Is God a drummer?

To get at this question, first we have to deal with the “God” thing. Let’s try to make this part easier than it might otherwise be, because, of course, the minute you say “God”, most people’s brains conjure up their own definition of “God”, and since over the years, people have gone so far as to slaughter each other over the subject, the word is pretty loaded.

So let’s start with the observation that clearly every-thing in the Universe is in motion and for that to be

so, some energetic force is at play. For the sake of this discussion, how about we say that “God” is whatever or whoever consciously keeps all this stuff moving. That’s it. You can elaborate in your own mind if you wish, but simplicity and vagueness on this sub-

ject will, I hope, satisfy most of you and allow us to go on to the question itself.

Is God, this conscious force propelling the stuff of the Cosmos hither and thither, a drummer?

See Namaste, page 2

InsideJohn’s Workshop

Schedule ......................2

Special Events ...............4–5

Class Schedule .............6–7

Teacher Information ......8–9

Studio News .....................9

Course Descriptions .......10

Boutique Information ......10

Fees and Policies ............11

Registration Form ............12

YOGA IN THE IYENGAR TRADITION SINCE 1979 SUMMER 2016 • JULY 5 – SEPTEMBER 12

Namaste

Unity Woods Yoga Center...is one of the best known and most widely re-spected yoga centers in the country. We offer classes for students at all levels in posture (asana) and breathing (pranayama), special courses for tar-geted needs and interests, workshops with some of the world’s finest teachers, and programs covering various aspects of the science and art of yoga.

At Unity Woods, our purpose is to offer uncompro-mising, expert yoga instruction to as broad an au-dience as possible. Our teaching staff is the area’s most experienced, comprised of highly trained, certified instructor s who help guide you to im-proved health, serenity, and expanded awareness.

© 2016 Unity Woods Yoga Center, LLC.4853 Cordell Ave, PH9Bethesda, MD 20814Phone: (301) 656-8992Fax: (301) 656-7792www.unitywoods.com

All of our classes are based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. Named by Time magazine as "one of the 100 most influential people in the world", Mr. Iyengar was widely regarded as the 20th century's foremost yoga teacher. His approach develops self-awareness through precision in movement and attention to the subtleties of body, breath, mind, and spirit.

HEALTH • SERENITY • AWARENESS

First Class Free for New

StudentsNewcomers to Unity Woods may take their first class free anytime

during the session. Contact us for details.

301-656-8992www.unitywoods.com

- 2 - UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER

John’s Workshops

June 9–12 SYTAR 2016Reston, VA

John presents workshops on pre-vention of and therapy for knee problems at SYTAR, IAYT’s (In-ternational Association of Yoga Therapists) annual conference.

www.iayt.org

June 17Teacher Training Open Classes-

Casey Health InstituteGaithersburg, MD

John will teach a morning program including pranayama, philosophy and asana. Open to intermediate and advanced

students who are not part of the full teacher training program.

(301) 355-2030

June 24–26Milwaukee Yoga Center

Milwaukee, WIFriday class for all-levels.

Saturday and Sunday classes for experienced students.www.mycmke.com

July 15–17Iyengar Yoga Maine

Brookville, MEWeekend workshop for Iyengar yoga students.

www.iyengaryogamaine.com

July 29–31Teacher Training

SERENDIPITYBerkeley Springs, WV

Successful Sequencing for Beginners’ Classes

www.unitywoods.com

August 10–14Yoga NorthwestBellingham, WA

Five-day intensive for experienced students.

www.yoganorthwest.com

See www.unitywoods.com for details

Namaste (continued)

What the heck kind of question is that anyway?

Well, it didn’t actually spring out of nowhere. For one thing, I am a drummer. I played music pro-fessionally on and off for about fourteen years, nine of them before I began to practice yoga. I played in a rockabilly band, a cabaret theater trio, in the pit orchestra for a stage production of "The Boyfriend", a British Invasion band, a psychedelic progressive rock band, and more. A drummer’s primary job is to set the beat, to keep time. Sure, s/he adds color, accents, em-phasis, dynamics, tone, but first and foremost, the drummer lays down a steady rhythm. The rhythm is the foundation upon which the other musicians, or if there are no other musicians, the dancer(s), the artist(s), or the drummer him/herself builds and expands.

