~~~~Upcoming workshops~~~~
The 2nd Annual New River Yoga Retreat
August 25th-27th 2023
We will host some of the most wonderful teachers that will be sharing their passions and years of knowledge during the New River Yoga Retreat: an amazingly diverse range of yoga, meditation, dance, philosophy and more. Some are local, some have travelled from afar to be a part of this celebration of community, sharing and connecting with the great outdoors, each other and you. More details to come. WoooHoo, do more yoga. Tickets go on Sale on April 24th, 2023.
2023 Retreat teachers
Randy Boyd RYT500+
We are happy to announce our first instructor, Randy Boyd, Certified Yoga Therapist (IAYT), E-RYT 500, who teaches yoga with a heart centered theme, align based asana, and a life affirming philosophy that will transform your practice on the yoga mat and off of the mat in your daily life. Randy has been training yoga teachers, teaching workshops, and anatomy immersions since 2014 in WV, VA, Ohio, PA, and MA since 2014. Join Randy celebrating nature amid the majestic beauty of the New River Gorge.
Tap into the Transformational Power of Awe and Wonder 2 HOURS Everything in nature has a certain quality of wonder and awe. Yogis call this Abhutu. Medical science has shown that finding the awe and wonder in everyday life is the key to health and happiness. Teachings, asana, therapeutics, & Savasana designed to help you experience the transformational quality of Awe.
Flow like the River and tap into the Natural Rhythms of Nature. 2 hours The water element in yoga is associated with freedom and flow. The flowing quality of water is an example of the natural rhythms found in nature. The tides, and the seasons are other examples of these rhythms found in nature. These rhythms of life are found in your body in the form of your breath, your pulse, your heartbeat and movement. Learn to free up life’s natural rhythms so that you experience more freedom and joy in your life. Standing poses with juicy hip openers, life affirming yoga philosophy, and Savasana.
Lets get the party started.
Tap into the Transformational Power of Awe and Wonder 2 HOURS Everything in nature has a certain quality of wonder and awe. Yogis call this Abhutu. Medical science has shown that finding the awe and wonder in everyday life is the key to health and happiness. Teachings, asana, therapeutics, & Savasana designed to help you experience the transformational quality of Awe.
Flow like the River and tap into the Natural Rhythms of Nature. 2 hours The water element in yoga is associated with freedom and flow. The flowing quality of water is an example of the natural rhythms found in nature. The tides, and the seasons are other examples of these rhythms found in nature. These rhythms of life are found in your body in the form of your breath, your pulse, your heartbeat and movement. Learn to free up life’s natural rhythms so that you experience more freedom and joy in your life. Standing poses with juicy hip openers, life affirming yoga philosophy, and Savasana.
Lets get the party started.
Lauri Brammer RYT 500
Lauri Brammer, 500 hour RYT, specializing in trauma-informed Hatha, Vinyasa, and Kundalini Yoga, as well as Ayurveda and Lunar Wisdom. Lauri is also certified in Qigong, Yoga Nidra, and Sound Healing practices. She aims to bring inclusive and accessible yoga and healing modalities to all bodies through movement and breath practices. She also teaches mindfulness, meditation, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). She enjoys practicing reiki and is an active lightworker, providing oracle readings and spirit guide messages to those seeking guidance. Lauri lives in Fairmont, WV and is the owner of Naga Yoga.
Lauri is going to teach several classes throughout the retreat.
Lauri is going to teach several classes throughout the retreat.
Erika Laurenson E-500RYT
Erika is an E-RYT 500 and Licensed Professional Counselor in a private practice in Morgantown, WV. She teaches alignment based, heart centered vinyasa which invites you to connect life affirming themes with movements of the body, within a precise alignment based postural system that allows students to strengthen and thrive on and off the mat. She credits and honor her primary teachers Sianna Sherman, Todd Norian, Desiree Rumbaugh, and Randy Boyd for inspiring her to a life of service and yoga. Erika values her work in yoga and psychotherapy for its ability to bring greater awareness, compassion, and resilience to the lives of both those who are experiencing difficulties and for those who would simply like to develop a deeper and more profound sense of self.
Donna Seed 500RYT
After years of practicing vinyasa yoga, Donna stumbled upon Anysara Yoga, which captured her heart. On her path to teaching, she studied with John Friend, Todd Norian/Anne Greene, Erich Schiffman, Josh Summers, and Sianna Sherman. Donna completed several 200 hour trainings with these teachers. As she has continued her thirst to deepen her studies, she is the student of Janet Stone, Paul Grilley, and Jo Phee, who she credits as her primary teachers at this point in her practice.
Donna was certified as an Anusara Instructor and just recently dotes about her 300 hour training experience with Janet Stone.
she also is certified in Yin Yoga and credits this practice not only opening her physically, but also with deepening her meditative experience and continual inward journey.
Donna is a social work administrator in Toledo Ohio and her passions are in Folk Herbalism and Tarot Card readings.
Donna’s offerings will be Yin Yoga and the Five Element Theory
The 5 Element Theory, utilized in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Yin Yoga, reflects a deep understanding of natural law, the Universal order underlying all things in our world. The human body is often described as a microcosm of the Universal Macrocosm with Chinese Medicine. By following this Universal rhythm, we learn to achieve optimal harmony and well-being. We are often see yoga as the path to develop strength, well-being, and clarity in our bodies, minds, and souls. This path seems quite straight forward as it pertains to the physical body. However, developing emotional strength, well-being and clarity can seen anything but simple. This workshop will explore the development of harmony within the body and mind, specifically focusing on gaining emotional acuity.
