A two-part series with Behnje Masson

Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. -Carl Jung

In part one of this series we will explore different ways to access the space of heart. Through contemplation, meditation, journaling, and conversation we will explore our ability to recognize how our inner state influences the way we see and feel into a space. 

Then in part two we will move that understanding into action. What makes a space sacred? Where you place your heart when you are in a space IS what makes it sacred. From that space we will have several exercises and activities for creating a Sacred Space of your own in your Home, Office, or Yoga Studio. 

"Behnje’s workshop gave practical ways to create sacred space within yourself and in your own home. She includes easy ways to include rituals in your daily habits that are little reminders to honor yourself. It was a fun workshop to bring out my creativity in identifying what is meaningful to me" - Kourtnee V. 

Part 1: Hrdayam: Awaken Your Inner Vision

May 4th, 11-1pm

Part 2: Shradda: Where You Place Your Heart

May 11th, 11-1pm

Cost: $100 register here

These also count as YAECP Credited Courses for Yoga Teachers

In House Attendance For Workshop Is Full! Email Rick to get on the waiting list. Things do tend to shuffle around the closer we get… so spots do open up!

Registration for the Livestream Option Available Below!!!

We received good feedback last year on the weekend format with Des so we will be structuring the workshop in the Urban Retreat format again. Meaning, the in house spaces are for the entire weekend only. This gives Desiree the opportunity to take the group further in their sadhana and allows for a deeper imprinting on the body, mind and heart…In general , it will take your yoga practice to the next level. For those that cannot commit to the entire weekend in person each section will be live streamed and can be purchased individually or as a whole. Registration for Livestream Will Open in September. A recording will be available for 30 days after the weekend.

Resilience is effectively facing key moments in our lives—challenge, change, and complexity—and allowing those experiences to enhance us rather than diminish us. Vulnerability is an important and foundational practice of resilience because it allows people to see, know, and understand the adversity we’re facing, along with giving them an opportunity to support us. What better way to explore these two concepts than a yoga weekend among like-minded people. We hope you will make the time to join us for this fall urban retreat.

 From the Heart Yoga is happy to welcome Desirée back to Grand Rapids for her 24th consecutive visit to our community. She brings 36 years of experience teaching yoga that is also informed by Physical Therapy and Functional Movement Training. If you have ever attended a workshop with her, you know to expect a safely challenging, welcoming and playful experience. If this will be your first time, you are in for a treat. For more information, please visit www.desireerumbaugh.com

Friday—6-8:30 Inner Strength, Outer Softness: Standing and seated poses

Saturday—10-12:30 Flexible and Adaptable: Healthy back and shoulders

Saturday—2-4:30 Back Body Awareness: Twists and forward bends

Sunday—10-12:30 Full Spectrum Practice: Turn things upside down and play with gravity

Desiree Rumbaugh is an internationally recognized yoga teacher with unquenchable enthusiasm for life, love and healing. She blends playful humor with an authentic inquiry into the nature of being to bring the ancient teachings of wisdom into the asana practice and then into modern life. She is an E-RYT and a YACEP with Yoga Alliance.

Registration Now Open for Livestream Option! 

For those that cannot commit to the entire weekend in person. Each section will be live streamed and can be purchased individually or as a whole. A Recording of each class will be available for 30 days after the weekend.

Click Link for the appropriate livestream option:

Livestream the Entire Weekend  $185

Livestream Friday 6pm Only $50

Livestream Saturday 10am Only $50

Livestream Saturday 2pm Only $50

Livestream Sunday 10am Only $50

Covid Policy: Masks are optional. If testing positive please stay home. Livestream option will be available(recording available for 30 days after workshop)

This Course is for those beginning their Yoga practice or any level of student or teacher that wishes to review. In this 6 week course yoga postures will be taught to strengthen and open the entire body. The foundation of any yoga practice is Attitude. Through guided centerings on the breath we will focus the mind, set intentions, and create a deeper connection with the Heart, Mind and Body. When focused, we can explore how the body engages and expresses in each pose. When you have awareness and skilled engagement strength, flexibility, and vibrant health happen naturally. 

Thursday Nights

March 16-April 20th 2023

6:00pm-7:15pm  

Cost $150

Register Here

*15% off for Members (member meaning you have an active class pass) "member" coupon code

These also count as YAECP Credited Courses for Yoga Teachers

A two-part series with Behnje Masson

Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. -Carl Jung

In part one of this series we will explore different ways to access the space of heart. Through contemplation, meditation, journaling, and conversation we will explore our ability to recognize how our inner state influences the way we see and feel into a space. 