When I began practicing yoga, I was playing in a band, Grow Your Own, that played most of the clubs in DC, featured on billings that included The Nighthawks and Emmylou Harris; opened an all day concert at RFK Stadium with Black Oak Arkansas, Tracy Nelson, and Buddy Miles; and provided the music for a holiday gala at the Kennedy Center.* Often I got home just before sunrise, but I practiced faithfully each morning. Part of the reason I began teaching yoga is that one of the band members introduced me to a man who was looking for yoga teachers to teach for various county rec departments with whom he had contracts.

As yoga and music overlapped in my life, I came to see that yoga is, in so many ways, much like music. They both require discipline; to achieve anything, consistent practice over extensive time is essential. Both thrive on devotion and dedication to the art. And both can provide the practitioner with a vehicle to come in touch with a spiritual vastness that transcends the narrow world so many of us occupy so much of the time. The great Sufi master, Hazrat Inayat Khan, wrote a marvelous book, The Mysticism of Sound and Music, in which he says that “…music is called the divine art, [because] in music alone we see God free from all forms and thoughts. In every other art there is idolatry.”

Another similarity that music and yoga share is a reliance on rhythm. In music, whether it’s the driving beat of the Allman Brothers or the mesmerizing lilt of Beethoven’s "Moonlight So-nata", the rhythm is at the heart of the music. As Gloria Estefan said, “The rhythm’s gonna getcha.” It moves us. We feel it. It’s physical.

I don’t know how many yoga practitioners real-ize it, but rhythm is at the heart of yoga, too. I don’t mean in the sense of practicing yoga to music, although that, like the dance of the Sufis, can be one way.

I mean, rather, that when a practitioner does a yoga asana, coming into and out of the pose involves rhythm. The rhythm can be steady or shaky. Just as a drummer can lose the tempo, so the yogi can disrupt the rhythm of the pose. In each case, something happens, but the smoothly rhythmic performance has grace and delight.

I taught an arm balance class the other day (Arm balances are poses in which you bal-ance standing on your hands with your legs in various positions on or between your arms, e.g., Lolasana, Bhujapidasana, Bakasana, etc.), and I made the point that while arm balances clearly require flexibility, strength, and balance, the key to getting into them without falling on your face is really a question of rhythm. Placing your legs on your arms and lifting your body into the pose involves a rhythmic interplay between the weight in your hands, the grips of the legs, and the shifts of your body forward and backward over your arms. Just as each piece of music has its own rhythm, each asana has its own rhythm.

Another way in which yoga involves rhythm is with the breath. When you do an asana, the breath accompanies the action of moving into and out of the pose. The length of the breath, the intensity of the breath, the location of the breath: all guide the rhythm of entering and exiting the pose. And while you’re in the pose, since each asana has a unique shape, that physical shape helps shape the rhythm of your breath. It’s a two-way street.

- 3 -SUMMER 2016

John Schumacher is the founder and director of Unity Woods. He has prac-ticed yoga for over 40 years and has taught in the Washing-

ton area since 1973. John studied in India with B.K.S. Iyengar for 33 years and is a Certified Advanced Iyengar Yoga Teacher. He also spent many years studying with interna-tionally acclaimed teacher Dona Holleman.

John’s clear, precise style and his engaging sense of humor have made him one of the country’s leading yoga teachers. Yoga Journal cited him as one of "25 Americans who are shaping yoga today." He has written for a variety of publications and has appeared in numerous local and national media, including U.S. News and World Report, Yoga Journal, Washingtonian Maga-zine, the Washington Times, the Washington Post, PBS and others. John speaks about the practice and benefits of yoga on radio and television and at conferences and organizations around the country.

Over the years John has taught thousands of students and trained hundreds of teachers. He contin-ues to travel across the U.S. and throughout the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean, where he conducts workshops for students and teachers of all levels.

Namaste (continued)

Tuning in to the movements of the breath in your asana practice sets the stage for pranayama where rhythm obviously plays a role. Conscious breathing involves adjusting the rhythmic inter-play between inhalation and exhalation, some-times slower, sometimes faster, sometimes at rest. Just as in playing a piece of music, the spaces between the in breath and the out breath sculpt the rhythm of the piece and are a vital part of the sweetness and power of the performance.

