La Sala is offering four, weekly in-person classes this month.

(We keep reading the governor’s press releases and we will offer these group classes for as long as we’re able.) 

In-person classes
If you’re ready right now for a group yoga or zumba class, here’s your schedule! We’re offering several public in-person classes. (Note: no classes November 26, Thanksgiving.)

Our Adjustments for COVID:

• Reserve your space in class at least 2 hours ahead (text or call teacher)
• Arrive 15 mins early, allows for temperature taking (touchless thermometer)
• Masks are required at all times
• Bring your own props if you have them
• Max class size, 6 people

To reserve a yoga class: call / text Gaea, 575-649-0831

• Wednesday PM – YOGA Flow & Deep Stretch
  Arrive 5:15, class 5:30-6:30 pm
• Thursday AM – YOGA Gentle Basic
  Arrive 9:45, class 10:00-11:00 am

To reserve a zumba class: call / text Valerie, 575-779-5416

• Thursday pm – ZUMBA
  Arrive 5:15, class 5:30-6:30 pm
• Saturday am – ZUMBA  
  Arrive 8:00, class 8:15-9:15 am

Qigong
In addition to public classes, there’s a private Qigong practice, which may have space for another member. Please contact Sophia Sacks, email: sphsacks@gmail.com or text: 575-776-4370.

Kids Ballet
Miss Tuesday made several videos for Kids Ballet members – please enjoy these until Kids Ballet can return in-person.

T-Shirts
We have these great shirts! If you would like one soon the easiest thing to do is email yogasalaquesta@gmail.com. They are unisex tees and each one has a story. Read about the artwork and see close up photos here. 

More to come
We’re happy to welcome you back inside La Sala. If staying home is best for you, stay tuned for some events and classes that will reach you through the umbilical of the Internet. 

Take care of your health and keep your heart warm and light!

La Sala ~ supporting a culture of health in northern New Mexico.

Kids Ballet continues on Fridays!

Introductory ballet classes for kids 9 and under – presented by Sala Reach – continue! Classes are taught by Miss Tuesday, every Friday afternoon, 4:30 – 5:15. Price per class is suggested* ($5 – $10). Miss Tuesday is glad to have young kids try a session and join if it seems right (ages 3 and 4). Call 575-224-2102 with any questions. Donations for this program are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible here, through this non-profit program.

Yoga and Zumba!

The more we move the better. This month enjoy yoga and zumba, plus a special tai chi workshop. Details and class descriptions at YogaSalaQuesta.org. We’re hosting Valerie and her Z Fitness zumba classes and, because winter has been long, everyone is ready to dance!

Tai Chi for Health

Workshop with Richard Leirer
Sunday March 15, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, $30

Come learn the basics of Tai Chi and Qigong movements for health and longevity. Open each joint of the body circulate blood and qi energy though these ancient practices.

Richard Leirer is one of the most experienced and accomplished Qigong teachers in the US. He has been a serious student and practitioner of the internal arts for over 46 years. He is considered by many to be one of the few American Qigong Masters.

Richard began his training in 1972 with the American Kung Fu and Karate Federation with Kun Tao Master Guy Savelli. He later was accepted as a student with Master Huang, Tzeng-yu, Lee Henn, Master Hao Tian-Yao, Grand Master Hu Wei-yu, and was trained in the lineage of Grand Master Zhong, Hong Bao . He has been officially recognized as a Master by the Chinese Qigong Society of Cleveland for his excellence in Neigong (Taoist inner alchemy meditation techniques). He has studied in China, and was certified as an instructor of Wu Ji Qigong by the late Master Zhu Wei from Tien Tai Mountain.

