-
This year, 2014, marks the 35th anniversary of the founding of
Unity Woods Yoga Center. We are proud and honored to have been
around all these years, and to have been a part of the amazing
growth of yoga in the Washington DC area, the country in general,
and the world at large. Unity Woods has had a significant effect on
yoga in Washington, and we have been affected as well by the
changes that have occurred over that time, particularly in recent
years.
Yoga and the yoga scene are very different in 2014 than they
were in 1979. Of course, yoga existed in the Washington
Metropolitan Area (WMA) long before Unity Woods Yoga Center came
into exis-tence. In the 1970’s, Lilias Folan’s television show
"Lilias, Yoga, and You" on PBS and Richard Hittleman’s book,
Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan, introduced many area residents to yoga.
During that decade, a lot of the WMA’s yoga activity centered
around the Sivananda tradition, the method in which I began my
practice. Sita Frenkel was a
primary influence in the WMA. Sita had studied directly with
renowned yogi Swami Sivananda. She moved to the WMA in the 70’s and
founded the Yoga Sadhana Mandir. Sivananda style teachers taught at
St. Marks Church in DC in the mid-70’s (and still do), and students
of Swami Satchidanana and Swami Vishnudevananda (who were
themselves disciples of Swami Sivananda) offered classes in group
houses in the city. Other influences included Ram Dass, who
See Namaste, page 2
InsideJohn’s Workshop
Schedule ......................2
Special Events ...............4–5
Class Schedule .............6–7
Teacher Information ......8–9
Studio News .....................9
Course Descriptions .......10
Boutique Information ......10
Registration Form ............11
Fees and Policies ............11
YOGA IN THE IYENGAR TRADITION SINCE 1979 FALL 2014 • SEPTEMBER
18 – DECEMBER 21
Namaste
Unity Woods Yoga Center...is one of the best known and most
widely re-spected yoga centers in the country. We offer classes for
students at all levels in posture (asana) and breathing
(pranayama), special courses for tar-geted needs and interests,
workshops with some of the world’s finest teachers, and programs
covering various aspects of the science and art of yoga.
At Unity Woods, our purpose is to offer uncompro-mising, expert
yoga instruction to as broad an au-dience as possible. Our teaching
staff is the area’s most experienced, comprised of highly trained,
certified instructor s who help guide you to im-proved health,
serenity, and expanded awareness.
© 2014 Unity Woods Yoga Center, LLC.4853 Cordell Ave,
PH9Bethesda, MD 20814Phone: (301) 656-8992Fax: (301)
656-7792www.unitywoods.com
All of our classes are based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar.
Named by Time magazine as "one of the 100 most influential people
in the world", Mr. Iyengar is widely regarded as the world’s
foremost living yoga teacher. His approach develops self-awareness
through precision in movement and attention to the subtleties of
body, breath, mind, and spirit.
HEALTH • SERENITY • AWARENESS
First Class Free for New
StudentsNewcomers to Unity Woods may take their first class free
anytime
during the session Contact us for details.
301-656-8992www.unitywoods.com
-
- 2 - UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER
John’s Workshops
September 26–28Iyengar Yoga Institute
New York, NYhttp://iyengarnyc.org/
October 17–19Workshop for Teachers
SERENDIPITYBerkeley Springs, WV
"Refinement and Integration"www.unitywoods.com
October 25Yoga For HealthPotomac, MD
A morning workshop with John. (301) 330-0430
November 15Sun and Moon Yoga Studio
Arlington, VATwo afternoon classes.
www.sunandmoonstudio.com
November 16Advanced Pranayama
Unity Woods/Bethesdawww.unitywoods.com
December 5–7 B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Studio of
DallasDallas, TX
www.dallasiyengaryoga.com
December 29Yoga Sol
Delray Beach, FLwww.yogasol.com
January 2–4Yoga Institute of Miami
Miami, FLFor experienced Iyengar students.
www.yogamiami.org
February 9–22 32nd Annual Yoga Vacation in
JamaicaJohn and co-teacher Barbara Benagh offer top notch
yoga
classes in a setting of warm sun, turquoise sea, and the
unique
Jamaican culture. www.yogastudio.org
See www.unitywoods.com for details
Namaste (continued)
came to Washington for several speaking en-gagements, and Swami
Muktananada, founder of Siddha Yoga, whose disciples created a
small, but vibrant community in the city.
These groups offered classes and satsangs in a low key manner,
and most of them regarded money and business as necessary evils at
best. There was little or no advertising, and the cost of classes
was very low. Rec departments in counties around the city offered
yoga classes for next to nothing. Yogi Bhajan, the Sikh founder of
3HO (Healthy, Happy, Holy) which offered classes in Kundalini Yoga
in the WMA, upped the commercial profile of yoga by opening the
Golden Temple Restaurant and the Golden Temple Emporium in the
city.
As interest gradually began to pick up, the yoga movement began
to organize. I was among an informal group of yoga teachers that
decided to create an organization that could focus the energy of
the yoga community and elevate its profile in the larger community.
We named ourselves the Mid-Atlantic Yoga Association (MAYA) and
began putting on workshops with visiting teachers and publicizing
our classes and activities.
