"...Door County's first Yoga Studio located north of Jacksonport."
Junction Center Yoga Studio
Please, see the Schedule Page for complete details on all classes.
With the assistance of DesignWise Studios, we now have a Junction Center Yoga YouTube channel with two playlists and eight videos. I confess that it’s hard to watch myself but, I think it’s much better than I thought it would turn out thanks to some great professional editing.
I look forward to the day when we may all meet to practice together again in proximity but there is no telling when that will be. For now, it is my sincere wish to know that all of you are safe, well, and know that I am thinking of you.
Namaste,
Kathy
“I found a balanced blend of inner focus work – breathing and quieting the mind – and basic yoga movements that focus on alignment, flexibility and balance. Throughout the class, the primary intention is to stay present and practice one of yoga’s core principles: unifying the mind and body.”
In her session, she says, “four men and eight women attended, which is a standard group size for most classes. Ages ranged from those in their 60s to those in their 80s. According to Navis, men have become more frequent practitioners at the studio after word got out that practicing members were seeing improved performance in their golf game.”
I didn’t intend to become a yoga teacher, but when the instructor who had been commuting from Green Bay decided to stop coming, the group was left without a leader. They asked me if I would take on the role, so I proceeded to get my yoga teacher certification, but still had no intention of opening my own studio or to teach more than a couple of classes. So much has come to pass in what feels like the blink of an eye…
In July of 2001, I began working with a local carpenter to turn the former blacksmith shop that was attached to the barn into a yoga studio. We added skylights, patio doors and a large picture window looking out over the meadow in the back. The floor was a concrete slab which I was determined to turn into a heated floor. I did the research online and spoke with contractor friends to come up with a plan… one that unfortunately included hauling all of the concrete in 5-gallon buckets to create a greater mass for the heating system. I called some friends including Wence Martinez and his son, to help create a day-long bucket brigade.
Much has transpired over the past fifteen years and now Junction Center Yoga Studio is a mainstay, with regular classes for all levels of practitioners. Yoga has also transformed here in Door County with the general public coming to realize that practicing yoga is one of the most enjoyable forms of preventive medicine you can undertake.
By Leo Babauta
Turn the spotlight of your attention from all the worries of your day to your breath, as it comes in and then goes out.
Breathe normally, not more slowly or deeply than usual — the only thing that has changes is you’re now paying attention.
Your mind will wander, and that’s OK. Just gently return your attention to your breath, noticing your thoughts as they arise, then going back to the breath.
It’s a gentle thing, the breath: it fills you, then leaves softly, without you noticing most times, without you needing to worry about it.
Your mind wanders, and you come back. You pay attention to the quality of the breath, and your body as your chest rises and falls, your shoulders move, your back is slumped a bit, your butt is perhaps a little sore from sitting.
You notice this moment, and realize that in this moment, everything is OK. This moment is complete, without the worries and distractions.
When you return to your anxieties, fears … these emerge from the mind unbidden, just as all your thoughts do. They are temporary conditions, like clouds passing. They aren’t of any consequence if you just notice them, acknowledge them, let them move on.
You return to the breath, and the anxieties are forgotten for a second as you see the breath.
Your mind wanders again, fears arising, desires for distractions and pleasures coming up. These are selfish little things, the fears and desires, that are looking for comfort and trying to avoid discomfort.
You go back to the breath, and notice the body, and your surroundings, all perfect in this moment. For a second, your worries about the comfort of your self is forgotten. The self is not a concern when you’re fully in the moment, though it will assert itself again.
The self and its fears and desires and anxieties and urges return, then you go back to the breath and they’re gone.
Like the ebb and flow of tides, the self and the moment surge back and forth, with you caught up in the waves between them.
You stay with the breath for a moment, and for that moment … you are no longer there.
There’s just the breath, the body, and all that’s around you.
Kathy Navis teaches and encourages anyone, at any age to begin exploring yoga as a means to better health and wellness.
