Join us virtually on the fourth Thursday of each month for this series, Yoga Sutras 2024: The Yamas & Niyamas, to learn about the Yoga Sutras with Ahimsa Yoga teacher Michele Crawford. The Yoga Sutras contain 196 Sutras, divided into four chapters, discussing the aims and practice of yoga, the development of yogic powers, and finally, liberation. In her continued offering on the Sutras, in 2024 Michele will lead us through the ethical practices of yoga. The yamas (social, ethical restraints) and niyamas (self-disciplines) are the first two stops on the path that guide how we relate to other people and how we take care of ourselves.

Each hour-long, monthly session includes a guided discussion and meditation.

Meet Your Instructor: Michele Crawford

Michele was first introduced to yoga by her mother when she was a young child. As an adult, Michele began a formal yoga practice when seeking a means to release stress and take better care of herself.

With a background in public health, Michele has worked in health education for over ten years and has taught a variety of topics including sexual health, nutrition, and trauma-informed care. With time, it became evident to Michele that she longed to merge her passions of health education and yoga.

In 2016, Michele began teaching children’s yoga after completing a children’s yoga certification with Global Family Yoga. Michele’s work with children focuses on sharing pranayama, asana, and meditation with middle school children who experience anxiety, depression, and ADD-ADHD.

In 2017, Michele’s personal and professional yoga journey evolved when she enrolled in a 200-hour yoga teacher training at Prairie Yoga in Lisle. She enjoys sharing the practice of yoga with diverse audiences and has taught for The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Heartland Alliance.

Michele strives to meet her students where they are while challenging them to step outside of their comfort zones. This includes offering modifications for all levels of students, sharing yoga philosophies, and inviting students to bring the work they do on their mat into their daily lives.

Berwyn yoga students in plank pose — Michele also teaches Hatha on Sundays from 11:00 am-12:15 pm at Ahimsa Berwyn.

Our 2024 Yoga Sutra Journey Begins January 25th at 6:30pm (CST)

In January we will explore Ahimsa, nonviolence. Sutra 2:35, "In the presence of one firmly established in nonviolence, all hostilities cease." In our study of nonviolence, we learn that our ability to be nonviolent to others is directly related to our ability to be nonviolent within ourselves. Discussion will include finding courage, creating balance, and developing compassion for oneself and others.

We look forward to seeing you on Zoom for this community-building learning journey!

Each class is $20, with a 50% discount for Ahimsa members. You must pre-register to receive the link to the class.

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