The more involved I became in practicing, teach-ing, and the
yoga world, the more it consumed me. By 1978, I had decided to
pursue teaching yoga as a fulltime profession and my life’s work. I
didn’t know anyone who was doing this. For all the teachers I knew,
teaching was a part time avocation or part of life in an ashram
setting. Nobody I knew of made their living teaching yoga. But I
loved yoga. I loved practicing it and teaching it, the philosophy
behind it, the people involved in it, and what I saw as its power
to make a fundamental positive change in the world. So I directed
my time and energy toward making this possible.
One of the first things I thought I should do was create a
professional identity, a name under which to operate. Unity Woods
Yoga Center, LLC was born. I signed contracts and advertised my
classes under that name just as any professional enterprise would
do.
At that time, most classes were held in people’s homes, church
basements, dance studios, and recreation departments. I taught in
all those
venues, but by the mid-‘80‘s, I became weary of hauling blankets
and books from pillar to post. Committed to teaching as my
livelihood as well as my passion, I decided to consolidate and
fo-cus my efforts and open a fulltime commercial yoga studio. No
such thing existed in the WMA as far as I know, but I felt that if
I could make it work, I could not only make a living teaching yoga,
but expand yoga’s appeal by reaching a broader audience.
So in 1985 I opened Unity Woods Yoga Cen-ter’s first and what I
believe to be the WMA’s first fulltime yoga center on the third
floor of Triangle Towers in Bethesda, in the former stu-dios of
WHFS, the hippie music flagship station. I had spent 12 years
building up a following of students. That combined with an enhanced
appearance of professionalism that came from operating out of a
fulltime business location and the absence of any similar
operations helped Unity Woods become commercially success-ful from
the start. This success allowed us to move to the larger and more
beautiful facilities on the Penthouse floor we now occupy and
subsequently to open studios in Woodley Park (1991) and Arlington
(1996).
The ‘90’s saw the rapid growth of yoga not just at Unity Woods
but in the WMA as well. Among my students during this period were
dedicated practitioners who were or became prominent teachers:
Suzie Hurley, Susan Van Nuys, JJ Gormley, Annie Moyer. Several of
these yogis opened their own studios: Willow Street Yoga, Health
Advantage, Sun and Moon Yoga. Stan Andrzejewski also opened the
Greater Baltimore Yoga Center and Joe Adlesic opened Blue Ridge
Yoga in Charlottesville, VA. Their business mod-els imitated the
Unity Woods approach by of-fering sessions of classes, using a
similar system of levels, and printing a newsletter that took its
format from the Unity Woods newsletter. Per-haps this is why
Washingtonian Magazine later dubbed me “the father of yoga in
Washington”.
This proliferation of studios served to enlarge the yoga pie,
and everyone prospered. This was happening all over the country. In
May, 1994, U.S. News & World Report published an article titled
“Yoga Goes Mainstream”. It featured Unity Woods and asana photos of
my wife, Suzie, who has operated Yoga For Health since 1987.
-
- 3 -FALL 2014
John Schumacher is the founder and director of Unity Woods. He
has prac-ticed yoga for over 40 years and has taught in the
Washing-
ton area since 1973. John continues to study in India with
B.K.S. Iyengar, the world’s foremost Yoga teacher, and is a
certified Advanced Iyengar Yoga teacher. He also spent many years
studying with internationally acclaimed teacher Dona Holleman.
John’s clear, precise style and his engaging sense of humor have
made him one of the country’s leading yoga teachers. Yoga Journal
cited him as one of "25 Americans who are shaping yoga today." He
has written for a variety of publications and has appeared in
numerous local and national media, including U.S. News and World
Report, Yoga Journal, Washingtonian Maga-zine, the Washington
Times, the Washington Post, PBS and others. John speaks about the
practice and benefits of yoga on radio and television and at
conferences and organizations around the country.
Over the years John has taught thousands of students and trained
hundreds of teachers. He contin-ues to travel across the U.S. and
throughout the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle
East and the Caribbean, where he conducts workshops for students
and teachers of all levels.
Namaste (continued)
Yoga certainly did go mainstream. Yoga centers and teachers in
the WMA and elsewhere popped up everywhere. The idea that you could
make a living teaching yoga took hold, and by the turn of the
century, many centers were running teacher training programs to
take advantage of the hordes of people who wanted to become yoga
teachers. They cranked out teachers in such numbers that by 2005,
70,000 people in the U.S. held teaching certificates according to
the North American Studio Alliance. As it turns out, a little over
20% of them actually make a living teaching yoga, and according to
an American Research study, only the top 10% make $63,000 or
more.
The number of students continued to grow as well so that the
estimated population of yoga students in America currently stands
at about 20 million people. However, the growth of teachers and
studios has exceeded disproportionately the growth in the number of
students in my estima-tion. As a result, studios are beginning to
close almost as fast as others open, or large chains are swallowing
them up.
All this growth as well as changes in society overall in the
past 35 years have had direct and profound effects on Unity Woods.
Of course, we have created a digital presence with our website and
Facebook page and have dropped almost all print advertising, which
used to be the mainstay of our PR efforts.
