Dec 5, 2015 |
Woo hoo…the energy of the Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona have long been calling my name, and I’m super excited to announce that this Redhead is heading to the Red Rocks and I hope you will join me!
Are you ready for a week of yoga, meditation, kirtan, mantra, healing, energy empowerment, ayurveda, and transformation in one of the most beautiful places on the earth?
If you answered yes, pack your yoga mat and head out to the gorgeous Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona with Cynthia Mathis and me this March 6-13, 2016 for a yoga retreat that rolls right into the Sedona Yoga Festival. For the first four days you will start the morning with yoga and meditation with Maria in a gorgeous space with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of Sedona’s majestic Red Rocks.
This is the view out the windows of our yoga studio at Agave of Sedona.
Weather permitting we can practice outside on this patio!!
You will also participate in a two-hour workshop where Cynthia teaches you all about the 7 Levels of Energy and how to use them to empower yourself in all that you do. The afternoons are for exploring all that Sedona has to offer, and the retreat includes a group guided hiking tour and a Touch the Earth Vortex Tour with the popular Pink Jeep Tours. After a day of hiking and exploring we’ll end the day with relaxing yoga sessions that will include restorative yoga, yoga therapy balls, meditation, and yoga nidra.
The energy of Sedona’s famous vortices and the spectacular natural beauty of Sedona’s red rocks combine to make Sedona, Arizona one the “Top 100 Places to Visit in the World” according to Trip Advisor. Accommodations for the first four nights will be at the picturesque Best Western plus Inn of Sedona. The hotel’s award-winning terraced design takes full advantage of its hilltop location with promenade decks all around that allow guests to enjoy 360 degree red rock views without leaving the hotel. Take a stroll along the sunrise side as the day begins, and take in the views as you have your breakfast. In the evening, stroll over to the west side to watch a spectacular sunset right from the deck.
Are you interested in our famous Vortices? Well the Airport Mesa Vortex is just across the street, and the hotel’s shuttle can take you there and bring you back!
The view from one of the terraces at the Best Western Plus Inn of Sedona
On Thursday after the morning yoga session and breakfast, we’ll pack up and shuttle to the gorgeous Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock the home base for the 2016 Sedona Yoga Festival! There you will enjoy three nights of accommodations and an all-access pass to enjoy all of the yoga teachers, presentations, workshops, and live kirtan concert events at the Festival.
There will be over 77 presenters and close to 200 workshops over 3 days and 4 nights. In addition to all of the yoga there will be a Heart Center Village with 33 conscious vendors, a dharma talk stage, open playshops, and a conscious cafe to spend time at between all your heart opening, mind bending, conscious expanding, soul awakening conference scheduled activities. I guarantee when you see the schedule of events, you will have a hard time selecting which ones to attend because the offerings will be so rich! I just hope that everyone who attends the retreats will find the time to attend my workshops that will be part of the Sedona Yoga festival lineup!
Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa Offers exquisite two room suites and deluxe guest rooms featuring their own fireplace, flat panel LCD televisions, private balcony or patio and high speed internet access. All accommodations feature small refrigerators, and microwave ovens. At the Hilton you can relax by one of their three sparkling pools and enjoy a sumptuous meal in the Grille at ShadowRock. The Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa is Sedona’s only spa and golf resort. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the onsite 18 hole championship golf course or enjoy a game of tennis. The resort’s Spa offers signature body treatments that will take you on one of three unique journeys. Included in your stay will be complimentary access to the spa’s fitness facility. Work out in the resorts 2,500 state of the art Precor fitness room or take advantage of the fitness classes. After the work out enjoy the facility’s gender specific steam rooms, saunas and Jacuzzis.
Daily Downward Dog | Sedona Yoga Retreat & Festival| March 6 – 13, 2016
What’s Included:
- 4 Nights at the Best Western Plus Inn of Sedona (Sedona Double Queen – 2 Queen Beds – 3rd Floor)
- 4 Hot Breakfasts at Best Western Plus Inn of Sedona
- Four Morning Yoga & Meditation Sessions with Maria at Agave of Sedona
- Three Sunset Restorative Yoga & Meditation Sessions with Maria at Agave of Sedona
- A 2-hour Energy Leadership Workshop exploring the 7 levels of energy and what they mean to you personally, based on your own energy assessment.