More about Richard Leirer here: RichardLeirer.org
To register: YogaSalaQuesta@gmail.org or 575-224-2102

FREE classes in March:

Monday, March 9 – Community Yoga Class
5:30 – 6:30 pm, Gentle practice with Carrie

Saturday, March 14 – Service Veterans Yoga
10:00 – 11:15 am, with Carrie

Saturday, March 28 – Community Zumba
5:00 – 6:00 pm, with Valerie

Kids Ballet, Four Fridays in February

Presented by Sala Reach ~ we’re hosting introductory ballet classes for 5-8 year olds! Classes will be taught by Miss Tuesday for four Fridays in February, 4:30 – 5:15 pm at La Sala. Price per class is suggested* ($5 – $10). Miss Tuesday is glad to have even younger kids try a session and join if it seems right (ages 3 and 4). Call 575-224-2102 with any questions.

*Siblings welcome. No one turned away for lack of funds. As part of Sala Reach, a program of the nonprofit, Localogy, these classes are supplemented by grants and donations.

Weekly Yoga Classes in February

We’re adding a Saturday morning class! Beginning this Saturday, Feb 1st, enjoy morning yoga from 8:30-9:30. The yoga schedule is below and attached. These classes are free to junior and senior high school students.

Free classes this month

Saturday Feb 8
Service Veterans Yoga, free
10:00-11:15 am, with Carrie

Sunday Feb 9
Community Yoga Class, free
5:30 – 6:30 pm, Gentle practice

Workshops

Sunday, February 9
Qigong for Vibrant Health, $30
1:00 – 3:00 pm, Workshop with Annya Ishtara

In this class, you will discover how Qigong builds health in the body and mind, and you will learn some simple practices that will help you feel great. This class is suitable for anyone; if you have any questions, contact Annya, annyaish@annya-ishtara-dance.com.

Sunday, February 23
Vedic Chant: Mantra for Holistic Health, $30
2:00 – 4:00 pm, Workshop with Monique Parker

Learn to chant Ayurnantrah, part of the Taittirya-aranyaka, a simple and beautiful Sanskruit mantra that invokes the blessing of the Divine for longevity, health and stability. With this mantra we ask for a long life, health for the body and clarity of mind, both for ourselves and for others, mentioning the different parts of the physical and energetic body. Suitable for anyone, this healing mantra offers nourishment to all who chant and listen. Pre-registration: monique@taosyogatherapy.com

All our regular yoga classes are free for junior and senior high school students (ages 13-17) with parent or guardian permission. If you are a college or trade school student, speak to your yoga teacher about student discounts. Info about class prices here.

Work trade for yoga
We do appreciate help with tasks that keep the yoga space clean and beautiful. If you are looking for a work trade opportunity in exchange for yoga, please text 575-224-2102 or email yogasalaquesta@gmail.com.

Qigong for Vibrant Health: Workshop with Annya Ishtara 
Sunday, February 9, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
$30 for 2-hour workshops

Qigong is a body of ancient energy practices from China which build life force energy in the body. Qigong is scientifically proven to normalize blood pressure, increase bone density, reduce stress and anxiety, heal chronic fatigue and adrenal exhaustion, and so much more!

In this class, you will discover how Qigong builds health in the body and mind, and you will learn some simple practices that will help you feel great. This class is suitable for anyone; if you have any questions, contact Annya, annyaish@annya-ishtara-dance.com.

Annya Ishtara has studied Qigong since 1998, both in the US and in China. Qigong and energy practices were one of the primary tools that she used to recover from many years of severely debilitating illness. She has a Qigong Instructor certification and Tai Chi Instructor certification from Qigong Academy. More info at www.annya-ishtara-dance.com.

Mantra for Holistic Health: Vedic Chant Workshop with Monique Parker, Sunday, Feb 23, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
$30 for 2-hour workshop

Vedic chanting is the oldest unbroken oral tradition in existence and has been declared an Intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO. Hailing from ancient India, chanting and incorporating sacred Sanskrit mantras can transform our practice into a sacred experience.