Then in part two we will move that understanding into action. What makes a space sacred? Where you place your heart when you are in a space IS what makes it sacred. From that space we will have several exercises and activities for creating a Sacred Space of your own in your Home, Office, or Yoga Studio. 

"Behnje’s workshop gave practical ways to create sacred space within yourself and in your own home. She includes easy ways to include rituals in your daily habits that are little reminders to honor yourself. It was a fun workshop to bring out my creativity in identifying what is meaningful to me" - Kourtnee V. 

Part 1: Hrdayam: Awaken Your Inner Vision

March 4th, 11-1pm

Part 2: Shradda: Where You Place Your Heart

 March 11th, 11-1pm

Cost: 80 register here

15% of for Members (member is the code)

$60 Review Price 

These also count as YAECP Credited Courses for Yoga Teachers

Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. -Carl Jung

In part one of this series we will explore different ways to access the space of heart. Through contemplation, meditation, journaling, and conversation we will explore our ability to recognize how our inner state influences the way we see and feel into a space.

Then in part two we will move that understanding into action. What makes a space sacred? Where you place your heart when you are in a space IS what makes it sacred. From that space we will have several activities and exercises to create a sacred space of your own for you home or office.

Part 1: Hrdayam Awaken Your Inner Vision Nov 5th, 10:30am-12pm Part 2: Shradda

Where You Place Your Heart Nov 19th, 10:30am-12pm

Cost for the series: $75

$70 for members Coupon code: member

This Year at From the Heart marks the 22nd year that we are hosting our good friend and mentor Desiree!!! 22 years! My how time flies! In honor of this we will be structuring the workshop a bit differently this year. It will be Urban Retreat style. Meaning, the in house spaces are for the entire weekend only. This gives Desiree the opportunity to take the group further in their sadhana and allows for a deeper imprinting on the body, mind and heart…In general , it will take your yoga practice to the next level. For those that cannot commit to the entire weekend in person each section will be live streamed and can be purchased individually or as a whole.

Remember You Are Light

Decide To Grow, make it your Life’s Goal and Purpose~~ Michael Singer

These days we are becoming accustomed to expecting the unexpected. Wherever we look, we can see something that is changing and some of it is quite shocking. Life is teaching us to trust in the process and surrender all ideas of controlling anything external.

What is the yogic solution to living peacefully amidst the complexity of the unknown? How do we keep our light shining in dark times?

We have learned to lean on our steady commitment to practice, with more attention and appreciation of what we experience each and every moment. The individual moments count and add up and when we are fully present, we will see that there is still joy to be had even in the midst of events and news that might feel quite discouraging. This is our work, this is why we practice.

During this weekend workshop we will use strengthening exercises and breath work that will enable our minds and bodies to better assimilate and contain the expansion that is offered by the practice. If you are feeling overwhelmed, this work will help you lift the heaviness. If you are feeling joyful, this work will amplify your positive outlook. Come as you are and let the energy of our yoga community hold you.

With over 35 years of experience and after traveling the world teaching all types of students, Desirée has much to share. Co-author of Fearless After Fifty: How To Thrive with Grace, Grit and Yoga, her passion continues to be finding the most effective ways to use all the tools that Yoga offers to bring more joy and freedom to the human condition. She holds certifications in Iyengar and Anusara Yoga and has studied extensively with Physical Therapists and weight trainers. Her classes are full of user-friendly ideas that will help you focus more on your potential than your limitations. For more information please visit www.desireerumbaugh.com

6-8:30pm Friday: The Key to Feeling More Freedom in Your Body: We will begin the weekend with standing and seated poses and reveal the key teaching for lightness and increased well-being

10am-12;30pm Saturday: Your Spine and Your Breath: Get to know more about your unique spine and how to maintain balanced strength and flexibility. We will use standing poses and simple backbends

2-4:30pm Saturday: Twists are Good Medicine: Keeping in mind what we have learned in the previous classes you will strengthen, extend and breathe your way through standing and seated twists.

10am-12:30pm Sunday: Inner Strength and Lightness: After the previous three classes you will have new tools and be ready to more skillfully navigate a variety of poses. This class will include a little bit of everything including inversions for those who are interested in trying them.