- Guided Sacred Sites Hiking Tour to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Labyrinth, and the Amitabha Stupa and Lunch
- Guided Touch the Earth Vortex Tour with Pink Jeep Tours of Sedona and Lunch
- Transportation from Best Western Plus to Hilton on March 10
- 3 Nights at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock in either a 2-Queen Premium Suite or 1-King 1 Bedroom Suite (see additional details below)
- 1 All Access Pass to the Sedona Yoga Festival (March 10-13, 2016)
About Maria
Maria Santoferraro (E-RYT 200) spent the past 25 years ravaging her body in the crazy corporate world. Needing a detox from an unhealthy Blackberry addiction, boatloads of stress, and an aching back, she sought out a healthier lifestyle and is grateful to have found her physical and spiritual release through the practice of yoga.
Today she is living a balanced and blissful life, teaching yoga, leading international yoga retreats, sharing inspiration on the Daily Downward Dog, creating meditation videos for Hang 10 Meditation, and contributing her writing to Elephant Journal, Daily Cup of Yoga, and MindBodyGreen.
Her playful, heart-opening teaching combines meditation, breath, alignment, and asana in slow-flowing Hatha yoga classes that encourage students to reconnect to their bodies and breath as a means to fill up with joy. Maria incorporates uplifting class themes, music, poetry, laughter, and the spiritual teachings of yoga to create a peaceful environment where students can quiet their minds, let go, and experience a deep sense of calm and well-being.
In 2011 she was able to combine two of her greatest passions – yoga and the beach – to start her own beach yoga “studio” on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, Ohio, where she has shared yoga with hundreds of students.
About Cynthia
As a Professional Coach and Certified Energy Leadership Master Practitioner, Cynthia helps women navigate their way through transition in their personal and professional lives. Cynthia’s insight will help you uncover your true values and beliefs. You will learn how to link your beliefs with your behaviors and actions to remove obstacles that may be holding you back. Tap into your personal power through this introduction to the unique Energy Leadership program and open up new avenues that empower you to thrive.
Prices:
Single Occupancy $3,250 & $3,350
Double Occupancy: $2,325 & $2,380 per person
Triple Occupancy: $1,975 & $2,000
Quad Occupancy: $1,850
Lower price includes a King, 1 Bedroom Suite at Hilton Sedona Resort
Higher price include a 2 Queen Premium Suite NS at Hilton Sedona Resort
The suites at the Hilton feature two room suites with two queen beds or one king bed and a pull out queen size sofa bed. Enjoy a little extra space with a private bedroom, separate living and dining area and private balcony or patio. Each suite includes a gas fireplace, microwave, wet bar and two flat panel TVs.
What’s Not Included:
- Airfare
- Transportation from airport to and from hotels in Sedona
- Meals not mentioned in What’s Included
- Optional excursions
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Payments and Terms & Conditions
A $500 deposit per-person is required to reserve your retreat space and is non-refundable. Final payment is due on February 1, 2016. Prices include taxes and fees. Airfare and meals are not included, unless noted in the whats included section above. If you would like to attend the retreat portion only (March 6-10, 2016) please contact us for details.
Please review the Terms & Conditions before making your reservation.
If you are ready to make your reservation, please click the Buy Now button below to make your secure deposit via PayPal. You will be contacted in regards to your room type.
Questions, Additional Info & Contacts!
For more information or questions email maria @dailydownwarddog.com or call (330) 289-7026.
Nov 16, 2015 |
I’m proud to say that Akron, Ohio is my hood. Long known for where the rubber hits the road, it will soon be known as where the yoga raises the vibration of LOVE, after hundreds of yogis roll out their yoga mats and join together as a community on a huge university football field to practice yoga together at Elevate Akron.