It is no secret that our breath shapes our state of mind. B.K.S. Iyengar says that “According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, controlling the breath and its rhythm brings consciousness to stillness.” The functioning of our brains is greatly affected by the qualities of our breath. Just as breathing has its rhythms, so does the mind. We measure brain waves to observe and understand the vari-ous ways in which the mind works. These waves are vibrations that have their own rhythms, and in the same way that music can lift us up or bring us down, so the rhythm of the vibrations in our citta, our mindstuff, colors our experience of our world and ourselves.

Considering rhythm on a larger scale, I know very little about physics, but what little I have read seems to say that the entire universe is nothing more or less than particles or waves in constant motion. Where there is motion there is rhythm, and everything is in motion. From the pulsations of single cells to the journey of the planets around the sun to the dance of the galaxies across the universe, everything whirls in its own rhythm, jamming with the other players in a spectacular symphony of Being.

Is God a drummer? You bet.

And the beat goes on.

*To hear a free sample of Grow Your Own, go to SchumacherYoga.com and download

“Welcome the Night”.

Read John’s essays from earlier newsletters on our website:

www.unitywoods.com/tag/letter

And look for digital downloads of John's classes and discussions at

www.schumacheryoga.com

"Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul, create the symphony

of life. " B.K.S. Iyengar, Iyengar, His Life and Work

- 4 - UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER

Workshops, Short CoursesSee unitywoods.com for detailed descriptions.Regional

Yoga Events

Virginia Yoga Week

June 12–19

www.virginiayogaweek.org

~~~International Day of Yoga

June 21

http://idayofyoga.org/

Bethesda WorkshopsSaturday, June 25 • 1:00–3:00pmUnburden Your Shoulders With Amy Van Mui Feeling stressed, tight or even some pain in and around the shoulder girdle? In this workshop we will focus on the bio-mechanics of the shoulder joint. Feel how moving with correct bio-mechanics can transform your shoulder area and your practice.

No Prerequisite: Open to all $38

Saturday, July 30 • 1:00–3:00pmHip Hip Hooray! With Amy Van Mui Tight hamstrings? Tight back? Want to feel more ease in your body and experience more freedom of movement? Learn how to open your hips effectively for an improved sense of lightness and wellness.

No Prerequisite: Open to all $38

Wednesday, September 7 • 9:00–10:00amPranayama Brush-up for Experienced Students With Doerthe Braun Pranayama from reclined to seated.

Prerequisite: Compl of Pranayama II $22

Saturday, September 10 • 1:00–3:00pmBalance and Stability With Amy Van Mui It is never too early to work on fall prevention. Learn to improve your balance by strengthening and opening strategic areas. This workshop's focus is to learn an effective sequence and to then imple-ment it into your regular practice. Join us and have fun while doing something really important for your own well-being.

No Prerequisite: Open to all $38

Bethesda Short CoursesTuesdays, July 5–26 • 12:15–1:45pmBalance and Stability: Grow StrongWith Amy Van Mui It is never too early to work on fall prevention. Learn to improve your balance by strengthening and open-ing strategic areas. In this short course we will also focus on developing strength to enhance our bal-ance. Join us and have fun while doing something really important for your own well-being.

No Prerequisite: Open to all $72/course

Tuesdays, July 12–26 • 11:45am–1:15pmYoga Kurunta: Yoga at the RopesWith Doerthe Braun Yoga Kurunta means puppets on strings. Explore yoga with wall ropes in a playful way and at the same time deepen your understanding of correct actions in asanas.

Prerequisite: Level II and up $80/course

Wednesdays, July 13–27 • 9:00–10:00amPath of Breath: Further ExplorationWith Anne Wutchiett Regular pranayama practice brings health and steadiness. It cultivates awareness and is the great connector. Build upon your established practice or have some support getting back to it. Come experi-ence and explore.

Prerequisite: Compl of Pranayama II $60/crse

Thursdays, Aug 18–Sept 8 • 6:30–8:00pmMixed Levels Asana SeriesWith Doerthe Braun and Megan BowlesWith everyone’s variable schedules for summer, this series offers an extra short course option for all levels of students. Sign up for all four or drop in on single classes. Doerthe will teach the August classes; Megan will teach in September.