Entire Weekend in house $225

(Early Bird Price $200 Until 9/23/22 promo code: earlybird)

Register Here

Registration Now Open for Livestream Option! 

For those that cannot commit to the entire weekend in person. Each section will be live streamed and can be purchased individually or as a whole. Recording of each class available for 30 days after the weekend.

Links for livestream registration:

Livestream the Entire Weekend  $200 

Livestream Friday 6pm Only $50

Livestream Saturday 10am Only $50

Livestream Saturday 2pm Only $50

Livestream Sunday 10am Only $50

"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable and receives the impossible” Corrie Ten Boom

“Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death". Nelson Mandela

If there was ever a time for a worldwide test of faith and hope, this is it. And this is only the beginning. Apparently we are all being called to rise up and evolve more quickly than ever. Join us this weekend as we use yoga poses to explore our own patterns of movement and thought. We will use many kinds of exercises, including yoga poses, to examine and experiment for positive change. Desiree is a constant student of yoga and movement. Even if you took a class with her last week, you will notice something new has evolved in this workshop. www.desireerumbaugh.com

Workshop will be In Person (limited to 20) and Livestream On Zoom.. At this time, we will be requiring that all students attending the workshop in person be fully vaccinated and wear masks. The workshop will be recorded and available for viewing for 30 days.

Friday 6-8:30 Explore Possibilities: Standing Poses and Hip Openers Friday in the Center is SOLD OUT/Zoom Still Available for Friday

Saturday 9:30-12 Rise to the Occasion: Strengthen your upper back

Saturday 2-4:30 Move from the Core: Forward Bends and Twists

Sunday 9:30-12 One Step at a Time: Full Spectrum Practice

$50 per class or $185 for all four. All classes are open to All Levels and All Ages

Register Here

The unprecedented events of this year have touched our lives in ways we could never have imagined. For some, life goes on almost as normal. For the vast majority, it’s been what Bruce Feiler calls “An Involuntary Lifequake”. Since the 1980’s, our world has been changing at an ever-increasing pace. Now the pace of change seems exponential and our future is truly unknown. 
The yogic wisdom upon which we have all relied still stands, as do the mountains and the trees around us. We can all use our practice now, more than ever, to strengthen ourselves from the inside out. Do you have transition superpowers or is involuntary change your kryptonite?
 Please join us in welcoming Desiree as she offers her latest discoveries that might help make your asana practice more supportive for your body and mind. www.desireerumbaugh.com

Make New Habits
Friday night 7-9 pm—Centering Hip Openers and Forward Bends

Be Curious
Saturday 11 am-1 pm—Freedom and Fluidity for Your Spine

One Change Leads to Another
Sunday 11 am-1 pm—Save Your Neck and Shoulders

$40 per class or all three for $100

Entire Weekend Registration Here , Friday Registration Only Here , Saturday Registration Only Here , Sunday Registration Only Here *Please check junk mail for receipt with links
Can’t make the times? No problem. Everyone who registers will have access to the Zoom links so that you can watch the class at your convenience.

...

This Course is for those who are beginning the practice of Hatha Yoga. It is also great for any level of student or teacher that wishes to review. In this 4 week course a variety of basic yoga postures will be taught to strengthen and open the entire body. The foundation of any yoga practice is Attitude. Through guided centerings on the breath we will focus the mind, set intentions, and create a deeper sense of connection to Heart, Mind and Body. When focused, we explore the optimal alignment of the body in each pose through the use of muscular engagement and organic extension. Two of the primary principles in the this practice. When you have sensitivity combined with skilled engagement, creative expression and vibrant health happen naturally. When this course is completed the student is ready to move to a regular weekly class.

4 Consecutive Wednesdays at 6pm

Cost $79

Register Here

*If you wish to take the course again the review price is $55. Registration at front desk only for review price

*YACEP Credits for Teachers

In this 4 week course we will cover the basics in this method of Chi Kung from the school of Sifu Yen Hoa Lee.This is a great class for those who are new to these practices or a great review those coming back to them.This course is taught by Rick Powell. Head instructor at Sifu Lee's School and co owner of From the Heart Yoga.