Yoga is an ancient practice, one that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Whether it’s the immediate reduction in levels of stress or the measurable improvements in circulation and blood pressure, practicing yoga is one of the most enjoyable forms of “preventive medicine” that you can take. After a few sessions you will begin to notice improvements in your flexibility and balance. Over time, Yoga is also a strength builder.
Kathy’s free introductory class will provide beginners with some basic knowledge and practice of yoga including an explanation of the philosophy, the postures (asanas) and breath work (pranayama). The benefits of Yoga do not occur overnight, but the results are indeed long lasting. As you become fit and flexible most practitioners will begin to notice an increase in overall vitality and a greater sense of wellness.
The different poses or Asanas each focus on gently improving the functional capacity of your skeletal joints, muscles and connective tissue. By linking the actions to the breath, one also begins to “quiet the mind” – to hush that endless stream of thoughts that some mistake for consciousness.
Yoga students will also begin to take greater notice of their posture as they gain awareness of the alignment and range of motion inherent in their own musculoskeletal system. According to a notable physiologist, we become less flexible as we get older mainly because of certain changes that take place in the connective tissues as our bodies gradually begin to dehydrate. It is believed that stretching stimulates the production or retention of lubricants between the connective tissue fibers, thus preventing the formation of adhesions. Perhaps the greatest realization you will experience in taking up the practice of yoga is that you are actually capable of changing and improving your range of motion.
Classroom attire in Yoga sessions is freeform, but dressing in layers is advisable so you can peel them off depending on the level of exercise and temperature of the room. Students will often wear leotards, shorts, t-shirts and tank tops under a layer of sweats that can be removed.
Join us in beginner’s classes at Junction Center. All of the equipment is provided in a warm and comfortable environment. Beginner’s classes are for all ages, male and female and for any level of fitness or ability. Call 920.823.2763 to join or visit Junction Center Yoga Studio to learn more.
7 Ways Meditation Can Actually Change The Brain
Sounds like the magic bullet doesn’t it? You can enjoy all of these benefits and much more by learning to meditate. Meditation offers innumerable benefits for your body, mind and spirit including:
Please join Kathy Navis, long time Zen meditation practitioner, for an introduction to the ancient practice of meditation on Sundays from 8 – 9:30 am.
Partner Yoga is designed to bring community and play into our yoga practice. It’s a way to develop trust , connection and playfulness through assisted yoga postures. It’s a very enjoyable way to work together in a number of different ways to extend your practice. You will also share the bond of communicating and cooperating with a fellow yoga practitioner, regardless of your relationship or skill level.
Partner Yoga, whether with a friend, a partner or someone you’ve never met, has some incredible benefits:
The workshop will conclude with class participants sharing some delicious snacks and beverages from Greens N Grains Natural Food Store.
No experience necessary, partnering with a friend is optional but not mandatory. We will find a partner if you come solo! The cost is $20 per person or $35 if you come with a friend.
Please, reserve your place by calling 920.823.2763 or e-mailing kathy@JunctionCenterYoga.com.
It can best be described as a fitness lifestyle, one that builds the connection between your body, mind and spirit. If yoga is a sport, it is one of the few that you actually get better at, the longer you practice it and the older you get.
“There is only one way to find out how plastic your body really is, and that’s by using it,” says Kathy Navis. “Regain flexibility and range of motion rather than watch it slip away over the years.”
She teaches and encourages anyone, at any age to begin exploring yoga as a means to better health and wellness with a variety of yoga classes available the year ’round at Door County’s oldest yoga center: Junction Center Yoga Studio in Jacksonport.
Yoga is an ancient practice, one that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Whether it’s the immediate reduction in levels of stress or the measurable improvements in circulation and blood pressure, practicing yoga is one of the most enjoyable forms of “preventive medicine” that you can take. After a few sessions you will begin to notice improvements in your flexibility and balance. Over time, Yoga is also a strength builder.
Kathy invites regular students to bring along a friend anytime for a free class… help expand their knowledge and practice of yoga philosophy, the postures (asanas) and breath work (pranayama).