No Prerequisite: Open to All $76/course

- 5 -SUMMER 2016

Arlington Short CoursesWednesdays, July 6–August 3 • 5:00–6:00pm Wednesdays, Aug 17–Sept 7 • 5:00–6:00pmInversions: Preparation and Progression (continued)With Juliana Fair You have heard of Mad Max 2; Star Wars 2,3,4 etc.; this is similar. The theme is much the same as in the spring course—foundational work, progressing through to full inverted asanas with modifications. However there is so much content to be explored with the myriad aspects and variations that requests for more abounded. So two continuing courses be-came an obvious follow up. Best results will be with consistency but all classes can be done as drop-ins. (Course 1 from the spring is NOT a prerequisite for the summer courses. Join at any time.)

Prerequisite: Level I twice, w/inversion preps 7/6–8/3 (five weeks) $85/course 8/17–9/7 (four weeks) $68/course

Saturdays, July 16–Aug 6 • 12:30–1:30pmPranayama III: Rhythm of the BreathWith Lori L. Ritland This four-week course will help you continue to refine and build upon your Pranayama II practice. Refresh your practice, if you have been practicing on your own.

Prerequisite: Compl of Pranayama II $80/crse

Off-Site WorkshopFri–Sun, July 29–31 • Weekend RetreatTeacher Training: Successful Sequencing for Beginners’ ClassesWith John Schumacher In many studios, the least experienced teachers of-ten teach the least experienced students. While this makes sense on one level—it takes experience to teach more advanced practices, after all—teaching beginning classes actually requires tremendous skill. The students are usually not committed to practic-ing and studying yoga, so the teacher has not only to know what and how to teach, but must provide the enthusiasm and presence necessary to inspire new students to develop real interest in the subject.How you organize the classes is a key element in gaining the confidence and interest of the student and helping them to progress. The content and se-quencing must introduce the material to the students in a way that is accessible physically and mentally. Each step you take affects the next step the student takes and determines how successful they will be.In the morning classes, we will explore ways to se-quence the basic asanas and the essential actions of the poses. General sequencing concepts will also be examined. As always, we will practice teach in the afternoon classes to refine your skills as a teacher. Optional early morning open practice is open to all.

Prerequisite: Two years of continuous practice plus some teaching experience $385

Held at Serendipity, Berkeley Springs WV

Special Guest Workshop:

Graham Schweig

Tuesday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 14

In Bethesda

A sought-after scholar, author and teacher of yoga philosphy and medita-tion, Graham Schweig, PhD returns to Unity Woods to share insight from his deep study of sacred yoga texts and the philosophical foundations of yoga.

Workshop Schedule:Tuesday, September 1310:00am-12:00pmPhilosophical Foundations of Yoga: Essential Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita

Develop an appreciation of the layered realms of reality and its corresponding inner dimensions of the self.

Wednesday, September 146:00-8:00pmYoga of the Heart: Secret Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita

Learn how realms of reality embrace souls, and how yoga is the return em-brace of a loving universe.

Each class Includes chanting, study and guided meditation. Beginning and sea-soned practitioners welcome.

$45/each class

and Special EventsNo refunds or credits/credits/changes from 14 days prior.

- 6 - UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER

Community Classes

Every Friday, 6:00–7:00pm

In Bethesda

June 10 SuzanneJune 17 DoertheJune 24 MeganJuly 1 NO CLASSJuly 8 MaggieJuly 15 Linda McRJuly 22 MaggieJuly 29 MaggieAugust 5 SuzanneAugust 12 RockyAugust 19 RockyAugust 26 RockySeptember 2 DoertheSeptember 9 Doerthe

$8 drop-in fee, cash only

Class Schedule

Thursdays

9:00–10:15am Seniors Suzanne9:00–10:15am Level I/II Doerthe10:30am–12:00pm Level II Doerthe12:15–1:15pm Level I/II Suzanne5:45–6:45pm Pranayama IV John6:30–8:00pm All Levels Doerthe/Megan (Short Course: August 18–September 8)7:00–9:00pm Level II/III 3 John

Fridays