This workshop will incorporate the following practices:
Yin/QiGong practices
Acupressure with the use of flower essences to enhance healing energy
Pranayama
Meditation
Jpurnaling practices to open into the inner space of Self
Donna was certified as an Anusara Instructor and just recently dotes about her 300 hour training experience with Janet Stone.
she also is certified in Yin Yoga and credits this practice not only opening her physically, but also with deepening her meditative experience and continual inward journey.
Donna is a social work administrator in Toledo Ohio and her passions are in Folk Herbalism and Tarot Card readings.
Donna’s offerings will be Yin Yoga and the Five Element Theory
The 5 Element Theory, utilized in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Yin Yoga, reflects a deep understanding of natural law, the Universal order underlying all things in our world. The human body is often described as a microcosm of the Universal Macrocosm with Chinese Medicine. By following this Universal rhythm, we learn to achieve optimal harmony and well-being. We are often see yoga as the path to develop strength, well-being, and clarity in our bodies, minds, and souls. This path seems quite straight forward as it pertains to the physical body. However, developing emotional strength, well-being and clarity can seen anything but simple. This workshop will explore the development of harmony within the body and mind, specifically focusing on gaining emotional acuity.
This workshop will incorporate the following practices:
Yin/QiGong practices
Acupressure with the use of flower essences to enhance healing energy
Pranayama
Meditation
Jpurnaling practices to open into the inner space of Self
Ronnie Skeens 500RYT
Ronnie Is a native West Virginian. Born and raised in the small town of Poca, where he and his wife Ashley raised their now adult children, Rachael and Bronson. Ronnie enjoys anything outdoors along with his hike-loving Collies, Kash and Chewy.
Ronnie was drawn to Yoga after experiencing a bulged disc in his neck, where he found the healing power of Yoga, as well as the many heart centered benefits the practice offers.
Ronnie's classes are informed by the alignment based heart centered Ashaya Yoga method. After being introduced to the many benefits of Yoga in his early 40's, Ronnie has completed his 500hr Mastery Teacher/Therapy Training Program with renowned Teacher Trainer Randy Boyd {Ashaya Yoga).
He continues to be inspired by the MANY life-affirming attributes of the Yoga Practice and desires to constantly learn new techniques to assist his students to live outside the "pain zone", uncover their true divine nature, and savor their overall life journey through practices of somatics, self-healing, self-realization, and self-discovery.
His class will focus on the benefits of awareness, mindfulness, meditation, mantra, asanas (poses), and pranayama (breathing exercises) by creating theme-based sequences, honoring the ancient tradition of Yoga and exploring various modalities such as integrating sound therapy and asanas (postures) with tapping, rocking, even dance and calisthenics. The result is an evolving practice accessible to all.
BEGINNERS, smiles and laughs INCLUDED!!
Ronnie was drawn to Yoga after experiencing a bulged disc in his neck, where he found the healing power of Yoga, as well as the many heart centered benefits the practice offers.
Ronnie's classes are informed by the alignment based heart centered Ashaya Yoga method. After being introduced to the many benefits of Yoga in his early 40's, Ronnie has completed his 500hr Mastery Teacher/Therapy Training Program with renowned Teacher Trainer Randy Boyd {Ashaya Yoga).
He continues to be inspired by the MANY life-affirming attributes of the Yoga Practice and desires to constantly learn new techniques to assist his students to live outside the "pain zone", uncover their true divine nature, and savor their overall life journey through practices of somatics, self-healing, self-realization, and self-discovery.
His class will focus on the benefits of awareness, mindfulness, meditation, mantra, asanas (poses), and pranayama (breathing exercises) by creating theme-based sequences, honoring the ancient tradition of Yoga and exploring various modalities such as integrating sound therapy and asanas (postures) with tapping, rocking, even dance and calisthenics. The result is an evolving practice accessible to all.
BEGINNERS, smiles and laughs INCLUDED!!
Erin Larsen
Erin Larsen is dedicated to the study of the body and how to heal it from the inside out. She holds degrees in Biology and The Science of Food, Nutrition and Exercise from Virginia Tech as well as certifications in Holistic Health Coaching, Thai Yoga Bodywork, and yoga.
“I began practicing yoga in 2001 during the summer before my junior year of college in a search to heal my body from a debilitating cycling accident. I felt broken, physically and emotionally. When I went to that first yoga class I was out of shape and depressed but everything shifted after that one class. I had fallen in love. Yoga helped me to love myself more deeply than I ever thought possible. My body and mind became more vibrant the more I practiced so I decided to devote myself to it.”
After over a thousand hours of continuing education in yoga and mindfulness, Erin has distilled her practice to focus on the therapeutic side of yoga. Her classes offer a slower flow that allows the practitioner to notice how one feels while doing the pose, instead of feeling like a pose has to look “perfect.” The somatic based movements she integrates allow the body to mimic the sliding and gliding motion of the joints, restoring healthy range of motion, and prepares the practitioner for the more challenging standing and seated poses. Every class includes time to notice the breath in stillness, both seated at the beginning of class, and in rest at the end. She ensures that no one is left out in her classes.
Erin currently resides in Fayetteville, West Virginia with her husband and two dogs where she teaches yoga and see clients from her home studio. When she isn’t on the mat, she loves cooking, gardening, hiking, climbing and mountain biking, or just about anything outside. You can find more information at erinlarsenyoga.com regarding current classes and offerings.
“I began practicing yoga in 2001 during the summer before my junior year of college in a search to heal my body from a debilitating cycling accident. I felt broken, physically and emotionally. When I went to that first yoga class I was out of shape and depressed but everything shifted after that one class. I had fallen in love. Yoga helped me to love myself more deeply than I ever thought possible. My body and mind became more vibrant the more I practiced so I decided to devote myself to it.”
