshop.

Find out more about Lorin Roche, meditation, and the Radiance Sutras:www.lorinroche.com

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Meditation Secrets for Women Course

"The sanctuary of meditation allows your body, mind, and heart to commune with the forces of life and love. It is sacred time and space in which your nervous system can let go and receive the communication." ~Camille Maurine


Women, join us for this yoga and meditation class specifically designed for you! Led by yoga instructor Melanie Foust and based on the work of world renowned meditation teachers and authors (and married couple) Camille Maurine and Lorin Roche, Meditation Secrets for Women offers a wid
e array of yoga and meditation practices that honor a woman's instincts, natural rhythms, and desires.

Learn to make meditation deeply nourishing and rejuvenating, exquisitely sensual, and- yes! - immensely satisfying. You'll discover vital ways to enhance your own health and wellbeing, tap into creative resources, and create balance and harmony in your relationships to yourself, your loved ones, and the world.

We will explore the twelve unique secrets shared in the book, Meditation Secrets for Women. Find out more in this sneak peek here, http://www.camillemaurine.com/page6.html

Whatever part of your life, body, or being is calling you to take better care of yourself, have more time for yourself, enjoy your life or your practice more, or simply be in a community with other women- say yes!

Having a copy of the book Meditation Secrets for Women is requested for the course, and it can be purchased on Amazon or from Melanie (available at the first class):http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0062516973/lorinrocheswebsi/104-6633921-9933559

We will be enjoying expressive movement, journalling, creative projects, and restorative yoga. Come prepared and wear comfortable clothing for resting and movement. Feel free to bring your favorite cushion and a journal. (Sutra Yoga studio does not have bolsters).

Classes meet Thursdays, October 11th through November 1st, 2012, from 7:15-8:45pm.

Dates: October 11th, 18th, 25th, November 1st, 2012

Time: 7:15 - 8:45 pm (every Thursday evening).

Location: Sutra Yoga studio
1605 N 45th St
Seattle, WA

Cost:
$108 with book, $95 without book (purchase your own) for all 4 weeks.

Drop ins are welcome for $25 / session.

Register with a friend (remember, this class is for women only!) and take $10 off each for the full course.

Cash, check, or card are accepted. A $3 surcharge will be added to card transactions.

Cost includes weekly goodies and ongoing personal support from Melanie.

Register directly with Melanie via email or phone, melanie.foust@gmail.com or (206) 619-9330.

(Sutra Yoga will not be handling registration for this couse). 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Coming Home

During the last half of summer this year, I traveled over 10 hours by air and spent more than 52 hours on the road to spend time at yoga retreats and festivals, visiting my family and dear friends, and to go day and night hiking up mountains. My wander lusting inner gypsy was certainly active!

What called me to go on these journeys was not only the opportunity to connect with loved ones and see beautiful places, but also a deep inner calling to be in the elements. I feel drawn to places that are stunning in their array of light, water, earth, and air- the Big Sur coastline, Topanga Canyon, the glacial lakes of Mt. Rainier and the Cascades, Whistler mountain, the incredible heat and Milky Way dazzled skies of the Joshua Tree desert, and along the great river of my own desert homeland- the Columbia River Gorge. 

Back in the Emerald City, I have a very short schlep up to the top of Capitol Hill to the yoga studio I teach at from my house on the north edge of Lake Union. At this studio, the Grinning Yogi, we have a monthly theme for all of our classes and the theme of this month, as we transition seasons from summer to fall, is "Connection." To me, connection means being at home- at home in yourself, at home in your practice, at home in the elements. 

How do you know where home is? What does it feel like, to you? Do you feel at home in your yoga practice- and isn't that really the point? 

Perhaps because I have been travelling so much to be with loved ones, or because my life in general has been full of major transitions over the past few years, the poignancy of feeling at home has never been more palpable. Home is a place we instantly know, and it can be anywhere. When we're there, we're relaxed and free. 

Our heart is the inner GPS. Whenever we're feeling disconnected or distressed, one of the best soothers is simply to bring a hand to our heart so that we can literally feel connected to our own pulse and become centered. We formed in the womb as our cells entrained to the rhythm of our mother's heartbeat. One of the most relaxing things we know might be laying down next to a loved one with our ear on their chest, listening to the beat of their heart. Or, we might love being in a small cave or dolmen or underwater where all we hear is the echo of our heart beat, or listening to (or singing!) our favorite song or piece of music.

We all have the urge to be home, in a place where we feel loved and free. Our yoga practices bring us to the place we recognize instantly as our inner home. 