Since many of the newer studios are following a more gym
oriented approach of offering pack-ages of classes per month or
year and/or mem-berships that allow unlimited access to classes, we
have also opened up our drop-in policies. We steadfastly refuse,
however, to abandon our session-based approach which we feel
en-
courages the systematic and progressive study and learning that
lies at the heart of deepening one’s practice.
These days, new brands of yoga roll onto the market at a rapid
pace, and centers combine yoga and everything from Pilates and
Zumba to wine and yoga parties to attract customers. Unity Woods
occupies a unique and somewhat perilous place in the current scene
by continu-ing to offer its students only yoga in only one
tradition: the Iyengar Method.
So we try to balance keeping up with the times and going with
the flow with bucking what look to us like superficial or
inappropriate trends. Where yoga is going and what the yoga scene
will look like in years to come is anybody’s guess. And how it all
will affect Unity Woods is just as unknown. The one thing that the
past 35 years tell me, though, is that things will change. The
challenge to Unity Woods over the years to come will be how to
remain relevant to and serve our students and continue to adhere to
the principles and practices that have informed, guided, and
inspired us for three and a half decades. Whatever transpires we
are thankful to and for our students, new and old, some of whom
have been with us for decades and some who have walked through our
doors for the first time this year. You’re the reason we’re still
here.
Read John’s essays from earlier newsletters on our website:
www.unitywoods.com/tag/letter
And look for digital downloads of John's audio CDs, classes and
dis-cussions at www.ihanuman.com.
"The popularity of yoga and my part in spreading its
teachings are a great source of satisfaction to me. ...But
I do not want its widespread popularity to eclipse the
depth of what it has to give to the practitioner."
B.K. S. Iyengar, Yoga Journal October 2005
-
- 4 - UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER
Workshops, Short CoursesSee unitywoods.com for detailed
descriptions.
Unity Woods 35th Anniversary
Events!
Studio Open Houses
Meet Unity Woods' teachers, watch yoga demonstrations, take
a free yoga class, and more.
Saturday, October 25 2:00–5:00pm
in Woodley Park
Sunday, October 26 2:00–5:00pmin Arlington
Discussion Groupin Bethesda
with John Schumacher
Share stories about changes at Unity Woods and in the local
yoga
scene over the past three and a half decades.
Sunday, November 166:45–8:30pmin Bethesda
Holiday Party and Anniversary Gala
in BethesdaA celebration of our Unity Woods
community (and Mr. Iyengar's birthday). Festive decorations,
food, holiday boutique sale, raffle and more. All are
welcome!
Sunday, December 14 6:30–9:00pm
Bethesda WorkshopsMonday, September 8 • 4:30–5:30pmTeen Yoga:
FREE Intro ClassWith Laurel Goeke Before the fall session starts,
try this free kick-off class.
Prerequisite: Ages 11–17. FREE
Saturday, September 13 • 2:00–5:00pmMerging Yoga and
ChantingWith Doerthe Braun and Nazli Weiss Asanas enhance strength;
chanting creates vibrancy in body and equanimity in mind. We'll
practice both.
Prerequisite: Completion of Level I. $45
Sunday, Sep 28 & Nov 9 • 12:30–1:30pmPranayama IV
WorkshopsWith Anne Wutchiett Pranayama IV breaths will be
introduced and further explored. We will continue to refine the art
of sitting.
Prerequisite: Completion of Pranayama lll. $20
Sun, Oct 5, Nov 2 & Dec 7 • 3:00–4:00pmMonthly Family Yoga
Workshops With Laurel GoekeShare your practice with those you love
best! Em-brace the yoga's benefits while bonding as a family.
Prerequisite: Age 7 up. $15/ea;$50/fam of 4
Sunday, November 16 • see below for timesAdvanced Pranayama
(Levels V & VI)With John Schumacher Level V: Completion of
Level IV or extensive training in the Iyengar approach to
pranayama. Level VI: Two years digital pranayama practice.
Level V 2:30–4:00pm $30Level VI 4:15–5:45pm $30
Sunday, November 16 • 6:45–8:30pmDiscussion Group: Yoga Past and
FutureWith John SchumacherJohn's letter talks about some of the
changes that have occurred at Unity Woods and in the Washington
area yoga scene over the past 35 years. We'll go into more depth
and look at where yoga is now, where we think it is going, and
where we would like it to go.
All are Welcome. FREE
Saturday, November 29 • 10:00am–12:00pmHappy Thankstwisting!With
Doerthe Braun Give thanks to your body by detoxifying and
energiz-ing yourself with a deep twisting practice.
Prerequisite: Level I/II and up. $25
Wednesday, December 31 • 10:00–11:30amReceiving the DarkWith
Rocky Delaplaine Slow down, relax deeply and turn inward in
prepara-tion for the New Year. Benefit for The Unseen Hand, a
non-profit educational center focused on healing.
Prerequisite: Completion of Level I. $35
Checks only, to The Unseen Hand (tax deductible)
Bethesda Short CoursesThursdays, Sep 25–Oct 23 •
6:00–7:30pmMerging Yoga & MeditationWith Carol Cavanaugh These
classes seamlessly combine two practices that enhance our capacity
to appreciate life and weather its storms. Each class will include
physical practice of asanas and a period of seated mindfulness
practice.