Learn to chant Ayurnantrah, part of the Taittirya-aranyaka, a simple and beautiful Sanskruit mantra that invokes the blessing of the Divine for longevity, health and stability. With this mantra we ask for a long life, health for the body and clarity of mind, both for ourselves and for others, mentioning the different parts of the physical and energetic body. Suitable for anyone, this healing mantra offers nourishment to all who chant and listen. $30 for 2-hour workshop.

Pre-registration: monique@taosyogatherapy.com
Monique Parker is a certified Vedic chant instructor, yoga teacher and yoga therapist in the tradition of Sri T. Krishnamacharya. She has been a practitioner of yoga for 25 years and owns Taos Yoga Therapy. www. taosyogatherapy.com, www.theyogaofmantra.com.

A BIG THANK YOU

Michael Graney has headed to Juneau, Alaska to be a case manager for a mental health/recovery program. We are grateful for the time he spent with us and the and teaching he offered. In the three months he was at the Sala we enjoyed his many yoga and tai chi classes and workshops. He’s headed out to do more good work in another community. Blessings Mike!

We want to keep you moving this winter, in gentle and mindful ways. Here are some opportunities to join in practices that help keep the cold from settling in your bones.

Yoga Sala’s offerings

Look forward to four weekly Yoga classes, a free monthly class for Service Veterans (always the second Saturday of the month), a free community Yoga class, a short Tai Chi course, a special vinyasa series, and gongs!

Veterans Yoga meets Saturday, Dec 14, from 10:00-11:15 am. This class focuses on methods for dealing with stress. Practicing mindfulness, movement, and meditation has been shown to reduce the effects of stress and build a person’s resilience. This class is open to Military Veterans, Gold Star Families, First Responders, Peace Corps Veterans, and Civil Servants.

Tai Chi

We introduced Michael Graney in October through a series of Yoga and Tai Chi classes, since he teaches both. Then, in November, he offered two more Saturday classes for folks to meet him, presenting Foundations of Yoga and a Tai Chi Workshop. Now he will present a short three-week course; participants will learn the movement sequences of the 10- form or “first form” of the Yang- style of Tai Chi.

Monday and Wednesday mornings, 8:00 – 9:00 am, cost: $50
Week 1: Dec 2 and 4
Week 2: Dec 9 and 11
Week 3: Dec 16 and 1 

Mike began his practice of yoga as an augmentation to outdoor sports in the early 80s. He gradually become a dedicated student of both Yoga and Tai Chi. He has instructed various forms of both disciplines since 2007 and has worked as a substance-abuse counselor and professional guide for most of his adult life. He has relocated to Sunshine Valley from New Zealand where he lived for some years.

December 31st ~ Yoga Vibrations

We’re hosting Yoga Vibrations, a special event to close December and 2019. On December 31, Mike Graney and Lane Kingsberry offer a unique year-ending 2-hour practice of asana, pranayama and sound-immersion.

Lane and Michael met in 2001 on the opposite sides of an addiction recovery program. Since then they have forged a friendship that has inspired a wonderful journey into the healing and joy of vibratory awareness that sound and yoga generate in our lives.

Mike and Lane have earned E-RYT 200 status. Their combination of philosophy, asana, pranayama and sound will leave you with a feeling of freshness so you may head into 2020 with renewed energy and joy.

Lane hails from Lubbock Texas and we hope he will keep coming to New Mexico regularly. Cost is $45 per individual of $80 for a pair. Reserve your spot early by contacting Mike, daemongraney@yahoo.com.

Joy

However you move through December and into 2020, let it be with joy. Here’s a poem from Mary Oliver to help.

Don’t Hesitate
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate.
Give in to it.
There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be.
We are not wise, and not very often kind.
And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left.
Perhaps this is its way of fighting back,
that sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world.
It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins.
Anyway, that’s often the case.
Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty.
Joy is not made to be a crumb.

Happy December!

Connect with us on Facebook Yoga Sala Questa and on Instagram, YogaSalaQ.