10:00–11:30am Level II Laurel6:00–7:00pm Community Class varies (NO CLASS on July 1)

Saturdays

7:30–9:00am Level II Steve7:30–9:00am Level III Mary9:15–10:45am Level II/III 3 Steve9:30–11:00am Level II Linda SG11:00am–12:30pm Level I/II Steve

Sundays

8:00–9:15am Level I/II Steve9:00–10:30am Level II/III 3 Anne9:30–11:00am Level II Steve10:45am–12:15pm Level II Anne11:15am–12:30pm Level I Steve

Mondays

10:00–11:45am Level II/III 3 Jill/Rocky10:15–11:45am Level I/II Suzanne12:00–1:30pm Level II Anne12:15–1:15pm Level I Suzanne5:45–7:15pm Level I/II Anne6:15–7:45pm Level II/III 3 Doerthe7:30–9:00pm Level II Anne

Tuesdays

10:00–11:30am Level I Doerthe11:45am–1:15pm Yoga on Ropes Doerthe (Short Course: July 12–26)12:15–1:45pm Balance/Stability Amy (Short Course: July 5–26)4:15–5:45pm Level I/II Rocky5:00–6:30pm Level II John6:00–7:30pm Level II Linda SG6:45–8:45pm Level III 4 John

Wednesdays

9:00–10:00am Path of Breath: Cont. Anne (Short Course: July 13–27)10:15–11:45am Level II/III 3 Anne12:00–1:30pm Gentle Suzanne12:00–1:15pm Level I/II Anne5:00–6:15pm Back Care Rocky6:00–7:30pm Level I John6:45–8:15pm Level II Linda McR7:45–9:15pm Level I/II John

Bethesda, MD 4853 Cordell Ave, Penthouse 7

Prerequisites:1 completion of one year of asana 2 Level I/II and up 3 5 minute freestanding Sirsasana 4 10 minute freestanding Sirsasana

- 7 -SUMMER 2016

Arlington, VA4001 N 9th St, Suite 105

Mondays

5:45–7:15pm Level II Lori7:30–9:00pm Level I Lori

Tuesdays

12:15–1:15pm Level I Carol6:00–7:00pm Level I/II Giulia7:15–8:45pm Level II Giulia

Wednesdays

5:00–6:00pm Inversions Courses Juliana (July 6–August 3 and August 17–September 7)6:15–7:15pm Yoga for 50+ Fritz7:30–9:00pm Level II Fritz

Thursdays

6:00–7:30pm Level I/II Joe7:45–9:15pm Level II/III 3 Joe

Fridays

10:30–11:45am Level I Lori12:00–1:15pm Level I/II Lori

Saturdays

9:00–10:30am Level II/III 3 Lori10:45am–12:15pm Level II Lori12:30–1:30pm Pranayama III course Lori (Short Course: July 16–August 6)

Sundays

9:00–10:30am Level II Maggie10:45am–12:15pm Level I Maggie

Class ScheduleWashington, DCat Dupont Circle Yoga: 2032 P Street, NW

Saturdays

8:30–10:00am Level II/III 3 Joe12:00–1:30pm Level II Joe1:45–2:45pm Level I/II Joe

IMPORTANT DATES

Registration is now open:www.unitywoods.com

Summer Session:Tuesday, July 5–Monday, Sept 12

Please Note: Classes WILL meet on Monday, September 5 (Labor Day)

Fall Session Begins: Thursday, September 15 Fall registration opens August 15

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TAKING CLASS

AttireThere are changing rooms at each studio. Wear clothing you can move in (no baggy clothes—they obscure alignment). Bare feet are essential. No perfume, please.

Propsare provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own mat.

Food Come with an empty stomach.

Special Physical NeedsLet your teacher know about any injuries, physical problems or medical conditions.

Please be on timeTeachers begin each class with preparatory practices. You may be turned away if you arrive after the start of class.

Do not come to classif you have any contagious condition. You share the floor, props, and air with many other students!

Children Minimum age for class participation is 16 (except for Family Yoga Workshops). Unity Woods cannot provide childcare for younger children.

Class Cancelationsfor weather or other emergencies are posted on our website and our voicemail 90 minutes before class time: www.unitywoods.com or 301-656-8992.

- 8 - UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER

Joe Adlesic, Certified Inter-mediate Junior I Iyengar Yoga Teacher, mentored by John Schumacher since 1982, has taught at Unity Woods since 1990. Joe studied in India with

the Iyengars several times and has trained exten-sively with Senior Iyengar teachers, particularly Patricia Walden.

Winnie Au, Certified Inter-mediate Junior I Iyengar Yoga Teacher, first traveled to Pune in 2003 and continues to study regularly with the Iyengars, with John Schumacher (her first

teacher) and with Manouso Manos. Winnie is committed to serving students by teaching the Iyengar method.

Megan Bowles, Certified Iyen-gar Yoga Teacher, trained with senior teachers John Schum-acher and Patricia Walden. Her style is warm, humor-ous, and precise. She enjoys