After over a thousand hours of continuing education in yoga and mindfulness, Erin has distilled her practice to focus on the therapeutic side of yoga. Her classes offer a slower flow that allows the practitioner to notice how one feels while doing the pose, instead of feeling like a pose has to look “perfect.” The somatic based movements she integrates allow the body to mimic the sliding and gliding motion of the joints, restoring healthy range of motion, and prepares the practitioner for the more challenging standing and seated poses. Every class includes time to notice the breath in stillness, both seated at the beginning of class, and in rest at the end. She ensures that no one is left out in her classes.
Erin currently resides in Fayetteville, West Virginia with her husband and two dogs where she teaches yoga and see clients from her home studio. When she isn’t on the mat, she loves cooking, gardening, hiking, climbing and mountain biking, or just about anything outside. You can find more information at erinlarsenyoga.com regarding current classes and offerings.
Greg Burns
Greg Burns/ Metta VibrationsGreg Burns is a Sound Facilitator who offers experiences using various sounds to help foster wellness and personal transformation. Utilizing Singing Bowls, Gong, Drums and more he organizes sessions for individuals or groups that will help quiet the mind, relax the body, and put us in contact with our own deeper aspects. When we use sound in this way, we are able to more easily reach meditative states, relieve pain and stress, and help foster personal changes we desire, among other benefits. And once we have reached a state where our mind and body are relaxed, a wide spectrum of helpful and healing things can occur. Greg has been working in this manner for over 7 years now, after working for more than 15 years in a therapeutic rehab setting, which gives him a unique and broad understanding of healing and wellness. He has worked with and seen positive outcomes from individuals with a wide range of challenges and concerns. Greg resides in Augusta County, Virginia and is owner of Metta Vibrations, LLC. He also regularly hosts community drum circles, and was percussionist for the groups Chakra Khan and The Spiritheart Collective.
Gena Collier RTY300
Gena embraced her yoga journey in 2016 and since has studied many styles of yoga including Buti, Aerial, and Ashaya. She has shared her love for teaching classes, workshops, and teacher trainings in the Toledo Ohio area where she resides with her beloved puppies, Bruno and Juno. In her classes you can always expect to feel safe in your options as she strongly believes in accessibility and providing an experience that feels personalized to your needs.
Gena will be one of your Aerial instructors.
Gena will be one of your Aerial instructors.
Kalis Elizabeth
Certified Aerial Yoga Teacher ( Yoga teacher in training )
Cat Bigley
"Ever since I was a child I have had this instinctive urge for expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one's potential."
~BRUCE LEE
~BRUCE LEE
Nate Ittig and Angie Edmonds~ Acro Instructors.
ACROYOGA! Angie and Nate will make you feel comfortable and safe as you learn to make shapes and fly with your new love Acro. Keep your eyes out for more classes and more fun.
Angela Edmunds
Over 10 years experience sharing Yoga and Fitness in over 10 studios in over 5 different states travel teaching.
Marshall University- Previous Yoga/ Fitness Instructor~ Teaching YOGA Classes designed specifically for the performing Arts as a
PEL/ College credit course.Teaching Acro conditioning classes open to the public and Providing a curriculum based Acro Yoga and Ribeiro JiuJitsu class as a college credit/PEL class for students.
RVCDS- Providing Nutrition/ Gardening classes,Yoga and mindfulness to children ages 2-12years old.
LeVita Sana- YogaTeacher/ Event Coordinator
Certifications
200 ERYT~ Hatha-Kunga with certification, experience and studies in Solar and Lunar Acro Yoga, Partner Yoga, Vinyasa, Kid yoga, Prenatal Yoga,Yoga for Athletes,Yoga for Martial Artists, Yoga for Stress and Anxiety in Children, Adolescents, and Adults. Thai Yoga, Yin Yoga.
Purple Belt Ribeiro JiuJitsu and Women's Self Defense
Nate Ittig
I have held several roles for almost 2 decades at Armstrong Utilities, including 12 years as a lineman. Through my love of nature and the outdoors, I have enjoyed rock climbing, cycling, kayaking, backpacking, and swimming. I completed 106 miles cycling the Tour of the Scioto River Valley (TOSRV) and the Dances with Dirt 100k relay. I also enjoyed a cross-country rock-climbing tour through 11 states. Not only have I backpacked through Europe, Berlin to Madrid, hitting 7 cities and 5 countries... I managed to survive a 50 mile/ multi day back-country backpacking trip through Yosemite, reaching a max elevation of nearly 12,000ft. If that wasn’t crazy enough, I also participated in Pamplona Spain’s San Fermin Festival Running of the Bulls and lived to tell the tale (pictures to prove). All of these experiences, and plenty not mentioned, have lead me to a unique style of teaching and an open approach to learning.
ACROYOGA & YOGA INSTRUCTOR Certification
200hr Ashaya Yoga (2018)
Personal Yoga practice since 2005
AcroYoga practice since 2015 Brazilian Jiujitsu since 2003
Instructed AcroYoga since 2016 Instructed Yoga since 2018
Angela Edmunds
Over 10 years experience sharing Yoga and Fitness in over 10 studios in over 5 different states travel teaching.
Marshall University- Previous Yoga/ Fitness Instructor~ Teaching YOGA Classes designed specifically for the performing Arts as a
PEL/ College credit course.Teaching Acro conditioning classes open to the public and Providing a curriculum based Acro Yoga and Ribeiro JiuJitsu class as a college credit/PEL class for students.