I’m excited to announce that the city of Akron, local yoga studios (Yoga Bliss Akron is one of the sponsors), and organizations have partnered together to bring this event which will happen Sunday, November 22 at the University of Akron Field House from 4:30 – 8:00 PM.
Elevate Akron was founded in January 2014 by Lexi Carris and Tracy Rhinehart. In sharing their visions, they created a movement that celebrated and elevated Akron, the city they love, by bringing together the yoga community.
The first Elevate Akron event took place at Hardesty Park in May 2015 where nearly 1,000 yogis gathered on the grass to share in a powerful practice, food and fun. Elevate Akron’s mission is to provide free yoga events and bring together the high-vibration Akron yoga community!
Help spread the word and you could win an Elevate Akron tank top!
I’ve heard there are already over 300 yogis registered for the event and I want to keep spreading the word, so help me out and you could win a FREE Elevate Akron tank top or t-shirt. To enter to win please share this post or the link to the Elevate Akron Facebook page in the social media of your choice, and then leave a comment below with the deets about where you shared the news. I’ll pick one winner in a random drawing on Wednesday, November 18 at 5 pm.
To register for this free event or to purchase the event tank top or t-shirt, please visit http://elevate-akron.ticketleap.com/field-house-festival/
The Field House is located at 289 S Union St, Akron, OH 44304.
Event Schedule:
- 4:30 pm Registration and Check-in
- 5:00 pm Guest Speaker
- 5:15 pm All-levels vinyasa flow class led by Tracy Rhinehart
- Followed by food trucks, field games and live DJ till 8 pm
Woo Hoo this is going to be awesOMe!!
Oct 1, 2015 |
Happy October Yogis! I am so excited to be back in Ohio after a few weeks filled with Top Thrill Yoga and the most awesOMe adventure in Greece. I am full of inspiration, stories, and beautiful photos from the I Am Love Yoga retreat in Santorini, so stay tuned over the next few weeks for some special blog posts I’ll be sharing.
As much as I hate to see summer and beach yoga go, I’m ready for Fall and have two things I’m really thrilled to announce and honored to be a part of….
First, if you like to dance, if you want to get out of the cold winter weather in January, and if you would like to do beach yoga with me somewhere tropical in January, then keep reading! I will be joining Zumba Goddess Jeananne Siegferth for her hugely popular 8th Annual Funtastic Vacation in Punta Cana DR this coming January 22-28, 2016. Jeananne brings the zumba dance party like no other goddess can, and I’ll be bringing two daily beach yoga sessions five days that week!
The vacation is held at the Iberostar Resort in Punta Cana and is all inclusive – which means the airfare, transfers, hotel, meals, drinks, zumba and nightly entertainment is all included! There are only 3 spaces left and they are for the 6 night/7 day dates: Jan 22 – Jan 28 or 9 night/10 day travel dates: Jan. 22- Jan. 31, 2016. If you would like more information contact Ann Mills Travel at (330) 927-2511 or via email at amillstravel @earthlink.net.
The awesome Jeananne leading a beach Zumba class in Punta Cana!
If I had to pick one other form of exercise that I love besides yoga, it would definitely be Zumba! Come join Jeananne and me this January for a week of beach yoga and dance party bliss in the Caribbean!
Click to find out more about upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats! Come join us!
Second, I’m really excited to announce that this redhead is heading to the RED ROCKS of Sedona, Arizona this coming March 10-13, 2016 as a presenter at the Sedona Yoga Festival!
Stay tuned for more details on the schedule and the dates/times of my sessions. I’m also working on a 3 to 4 day retreat leading into the Festival, and will be posting more information here on the Daily Downward Dog very soon.
In the meantime, there is a special early bird discount being offered now through October 10, so if you act fast you can pick up the all access pass for $327!
I can’t wait to share more about Santorini and also lots of great stories from the summer months when I was so busy sharing yoga on the beach that I didn’t get to write much, so stay tuned for more yoga love and inspiration to come. Until then keep breathing, keep believing, and remember you have the power to manifest your dreams!