One of my favorite meditation books, the Radiance Sutras, has a meditation practice about being at home:

There is a space in the heart where everything meets.
Come here if you want to find me.
Mind, senses, soul, eternity- all are here. 
Are you here?

Enter the bowl of vastness that is the heart.
Listen to the song that is always resonating.
Give yourself to it with total abandon.
Quiet ecstasy is here -
And a steady, regal sense of resting in a perfect spot.
You who are the embodiment of blessing,
Once you know the way, 
The nature of attention will call you to return.
Again and again, answer that call,
And be saturated with knowing,
"I belong here, I am at home."

This is Sutra 26, from the Radiance Sutras, a new version of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, by Dr. Lorin Roche, PhD. Find out more at www.lorinroche.com.

*New Fall Schedule

Join me for classes at the Grinning Yogi:

Tuesdays, 9:30-10:45 AM, Groovin' Flow
Wednesdays, 7:30-8:45 PM, Chillin' Flow
Fridays, 4-5:15 PM, Groovin' Flow

Women's Meditation Course: 
I'm offering a meditation/yoga course specifically designed to support our unique needs as women, based on my work with Lorin Roche and his wife Camille Maurine and their book Meditation Secrets for Women. The classes will be on Thursday evenings at Sutra Yoga in Wallingford, 7:15-8:45pm, starting October 11th, 2012. Contact me if you're interested (via the contact link on this site). More details forthcoming!




Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Groovin' Summer Events

If you've got sol, you've got soul! We're welcoming an auspiciously sunny first day of summer in the Emerald City and I have a few invitations to some awesome events that I hope you can join me for. The Groove is ON!

Our first AcroYoga Playshop is Friday, June 29th, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Come learn to fly and meet new friends. This is an intro level class, perfect for those new to the practice. Cost is $15. Register with us at the Grinning Yogi.


Saturday, July 14th is Yoga for Hope at Seattle Center, benefitting City of Hope. City of Hope is dedicated to healing people with life threatening diseases like cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. We have a Grinning Yogi team if you'd like to share your healing love and come practice with friends. If you would like to find out more about this support this amazing organization and community event, register or donate here. Remember, you can still donate even if you can't attend the event. I also have a few special edition Yoga Revolution Volume One: Music for Hope CDs available, created by Earthtones for Yoga for Hope if you'd rather support by buying a few great tunes! The CDs are available at the Grinning Yogi for a $15 donation.


On the same weekend as Yoga for Hope, my wonderful friend Steve Gold will be coming to sing for us during an especially Rockin' Flow class led by me and fellow teachers Jamie Silverstein, Shana Davis, and Tiffany Ann Bersano at the Grinning Yogi on Sunday, July 15th, 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon. 

Don't miss this opportunity to rock your soul yoga groove and to meet our Grinning Yogi friends! We can't wait to share our new studio with you. Class will be followed by followed by a reception with refreshments. Early sign up for this class is highly recommended. Cost is $25.

Wishing you summer love and abundance, wherever you are!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Get Groovin' at the Grinning Yogi

I couldn't help but grin wider than ear to ear when Jamie Silverstein invited me to teach at her new Capitol Hill yoga studio, the Grinning Yogi. All classes will be flow vinyasa featuring groovin' playlists and guided by an exceptionally fun group of yogis. We're opening for classes on May 15th, 2012. I'll be teaching Tuesdays at 9:30 AM and Fridays at 4 PM. Intro passes start at 3 classes for $15, and some of classes even include lunch! Come get your groove on. Showing up not only matters, it's exponential!

The Grinning Yogi
345 15th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112

Next door to Remedy Tea

*We BELIEVE*
MOVEMENT matters.
A little MJ can change your day!
YOU are amazing.  Right now.  (Yes- you!)
Things are BETTER when shared.
Strength is MORE than just physical.
In LETTING GO.  Or, John Lennon…
What you think CAN change your life.
Life is a practice.
You HAVE TO show up.
Grins are exponential…
Let us guide you.




Friday, April 27, 2012

Therapeutic AcroYoga Workshops at Kula Movement

Loved our weekly Thai & Fly series and want more AcroLove in your life? Join us at Kula Movement for the healing and uplifting practice of traditional Thai Yoga Massage combined with the bliss of flying. These are introductory workshops and no previous experience or partner is necessary. Come with an open heart and get mettafied!

Dates:
Saturday, May 12th, 2-4pm.
Sunday, June 10th, 2-4pm.

Cost per workshop:
$25

Location:
Kula Movement, 5340 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 972-2999

Register at Kula Movement.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

AcroLove returns to Baja!