RVCDS- Providing Nutrition/ Gardening classes,Yoga and mindfulness to children ages 2-12years old.
LeVita Sana- YogaTeacher/ Event Coordinator
Certifications
200 ERYT~ Hatha-Kunga with certification, experience and studies in Solar and Lunar Acro Yoga, Partner Yoga, Vinyasa, Kid yoga, Prenatal Yoga,Yoga for Athletes,Yoga for Martial Artists, Yoga for Stress and Anxiety in Children, Adolescents, and Adults. Thai Yoga, Yin Yoga.
Purple Belt Ribeiro JiuJitsu and Women's Self Defense
Nate Ittig
I have held several roles for almost 2 decades at Armstrong Utilities, including 12 years as a lineman. Through my love of nature and the outdoors, I have enjoyed rock climbing, cycling, kayaking, backpacking, and swimming. I completed 106 miles cycling the Tour of the Scioto River Valley (TOSRV) and the Dances with Dirt 100k relay. I also enjoyed a cross-country rock-climbing tour through 11 states. Not only have I backpacked through Europe, Berlin to Madrid, hitting 7 cities and 5 countries... I managed to survive a 50 mile/ multi day back-country backpacking trip through Yosemite, reaching a max elevation of nearly 12,000ft. If that wasn’t crazy enough, I also participated in Pamplona Spain’s San Fermin Festival Running of the Bulls and lived to tell the tale (pictures to prove). All of these experiences, and plenty not mentioned, have lead me to a unique style of teaching and an open approach to learning.
ACROYOGA & YOGA INSTRUCTOR Certification
200hr Ashaya Yoga (2018)
Personal Yoga practice since 2005
AcroYoga practice since 2015 Brazilian Jiujitsu since 2003
Instructed AcroYoga since 2016 Instructed Yoga since 2018
Sarah Hudson
Sarah Hudson is a WV native who discovered and fell in love with the practice of yoga in Fayetteville. She's been a dedicated student since; pursuing the wisdom of Ayurveda, Jyotisha, Yoga Nidra, and Tantra Yoga. Sarah shares from her innate connection to mothering. Inspired by the mothering of nature. herself, her children, and the healer within. She weaves the wisdom of nature, traditional yoga practices, and spirit to support curiosity and wellness from within.
Sarahs Class offerings:
De-Mystify the Pelvic Floor:
In this workshop we will bust the narrative of kegels-as-king and 'bounce back' culture. The experience of the feminine body has been shielded from celebration and therefore understanding for far too long. We will explore the nature of our body and cycles through meditation, somatic movement patterns, breathwork, and postural habits. Participants will leave with tools to help alleviate pelvic, back & hip discomfort, end the dreaded sneeze-pee, and alignment checks to support overall pelvic floor function.
Moon Rituals for a Connected Life:
A workshop to explore the energy of the moon, how to use/understand the phases, stories & myths to connect us to our inherent knowledge and strength. (Vedic astrology introduction, crystals, personal sacred objects, creating an altar.)
Sarahs Class offerings:
De-Mystify the Pelvic Floor:
In this workshop we will bust the narrative of kegels-as-king and 'bounce back' culture. The experience of the feminine body has been shielded from celebration and therefore understanding for far too long. We will explore the nature of our body and cycles through meditation, somatic movement patterns, breathwork, and postural habits. Participants will leave with tools to help alleviate pelvic, back & hip discomfort, end the dreaded sneeze-pee, and alignment checks to support overall pelvic floor function.
Moon Rituals for a Connected Life:
A workshop to explore the energy of the moon, how to use/understand the phases, stories & myths to connect us to our inherent knowledge and strength. (Vedic astrology introduction, crystals, personal sacred objects, creating an altar.)
Cosmic Waters
🌊 Bill and Tara Price
COSMIC WATER
Who We Are cozmicwater.com
Tara, BFA in Voice with Sound Therapy Studies from the Berklee College of Music & a
registered respiratory therapist (RRT), has been practicing yoga for over 20 years, and
creates acclaimed live soundscapes for many and diverse yoga classes and workshops.
Bill, PhD, ERYT500, has been practicing various flavors of yoga for over 50 years, an
ERYT500 & a lead YTT trainer, has a PhD in BioMolecular Physics, a professor of
Chemistry and a research professor of Physiology at Marshall University & associated
Medical School, respectively. Bill’s understanding and teaching of yoga’s physical
practices and darśana are informed by modern scientific research and yoga / sanskrit
scholarship, respectively. Bill’s teaching practice includes: several weekly yoga classes
(principally Somatic, Yin, Restore, Nāda, free monthly darśan and lead YTT trainer) at
Studio 8, Huntington; YACEP workshops; Long-time Faculty advisor - MU Yoga Club.
Together they are .... Cozmic Water Yoga and Sounds (cozmicwater.com). Cozmic
Water’s intention is to create a fully-embodied tapestry of direct experience. Blissful
patterns of folding and unfolding, flowing focus - spontaneously spun from the fibers of
awareness and woven from the threads of a consistent, coherent blend of yogic
practices, technologies & wisdom of the medieval Kashmir Valley with modern somatic
movement & sensory science - toward the recognition of a deeper, more expansive
mosaic of ‘Self’. Expect a Cozmic Water practice to honor the wisdom and teachings of
the ancients by holding the space for the blossoming of surrender, stillness, silence,
sound, spaciousness, serenity, sahaja, samādhi, sleep (nidrā)... to re-create a natural
and calm state of the mind, body and spirit.
Kirtan and Tales from the Devī Māhātmyam (90 - 120 minutes) :
Sing your way to stillness, dance your way to devotion, and listen your way to love.