Prerequisite: Level I/II and up. $95/course
Tuesdays, October 7–28 • 12:15–1:30pmBack And Hips: Unwind and
OpenWith Amy Van Mui Do your back and hip areas feel tight? Do you
find that it’s hard to relax and tension tends to be stuck in those
places? In this short course we will focus on poses that will help
unwind and open you up. Come ready to move and relax.
No Prerequisite: Open to all. $80/course
Sundays, Oct 12–Nov 2 • 12:30–1:30pmThe Path of BreathWith Anne
Wutchiett Maintaining Practice. The continuation of the Path of
Breath—Maintaining Practice series. Introduction to the breaths of
pranayama II done in a reclining posi-tion. The art of sitting will
be introduced and refined.
Prerequisite: Path of Breath or Pran I. $80/course
-
- 5 -FALL 2014
Fridays, October 17–31 • 10:00–11:30amYoga for ScoliosisWith
Rocky Delaplaine Scoliosis leads to postural misalignment and
some-times pain. We'll create traction, make space, strengthen weak
muscles, lengthen tight ones, and work with the breath to quiet the
mind.
No Prerequisite: Open to all. $70/course
Thursdays, Oct 30–Nov 20 • 6:00–7:30pmStrengthening Your
BackWith Carol Cavanaugh Improve the health of your back by working
on a series of poses to strengthen muscles affecting the upper,
middle and lower back.
No Prerequisite: Open to all. $76/course
Arlington Short CoursesWednesdays, Sep 24–Oct 15 •
5:30–6:30pmWhat is Holding You Up? In Salamba Sarvangasana
(Shoulderstand)With Juliana Fair Designed for those not yet, or
just starting to practice shoulderstand, as well as students
already practicing it but seeking new techniques to progress.
Prerequisite: Completion of Level I. $68/crse
Wednesdays, Oct 29–Nov 19 • 5:30–6:30pmThe Fear of Inverting:
Sirsasana (Headstand) andAdho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand)With
Juliana Fair What keeps you glued to the earth when you attempt to
kick up? You have strength and flexibility but... In this four-week
course we will embrace the fear factor!
Prerequisite: Completion of Level II. $68/crse
Wednesdays, Dec 3–17 • 5:30–6:45pmRange of Motion: HipsWith Lori
L. Ritland Does running, walking, standing or sitting, make your
hips sore or tight? This short course will work on hips, including
groins, lower back and legs to create opening and flexibility.
Prerequisite: Level I and up. $57/crse
Guest WorkshopsMonday–Tuesday, September 15–16Dean
LernerAdvanced Iyengar instructor Dean Lerner is a gifted teacher
well rooted both in technique and philosoph-ical application. An
avid practitioner, he has traveled to India many times to study
with the Iyengars. Dean teaches in a clear and concise manner
combining humor with a comfortable and relaxed style.
Mon. 6:00–8:00pm $50
Tues. 10:00am–1:00pm $75
Tues. 6:00–8:00pm $50
All classes held in Bethesda
No Prerequisite: Open to all.
Saturday–Sunday, September 20–21Rajiv ChanchaniRajiv Chanchani,
co-founder of the Yog-Ganga Cen-tre in India, was trained by B.K.S.
Iyengar and has practiced yoga for well over 30 years. He is a
master teacher of yoga asana, and is well-versed in alterna-tive
systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda.
Saturday, September 20 in Woodley Park:
Sat. 3:00–5:00pm Asana Class $50
Sat. 5:30–6:30pm Lecture $15
Sunday, September 21 in Bethesda:
Sun. 3:00–5:00pm Asana Class $50
Sun. 5:30–6:30pm Lecture $15
Prerequisite for Asana: Level II and up.
No Prerequisite for Lectures: Open to all.
Introductory Yoga Series
These four-week courses provide an introduction to the
fundamentals of
yoga as taught at Unity Woods.
In BethesdaSat, 8:00–9:00am Aug 16–Sept 13
with Laurel Goeke[no class August 30]
Thurs, 12:15–1:15pm Sept 25–Oct 16 with Linda McReynolds
In ArlingonWed, 5:30–6:30pm Aug 20–Sept 10
with Juliana Fair
$68/course; $20/single class
Community Classes
Mixed levels. Bring a Friend!
Every Friday, 6:00–7:00pm
In BethesdaSeptember 5 Linda McRSeptember 12 RockySeptember 19
DoertheSeptember 26 RockyOctober 3 MaggieOctober 10 Linda SG
October 17 MaryOctober 24 Linda SGOctober 31 MaggieNovember 7
SuzanneNovember 14 MaryNovember 21 LaurelNovember 28 Doerthe
December 5 RockyDecember 12 SuzanneDecember 19 Linda SG
In Woodley ParkBegins September 26
All classes taught by Kristine
$8 drop-in fee, cash only
and Special EventsNo refunds or credits/credits/changes from 14
days prior.