helping new and experienced practitioners access the benefits of yoga. She also teaches Bone Builders, for those with osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Doerthe Braun, Certified Inter-mediate Junior II Iyengar Yoga Teacher, began practicing in 1999, apprenticed with John Schumacher and has studied with the Iyengars in India. With

a degree in acting and movement, she enjoys sharing yoga’s gifts with all ages, inspired by her own four children.

Jill Pollet Cahn, Certified Iyen-gar Yoga Teacher, has studied at Unity Woods since 1980 and taught since 1987. Jill has a B.S. from U.C. Berkeley and an M.A. in Special Education.

She teaches special workshops on Yoga and the Energy Field.

The Teachers at Unity WoodsCarol Cavanaugh has taught Iyengar yoga since 1977. She made five trips to study with B.K.S. and Geeta Iyengar be-tween 1980 and 1995. She directed the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco

from 1977–1988. She has practiced Vipassana meditation since 1999.

Rocky Delaplaine is inter-ested in exploring how the practice of yoga promotes peace, fosters creativity and cultivates reverence for the natural world. She is a Certi-

fied Iyengar Yoga Teacher, and certified by Elise Browning Miller to teach Yoga for Scoliosis. She has taught at Unity Woods since 1991 and is on the yoga faculty of the Casey Health Institute. rockydelaplaine.com

Juliana Fair, Certified Inter-mediate Senior I Iyengar Yoga Teacher, began her yoga journey in 1974 in her native Australia, and has taught Iyengar yoga

since 1981. She travels to Pune to study with the Iyengar family bi-annually. Her straightfor-ward, humorous teaching encourages students to understand their own bodies.

Laurel Goeke is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and continues to study regularly with John Schumacher, her primary teacher. In addition to her classes at Unity Woods,

she enjoys teaching teens throughout Bethesda.

Giulia Mainieri began studying yoga with BKS Iyengar directly. She has studied with senior Iyengar teacher Kofi Busia for over 30 years and completed his teacher training program.

She is an experienced teacher who finds each class different and fun.

STAFFUnity Woods Office

(301) 656-8992 uwyc@unitywoods.com

John SchumacherFounder/Director

ext. 102

Esther GeigerAdministrator

Outreach Coordinatorext. 101

Suzanne Y. SigüenzaAssistant Administrator

Website ManagerBoutique Manager

ext. 300

Debra MonacoFinancial Administrator

ext. 104

Annick MildeRegistrarext. 105

Steve MitchellArlington Studio Coordinator

ext. 201

Lori L. RitlandSpecial Projects

ext. 500

Cathleen ScottTracy KoretskyAnjali Sarkar

Brandi EricksonReceptionists

ext. 500

- 9 -SUMMER 2016

Linda McReynolds, Certified Iy-engar Yoga Teacher, began prac-ticing at Unity Woods in 2003 and apprenticed with John Schumacher. She believes that dedicated yoga practice pro-

vides energy and equipoise to enjoy a full life.

Steve Mitchell, a Certified Iy-engar Yoga Teacher, has been with Unity Woods for over 20 years, and has studied with many senior teachers. He has maintained a devoted, steady

Yoga practice for 23 years, teaching since 1995.

Mary Pappas-Sandonas, B.S. Psychology/Neurobiology, M.S. Exercise Physiology, Certified Intermediate Junior I Iyengar Teacher and Mom, applies joy, intuition and compassionate

precision to help students explore living from the true nature of the heart.

Fritz Partlow, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, began teaching in 2007. She is enthusiastic about helping students create balance in the body which Iyengar said “is the foundation for balance in

life.” When not “on the mat” Fritz runs her own graphic design business.

Maggie Rhoades, a certified Yoga teacher, has studied with the Iyengars, and has taught classes for cardiac and cancer patients in area hospitals. She is a certified Pilates instructor and

has developed yoga and Pilates DVDs.

Lori L. Ritland, Certified Inter-mediate Junior III Iyengar Yoga Teacher, has studied with John Schumacher since 1998 and with the Iyengars in the U.S and India. She dedicates her teach-

ing of asana and pranayama to those seeking greater balance in their busy lives.

Alyson Ross, PhD, RN, Certi-fied Iyengar Yoga Teacher, has taught since 1996. A researcher at the NIH Clinical Center, she has published extensively on the health benefits of yoga.

Linda San Gabriel has practiced since 1989 and taught since 1996. She apprenticed with John Schumacher, studied with the Iyengars, and travels to study with Iyengar teachers world-

wide. She holds an M.Ed. in Applied Linguistics.