Finally, I’ve updated my Yoga Class Schedule page with all of my classes at Yoga Bliss Akron this Fall/Winter and I’ll be posting my Saturday Vermilion Yoga Schedule very soon – but plan on joining me in Vermilion on Saturday, October 10, either on the beach if weather permits or we’ll take it inside if not (location to be announced).
Oh, and one more thing, tomorrow don’t forget to SMILE on World Smile Day (October 2, 2015) – my favorite holiday!
Jul 28, 2015 |
A note from The Daily Downward Dog: This post originally ran on July 17, 2012. As I prepare for the Top Thrill Yoga Retreat at The Hotel Breakers this August 28-30, I pulled this out of the archives for inspiration and thought you might like to read it too!
I talk a lot in my yoga classes about taking your yoga off the mat, and I got to practice what I preach recently when I agreed to take my 12-year old niece to Cedar Point (one of the best amusement parks in the world, which just so happens to be in my backyard).
With over 15 roller coasters, Cedar Point is known for its thrill rides, and of course my niece wanted to ride the scariest one in the park – Top Thrill Dragster! I didn’t know this before, but Cedar Point has a rating system for its rides, and Top Thrill’s rating is “Aggressive Thrill 5” (the scariest on a scale of 1 to 5). Cedar Point is not messing around when they call this ride aggressive; this coaster simulates what it’s like to be in a race car as it launches you from zero to 120 MPH in less than 4 seconds, then shoots you up 420 feet into the air, then straight down a twisty slope and back to the finish line. Total ride time – 17 seconds, but each one of those seconds is power packed with pure adrenaline.
As we were getting strapped into the ride, I looked over at my niece and noticed her angst level had reached an all-time high, and I have to admit I was freaking out a little bit too. My natural yoga instinct kicked into gear, and I started to direct my niece and I through some deep pranayama breathing. After our fifth deep round of inhaling and exhaling, a dramatic change in our anxiety level had occurred. I can’t tell you that I was totally blown away by this transformation because I know the power of my breath; instead, I was comforted by the fact that our Top Thrill breathing exercise had effortlessly brought us so much peace and calm just seconds before the madness ensued.
Breathe in; breathe out – what a powerful tool we have the ability to harness both on and off our yoga mats.
Right before the ride took off, I looked at my niece and said, “Frannie, make sure you keep your eyes open so you can be fully present and enjoy each and every moment of this ride.” The reason I told her to do this is that the very first time I rode Top Thrill Dragster, I closed my eyes, and let me just tell you, when you close your eyes, this ride is a real drag, not a thrill at all. It’s only 17 seconds, and in those 17 seconds you can miss a whole lot.
We both kept our eyes wide open and had the ride of our life! I got to see the panoramic views of the park and Lake Erie as we crested the top of this 42-story rollercoaster. And I got to see my niece’s ecstatic, smiling face as we cruised into the landing platform high-fiving each other.
I ask my yoga students to close their eyes quite often in class, but it’s not because I want them to miss the ride. Rather, I want them to go inside and experience what is really happening inside their body and their breath. I want them to let go of the chatter in their minds, even if it’s just for a short while during class. Most classes I teach are only 60 minutes, and in those 60 minutes you can miss out on a lot if you don’t let go. I guess if you think about it, letting your mind wander in a yoga class is the equivalent of closing your eyes on Top Thrill Dragster: you’re going to miss all the fun. When you can truly “open your eyes” in yoga class and go within, that is when your yoga practice really begins to take off, when your yoga practice becomes a thrill.
As we walked off the ride, super charged with adrenaline, my niece turned to me and said, “Aunt Maria, that was so much fun I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I was feeling pure joy.” Another priceless moment of bliss courtesy of Cedar Point.
That same joy can be had each and every time you come to your yoga mat if you just let go and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. Stop clenching the handlebars, let go of the fear, relax, tap into that powerful pranayama breathing, and just go with the flow.
Your breath can be such a powerful thing. I’ve used it in the dentist chair, the boardroom, and now I can add Top Thrill Dragster to my list of cool breathing experiences. Next time you’re in a stressful situation, instead of running away from it, give that pranayama breathing a whirl and let yourself go from stressed out to blissed out in less than 4 seconds.