-
- 6 - UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER
Prerequisites:1 completion of one year of asana2 completion of
Level II once3 completion of Level II twice4 5 minute freestanding
Sirsasana5 10 minute freestanding Sirsasana6 Level I/II and up
Class Schedule
Thursdays
7:00–8:30am Mixed Levels 6 Suzanne9:00–10:15am Seniors
Suzanne9:00–10:15am Level I Doerthe10:30am–12:00pm Level II
Doerthe12:15–1:15pm Intro Series Linda McR (September 25–October
16)5:45–6:45pm Pranayama I 1 John6:00–7:30pm Yoga & Meditation
Carol (September 25–October 23)6:00–7:30pm Back Strength Carol
(October 30–November 20)7:00–9:00pm Level II/III 4 John7:45–9:00pm
Sutra Study Kristine
Fridays
10:00–11:30am Level II Laurel10:00–11:30am Yoga for Scoliosis
Rocky (October 17–31)11:45am–1:15pm Level I/II Laurel6:00–7:00pm
Community Class Faculty (September 19–December 19)
Saturdays
7:30–9:00am Level II Steve7:45–9:15am Level III Mary8:00–9:00am
Intro Series Laurel (August 16–September 13; no class Aug
30)9:15–10:45am Level II/III Steve9:30–11:00am Level II Linda
SG11:00am–12:30pm Level I/II Steve11:15am–12:30pm Level I
Laurel
Sundays
8:00–9:15am Level I/II Steve9:00–10:30am Level II/III 3
Anne9:30–11:00am Level II Steve10:45am–12:15pm Level II
Anne11:15am–12:30pm Level I Steve12:30–1:30pm Path of Breath Anne
(Maintaining Practice: Oct 12–Nov 2)
Mondays
10:00–11:30am Level II/III Jill10:15–11:45am Level I/II
Suzanne12:00–1:30pm Level II Anne12:15–1:15pm Level I
Suzanne4:30–5:30pm Teen Yoga Laurel5:45–7:15pm Level I/II
Anne6:00–7:30pm Level II/III Doerthe7:30–9:00pm Level II
Anne7:45–9:15pm Level I Kristine
Tuesdays
10:00–11:30am Level I Jill10:15–11:45am Level II
Laurel12:00–1:30pm Level II/III Doerthe12:15–1:30pm Back & Hips
Amy (October 7–28)4:15–5:45pm Level I/II Rocky5:00–6:30pm Level II
John6:00–7:30pm Level II Linda SG6:45–8:45pm Level III 5 John
Wednesdays
8:50–9:50am Pranayama III Anne10:00–11:30am Level I/II
Jill10:15–11:45am Level II/III 3 Anne12:00–1:30pm Gentle
Suzanne12:15–1:30pm Level I/II Anne5:00–6:15pm Back Care
Rocky6:00–7:30pm Level I John6:30–8:00pm Level II Linda
McR7:45–9:15pm Level I/II John8:00–9:30pm Level II/III Winnie
Bethesda, MD 4853 Cordell Ave, Penthouse 7
UNITY WOODSLOCATIONS
Bethesda4853 Cordell AvenueSuite PH7, 16th Floor
5 BLOCKS FROM METRO
Woodley Park2639 Connecticut AvenueSuite C-102
Arlington 4001 North 9th StreetSuite 105
-
- 7 -FALL 2014
Woodley Park, DC2639 Connecticut Ave, NW, C102
Mondays
10:00–11:30am Level II/III Steve4:30–6:00pm Level I/II
Steve6:15–7:45pm Level II Winnie8:00–9:30pm Level III Winnie
Tuesdays
9:45–11:15am Gentle Steve6:00–7:30pm Level I/II Steve7:45–9:00pm
Level I Steve
Wednesdays
6:30–8:00pm Level II Giulia
Thursdays
5:00–6:30pm Level I Winnie6:45–8:15pm Level II/III Winnie
Fridays
6:00–7:00pm Community Class Kristine (September 26–December
19)
Saturdays
9:00–10:30am Level II/III 2 Joe10:45am–12:15pm Level II
Joe12:30–1:45pm Level I Joe
Sundays
9:00–10:30am Level II Lori10:45am–12:15pm Level I Lori
Class ScheduleArlington, VA4001 N 9th St, Suite 105
Mondays
5:45–7:15pm Level II Lori7:30–9:00pm Level I Lori
Tuesdays
12:15–1:15pm Level I Carol6:00–7:00pm Level I Giulia7:15–8:45pm
Level II Giulia
Wednesdays
5:30–6:30pm Shoulderstand Juliana (September 24–October
15)5:30–6:30pm Inversions Juliana (October 29–November
19)5:30–6:45pm Hips Lori (December 3–17)
Thursdays
6:00–7:30pm Level I/II Joe7:45–9:15pm Level II/III Joe
Fridays
12:00–1:15pm Level I/II Lori
Saturdays
9:00–10:30am Level II/III 3 Lori10:45am–12:15pm Level II
Lori
Sundays
9:00–10:30am Level II Maggie10:45am–12:15pm Level I Maggie
IMPORTANT DATES
Registration is now open:www.unitywoods.com
Fall Session:Thursday, Sept 18–Sunday, Dec 21
Note: Classes WILL MeetMon, October 13 (Columbus Day) Tues,
November 11 (Veteran's Day)
Thanksgiving BreakThurs, Nov 27–Sun, Nov 30
Winter Session Begins: January 2Winter registration opens Dec
4
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TAKING CLASS
AttireThere are changing rooms at each studio. Wear clothing you
can move in (no baggy clothes—they obscure alignment). Bare feet
are essential. No perfume, please.