In this Course you will Learn:

-The basic views Taoism, the school of philosophy that developed these beautiful health and martial arts practices.
- Standing Meditation( Zhuan Zhong) as a foundational practice to restore health and build vitality.
- Chi Gong, breath exercises combined with simple movements. These exercises are from passed down from Master Lee and his teacher Chiu Chuk Kai. The practices originate from a Taoist Temple in Shandong.
- Learning the 8 fundamental steps or foundational footwork for the style of Tai Chi from this lineage. The Style is Mor Wan Jeung, also called Tai Chi Jeung(Palm).

4 consecutive Tuesdays at 8:00am

8:00-8:45am

Cost:$79

Register Here

*If you wish to take the course again the review price is $55. Registration at front desk only for review price

Ganesha is the most recognizable and popular of all the mythic characters of Hinduism. That he is first among the gods reflects a standing he did not enjoy until the rise of classical Hinduism. He is ubiquitous, in every corner of India, and unmistakably himself. The core elements of his mythology and many of his popular stories may well be known to you. But there are aspects and forms, myths, mantras, yantra, and puja within the Tantric tradition that extend far beyond any familiar representations. To experience the expansive, fractal and fragmented Ganapati is to encounter an entirely new and radical facet of Self, culture, and the collective unconscious. There is the Ganesha you know and the Ganesha you have likely never met before. Come meet all of them. No previous experience required.

Friday, Nov. 8, 2019: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019: 10:30am-12:30pm & 2:30pm-4:30pm
Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019: 10:30am-12:30pm

Early Bird Price available on or before Oct. 27, 2018
Entire Weekend: $185 before 10/27, $200 after
Single class: $50 before 10/27, $55 after

Douglas Brooks is a scholar of Hinduism, south Asian languages, and the comparative study of religions.   He lived in India with his teacher, Dr. Gopala Aiyar Sundaramoorthy, for many years studying and practicing Srividya, Auspicious Wisdom, and the modern traditions of goddess-centered Tantra.  Currently Professor of Religion at the University of Rochester, he holds both Masters and his doctoral degrees from Harvard University.

 Register Here

We all know that long term relationships require commitment, self-reflection, inner strength and self-love. This weekend workshop will give students and teachers of all levels a chance to slow down and focus on sharpening their skills of self-observation. Instead of just noticing whether we can or cannot do a pose, we will be looking inside to see if we can discover what we are feeling in our body and how we are directing our mind to absorb the experience in the moment. The next step can then be the discovery of what we can do that might cause even a slight shift. This small shift has the potential to open up a possibility to move forward into a new place. Let’s get together and let go of some self-limiting thoughts. Let’s look at what life has presented to us and then get stronger so we can age more gracefully.✨All ages and levels of students will benefit from attending this workshop!

Join us in welcoming back Desiree for her annual visit to From the Heart Yoga, celebrating the continuation of our journey as family, sharing so many special times together over the years. All levels are welcome to all of these classes. Prepare to be challenged mentally, physically and spiritually in the best of ways. For more information, please visit www.desireerumbaugh.com

Friday 6-8:30 pm Hip Openers, Pranayama and Meditation

Saturday 10-12:30 pm Backbends

Saturday 2:30-5 pm Forward Bends and Twists

Sunday 10-12:30 pm Full Spectrum Class

Individual classes are $50 each by September 22nd, $55 after

Entire workshop is $185 by September 22nd , $200 after

Register Here

Sutra Sundays

  
"Yoga Church"… That is what we called the Sunday morning sessions during our Teacher Training :) ...so it got us thinking: Why not continue it as a monthly offering?  So, here we are...  These new monthly sessions will be centered around key sutras from one of the major texts in the yoga tradition. A sutra is a short aphorism that contains essential teachings from a particular school of yoga philosophy. Sutras are like frozen bits of wisdom that we thaw out, explore, and contemplate, while discussing their value and relevance to daily life. 
These conversations will be followed by a practice of Bhakti Yoga, live Kirtan (chanting). Chanting is one of our favorite practices. It drops the mind into the heart and expands the space inside, laying the ground for the guided meditation. Study and explore the cave of the heart. No previous experience necessary, just an open mind and open heart. 
The first collection of sutras we will be exploring is The Heart of Recognition -  Pratyabhijna-hrdayam.

