Yogis, get ready!
The period surrounding the Summer Solstice is the lightest, brightest most powerful time of the year. The days are long, the weather is warm, the flowers are in bloom, and the summer fruits are ripe.
Even better – we are also at the absolute apex of our vibrant energy.
Just one week after the Summer Solstice, June’s waxing moon will reach its full lunar phase on June 28. Stargazers will have their widest eyes turned towards this full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, because it will arrive during Saturn opposition, meaning Saturn will be at its closest and brightest this year.
The light will be nothing short of amazing!
Now what should we do with our yoga practice?
This week’s events speak directly to what nature is inviting us to feel. Many cultures revere the moon as a manifestation of the divine feminine force. According to hatha yoga, this force also resides within us; the receptive, and inwardly focused aspects of our bodies, minds, and spirits.
The Strawberry Moon is really special because it is meant to bring in a lush, juiciness to the celestial cooling. That means we are called to self-soothe, engage in self-care, heal, connect, celebrate those we love, spend time outside under the starry night sky, and make space for the gifts of our own greatness.
Here is what we suggest this week to encourage a beautifully transformative moony shift:
Summer Self-care Essential Oils Workshop
June 25 at Drishti Power Yoga in Sea Girt
Incorporating the use of essential oils in your home is a wonderful way to naturally care for yourself and those you love. Please join us for an educational and fun-filled evening in which we will experience and learn the power of Pure Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils. This workshop will focus on boosting your Summer self care routine and home cleaning with essential oils to create a toxic-free home naturally! Participants can either choose to create their own yoga mat spray to cleanse and refresh their mat or can choose to create their own body/pillow spray for blissful sleep. 8 Learn how to safely and properly use essential oils. Discover therapeutic ways to create your own self care routine.
June Full Moon Yoga by NJ Beach Yoga
June 28 at JFK Beach in Sea Isle City
Every BODY is invited Moon Salutations and Moonrise Meditation on the JFK Beach. Last summer, this community event had over 250 people of all levels, ages and experience sharing the beauty of yoga together. No need to sign up in advance!
The Strawberry Moon Celebration – Singing Bowls and Access Bars With Susan O’Malley and Donna Sica
June 28 at Soulful Awakenings in Lake Como
Join Susan and Donna as they take you on a journey…
The STRAWBERRY MOON appears as the sustaining energies of Summer are strong. After journeying through guided meditation, you will be bathed in the healing sounds of the crystal singing bowls, and for those who choose, Susan will facilitate the Access Bars*.
June 28 at Princeton Integral Yoga Community Center
Please join us for Wah!’s Kirtan Magic Concert. Wah! is an amazing being. Her music has inspired and thrilled so many. Her retreats and workshops are treasures that transform people’s lives.
This is a special kirtan concert with Wah! She will be accompanied by both Kartikeya & Vincent Pierce Smith. The evening will be magic!!!
The Stories Of Kali with Nicole Denardo Becktel
June 29 at Hot or Not Yoga in Manahawkin
In this workshop, learn about the “misunderstood” goddess Kali and her portrayal in stories and art. Experience a unique aligned vinyasa practice inspired by Kali and her connection to modern life.
Yin Yoga Essential Oil Detox: Purity is Everything!
June 29 at Dig Yoga in Lambertville
Many of our health challenges today are linked to pollution and environmental toxins as we come into daily contact with chemicals in our food, water, household cleaning products and personal care items. The Yin Yoga Essential Oil Detox centers our awareness on physical, mental and emotional cleansing and how essential oils can support you in your daily life. The essential oils chosen for this practice carry a cleansing and detoxifying signature. When combined with Yin Yoga poses, the oils help to release tension in the internal organs to encourage elimination.
Ayurveda Workshop – Doshas, Dinacharya & Digestion
June 30 at the Princeton Integral Yoga Community Center
Ayurveda is soulful self-care and elemental existence that originated in northern India over 7,000 years ago. It’s widely considered to not only be the oldest form of health care in the world but also as the mother of all healing.
In this intriguing workshop, we will be distinguishing the differences between the Doshas and elemental qualities – and understanding more through Q&A discussion and take home information. This workshop will also give insight into the digestion system and the “second brain,” as well as the 6 tastes and the digestion process through the 7 systems. Learn about connecting with the 5 senses and the act of self care. Sample organic products and experience Ayurvedic essential oils! Lastly, we will end with a Shiny (all level) Summer Love yoga practice.
Kids.Yoga with Hot and Soul Yoga
June 30 at Whole Foods in Middletown
Ages 3 and up are welcome. Mats and water will be provided, please feel free to bring your own. Healthy snack will be provided after yoga session. Namaste!
Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses – PawAsana
July 1 at Yoga Barn in Farmingdale
Join us to benefit It’s A Ruff Life Rescue! You do the yoga while the pups do the cuddles! Adorable ADOPTABLE puppies and dogs will be allowed to ROAM FREELY and interact with you during this one-hour mixed level yoga class featuring Yoga Barn NJ founder and instructor Melanie Kramer.
Healing Vibes, Yin With Live Sitar with Jennifer Veale
July 1 at Ananda Yoga in Wenonah
Tap into the blissful vibrations of live music. Make space with a rejuvenating yin and meditation class accompanied by live sitar. The combination of music, yoga and meditation can heal the mind, body, and soul. Let sound and stillness guide you towards peace and harmony.
July 1 at Mandala Misfits Yoga in Asbury Park
Join Mandala Misfits Yoga to benefit Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary. You do the yoga while the pups do the cuddles! Adorable senior dogs will be allowed to ROAM FREELY and interact with you during this one-hour mixed level yoga class, so be prepared to get puppy kisses! Pawssport holders will also be entitled to a complimentary pass to your next class at Mandala Misfits Yoga.
May Louie first took yoga in college to fulfill a Phys-Ed requirement and immediately fell in love. She, unfortunately, did not continue with her practice but reconnected with it when she retired from her corporate job in 2002 and has since become a serious yoga enthusiast. After her second retirement last year, she completed her 200-hour RYT certification, studying with Dina Crosta, Ellen Mosko, and Jamie Segal Hanley, with a focus on alignment based flow.
*feature image photo credit to Eleonora Zampatti, from her Ode to the Moon event
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