SPRING 2020 VANCOUVER WORKSHOPS with Martha Carter - now offered ONLINE!
Now, no matter where you live around the globe, you can join us for these wonderful online classes :)
Due to Covid-19, we are no longer offering classes in person at the TOPS Studio. Instead, we have combined both previously advertised Vancouver classes into ONE wonderful online class called ‘Yoga for Scoliosis and Introduction to Somatics’. This class will be offered @ 10:00am PST on each of our workshop dates of April 18 and May 23, 2020. Take one class, or take both!
Scroll down for more details.
Yoga for Scoliosis and Introduction to Somatics
Saturday, April 18 AND Saturday, May 23: 10:00am–12:00pm PST | ONLINE via ZOOM
For this special online workshop, Martha will guide students through some gentle Yoga for Scoliosis followed by an introduction to Essential Somatics which is even MORE gentle.
To prepare for this online class:
All you need to do is find a comfortable space on the floor for a yoga mat with props close by if you have them (blankets, blocks, bolsters, pillows, etc). Wear loose clothing. Place your computer or other device in a position where you can easily see the screen and make sure your internet connection is working. You will receive an email with a ZOOM link to click on 30 minutes before the scheduled time which will take you directly to the class.
Class Description:
Based on the Yoga for Scoliosis teachings of acclaimed specialists Elise Browning Miller and Deborah Wolk, Martha will start by introducing ways for each person to understand and work with their particular asymmetries. Applying specific breathing techniques, students will be guided to visualize their bodies, while also finding clarity and ease while going through simple yoga poses.
Following a short break, Martha will introduce participants to the wonderful world of somatics. To experience something somatically, is to experience oneself from the within. For people with scoliosis who are already required to work with their particular curves and twists - and who already may have started their somatic journey through yoga other techniques - this foundational technique is extremely beneficial in helping to find an even deeper awareness. By repeating simple movement patterns, the brain and nervous system that control the muscles are refreshed, leading to more efficient, coordinated and pain free physical functioning.
This workshop is helpful for people with scoliosis and fusions as well as body-work professionals and movement teachers who are interested in learning more about working with this very common and often debilitating condition.
About Martha Carter
Drawing on her own experience as a dance artist with scoliosis, Martha encourages a creative approach to connecting with the whole body, helping people to find balance, strength and ultimately relief of pain, tightness, and compression. Full bio here.
About Somatics
Based on the discoveries of Thomas Hanna (1928-1990), Somatics is a combination of his combined expertise as a philosopher, movement educator, and neurophysiologist. Similar in some ways to restorative yoga, the exercises are accessible to all ages, fitness levels and body types. Done lying on the floor in loose clothing, Somatics is known to be anti-aging in the way it helps us re-find and re-fine our mobility, reversing lost function from injuries, disabilities and bad habits.
Space is limited (10). Pre-registration required.
COST: $30 +GST.
SPECIAL MASTER CLASS: Gentle Yoga for Back Care and Scoliosis with Martha Carter, hosted by Smiling Hearts Yoga – POSTPONED
New date to be announced
Do you have back issues? Do you have Scoliosis or a Fusion? Or are you a yoga teacher or bodyworker who is interested in learning more about working with these conditions?
Then this is the workshop for you!
Based on the teachings of acclaimed back care specialists Elise Browning Miller and Deborah Wolk, Martha will introduce ways for each person to understand and work with their particular issues. Through a series of simple yoga poses, each participant will learn the following:
Understand their own condition in order to better help themselves with discomfort and pain management
The best series of poses for each person that will help to decompress, lengthen and strengthen the spine.
Lifestyle tips to help manage day-to-day comfort.
Martha's gentle approach brings together her experiences as a dance artist, yoga teacher, and ‘scoliosis warrior with a fused spine’ to share movement techniques – combining yoga, somatics, freestyle movement, breathing and relaxation techniques – that bring awareness, comfort, fluidity, and strength to the whole body.
Participants will be given a booklet of exercises they can use at home.
Open to all people at all levels, including yoga teachers and bodyworkers.
Space is limited. Pre-registration will be required.
Please email us if you would like to be updated about this workshop