East Bank Yoga

  Give the gift of yoga with a class gift certificate.  Options include a new series of yoga classes , $22.00 for a select 40-minute class or regular discounted class punch cards: Punch Card prices: 4 class punch card at $14.00/ class = $56.00  8 class punch card at $13.00/ class = $104.00 10 class punch card at $12.00/ class = $120.00 Punch cards expire 5 months after date of purchase or donation. Veterans Rate:  $5.00 Venmo jillmoncur@jill_moncur7 Self-Care Yoga Zoom Series - $22.00 for 40-minute class 1)    Introduction to Meditation Class Mindful meditation may ease psychological stresses and foster a sense of calm and emotional balance. 2)    Stress Break Yoga Class Decompress with beginner style yoga. 3)    Pranayama (yogic breathing) Class Learn the benefits of yoga breathing techniques combined with easy yoga. 4)    The Vagus Nerve Yoga Class Learn why the Vagus nerve is important and incorporate new techniques in dail...

  I am at one with the universe.   This is a concept at first, I did not quite get.   I feel I am at one with the Universe when I look up in the morning and see the moon and the sun is out, or while running on the dirt trail and a bird flies along with me, or butterflies mingle with me.   I would rather be experiencing nature everyday! May my practice be for my highest good.   How often can we breathe that and experience it? Take time for Ujayii breathing.   Take time for self-care.   Place a warm washcloth over the eyes, this helps to improve circulation and perhaps allows yet another soothing release. Yoga seems to be a lot about relaxing and releasing. I love the strength and grounding as well. Yoga classes take place on Tuesdays at 6:00pm.   See East Bank website for information. May your practice be for your highest good. Namaste, Jill Moncur

Yoga reshapes the mind.   Yoga reshapes the body.   Yoga means to unite mind and body. Yoga means so much more. Yoga began with meditation; the postures came later.   Some of the oldest or ancient postures have so many benefits.   Some of the same lineage of postures also need to be adapted to modern lifestyle. Last year I finished a 9-month study course from the Self Realization Fellowship.   My meditation feels more sacred.   I still work through problems like everyone else. I am grateful for the lessons from SRF and continuing education. I turn to my yoga practice for sacred peace.   I move to my yoga practice to enjoy strength.   Yoga is definitely fun. We often want a quick fix, however yoga is a path, a journey. From a physical perspective simply put and why not to the call of Mick Jagger, you got to move.   You don’t hear people saying, “I love to sit around all day.” Yoga feels good.   Yoga is taking time to notice nuan...

  I Love Paths We are fortunate to have beautiful bike paths around here.   Last year along the trail I encountered a fox, multiple deer and best of all, in 3 different locations, 3 very large turtles.   It was an honor to spend a little time looking at the turtle, wise, beautiful and a bit intimidating on one side as I ran on the other side of the path.   We can learn so much from experiencing nature. I appreciate the chakra path. Spending time in nature connecting connects me to my root chakra. Dancing connects me with Swadisthana, the sacral chakra. Marathons and now 13-mile bike rides I connect with Manipura chakra. Studying nature and yoga, I connect with Anahata, heart chakra Chanting is an excellent way to connect with Vissudha, the throat chakra. Daily meditation connects with Ajna ~ third eye chakra Connecting with Sahasrara can be a combination of discipline and yoga. Welcome Back There were times you did not succeed. Walking on the ...

I am super happy with the new location for East Bank Yoga operating out of Hills Stainless Steel, 4100 N. Northview Ave, Sioux Falls, SD.   It’s just a jaunt away from Russell and Kiwanis. There is a large window facing a field. It is warm, clean, and inviting.   There are 3 beautiful, live trees in the yoga room.   There is plenty of space with a yoga friendly floor.   East Bank Yoga operates out of Hills on select Tuesdays so register for class at eastbankyoga@gmail.com or 605.759.7459.   Class will take place on Tuesdays, 11/8 and 11/22, 6:00-7:00 pm. Yoga is a practice of peace.    Breathing mindfully is a path to grounding. Inhale slowly “I am whole.” Exhale slowly peace. Namaste, Jill Moncur

  Satya means connecting with truth. Practicing yoga is one way to connect with our inner light.   Breathing deeply, fuels the flames of well-being.   Each day is a fresh opportunity to connect with the beauty of nature.   I had 2 baby hummingbirds visit my flowers yesterday.   Embrace a path that nurtures your soul.   East Bank Yoga calendar is updated on a monthly basis. Namaste, Jill Moncur

  Asana is one of the eight limbs of classical yoga which states that asana should be steady and comfortable, firm yet relaxed. More than just stretching, asana open the energy channels, chakras and psychic centers of the body. Life is a process and a skill so let’s take the time to know yoga and let it know us. Tuesday’s, 2/1, 2/15 6:00-7:00pm Yoga at the Studio * Based on the unpredictability of COVID cases Tuesday evening class at the studio will require registration 24-48 hours in advance at eastbankyoga@gmail.com or text 605.759.7459.   A minimum of 4 participants required to hold a studio class.   There has been a consistent Zoom group on Tuesdays.   If a minimum of 4 for the studio is not met class will be available via Zoom.     Drop-in rate $12.00 or punch card purchase available.   Check, cash or Venmo accepted.   Remaining Tuesday evenings on Zoom.   Please let me know 24 hours in advance if you plan to join the Zoom c...