The benefits of Yoga do not occur overnight, but the results are indeed long lasting. As you become fit and flexible most practitioners will begin to notice an increase in overall vitality and a greater sense of wellness. The different Asanas each focus on gently improving the functional capacity of your skeletal joints, muscles and connective tissue. By linking the actions to the breath, one also begins to “quiet the mind” – to hush that endless stream of thoughts that some mistake for consciousness.
Yoga students will also begin to take greater notice of their posture as they gain awareness of the alignment and range of motion inherent in their own musculoskeletal system. According to a notable physiologist, we become less flexible as we get older mainly because of certain changes that take place in the connective tissues as our bodies gradually begin to dehydrate. It is believed that stretching stimulates the production or retention of lubricants between the connective tissue fibers, thus preventing the formation of adhesions. Perhaps the greatest realization you will experience in taking up the practice of yoga is that you are actually capable of changing and improving your range of motion.
Classroom attire in Yoga sessions is freeform, but dressing in layers is advisable so you can peel them off depending on the level of exercise and temperature of the room. Students will often wear leotards, shorts, t-shirts and tank tops under a layer of sweats that can be removed.
There is only one way to find out if yoga is right for you. Sign up for a free beginner’s class at Junction Center. All of the equipment is provided in a warm and comfortable environment. Beginner’s classes are for all ages, male and female and for any level of fitness or ability. Call 920.823.2763 to join or visit the Website at JunctionCenterYoga.com to learn more.
They are each certified as instructors in both Yoga and Integrative Breath Therapy. On Saturday, April 26 from 5:30 – 7 pm, they will be here in Door County at Junction Center Yoga Studio, providing an opportunity to enjoy a unique encounter.
“Experience deep relaxation as layers of tension and stress melt away,” says Bobbi Silverstone. “In this state of relaxation, the body is nurtured and healed from within.”
The poses in their distinctively sensual yoga class are done lying on the floor, using bolsters to support your body. Breath awareness, hot stones, essential oils, singing bowls and drums are added to induce and enhance the process of relaxation and vibrational healing.
Bobbi Silverstone hails from Gladstone, MI where she has been teaching yoga, breathwork and sound therapy for more than 15 years at her home studio. Her Facebook Page may be found at Serenity Yoga and Breathwork. Ceci Parrella is from Hilton Head, SC and also teaches in her home studio. Her Facebook Page may be found at Flowering Breath.
Together, they will present a delightful evening session that you may never forget. The cost to attend is $40. Call 920.823.2763 to reserve a space as class size is limited.
Peg Lowry, owner and manager at the Blue Dolphin House in Ephraim, was one of the many local businesses and organizations that created a unique Christmas tree donation.
She decided to fashion a Gratitude Tree, adorned with tiny bundles of thankfulness notes. Every tree went home with a lucky winner on December 10 at the museum’s “Jingle, Jingle, Mix & Mingle” raffle! Nancy Erickkson, a regular Junction Center yoga practitioner, also works at the Blue Dolphin and attended the museum festivities. When she won the tree, she decided it belonged at Junction Center… (Thanks so much Nancy!)
You are encouraged to bring non-perishable food or personal care items to Junction Center as a donation to Lakeshore CAP (Community Action Program). The CAP’s motto, “Increasing economic self-sufficiency in Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Sheboygan Counties,” is reflected in their programs to educate families, protect youth, secure shelter, deliver skills training, promote entrepreneurship and to provide food for the needy throughout northeastern Wisconsin. Your contribution will be delivered to Door County’s CAP located at 131 S. 3rd Avenue in Sturgeon Bay.
The Gratitude Tree has a pair of scissors hanging from one of the branches and a card that explains, “In return, please take with you one of the little polka dot bags filled with notes of appreciation and pass them on to others to whom you are grateful! May the spirit of Gratitude remain with you!”
Each of the cards in the packets has a different saying about gratitude and a place to write 3 reasons why you are grateful to the specific individuals that you choose give a card to. So, plan on sharing the joy next time you visit Junction Center Yoga Studio and have a Merry Holiday Season!
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