Kirtan is the yoga of music, an ancient practice for awakening. Join us as we welcome
all singers and musicians, people from all walks of life, all denominations and all ages to
come along for a beautiful session of sacred rhythms and mantras. We’ll be chanting
mostly in Sanskrit from the beloved 5th CE Devī Māhātmyam. These glorious stories
from the ancient literature will be shared to help acquaint you with some of these
chants.
Intro to Tantrik Yoga: A Life-Affirming Path (120 minutes):
In this participatory seminar, we will limit our discussion and activity to the house-holder
friendly, non-Dual Darśana (worldview) and yoga practices of Medieval Kashmir.
Primarily, we will use the prism of 1500 years of sanskrit textual scholarship, aural
transmission and mantra sounds to initiate somatic exploration and stillness; permeate
to our deepest Self, drink deeply from the nectar of our own consciousness, and bloom
into an experiential, life-long journey into the nature of reality (or reality of nature?)! This
is neither Patañjali's yoga nor the NeoTantra invented in the last century, but a Timeless
Sound and Light Journey.
Mantra Japa - 108 Sāvitrī Gāyatrī Mantra (60 minutes)
[We can (The traditional time, if you like or anytime) offer this at the Dawn Sandhyā on
Sunday morning around 6:30-6:40 and takes about 40 - 45 minutes]
A mantra meditation with 108 recitations of the Sāvitrī Gāyatrī Mantra. The oldest
mantra continuously chanted daily for over 3200 years found in oldest section of the
~3200 year old Rg Veda. We will briefly discuss the history, significance common
pronunciations, and ubiquity of this beautiful mantra. A must for yoga teachers.
https://cozmicwater.com/landing-music
Who We Are cozmicwater.com
Tara, BFA in Voice with Sound Therapy Studies from the Berklee College of Music & a
registered respiratory therapist (RRT), has been practicing yoga for over 20 years, and
creates acclaimed live soundscapes for many and diverse yoga classes and workshops.
Bill, PhD, ERYT500, has been practicing various flavors of yoga for over 50 years, an
ERYT500 & a lead YTT trainer, has a PhD in BioMolecular Physics, a professor of
Chemistry and a research professor of Physiology at Marshall University & associated
Medical School, respectively. Bill’s understanding and teaching of yoga’s physical
practices and darśana are informed by modern scientific research and yoga / sanskrit
scholarship, respectively. Bill’s teaching practice includes: several weekly yoga classes
(principally Somatic, Yin, Restore, Nāda, free monthly darśan and lead YTT trainer) at
Studio 8, Huntington; YACEP workshops; Long-time Faculty advisor - MU Yoga Club.
Together they are .... Cozmic Water Yoga and Sounds (cozmicwater.com). Cozmic
Water’s intention is to create a fully-embodied tapestry of direct experience. Blissful
patterns of folding and unfolding, flowing focus - spontaneously spun from the fibers of
awareness and woven from the threads of a consistent, coherent blend of yogic
practices, technologies & wisdom of the medieval Kashmir Valley with modern somatic
movement & sensory science - toward the recognition of a deeper, more expansive
mosaic of ‘Self’. Expect a Cozmic Water practice to honor the wisdom and teachings of
the ancients by holding the space for the blossoming of surrender, stillness, silence,
sound, spaciousness, serenity, sahaja, samādhi, sleep (nidrā)... to re-create a natural
and calm state of the mind, body and spirit.
Kirtan and Tales from the Devī Māhātmyam (90 - 120 minutes) :
Sing your way to stillness, dance your way to devotion, and listen your way to love.
Kirtan is the yoga of music, an ancient practice for awakening. Join us as we welcome
all singers and musicians, people from all walks of life, all denominations and all ages to
come along for a beautiful session of sacred rhythms and mantras. We’ll be chanting
mostly in Sanskrit from the beloved 5th CE Devī Māhātmyam. These glorious stories
from the ancient literature will be shared to help acquaint you with some of these
chants.
Intro to Tantrik Yoga: A Life-Affirming Path (120 minutes):
In this participatory seminar, we will limit our discussion and activity to the house-holder
friendly, non-Dual Darśana (worldview) and yoga practices of Medieval Kashmir.
Primarily, we will use the prism of 1500 years of sanskrit textual scholarship, aural
transmission and mantra sounds to initiate somatic exploration and stillness; permeate
to our deepest Self, drink deeply from the nectar of our own consciousness, and bloom
into an experiential, life-long journey into the nature of reality (or reality of nature?)! This
is neither Patañjali's yoga nor the NeoTantra invented in the last century, but a Timeless
Sound and Light Journey.
Mantra Japa - 108 Sāvitrī Gāyatrī Mantra (60 minutes)
[We can (The traditional time, if you like or anytime) offer this at the Dawn Sandhyā on
Sunday morning around 6:30-6:40 and takes about 40 - 45 minutes]
A mantra meditation with 108 recitations of the Sāvitrī Gāyatrī Mantra. The oldest
mantra continuously chanted daily for over 3200 years found in oldest section of the
~3200 year old Rg Veda. We will briefly discuss the history, significance common
pronunciations, and ubiquity of this beautiful mantra. A must for yoga teachers.
https://cozmicwater.com/landing-music
Elizabeth Halliday-Reynolds
We are BlissBlissBlissful to announce.......
Elizabeth Halliday-Reynolds is the founder/owner of BlissBlissBliss in Morgantown WV. This healing
center specializes in all styles of yoga, bodywork and energy work. She has certifications in Massage,Thai Massage, Yoga (200 hours), Ayurvedic lifestyle consulting, Reiki, Reflexology and Aromatherapy. She has been offering classes and services since January of 2008.
