Movement is an accessible way for practitioners to cultivate mindfulness and connecting with the body is an essential skill for mindful living. The Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness is fortunate to have a community of mindfulness teachers who are also registered yoga teachers, movement coaches and/or have experience and training in teaching movement practices such as Nia, Tai Chi, Qigong, and various martial arts.
Qigong
Qigong is a holistic system of coordinated body postures and movement, breathing, and meditation that is proving in the research to provide benefits to both physical and mental health. The slow, gentle movements cultivate balanced energy as well as a calm, meditative state of mind.
Teacher: Kayra Joy is a Registered Nurse and Qigong Instructor certified in Qigong Foundation Practices, Between Heaven and Earth, Enter the Flow, and Qigong Meditation. She studied under John Munro the Founder of the Long White Cloud Qigong school.
When: Mondays 5:45-6:45 pm April 8 – July 29, 2019. Classes will be held outdoors in the courtyard as weather permits so dress accordingly.
Fees: click to purchase (save by becoming a member for as low as $15 mo)
- FREE for veterans (with ID)
- $10 Single Class Mindful Movement Pass for Members
- $80 Ten-Class Mindful Movement Pass for Members (save 20%)
- $15 Single Class Mindful Movement Pass for Non-Members
- $120 Ten-Class Mindful Movement Pass for Non-Members (save 20%)
Pre-registration is required. After you purchase your pass(es) use our calendar to register for the classes you wish to attend.
*No refunds are given on the day of the class for which you are registered. You must cancel before the day of the class if you would like to use your pass on another date.
Benefits of Qigong Practice:
Improved well-being and health
Clear and tranquil mind
Deeper, more restorative sleep
Improved circulation, muscular strength & bone health
Increased energy
More efficient metabolism
Better balance
Improved creativity and energy flow
Boosts your immune system
Reduced stress
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga is an ancient system of yoga in which a flowing, progressive series of postures is coordinated with breath and concentration. Its set series and three points of concentration make it a particularly mindful yoga practice. The Primary Series is called Yoga Chikitsa, meaning yoga therapy, because of the cleansing and healing effect it is meant to have on both body and mind. We offer two types of Ashtanga Yoga classes: Recovery Friendly and Introductory (see below). Space is limited so pre-registration is required.
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Recovery Friendly Class – appropriate for absolute beginners, this class is recovery friendly in that it provides a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for people in recovery, rejects assumptions perpetuating stigma surrounding mental and physical health concerns, incorporates trauma sensitive practices, and prioritizes healing of body and mind. Classes are themed to include recovery supportive concepts and messages. There is no hands on assistance (no touching by the teacher) in this class and the postures can be modified for every body.
Schedule & Fees – Our intention is to make these offerings accessible to any person who would like to attend, regardless of income. Those who can contribute more help sustain the community:
- Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness in Leawood – Thursdays 5:45-6:45 pm (Pre-registration required – click below to purchase your pass(es) and then Register Here for the class(es) you wish to attend)
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- FREE to MAM Members & MBRP Participants
- $1 Accessibility Single Class Pass for Non-Member (this pass will also work for our Weekly Community Practice Meetings)
- $15 Single Class Mindful Movement Pass for Non-Members
- $120 Ten Class Mindful Movement Pass Non-Members
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- Maya Yoga in the Crossroads KCMO – Sundays from 2:30-3:30 pm
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- Starts July 2019 (pricing for this class is set by and paid through Maya Yoga – see price list)
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Read more about the emerging research on the healing effect of Ashtanga yoga for people with addictions and other mental health conditions here. Check Out the Trini Foundation – a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the life-changing practice of Ashtanga yoga to those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, providing yoga as a tool to aid in the recovery process and help those who are suffering maintain long-term sobriety. http://trinifoundation.org/
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Introductory Class – this class is also welcoming to beginners, but its a longer class and the pace is a bit more vigorous. A fair to moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, though all levels can be accommodated by the teacher. Unless a request is made by the student, hands on assistance may be provided in this class.