Warm Greetings I will be back in the studio on the following dates: Saturday, 9/4, 9:00-10:00am Good Morning Yoga Thursday, 9/17 5:00-6:00pm Bachelorette Yoga Class (private class) Tuesday, 9/21, 6:00-7:00pm  Hatha Yoga Saturday, 10/2 9:00-10:00am Good Morning Yoga Saturday, 10/16, 9:00-10:00am Good Morning Yoga Tuesday, 10/19, 6:00-7:00pm Hatha Yoga There is a dance class in the yellow studio that ends at 5:45 on Tuesday evenings so please arrive closer to 5:52 so I have an opportunity to set up the room for you. Drop in rate is $12.00.  Participants who have been taking the Zoom classes punch cards are valid. Cash, Venmo or check accepted.  Some mats will be available.  If you have additional questions please contact eastbankyoga@gmail.com or 605.759.7459. The remaining Tuesday evening class will be taught via Zoom.  Registration is required at eastbankyoga@gmail.com 24 hours prior to class. I look forward to seeing you and honoring the yoga journey. Namaste, ...

I am looking forward to teaching yoga this evening via the Zoom platform that has been a safeguard platform since March. We meet with a good mind.   Movement comes from spirit. As I feel this delightful enthusiasm to teach class I am reminded and share, with a regular energy or yoga practice you tap into the energy source within you. This evenings class will begin with a singing bowl meditation, tapping into harmony within.   Followed with a let’s go, let go warm warmup, a few strength challenges, and then flowing into a Shakti sequence connecting with your divine light and energy. Registration required 24 hours prior to class at eastbankyoga@gmail.com Class price $12.00 or punch card purchase.   See website for more information. Namaste, Jill Moncur

There’s a light in you That’s meant to move Through the wind and The rain and the heat Under the sun Under the stars forever There’s a place where everything flows and no one can tell you how to get there but you This summer brings abundant warmth and gentle evening sky light displays. Have you gazed at the stars lately or watched and listened to what nature can teach? I find winters rather long here and am appreciative of every moment on the trail this summer.   Just a bit older I am cognizant that tending to my yoga practice enriches me.   There are days where I skip yoga for a slow run or bike on the trail.   When I practice yoga for an hour, I realize the sweet benefits. We are often told to have an “attitude of gratitude” but what if something bad is going on in our lives and this seems impossible? In a sense, without the dark contrasts, we would not see the light. It is moving toward our suffering that healing is always found. Healthy exe...

The path is you. That is why it will never tire of waiting. Whether it is covered with red dust, autumn leaves, or icy snow, come back to the path. You will be like the tree of life. Your leaves, trunk, branches, and the blossoms of your soul will be fresh and beautiful, once you enter the practice of Earth Touching. -Thich Nhat Hanh Please see website for November classes. Namaste, Jill Moncur

Warm Greetings ~ “Yoga is not just repetition of few postures; it is more about the exploration and discovery of the subtle energies of life.”   -Amit Ray Through your yoga practice no doubt you have experienced the benefits.   Dr. Baxter Bell wisely labeled his offerings “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”   I have the occasional times where I get busy with other life projects and note I missed a day or 2 of yoga.   I notice the deficit when I do not practice.   Just 3 asanas a day or pranayama practice if that is all that works in your schedule makes a difference in mind, body and spirit.   On occasion I wish for a world that yoga options were available whenever I felt like it.   Practicing Virabhadrasana 111 or settling in to meditation at any given part of the day would not be a good idea in the workplace. I feel like if some people feel comfortable wearing their pajamas in public or offensive t-shirts that while standing in line at a s...

Here there is nothing to fight Except willfulness Some lean too far  Into the past Others stretch way out  Into the future The true warrior  Stays in the moment, Burning deeper  Into whatever comes Or sometimes with  Even more difficulty What doesn't -Leza Lowitz Prana Yoga Tuesdays 6:00-7:00pm  no registration required, drop in rate $12.00 cash or check. Saturday 8/17, 2:00-3:00pm Yoga accompanied with building strength for upper body posture. $12.00 cash or check. Reserve a spot required at eastbankyoga@gmail.com or 605.759.7459. Saturday, 8/31, 11:30-12:30 Beginner's Yoga, Reserve a spot required.  $12.00 cash or check. Saturday, 8/31 1:00-3:00 Meditation Group Weather permitting Meditation Group will travel to Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne, MN. Artist Greg DenOtter will be providing walking sticks graced with his artistic talent. Reserve a spot required at eastbankyoga@gm ail.com or 605.759.7459      Se...

Namaste, When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady.   When the breath is calmed the mind too will be still. ~ Hatha Yoga Pradipika Befriend your breath.   The first step in pranayama is training ourselves to use the entire range of our physical breathing apparatus. This means experiencing full yogic breathing coordinating the lower, middle, and upper parts of the breath process as well as learning to attenuate the outgoing breath. When we take full, slow, deep breaths through the nose, using all three sections of our breathing apparatus and drawing out the exhalation longer than the inhalation, a number of important things start to happen in our body. First, nose breathing filters the air, warms it, and keeps it moist. Thus the air arrives in the lungs in the best condition to provide efficient transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide.   In addition, full breathing through the nose also stimulates some of the subtle nerve structures, beginning the proces...

Namaste, Saturday Meditation Group traveled to Pipestone for hiking and walking meditation. After our hike sitting on one of the Three Maidens rocks with Samuel, he talked about the 7 values of Native American culture: prayer, respect, compassion, honesty, generosity, humility, and wisdom. There are similarities with the 8 Limbs of Yoga: Yama; moral discipline, Niyama; positive observances, Asana; practice of posture to sit in ease in meditation, Pranayama; breathing techniques connecting to life energy, Pratyahara; internalization of the senses, so that we can experience the inner domain of pure awareness, Dharana; focused concentration, Dhyana; meditation is a practice of quieting the mind, Samadhi; union with the Divine. I’ve come a long way to tell this story. There’s no turning back now. The past will no longer be something to point to For who you are and what you choose. The radiant Sun is a life-giver Who shows up without fail. And what do we do with all t...