Click to find out more about upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats! Come join us!
Jul 23, 2015 |
Looking for some cool new yoga music to use as the soundtrack for your yoga and meditation practice? I know I’m always looking for beautiful music for my yoga class playlists, so I’m really excited to turn you onto three new CDs that were just recently released by my good friends at White Swan Records.
Sangha means spiritual community and the soothing voice of Deva Premal, reggae grooves from her partner Miten, peaceful bamboo flute from Manose, Joby Baker on bass and drums, and Spencer Cozens’ jazz-inflected acoustic piano, all come together to create an awesome “spiritual family” that we are all invited to join.
When I first started listening to Songs for the Sangha I noticed it has a unique sound from my other Deva Premal and Miten CDs. The songs move from Western classical music to reggae grooves and some are infused with soul and jazz and the sounds of nature.
I have to say that Deva Premal is my go to girl when I need awesome yoga music for a playlist and I have already used several of the tracks like “Ganapati Mantra/Strong My Roots” and “Karuna” for my yoga class playlists.
If you want to learn more about the making of Songs for the Sangha, this video is pretty awesome!
[youtube]https://youtu.be/qImJfbhPf4s[/youtube]
The Road | Avasa & Matthew Love
Avasa and Matthew Love may not be household names yet in the yoga world, but not for long! Their new album is getting rave reviews from celebs like Jason Mraz, Ben Lee, Josh Radnor, and yoga bloggers like me!
Avasa and Matthew are husband and wife who both write the music they perform. Their goal is to create music that nourishes the soul and inspires each listener to find “the road” to their divine guidance in life.
The heart-opening and joyful music on The Road comes from the acoustic guitar and harmonium played by Avasa and Matthew, orchestral strings composed by Robin Livingston with additional solos by Steve Gardner, flute from Todd Boston (who has played with Snatam Kaur and Simrit Kaur), tabla by Benjy Wertheimer and percussion from Gabriel Harris (the son of Joan Baez).
I have used “Love.Light.Wisdom” in a yoga class playlist, and it’s perfect from the opening Om, to the repeated mantra of love, light, and wisdom, all the way to the closing Om. The song lyrics ask, “Love is your truth, light is your truth, is your wisdom?”
Take a musical road trip with The Road and it will inspire you, make you want to move your dancing feet, and maybe even sing along. Watch the video below and you’ll be hooked.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/vxEEc0ia1jk[/youtube]
FREE MUSIC from White Swan Records!
If you are not already signed up for the White Swan Records Free Music Newsletter, I highly recommend you head over to their site and sign up. Each Wednesday I get an email loaded with information about cool new yoga music, and the super sweet bonus of a link to download a free song. These free songs have introduced me to many new artists and one of the songs I got to download recently was from a new album put together by Ben Leinbach that is perfect for yoga class playlists.
Yoga Soundtracks is a collection of ambient world music tracks created by Ben Leinbach, premier yoga music producer (and mighty fine musician in his own right).
These lush, smooth, entrancing soundtracks for yoga, chillaxing, or meditation, feature performances by yoga music superstars Jai Uttal, Manose, Tina Malia, Benjy Wertheimer and more.
Check out this video of “Full Circle” and you’ll see why I’m so excited to have this new CD to fill up my yoga class playlists.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/Hyg0lPLCCuQ[/youtube]
I’m already looking forward to Volume 2!
If you want more cool yoga music head on over to the Cool Yoga Music page on The Daily Downward Dog!
Yoga Rocks!
Click to find out more about upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats! Come join us!
As a Professional Coach and Certified Energy Leadership Master Practitioner, Cynthia helps women navigate their way through transition in their personal and professional lives. Cynthia’s insight will help you uncover your true values and beliefs. You will learn how to link your beliefs with your behaviors and actions to remove obstacles that may be holding you back. Tap into your personal power through this introduction to the unique Energy Leadership program and open up new avenues that empower you to thrive.