Propsare provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own
mat.
Food Come with an empty stomach.
Special Physical NeedsLet your teacher know about any injuries,
physical problems or medical conditions.
Please be on timeTeachers begin each class with preparatory
practices. You may be turned away if you arrive after the start of
class.
Do not come to classif you have any contagious condition. You
share the floor, props, and air with many other students!
Children Minimum age for class participation is 16 (except for
Teen Yoga). Unity Woods cannot provide childcare for younger
children.
Class Cancelationsfor weather or other emergencies are posted on
our website and our voicemail: www.unitywoods.com or
301-656-8992.
-
- 8 - UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER
Joe Adlesic, Certified Interme-diate Junior I Iyengar Yoga
Teacher, mentored by John Schumacher since 1982, has taught at
Unity Woods since 1990. Joe studied in India with
the Iyengars several times and has trained ex-tensively with
Senior Iyengar teachers, particu-larly Patricia Walden.
Winnie Au, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, first traveled to
Pune in 2003 and continues to study regularly with the Iy-engars,
with John Schumacher (her first teacher) and with Ma-
nouso Manos. Winnie is committed to serving students by teaching
the Iyengar method.
Doerthe Braun, Certified Inter-mediate Junior I Iyengar Yoga
Teacher, began practicing in 1999, apprenticed with John Schumacher
and has studied with the Iyengars in India. With
a degree in acting and movement, she enjoys sharing yoga’s gifts
with all ages, inspired by her own four children.
Jill Pollet Cahn, Certified Iyen-gar Yoga Teacher, has studied
at Unity Woods since 1980 and taught since 1987. Jill has a B.S.
from U.C. Berkeley and an M.A. in Special Education.
She teaches special workshops on Yoga and the Energy Field.
Carol Cavanaugh has taught Iyengar yoga since 1977. She made
five trips to study with B.K.S. and Geeta Iyengar be-tween 1980 and
1995. She directed the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco
from 1977–1988. She has practiced vipassana meditation since
1999.
The Teachers at Unity WoodsRocky Delaplaine is interested in
exploring how the prac-tice of yoga promotes peace, fosters
creativity and culti-vates reverence for the natu-ral world. She is
a certified Iyengar teacher, and certified
by Elise Browning Miller to teach yoga for sco-liosis. She’s
taught at Unity Woods since 1991 and is on the yoga faculty of the
Casey Health Institute. rockydelaplaine.com
Juliana Fair, Senior Intermedi-ate I Certified Iyengar Teacher,
began her yoga journey in 1974 in her native Australia, and has
taught the Iyengar style since 1981. She travels to Pune to
study with the Iyengar family bi-annually. Juli-ana’s teaching
is straightforward and humorous, encouraging students to understand
and work with their own bodies.
Esther Geiger has studied at Unity Woods since 1980 and been our
administrator since 1988. She has worked as a dancer, teacher,
playground de-signer and audio describer. She
is a CMA (Certified Laban Movement Analyst).
Laurel Goeke has practiced yoga for 18 years, and has been
teaching for ten. She currently apprentices with John Schumacher.
She loves teaching teens, offering a great
tool to maintain the body and mind through the myriad challenges
they face.
Giulia Mainieri began studying yoga with BKS Iyengar directly.
She has studied with senior Iyengar teacher Kofi Busia for over 30
years and completed his teacher training program.
She is an experienced teacher who finds each class different and
fun.
STAFFUnity Woods Office
(301) 656-8992 [email protected]
John SchumacherFounder/Director
ext. 102
Esther GeigerAdministrator
Outreach Coordinatorext. 101
Suzanne Y. SigüenzaAssistant Administrator
Website Managerext. 300
Debra MonacoFinancial Administrator
ext. 104
Annick MildeRegistrarext. 105
Steve MitchellWoodley Park/Arlington
Coordinatorext. 201
Lori L. RitlandSpecial Projects
ext. 500
Tracy KoretskyCathleen ScottReceptionists
ext. 500
-
- 9 -FALL 2014
Linda McReynolds began studying at Unity Woods in 2003, teaching
in 2008 and apprenticing with John Schum-acher in 2010. Linda
believes that a dedicated yoga practice provides energy and
equipoise
to enjoy a full life with family, friends and work.
Steve Mitchell, a Certified Iy-engar Yoga Teacher, has been with
Unity Woods for over 20 years, and has studied with many senior
teachers. He has maintained a devoted, steady
Yoga practice for 23 years, teaching since 1995.
Mary Pappas-Sandonas, B.S. Psychology/Neurobiology, M.S.
Exercise Physiology, Certified Intermediate Junior I Iyengar
Teacher and Mom, applies her joyfully intuitive, compassion-
ately precise teaching to help students explore living
authentically and consistently from the true nature of the
heart.