Her Class Offering Descriptions
Yin To Restore: In this long, slow and deep practice, Students are encouraged to find the meditative space within each posture.
We focus on long holds in the yin postures and deep supportive relaxation in the supportive postures. Bring your own props are a must. Students will need one bolster, 2 blocks, and
2 blankets to fully experience this class. (60 minutes)
Ayurveda Basics With Daily Sadna Practices Per Dosha For A Life Of Balance Every taken a Dosha Quiz related to the outcome but left with more questions than answers. In this class we take a dosha quiz and then go through daily Sadna practices that create the foundation for a life of balance. Bring a journal for notes and a pen/pencil. Stay for the Ganesha Mantra to activate your
intentions for the year ahead. (90 minutes)
Chakra Archetypes
Learning about the chakra system can be confusing when applied to actual life experiences. Perhaps you
can relate to past experiences as a result of a mis alignment of the chakra system. But did you know a
thought can change the direction a chakra is spinning? In this class you are offered a portal into self-
actualization through the layering of the archetypes as they relate to the chakra system. See where
Victim and The Goddess intersect. Find empowerment and liberation and call back your energy for your
highest good. (90 minutes).
Elizabeth Halliday-Reynolds is the founder/owner of BlissBlissBliss in Morgantown WV. This healing
center specializes in all styles of yoga, bodywork and energy work. She has certifications in Massage,Thai Massage, Yoga (200 hours), Ayurvedic lifestyle consulting, Reiki, Reflexology and Aromatherapy. She has been offering classes and services since January of 2008.
Her Class Offering Descriptions
Yin To Restore: In this long, slow and deep practice, Students are encouraged to find the meditative space within each posture.
We focus on long holds in the yin postures and deep supportive relaxation in the supportive postures. Bring your own props are a must. Students will need one bolster, 2 blocks, and
2 blankets to fully experience this class. (60 minutes)
Ayurveda Basics With Daily Sadna Practices Per Dosha For A Life Of Balance Every taken a Dosha Quiz related to the outcome but left with more questions than answers. In this class we take a dosha quiz and then go through daily Sadna practices that create the foundation for a life of balance. Bring a journal for notes and a pen/pencil. Stay for the Ganesha Mantra to activate your
intentions for the year ahead. (90 minutes)
Chakra Archetypes
Learning about the chakra system can be confusing when applied to actual life experiences. Perhaps you
can relate to past experiences as a result of a mis alignment of the chakra system. But did you know a
thought can change the direction a chakra is spinning? In this class you are offered a portal into self-
actualization through the layering of the archetypes as they relate to the chakra system. See where
Victim and The Goddess intersect. Find empowerment and liberation and call back your energy for your
highest good. (90 minutes).
Colleen Harshbarger RYT500
Also sharing her light and knowledge at New River Retreat is,
Colleen Harshbarger, MS, NBHWC, CPQC, E-RYT500, YACEP
Colleen Harshbarger is the owner of Wellbeing Solutions, providing life and wellbeing coaching, yoga, and retreats for health-conscious professionals.
She is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBHWC), a Certified Positive Intelligence Coach (CPQC), an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT500) and the Director of Training with the Wellness Inventory Coaching Certification program.
Colleen has been a wellness professional and yoga instructor
for over thirty years. She enjoys weaving together her knowledge and experiences to inspire vibrant wellbeing in the clients and students that she serves.
Workshop Title: Using Mental Fitness to Live Your Yoga
Time: 2 hours
Mental fitness is your ability to respond to life’s challenges with a positive, rather than negative, mindset.
In this workshop, we’ll introduce you to each of your three core mental fitness muscles: Self Command; Saboteur Interceptor; and Sage. We’ll explore the synergy between this model and the eight-faceted path of yoga. Specifically, we’ll learn practical
techniques to bring pratyahra, dharana, and dhyana into your daily routine so that you can begin to embody your Sage (wisest part of you).
Think of it this way: If you’re physically fit, you can climb steep hills without physical stress. If you’re mentally fit, you can handle life’s great challenges without mental stress or negative
emotions. This work integrates the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience, cognitive and positive psychology, and performance science—to improve your mental fitness. Mental fitness is measured by your Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ). PQ is based on work by Shirzad Chamine,
Stanford University lecturer and creator of the Positive Intelligence® program, which is also a
New York Times bestseller.
Prepare for this workshop by completing the PQ Score assessment to discover how often your mind is serving you versus sabotaging you.
Your PQ (Positive Intelligence Quotient, or Positivity Quotient for short) measures the relative strength of your positive versus negative mental muscles. PQ is the measure of your mental
fitness.
Mental Fitness Part 2: The Saboteur Workshop
Time: 2 hours
Your mind can be your best friend, but it is also your worst enemy, involved in self-sabotage.
Your self-sabotage is caused by what we Certified Positive Intelligence Coaches call “Saboteurs” in your mind.
These Saboteurs are your internal enemies. They represent a set of automatic habits of your mind, each with its own voice, beliefs, and assumptions that work against your best interest.
There are 10 Saboteurs in total, and we all suffer from at least a couple of them. Formed in early childhood, these Saboteurs helped you survive physically and emotionally as a kid. That
means there are inherent strengths in each of them!
However, when we overuse our childhood strengths and become blind to the ways they get in our way, it greatly limits our potential as adults. The first step in weakening your Saboteurs is to identify and expose them, as you can fight an invisible enemy, or one pretending to be your friend.