I'll be joining Shiva Rea, Demetri Velisarius, Robin Clements, and my beloved Baja Tribe for the Living in Flow Arts Full Moon Regeneration Retreat in BCS, April 5-8, 2012. Can't wait to sleep on the beach under the stars, surf, and share AcroYoga!

AcroYoga Introductory Series at SAC!

Wanna fly? Join personal trainer Thomas Eagen and myself for a four week series at the Seattle Athletic Club! This series is perfect for beginners and those with some AcroYoga experience that want to refine or round out their practice. Each class will be taught as an individual workshop instead of building from one week to the next so feel free to drop in on any week that sparks your interest.

Week 1 (4/23): Introduction to AcroYoga
Week 2 (4/30): Acrobatic Flying and Counterbalances
Week 3 (5/7): Therapeutics and Thai Yoga Massage
Week 4 (5/14): Acrobatic Transitions

Dates: Mondays April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 2012
Time: 7:15-8:45pm
Cost: $135 for all 4 classes and $45 drop in (non-SAC members, includes full day use of the gym)
$75/4 classes and $30 drop in for SAC members

Location:
Seattle Athletic Club Downtown
2020 Western Ave
Seattle, WA 98121

Register soon. Only a few spaces left!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

AcroGratitude to my Eastside Crew...

Dear Eastside AcroLoves,

Over the past 4 years it has been my joy to share AcroYoga with you in Issaquah and Redmond. (Anyone remember that fantastic Thai dinner we had on the boardwalk in Gilman Village during the summer?). It has been an incredibly loving and fun time, but I find it is time to move on. Find me in Seattle, where I teach at Kula Movement on Sunday nights and sometimes at Sutra, or on the fly...literally!...as I change my course in this wild and wonderful world adventure...

Special thank you to my teachers and friends: Lux, Jenny and Jason and our AcroYoga family, Tim and Gina Sala at Samadhi Yoga, Troy Lucero, Shiva Rea and my entire Prana Flow tribe worldwide (especially my mountain honey-shakti sister Kelly Doyle and graphic design maverick Scott Saltsman), Robin Clements in Baja, Jean and Mark at Village Green Yoga, Anna at Flow Yoga RedmondOm Culture, Steve Gold Music, Heather at the RAC, Jennifer Hill, and Monica Mesa at Yoga for the Peaceful for believing me and giving me many opportunities to share my love for this practice in many wonderful forms. I look forward to sharing more with you in the ever-playing flow!

Onward and Upward!

AcroLove All Ways,
Melanie

Next Touchdown:
Baja, MX in April

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Get Your Thai On in Ballard!

Yes, that's right! East-meets-Ballard! Don't have time for a trip to Thailand? Come on over to Ballard Health Center where I am happy to announce that I am now offering Thai Yoga Massage and Reflexology sessions in our beautiful, sunlit yoga space. Appointments are available Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call clinic reception at (206) 783-0404 to book your session. Visit www.ballardhealthcenter.com for more information.

Please Note: The clinic is extremely busy on Thursday evenings. Thai Yoga Massage may be the only service available during my shift!

Existing Mettafy clients:  I am happy to arrange your session for you at either location. My home studio is still available for bookings.

Payments & Fees:
Cash (no insurance): $75/60 min. & $110/90 min. Sessions include complimentary 15 minute soak in the whirlpool if desired. Packages are available.
1st time cash paying clients: Receive $10 off.
Appointments scheduled before 2 p.m. Mondays-Fridays: $15 discount (mention the early-bird special when booking)
.
At Ballard Health Center, I am a provider on many health insurance plans including Regence BlueShield, Premera, Aetna, Uniform, Cigna, First Choice Health, PIP/Auto Accidents, and L & I. A co-payment may apply depending on your plan. Please fax your prescription to (206) 782-8955.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Move Into Manifestion: New Year's Sadhana

Ignite your new year with Agni Namaskar, an ritual Prana Flow Energetic Vinyasa practice devoted to agni or "sacred fire." Agni is the sacred fire that activates your core, illuminates your being, and eliminates toxins.  When you align your whole being with this inner fire, your are connecting to your own source of power and passion for life. You cultivate the ability to surf the waves that come your way.

This 1.5 hour hatha vinyasa practice will include movement, breath techniques, and meditation practices to help you engage your inner fire. Variations and modifications will be offered for beginners through advanced practitioners.

Dedicate your year to your personal evolution! What do you want to manifest?

When: Thursday, January 26th, 6-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $20

Location: 1138 NW Market St, Ballard.
The studio is located inside Ballard Health Center and Wellness Spa, right next to KFC. (Look for the neon sign that says "Limp in, Leap Out." Enter the lobby and head up the stairs to find the yoga studio and check in for class.
Complimentary tea, water, showers, mats, and props available. Plentiful free lot/street parking is available.