Maggie Rhoades, a certified Yoga teacher, has studied with the
Iyengars, and has taught classes for cardiac and cancer patients in
area hospitals. She is a certified Pilates instructor and
has developed yoga and Pilates DVD's.
Lori L. Ritland, Certified Inter-mediate Junior I Iyengar Yoga
Teacher, has studied with John Schumacher since 1998 and with the
Iyengars in the U.S and twice in India. She dedicates
her teaching of asana and pranayama to those seeking greater
balance in their busy lives.
Alyson Ross, PhD, RN, Certified Iyengar yoga teacher, has taught
since 1996. She is a researcher for the Department of Nursing
Research at the NIH Clinical Center. She has conducted research and
published exten-
sively on the health benefits of yoga.
Linda San Gabriel has prac-ticed yoga since 1989 and taught
since 1996. She appren-ticed with John Schumacher, studied with the
Iyengars in India and continues to travel to
study with Iyengar teachers around the world. Linda holds an
M.Ed. in Applied Linguistics.
Suzanne Y. Sigüenza offers the practice of yoga as a steady
foundation to develop compas-sion, benevolence, awareness, and the
fortitude to “run with perseverance the race set out
before us” (Heb. 12:1). She is an artist.
Amy Van Mui started teaching in 2000 and passed her Iyen-gar
Yoga Assessment at the Intro I level. Her classes focus on
functional movement and proper biomechanics, infused with energy
and compassion
to cultivate a vibrant sense of well-being.
Anne Wutchiett is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher who has
taught for over 25 years. She has studied in India with the
Iyengars. Her teaching is pre-cise, caring, and inspired, ac-
knowledging the vitality, strength and harmony yoga brings.
STUDIO NEWS
Unity Woods is pleased to welcome Kristine Bell to our faculty
this fall. Kristine discovered yoga in 2005 in New York City. She
graduated from the teacher training program at the Iyengar Yoga
Institute of New York, led by Mary Dunn and James Murphy, in 2009
and continues her studies with Carrie Owerko. She has made three
trips to India to study with the Iyengar family in Pune and visit
Guruji's home village of Bellur.
Before finding yoga, Kristine taught Jackie Sorensen's Aerobic
Dancing for 15 years in her home state of Wisconsin. She has also
worked in various capacities for companies, non-profit
organizations, and the government.
Kristine is working towards her first assessment in the Iyengar
Yoga cer-tification process and thanks John Schumacher for the
opportunity to teach at Unity Woods. She also thanks the other
Iyengar yoga teach-ers she has been blessed to study with
worldwide, including Patricia Walden, Gabriella Giubilaro, Ma-nouso
Manos, Faeq Biria, Stephanie Quirk, Rajiv and Swati Chanchani, the
faculty at the Iyengar Institute of NY; and yoga teachers and
practitio-ners of other traditions that inform, challenge and
inspire her practice.
John recorded a yoga sequence for caregivers as part of a study
being conducted by the National Institutes of Health.
-
- 10 - UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER
ASANA (POSTURE)Gentle classes are for students who are less
flex-ible, not so strong, have a particular limitation, or would
prefer a more slowly paced, less rigor-ous class. May be joined at
any time.
Level I classes introduce beginning students and students new to
Unity Woods' approach to the fundamentals of posture and
breath.
Level I/II classes are for students who have completed Level I
and prefer a gradual transi-tion to Level II. This level is also
ideal for those with previous yoga experience who are new to Unity
Woods.
Mixed Levels is for students in Level I/II and up. Modifications
will be made according to Level and/or need.
Level II classes are for students who have com-pleted the
introductory (Level I) course. The basic poses are refined with an
emphasis on all the standing poses. Inverted poses (headstand, plow
and shoulder stand) are introduced.
Level II/III classes are for students firmly es-tablished in
their practice and ready to move beyond the basics.
Level III classes are for students with previous Iyengar
training who are strong in all the basic poses and can do
headstand, shoulderstand and plow with confidence.
Advanced Asana classes are offered periodi-cally and are limited
to students who meet the listed prerequisites for each topic. (No
Advanced Asana class during the summer session.)
Course DescriptionsSPECIAL CLASSES Teen Yoga, for ages 11-17,
helps to build strength and flexibility in the body, while
developing a calm and stable mind —tools that will last a
life-time. The adolescent years are the ideal time to begin, as the
brain and hormones are changing rapidly. We have a lot of fun!
Seniors’ Yoga, a gently paced class designed specifically for
seniors, approaches asanas in ways that enhance strength,
suppleness and balance. May be joined at any time.
Back Care, for those with back injuries/condi-tions, focuses on
strengthening weak muscles, stretching tight muscles and creating
traction in the spine. We correct postural imbalances and use
breath awareness to reduce stress and pain. Physician approval
recommended.
Yoga and Meditation (Short Course) seamlessly combines two
practices which enhance our ca-pacity to appreciate life and
weather its storms. Each class includes asana practice plus seated
mindfulness practice. Level I/II and up.
Sutra Study Group offers an exploration of yoga principles as
expressed in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The group will chant and
discuss one aphorism each week. Participants are invited to bring
any translations of the Yoga Sutras they may have.