$40 per Sunday or $140 for All 4 Sundays9-10:30am
May 19, June 9th, July 21st and Aug 4th
*YAECP credited classStudent/Senior 10% off

Register Here

Presenters
Behnje Masson and Rick Powell, E-RYT 500 Certified Teachers
Behnje and Rick have owned and operated From the Heart for over 20 years. It grew out of their love for the practice and study of Yoga, Tai Chi, and Meditation. They were inspired to share what they know, from their hearts. Taking a deep and educational approach to their traditions, they continue studying with, and bringing in, some of the most gifted yoga teachers, scholars, healers, and musicians in the country. 
Eric O'Daly and Natalie Reider
Eric O'Daly is a professional musician with over a decade's practice of Indian Classical Music. He studies vocal music with Geetha Raghu and tabla with Sanjay Bhadoriya. He has been introducing groups and individuals to vocal music through chant and improvisation for many years. Natalie Reider has had a love of sacred music since being exposed to Indian chanting and singing as a small child. Since meeting in 2015, Eric and Natalie have pursued their love of chanting together. They see chanting as a way to unify body, mind, and spirit. They look forward to sharing this light-hearted and joyful practice with you.

This is a New Course for those who are beginning the practice of Hatha Yoga. It is also great for any level of student or teacher that wishes to review. In this 4 week course a variety of basic yoga postures will be taught to strengthen and open the entire body. The foundation of any yoga practice is Attitude. Through guided centerings on the breath we will focus the mind, set intentions, and create a deeper sense of connection to Heart, Mind and Body. When focused, we explore the optimal alignment of the body in each pose through the use of muscular engagement and organic extension. Two of the primary principles in the this practice. When you have sensitivity combined with skilled engagement, creative expression and vibrant health happen naturally. When this course is completed the student is ready to move to a regular weekly class.

Dates: April 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th, 2019

7:15-8:30pm

Cost $79

*YACEP Credits for Teachers

Each of us holds within us the depths and complexities of our private experiences, the feelings and thoughts that we often keep silent, that emerge from our subconscious or inhabit our dreams.  In our waking consciousness we grapple and contend with our experiences while in the vast, and largely unexplored worlds of our inner self we collect these images, thoughts, and feelings where they inhabit our emotions and untold stories.  In India's traditions these interior movements, that slither and lurk, the kind that are comfortable in shade and shadow and sleep are called Nagas or serpents.

Everywhere one looks, across the entirety of India's storytelling traditions and vast iconographies, there are images of serpents, sometimes appearing as snakes and other times as serpentine creatures, half-snake, half-something-else.  And everywhere we find them, we meet another story about what lies within us, often hidden, always rich and valuable.  Humans may have some innate fear or trepidation about snakes but nagas in Indian lore are essential keys to our personal development: the heart of yoga tradition is the notion of waking up Kundalini, the inner serpent.  What are these naga-experiences, who is Kundalini and why is she a naga?  What are we to make of these living denizens of our shadows, dreams, and hidden desires?  There are so many illuminating stories and images to help us experience our inner nagas in shadow and light.

Friday: 6-8pm
Saturday:10:30am-12:30pm & 2:30pm-4:30pm
Sunday:10:30am-12:30pm
Single class: $50 by 10/22 $55 after
Entire Weekend: $185 by 10/22 $200 after

Register Here

Friday 6-8:30pm Earth ~ Hip Openers, Pranayama and Meditation
Saturday 10-12:30pm Fire ~ Backbends
Saturday 2:30-5pm Water ~ Forward Bends and Twists
Sunday 10-12:30pm Air ~ Arm Balances and Inversions

How is your practice going ? Are you making progress in your life—body, mind and spirit? Whether you practice yoga in a studio or at home, it is crucial to understand exactly what you are doing. It makes all the difference between moving forward and standing still. It is possible to practice and thereby strengthen habits that are not beneficial. Once we know this, we can make a better choice to change to those that may prove more positive in nature, not losing sight of our timeless goal: accessing the Self and living from our center.

Join us in welcoming Desiree Rumbaugh for an inspirational weekend of laughter and learning more about your yoga practice. Desiree has spent the last 30 years evolving her practice and her teaching and is excited to share what she has learned with all those who are interested. Her practice is based on the study of bio-mechanical alignment and mindfulness meditation.

All levels are welcome to attend. For more information, www.desireerumbaugh.com

When we practice the full range of the poses that yoga offers, the benefits are balancing and hugely beneficial. Even if you have an injury or an aversion to certain poses, we suggest you make an effort to attend the entire weekend in order to feel this possibility for yourself.

Individual classes are $50 each by September 17th, $60 after

Entire workshop is $185 by September 17th, $200 after

Register Here