Suzanne Y. Sigüenza offers the practice of yoga as a steady foundation to develop compas-sion, benevolence, awareness, and the fortitude to “run with perseverance the race set out

before us” (Heb. 12:1). She is an artist.

Ann Thomas, Certified Iy-engar Yoga Teacher, appren-ticed with John Schumacher and began teaching at Unity Woods in 1996. An M.A. in health education with a grad-

uate certificate in theology, she teaches yoga at a holistic medical practice in Leesburg, VA

Amy Van Mui has taught since 2000 and studied with John Schumacher since 2007. Her teaching style fo-cuses on functional movement, guiding students to more ease, fuller awareness and a vibrant sense of wellbeing. Amy is cer-tified in both Iyengar Yoga and

Pilates. See WellWithin.com.

Anne Wutchiett, a Certified Iy-engar Yoga Teacher, has taught for over 25 years and has stud-ied in India with the Iyengars. Her teaching is precise, caring, and inspired, acknowledging

the vitality, strength and harmony yoga brings.

STUDIO NEWS

John was the guest teacher at the B.K.S. Iyengar Association of the Netherlands Second Annual Con-vention in May, held in Ede, a small town about an hour outside of Am-sterdam.

John's recollections and a tribute are featured on the back cover of Dona Holleman's newest book, Dancing the Flame of Life: The Vital Principles of Yoga, just published this February. Dona was a prime influence during John's early years of deepening his practice of Iyen-gar Yoga.

Rocky will return to Washington Island July 25–29 to teach a se-ries of master classes culminating in a workshop on Saturday, July 30. See rockydelaplaine.com or hotelwashingtonandstudio.com/the-studio/ for more information.

- 10 - UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER

ASANA (POSTURE)Gentle classes are for students who are less flexible, not so strong, have a particular limita-tion, or would prefer a more slowly paced, less rigorous class.

Level I classes introduce beginning students and students new to Unity Woods' approach to the fundamentals of posture and breath.

Level I/II classes are for students who have completed Level I and prefer a gradual transi-tion to Level II. This level is also ideal for those with previous yoga experience who are new to Unity Woods or Iyengar Yoga.

Mixed Levels is for students in Level I/II and up. Modifications will be made according to level and/or need.

Level II classes are for students who have com-pleted the introductory (Level I) course. The basic poses are refined with an emphasis on all the standing poses. Inverted poses (headstand, plow and shoulder stand) are introduced.

Level II/III classes are for students firmly es-tablished in their practice and ready to move beyond the basics. Must be able to do a five minute freestanding Sirsasana.

Level III classes are for students with previous Iyengar training who are strong in all the basic poses, can do a ten minute freestanding Sirsa-sana, and can do Sarvangasana and Halasana with confidence.

Advanced Asana classes are offered periodically and are limited to students who meet the listed prerequisites for each topic.

Course DescriptionsSPECIAL CLASSES Yoga for 50+ classes (Arlington) are appropriate for students new to yoga and those with some physical limitations. The practice is designed to improve balance, build strength and stamina, and improve flexibility.

Seniors’ Yoga (Bethesda), a gently paced class designed specifically for seniors, approaches asanas in ways that enhance strength, supple-ness and balance.

Back Care (Bethesda), for those with back inju-ries/conditions, focuses on strengthening weak muscles, stretching tight muscles and creating traction in the spine. We correct postural imbal-ances and use breath awareness to reduce stress and pain. Physician approval recommended.

PRANAYAMA (BREATHING)Level I affords those interested in working with the breath an opportunity to move beyond the elementary levels incorporated into regular asana classes. Prerequisite: one year of study and practice of asana in the Iyengar method.

Level II, III and IV classes are for students who have completed the preceding levels.

Level V classes are strictly for students who have completed Level IV or have received extensive Iyengar training in pranayama elsewhere.

Level VI classes are for students who have exten-sive Iyengar training and have been practicing digital pranayama for two years or more.

Beyondananda Boutique Information