This interactive workshop will help you discover the good qualities about your strengths and help you learn to identify the saboteurs that are most getting in your way.
Take the Saboteur Assessment before this workshop, email your results to:
colleen@wellbeingwv.com , and bring a printed copy of your results with you.
Mental Fitness Part 3: Embody the Sage
Time: 2 hours
Your body is your brain. The neural circuitry that runs between your body and your brain is a multi-dimensional neuro superhighway, transmitting information that we can learn to
recognize and optimize. In this somatic practice, we’ll learn to tune into the wisdom of the physical body and explore the feeling of turning on Sage qualities. Using visualization, yoga postures and PQ reps (10 second exercises that shift the minds focus to present moment awareness of physical sensations), we’ll explore practices that activate regions of the brain that turn on Sage mode. When practiced regularly, we can cultivate
habitual ways of being that bring in more empathy, equanimity, creativity and curiosity.
Learn to use your body and mind in harmony to bring about positive change in your life.
Colleen Harshbarger, MS, NBHWC, CPQC, E-RYT500, YACEP
Colleen Harshbarger is the owner of Wellbeing Solutions, providing life and wellbeing coaching, yoga, and retreats for health-conscious professionals.
She is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBHWC), a Certified Positive Intelligence Coach (CPQC), an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT500) and the Director of Training with the Wellness Inventory Coaching Certification program.
Colleen has been a wellness professional and yoga instructor
for over thirty years. She enjoys weaving together her knowledge and experiences to inspire vibrant wellbeing in the clients and students that she serves.
Workshop Title: Using Mental Fitness to Live Your Yoga
Time: 2 hours
Mental fitness is your ability to respond to life’s challenges with a positive, rather than negative, mindset.
In this workshop, we’ll introduce you to each of your three core mental fitness muscles: Self Command; Saboteur Interceptor; and Sage. We’ll explore the synergy between this model and the eight-faceted path of yoga. Specifically, we’ll learn practical
techniques to bring pratyahra, dharana, and dhyana into your daily routine so that you can begin to embody your Sage (wisest part of you).
Think of it this way: If you’re physically fit, you can climb steep hills without physical stress. If you’re mentally fit, you can handle life’s great challenges without mental stress or negative
emotions. This work integrates the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience, cognitive and positive psychology, and performance science—to improve your mental fitness. Mental fitness is measured by your Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ). PQ is based on work by Shirzad Chamine,
Stanford University lecturer and creator of the Positive Intelligence® program, which is also a
New York Times bestseller.
Prepare for this workshop by completing the PQ Score assessment to discover how often your mind is serving you versus sabotaging you.
Your PQ (Positive Intelligence Quotient, or Positivity Quotient for short) measures the relative strength of your positive versus negative mental muscles. PQ is the measure of your mental
fitness.
Mental Fitness Part 2: The Saboteur Workshop
Time: 2 hours
Your mind can be your best friend, but it is also your worst enemy, involved in self-sabotage.
Your self-sabotage is caused by what we Certified Positive Intelligence Coaches call “Saboteurs” in your mind.
These Saboteurs are your internal enemies. They represent a set of automatic habits of your mind, each with its own voice, beliefs, and assumptions that work against your best interest.
There are 10 Saboteurs in total, and we all suffer from at least a couple of them. Formed in early childhood, these Saboteurs helped you survive physically and emotionally as a kid. That
means there are inherent strengths in each of them!
However, when we overuse our childhood strengths and become blind to the ways they get in our way, it greatly limits our potential as adults. The first step in weakening your Saboteurs is to identify and expose them, as you can fight an invisible enemy, or one pretending to be your friend.
This interactive workshop will help you discover the good qualities about your strengths and help you learn to identify the saboteurs that are most getting in your way.
Take the Saboteur Assessment before this workshop, email your results to:
colleen@wellbeingwv.com , and bring a printed copy of your results with you.
Mental Fitness Part 3: Embody the Sage
Time: 2 hours
Your body is your brain. The neural circuitry that runs between your body and your brain is a multi-dimensional neuro superhighway, transmitting information that we can learn to
recognize and optimize. In this somatic practice, we’ll learn to tune into the wisdom of the physical body and explore the feeling of turning on Sage qualities. Using visualization, yoga postures and PQ reps (10 second exercises that shift the minds focus to present moment awareness of physical sensations), we’ll explore practices that activate regions of the brain that turn on Sage mode. When practiced regularly, we can cultivate
habitual ways of being that bring in more empathy, equanimity, creativity and curiosity.
Learn to use your body and mind in harmony to bring about positive change in your life.
Gina Hart-Smith
Gina Hart-Smith is a Huntington WV native, Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic health counselor, kombucha entrepreneur, minister, dancer, mother, wife, and believer in the medicines of nature, movement, meditation, and music. Gina found Yoga at the age of 7 on PBS and has committed to a lifelong playful, joyful, beginner's approach to her practice and teaching. Gina offers accessible practices for all persons and a trauma informed teaching style rooted in years of professional social work.
Gina's offerings are Ayurveda as Svadyaya
Using the lens of Ayurveda as a tool for
Self-study. The Niyama of self study asks a Yoga practitioner to study the self, duality, and separateness of one's being to more deeply understand ones divinity and connection to all that is. Explore the uniqueness of your individual make-up so you can live and practice harmoniously and joyfully.
"Figure out who you are, then do it on purpose." -Dolly Parton
Elemental Flow
Experience the 5 Elements during this Tantra Hatha flow. The elements are foundational to all that is. They are present within, without, and all around us. The elements are wonderful teachers offering us a beginning insight into Ayurveda Inspired practice and living. Experience the elements in the inner and outer realms. Practice feeling and knowing the interconnection between the universal flow and the flow of life itself. "As within so without."