Although La Sala has hosted events and activities during renovations, the largest activity has been the work of remaking the interior to suit the planned uses for the space. Now, with our studio space ready – floor laid, walls up, ceiling installed (and all the insulation under and behind those parts) – and a bathroom functioning, we’re ready to open the doors to much more activity.

We’re hosting Taos Soundscapes with their concert, Autumnal Bliss; an offering of chamber music selected for the season, performed by Jacquelyn Helin, Piano; Emily Aquin, Violin and Rebecca Carón, Cello.

Concert ~ October 12 at 3:00 pm
Program
Igor Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne for Violin and Piano
PianoPiazzolla’s Otoño Porteño (Autumn), for Piano Trio
Brahms’ Piano Trio in C Major, Op. 87

Tickets are $20.00, and proceeds go to Taos Soundscapes,a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing inspiring musical performances to the communities of Northern New Mexico. You may purchase online www.taossoundscapes.com, or call 505-363-0265, or purchase at the door.

Thank you, OCHO

Yoga Sala classes will move to La Sala after almost three years growing at OCHO, a wonderful period of incubation. If you’re local, you know this is a short move down the road. Yoga Sala originated out of OCHO and its existence is thanks to the gracious owners who made this beautiful space available. Thanks in particular to Barrie Andrews for her generosity and support.

Yoga Sala is adding classes and teachers

After taking a 3-year hiatus from instructing weekly yoga classes in Questa and Taos, Carrie Leven is back with a class for Service Veterans. She is introducing a free monthly class beginning this Saturday, Oct 12, from 9:30 – 10:45 am. Practicing mindfulness, movement, and meditation has been shown to reduce the effects of stress and build resiliency, and this class will focus on methods for dealing with stress. Thisfree classis open to military veterans, gold star families, First Responders, Peace Corps veterans, and civil servants. Contact Carrie, carrieleven@gmail.com or 575-586-1480, to determine if this class is a fit for you and yours.

We’re glad to introduce Michael Graney. Having begun his practice of yoga as an augmentation to outdoor sports in the early ’80’s Mike has gradually become a dedicated student of both Yoga and Tai Chi. He has instructed various forms of both disciplines since 2007 and has worked as a substance-abuse counselor and professional guide for most of his adult life. He’s relocated to Sunshine Valley from New Zealand where he lived for some years. Mike will be offering both yoga and introductory Tai Chi / Qi Gong classes and welcomes the chance to meet everyone this month.

Four classes with Mike:

October 13, Sunday evening, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Free – Community Class, Restorative Yoga, Mike

October 14, Monday evening, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Free – Tai Chi/Qi Gong for nervous system health, Mike

October 23, Wednesday morning, 8:00 – 9:00 am
By donation – Introduction to Tai Chi 10 Form, Mike

October 28, Monday morning, 8:00 – 9:00 am
By donation – Yoga Vinyasa/Flow class, Mike

Weekly classes
We will hold our weekly classes in addition to our special classes with Carrie Leven and Mike Graney. These continue with Lou, Willow and Gaea and the only change is that Lou’s Restore and Meditate class will shift to Wednesday evening and be offered as a 1-hour class from 5:30-6:30.

These last four weeks have been full and exciting as we ran our Kickstarter funding campaign and you all contributed. What an exciting success! We’re swiftly moving forward.

Drywall is going up presently and will be professionally finished. Then the ceiling wood (already white-washed) will be hung, along with lighting. Then we’ll paint. It’s even exciting to select the right color (a warm white).

The final piece for the yoga room is professional sanding and sealing of the hardwood floor. This job is scheduled for early September. We really hope this means yoga will happen in the Sala by mid-September. Stay tuned!

Thank you for your help and positive thoughts,

Gaea . . and a bunch of hard-working folks

We are raising funds to complete renovation of our yoga and multi-use studio space. Please check out our Kickstarter Campaign, contribute, and share.