PRANAYAMA (BREATHING)Level I affords those interested in working
with the breath an opportunity to move beyond the elementary levels
incorporated into regular asana classes. Prerequisite: one year of
study and practice of asana in the Iyengar method.
Level II, III and IV classes are for students who have completed
the preceding levels.
Level V classes are strictly for students who have completed
Level IV or have received extensive Iyengar training in pranayama
elsewhere.
Level VI classes are for students who have exten-sive Iyengar
training and have been practicing digital pranayama for two years
or more.
Beyondananda Boutique Information
At our Bethesda studio, we offer a convenient source for
supplies to enhance your yoga practice. We sell yoga DVDs, CDs,
books and props, along with John’s au-dio CDs, plus our unique
Unity Woods and Dog Pose t-shirts, and beautiful batik clothing
designs created exclusively for us.
Gift certificates are available for Beyondananda Boutique items
or for classes. Call to inquire or e-mail [email protected].
Bethesda Boutique Hours Mon–Thurs: 10:00am–9:00pm Friday:
10:00–6:00pm Sat–Sun: 10:00am–2:00pm
For Boutique information call us at (301) 656-8992 or visit
www.unitywoods.com.
$12 d r o p - i n sFor those enrolled for the full 13-
week session: extra classes for $12 each (except two-hour
classes:
drop-ins $15).
-
Registration is open now. Register online at
www.unitywoods.com.
Registration Form for Classes
THIRTEEN WEEK SINGLE CLASS SESSION FEE DROP-IN FEE
If fully enrolled If not ASANA (POSTURE) CLASSES in another
class enrolled
1 1/4 – 1 3/4 HOUR CLASS $247 $12 $22
1 HOUR CLASS $221 $12 $20
2 HOUR CLASS $312 $15 $25
COMMUNITY CLASSES N/A $8 $8 (Bethesda and Woodley Park only,
Fridays: see page 5)
SHORTCOURSES(seepages4-5) pricesvary N/A $20-25
SUTRA STUDY GROUP FREE N/A N/A
(Bethesda only, Thursdays: see schedule, page 6)
Fall Enrollment Tuition: $247 Applies to most classes— see
exceptions at rightPrice includes a $40 non-refundable,
non-transferable registration fee per class.
SENIOR DISCOUNT: 10% for age 65 and over, on full-session
enrollments only (no discount on drop-ins or Short Courses).STUDENT
DISCOUNT: 10% with current student ID, on full–session enrollments
only (no discount on drop-ins or Short Courses).MILITARY DISCOUNT:
10% for personnel/families with valid ID, on full–session
enrollments only.MAKE-UP POLICY: Make up missed classes any time
during the current session, in a class of the same level or lower
than your own.DROP-IN POLICY: Drop-ins permitted any time during
the session, at the discretion of the instructor.REFUND POLICY: For
full 13–week session classes: If we receive notice of your
withdrawal by Sept 17 you will receive a full refund. If we receive
notification between Sept 18 and Oct 8 we’ll refund tuition minus
the $40 registration fee. No refunds after October 8.
SHORT COURSE POLICIES: Students are encouraged to enroll for the
series, but drop-ins are accepted. No make-ups. No discounts. No
refunds. Short Courses may not be used as make-ups for regular
classes.
SCHOLARSHIPS/WORK EXCHANGE: We have a limited scholarship fund
and an active work-exchange program. Please call for
information.CLASS CANCELLATIONS for weather or unusual
circumstances are posted on the voice mail (301) 656-8992 and at
unitywoods.com.
o n l i n e r e g i s t r a t i o n • www.unitywoods.com
PLEASE NOTE:
• We do not confirm registrations. (We’ll contact you only if
the class you request is full.)
• Please see make-up and refund policies below.
• We cannot accept fax registrations.
Make checks payable to:Unity Woods Yoga Center, LLC4853 Cordell
AvenueSuite PH9Bethesda, MD 20814-3036
Check box if this is new or corrected contact information.
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY STATE ZIP
HOME PHONE WORK PHONE
EMAIL Check here to receive monthly e-bulletinslPlease register
me for the following Classes:Location Teacher Level Day Time
Total Class Fees __________________
(check one if applicable) Minus 10% Senior or Student or
Military Discount __________________
Cash Check #______________ Amount Enclosed
__________________
VISA OR MASTERCARD ACCEPTED. CARD # EXP. DATE SECURITY CODE
BILLING ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE
Check here to agree to liability waiver. Read the waiver online
or at the studio.
OFFICE USE ONLY
DATE RECEIVED
NOTES:
FALL SESSION DATES:
September 18–December 21Thirteen Week Session
PRANAYAMA(BREATHING)CLASSES$247 $20 $20
-
Return Service Requested
4853 Cordell Avenue, Suite PH9Bethesda, MD 20814-3036(301)
656-8992www.unitywoods.com
PRSRT STDU.S. Postage
PAIDWoodbridge VA Permit No. 150
www.unitywoods.com • (301) 656-8992
First Class
Freefor Newcomers to Unity Woods
New students may try a class for free anytime during the
session. Available to residents of DC, MD and VA.
(For weekly classes only; does not apply to Short Courses or
Workshops.)
Printed on recycled paper