One love
Gina's offerings are Ayurveda as Svadyaya
Using the lens of Ayurveda as a tool for
Self-study. The Niyama of self study asks a Yoga practitioner to study the self, duality, and separateness of one's being to more deeply understand ones divinity and connection to all that is. Explore the uniqueness of your individual make-up so you can live and practice harmoniously and joyfully.
"Figure out who you are, then do it on purpose." -Dolly Parton
Elemental Flow
Experience the 5 Elements during this Tantra Hatha flow. The elements are foundational to all that is. They are present within, without, and all around us. The elements are wonderful teachers offering us a beginning insight into Ayurveda Inspired practice and living. Experience the elements in the inner and outer realms. Practice feeling and knowing the interconnection between the universal flow and the flow of life itself. "As within so without."
One love
Julie Whitley RYT500
Jewels is a certified E-RYT 200, RYT 500, YACEP, yoga instructor. She is registered with Yoga Alliance. (Julie Whitley) Jewels also has many years of experience with Bellydance. She trained and performed just outside of Washington D.C. and traveled to study under some of the top belly dancers in the country. Jewels has danced in an array of different venues, most recently at the Blennerhassett Hotel Greek Komma nights. Jewels intention is to bring joy and encouragement to women.
A Belly Dance Exploration Workshop:
Jewels will start this Workshop with a short yoga session mixed with Belly Dance Basics. We will then explore with props and enjoy a safe space to explore possibilities. In this workshop you may find that belly dance holds healing modality - the possibility of recalibrating the body and harmonizing the soul. Expect yoga as I blend belly dance with yoga in an insightful manner that may enable one to journey into healing, intuition, and expression through the ancient and soul invoking movement of bellydance. No experience necessary as I am here to instruct technique in a fun and encouraging way. If you have a hipscarf bring it! (Note: This form of dance transcends all barriers and unites on a soul level. Bring your yoga mat, water, and an expectation to be uplifted & encouraged.
What to expect: a time of movement with other dancers that will encourage you. The movements can be slow but you will find that these are strong, empowering, and Restorative. My intention is that students always leave with a sense of success and you may find that yoga and belly dance combine in an amazing way.
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, bring a coin hip scarf if you would like, and expect a time of fun and escape from the world for an hour and a half.
A Belly Dance Exploration Workshop:
Jewels will start this Workshop with a short yoga session mixed with Belly Dance Basics. We will then explore with props and enjoy a safe space to explore possibilities. In this workshop you may find that belly dance holds healing modality - the possibility of recalibrating the body and harmonizing the soul. Expect yoga as I blend belly dance with yoga in an insightful manner that may enable one to journey into healing, intuition, and expression through the ancient and soul invoking movement of bellydance. No experience necessary as I am here to instruct technique in a fun and encouraging way. If you have a hipscarf bring it! (Note: This form of dance transcends all barriers and unites on a soul level. Bring your yoga mat, water, and an expectation to be uplifted & encouraged.
What to expect: a time of movement with other dancers that will encourage you. The movements can be slow but you will find that these are strong, empowering, and Restorative. My intention is that students always leave with a sense of success and you may find that yoga and belly dance combine in an amazing way.
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, bring a coin hip scarf if you would like, and expect a time of fun and escape from the world for an hour and a half.
Previous Retreats. 2022 New River Yoga Retreat
NEW RIVER YOGA RETREAT
with TODD NORIAN
AUGUST 26TH - 28TH, 2022 LOCATION: ACE ADVENTURE RESORT
WELCOME TO YOUR BEST YOGA NATURE ADVENTURE RETREAT EVER!
Join internationally acclaimed yoga teacher, founder, and author, Todd Norian, and a merry band of heart followers as he takes you on the yoga adventure of your lifetime!
Our focus will be on the amazing five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and sky, and how they relate to our body and mind, surrounded by the most gorgeous natural setting of the New River Gorge area of West Virginia.
The spiritual heart opens when we balance the five elements within. When out of balance, you can become overwhelmed and stuck (too much earth), emotionally stressed out (too much water), unmotivated and lost (not enough fire) or you become a workaholic (too much fire), scattered or fearful (too much air), or spacey and ungrounded (too much sky).
The Ashaya Yoga® method brings about a balance of all five elements that leaves you feeling strong, confident, peaceful, openhearted, and ready to thrive in life. Safe and accessible to all levels of practitioners, Ashaya Yoga weaves together body, mind, and heart into an extraordinary blend of deep acceptance, recognition of a greater energy, and profound inner strength that helps us stand strong through all the storms of life.
Join internationally acclaimed yoga teacher, founder, and author, Todd Norian, and a merry band of heart followers as he takes you on the yoga adventure of your lifetime!
Our focus will be on the amazing five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and sky, and how they relate to our body and mind, surrounded by the most gorgeous natural setting of the New River Gorge area of West Virginia.
The spiritual heart opens when we balance the five elements within. When out of balance, you can become overwhelmed and stuck (too much earth), emotionally stressed out (too much water), unmotivated and lost (not enough fire) or you become a workaholic (too much fire), scattered or fearful (too much air), or spacey and ungrounded (too much sky).
The Ashaya Yoga® method brings about a balance of all five elements that leaves you feeling strong, confident, peaceful, openhearted, and ready to thrive in life. Safe and accessible to all levels of practitioners, Ashaya Yoga weaves together body, mind, and heart into an extraordinary blend of deep acceptance, recognition of a greater energy, and profound inner strength that helps us stand strong through all the storms of life.