"Life is change, learn to surf."

New Year's Day Meditation Gathering

Happy Holidays, Friends!

Radiate into 2012 with a New Year's Day Meditation class! We will have a guided meditation practice and basic meditation skills will be shared that will help anyone thrive at meditating, whether new or renewing their practice. Cheeers!

When: Sunday, January 1st, 2012, Noon - 1 p.m.
Where: SeaLight Yoga studio space in Ballard Health Center & Wellness Spa, 1138 NW Market St.
Cost: No cost, but a $5 donation for the space is greatly appreciated

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Radiance Sutras Workshop at Sutra Yoga, November 12th, 2-4pm

Wondering what meditation is or how to create your own daily practice? Whether you are new to meditating or desire to vivify what you already practice, this workshop will enliven your awareness and delight your senses. Join us for a delightful introduction to the nectar at the heart of meditation and one of the most loving, magical, and utterly practical yoga books ever: the Radiance Sutras by beloved mediation teacher and author Lorin Roche, PhD.
Lorin has been working with the ancient text known as the Vijana Bhairava Tantra for over 40 years and the book the Radiance Sutras is his fresh, original  translation and interpretation of this text. In its 112 sutras, it describes many of the world's meditation techniques. We will explore the teachings found in the text and our own natural, instinctual meditations. All of the methods are practical ways of opening to the sacred and awakening to the pulsating currents of innate wisdom that are always present within and in everyday life. These currents are the flows of inner asanas that we practice when we meditate.

Come fall in love with the Radiance Sutras while we enjoy different forms of practice, including eating delicious treats such as chocolates and fruits and listening to the sound currents of live music! You can simply come and enjoy the workshop or purchase the text beforehand and start diving in. If you are familiar with the text, feel free to bring your favorite sutra to share with everyone.


"What is this delight-filled universe
Into which we find ourselves born?
What is this mysterious awareness
Shimmering everywhere within it?"
-from the Radiance Sutras


When:
Saturday, November 12th, 2-4pm.

Where:
Sutra Yoga Seattle
1605 N 45th St, Seattle WA

Cost:
$20 for workshop only
$40 for workshop + your own copy of the Radiance Sutras

Register at www.sutrayogaseattle.com under workshops. You can also contact Sutra Yoga at (206) 729-9642. Note that you can only pay for the workshop + book through the online store but you are welcome to RSVP for the workshop only.

To get your copy of the book before the workshop, please contact Melanie directly at melanie.foust@gmail.com or (206) 619-9330.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Fall Equinox & Global Mala Celebration

"Let your love flow like water so that it cleanses the earth."

Sai Baba



Please join me and Cosetta Romani on September 23rd, 7:30-9:30pm, at Sutra Yoga Seattle for a celebration of the Fall Equinox. We will combine our Prana Flow teaching offerings and create an evening of ritual, fluid yoga and dance movements, sacred service, and community. Feel free to bring a mat and blanket and come prepared to sweat, pray, and play.



This is a donation based event. Proceeds will be donated to the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, a local organization dedicated to protecting the Puget Sound waters. By participating in this event, you have a direct impact on the health of the waters that surround you. Find out more at http://www.pugetsoundkeeper.org/


As we move in the fluid forms of our bodies, we attune to our inner water nature and connect to the essential element present in all life. The rivers of prana that flow through us as we experience the fluid movements with our bodies will evolve into the dance that awaken and revitalize us.


This event is in synchronization with the Global Mala for Peace Project, a collective of global events happening simultaneously around every year at the Fall Equinox that was catalyzed by our teacher, Shiva Rea, in 2007. We are honored to share this inspiration of yoga as activism for change, bringing more peace and well being into the world through our actions. We hope you will pledge your support as a Soundkeeper now!



Details:

Friday, September 23rd, 7:30-9:30pm

Minimum suggested donation: $25 (cash/check preferred)

Sutra Yoga Seattle, 1605 N 45th St (Wallingford)



Please call Sutra Yoga Seattle at (206) 729-9642 to reserve your space and Melanie at (206) 619-9330 if you have specific questions about the event.


Cosetta Romani is a fellow Prana Flow instructor with many beautiful offerings. Find out more about her at www.puravitayoga.com












Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Wanderlust Yoga in the City created with smartwater

Come play in the park at Seattle Center this Thursday, August 4th 5-8:30pm as the Wanderlust Festival crew brings yoga, music, and community together under the sunny summer sky. I will be hosting an AcroYoga jam space. Look for our flying feet!

This is a free event to all, but please register online to save yourself a few minutes "at the door."