- Starts in 2020: TBA from 5:30 – 6:45 pm at MAM in Leawood (Register Here)
*No refunds are given on the day of the class for which you are registered. You must cancel before the day of the class if you would like to use your pass on another date.
Yoga Nidra Practice
Yoga Nidra is one of the deepest forms of effortless yogic relaxation, inducing a meditative state somewhere between wakefulness and sleep. Students are guided into a restful posture and lead through layers of awareness toward greater insight and clarity. Studies have shown that Yoga Nidra may be a helpful complimentary approach for conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, addiction, and chronic pain. It can calm the nervous system, help decrease emotional reactivity, and improve self-regulation.
When: Tuesday July 9 7:30 -8:30 pm & July 23 from 7-8 pm with Tracy Ochester, PsyD, RYT-200 (use the calendar to register for the date you wish to attend)
Fees: You may use your Mindful Movement passes for this class or click to purchase below (save by becoming a member for as low as $15 mo.)
*Pre-registration is required. No refunds are given on the day of the class for which you are registered. You must cancel before the day of the class if you would like to use your pass on another date.
Art & Soul Yoga Workshop
The warmth and glow of summertime is an invitation for you to open up and connect to nature—your true nature! This workshop will integrate your exploration of various yoga postures with mindful self-reflection through simple and easy art activities. It is not necessary for you to have expertise in yoga or art. This practice is open and highly accessible to people from all levels of yoga practice and artistic ability, including those who are beginners or non-artistic. In order to be inclusive, all yoga postures will be offered with options and variations.
Through pairing mindful movement and meditative art-based awareness you will have opportunities to mindfully welcome, observe, and reflect upon your experiences. Weaving together art with yoga practice can cultivate with greater openness, acceptance, curiosity, and self-compassion. This exploration of creative self-expression may also allow deeper insight and tap into your sense of joy, fun and expansiveness, rather than constriction.
A yoga mat will be your main “canvas.” Therefore, you are welcome to bring your own mat. However, we do have mats available in the Peace Pod for your use. All art materials will be included in the workshop fee.
When: June 25th from 7pm-9pm (register – deadline June 18) with Sydney Spears, PhD, RYT-200
Fees: (click to purchase – save by becoming a member for as low as $15 mo)
Once you’ve purchased your pass(es) use our calendar to register for the date you wish to attend. No refunds are given after the registration deadline.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Since this workshop includes physical movement and self-reflection experiences it is strongly recommended that you consult with your mental health and/or primary care providers before registration to gain their approval for participation. This is especially recommended if you have experienced mobility problems, recent medical procedures/hospitalizations, medications that may impact movement, chronic medical problems, physical injuries, mental health hospitalizations, mental health diagnoses, trauma, currently in a crisis situation, recent grief/loss, severe depression, and suicidal thoughts. At the beginning of the workshop the instructor will ask you to carefully read and sign a separate yoga/movement informed consent and wavier form regarding the possible risks of participating in physical movement and reflective activities.
Guided Labyrinth Walks – A Moving Meditation
A labyrinth is an ancient symbol of wholeness, combining the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meditative path. The labyrinth also can be seen as symbolic for navigating the path of life and healing. Walking a labyrinth can provide a sense of solace and quiet a distracted mind, offering space to ponder insights, clarify intentions, and source internal wisdom. Experienced as a walking meditation, the labyrinth represents a journey to our center, reflecting on intentions, and reconnecting with ourselves and others.
Individual and group facilitated labyrinth walks are now being offered as a benefit of membership in Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness. $25 for one participant and $10 for each additional participant in a group. Walks are scheduled by appointment and locations are available across the KC metro area. No refunds are given on the day of the appointment. Contact Angie for more information at angie.hardage@mindfulness-alliance.org or (913) 626-1196.