At our Bethesda studio, we offer a convenient source for supplies to enhance your yoga practice. We sell yoga DVDs, CDs, books and props, along with John’s au-dio CDs, plus our unique Unity Woods and Dog Pose t-shirts, and beautiful batik clothing designs created exclusively for us.

Gift certificates are available for Beyondananda Boutique items or for classes. Call to inquire or e-mail uwyc@unitywoods.com.

Bethesda Boutique Hours Mon–Thurs: 10:00am–9:00pm Friday: 10:00am–6:00pm Sat–Sun: 8:30am–1:00pm

For Boutique information call us at (301) 656-8992 or visit www.unitywoods.com.

D i s c o u n t e D D r o p - i n s

For those enrolled for the full session:

extra classes for $12 each (except two-hour classes:

drop-ins $15).

Registration form on reverse -- or register online at www.unitywoods.com.

Fees and Policies

SESSION TUITION DROP-IN FEE If fully enrolled If not ASANA (POSTURE) CLASSES 10-week session in another class enrolled

1 1/4 – 1 3/4 HR CLASS $190 $12 $22

1 HOUR CLASS $170 $12 $20

2 HOUR CLASS $240 $15 $25

COMMUNITY CLASSES N/A $8 $8

SHORT COURSES (see pages 4–5) prices vary N/A $20–22

Full-session tuition includes a $40 non-refundable, non-transferable registration fee per class.

SENIOR DISCOUNT: 10% for age 65 and over, on full-session enrollments only (no discount on drop-ins or Short Courses).

STUDENT DISCOUNT: 10% with current student ID, on full–session enrollments only (no discount on drop-ins or Short Courses).

MILITARY DISCOUNT: 10% for personnel/families with valid ID, on full–session enrollments only (no discount on drop-ins or Short Courses).

MAKE-UP POLICY: Make up missed classes any time during the current session, at any of our locations, in a class of the same level or lower than your own.

DROP-IN POLICY: Drop-ins permitted any time during the session, at the discretion of the teacher.

REFUND POLICY: For full session classes: If we receive notice of your withdrawal before July 5 you will receive a full refund. If we receive notice between July 6 and July 25 we’ll refund tuition minus the $40 registration fee. No refunds after July 25.

For workshops: no refunds or credits from 14 days prior to the event.

SHORT COURSE POLICIES: Students are encouraged to enroll for the series, but drop-ins are accepted. No make-ups. No discounts. No refunds. Short Courses may not be used as make-ups for regular classes.

SCHOLARSHIPS/WORK EXCHANGE: We have a limited scholarship fund and an active work-exchange program. Please call for information.

CLASS CANCELLATIONS for weather or other emergency circumstances are posted on the voice mail (301) 656-8992 and at unitywoods.com.

o n l i n e r e g i s t r a t i o n • www.unitywoods.com

SUMMER SESSION DATES:

July 5–September 12 (Ten weeks)

PRANAYAMA (BREATHING) CLASSES $190 $12 $20

www.unitywoods.com • (301) 656-8992

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Please check here to agree to liability waiver below.

I understand that yoga includes physical movements as well as an opportunity for relaxation, stress re-education and relief of muscular tension. As is the case with any physical activity, the risk of injury, even serious or disabling, is always present and cannot be entirely eliminated. If I experience any pain or discomfort, I will listen to my body, adjust the posture and ask for support from the teacher. I will continue to breathe smoothly. Yoga is not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Certain yoga practices are not recommended and are not safe under certain medical conditions. I affirm that I alone am responsible for deciding whether to practice yoga. I hereby agree to irrevocably release and waive any claims that I have now or hereafter may have against Unity Woods Yoga Center.

Registration Form for Classes(Or register online at www.unitywoods.com.)

Check box if this is new or corrected contact information.

NAME

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Please register me for the following Classes:Location Teacher Level Day Time

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(check one if applicable) Minus 10% Senior or Student or Military Discount __________________

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BILLING ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE

OFFICE USE ONLY

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NOTES:

RECEPTIONIST INITIALS:

Make checks payable to:Unity Woods Yoga Center, LLC4853 Cordell AvenueSuite PH9Bethesda, MD 20814-3036