The Metta Center

Past Workshops

The Metta Center is proud to host and participate in wonderful and diverse workshops and special events throughout the year. An archive of some of these opportunities follows.

All In Depth Study Workshops are $50 each

From the Subtle to the Infinite Saturday, Nov 17 2-5:30

We are more than just the sum of our physical parts. Asana is a great, inspiring workout, but does it really change how we view and act in the world? The makeup of our psychic and energy bodies hugely impacts how we manifest in the world, physically, emotionally and spiritually. This class will artfully weave a new tapestry for the subtle energies and maybe even give us a glimpse into Kaivalya, the ultimate state of blissful liberation. (Note: this will be primarily pranayama and meditation). All Levels

Maha Mudra Saturday, December 15th 2-5:30

A mudra can be defined as an attitude or particular posture, and is not simply a hand gesture, as many yogic teachings would have you believe. Mudra also means, 'to move toward delight'. Maha Mudra, literally translated as the supreme gesture or great attitude, is the fusion of Tantric techniques of asana, bandha, pranayama, visualization and internalization. It is said that perfection of this practice can lead to a transformation of the self and free will. We'll begin the exploration of this practice with lecture and move into preparatory techniques and the actual practice of this amazing, karma burning, health giving journey "toward delight". Must have at least six months' steady practice behind you to participate in this one...

Summertime mid-morning Yoga Break with Linda Davis

Never tried yoga before or been away for a while? Want to keep the body tuned up to enjoy those summer weekends? This class is for you! We will lengthen the breath and the body to gently awaken the spine and activate vibrant energy to the whole being-body, mind and spirit! This summer, take time to take care of yourself!

Yoga: Off the Mat and Into Your Life

There is a comprehensive world view and philosophy behind al that we currently call "Yoga". Yoga practice is as much about transforming the Mind as it is about transforming the body. One's path to health and abundance is incomplete without the examination of Yoga's philosophical foundations and techniques for bringing these forth into your world.

In this workshop, explore and understand some of the most important tenets of Yoga through an examination of its literature and scripture. We will also embody some of these principles through a balanced hatha yoga practice.

Required reading: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, any translation, first two chapters, The Bhagavad Gita (any translation) and Tantra & Classical Yoga article by Linda Johnsen (pick up at studio after registering)

The Architecture of Energy

Bandhas-most of us are somewhat familiar with the ‘big three’ (Mula, Uddiyana, and Jalandhara) bandhas. But what are they, really, and how do they relate to your breath, consciousness and well being, not to mention your asana? In this workshop, be guided on a joyful journey through these energetic gateways, delving deeply into their design, function and life enhancing qualities. You’ll also explore some of the lesser known bandhas, designing a foundational structure of the body and mind and mapping a new landscape for your yoga practice.

The Art of Letting Go: Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra with Lauren

Some of the most precious gifts within the yogic body of knowledge are found in the quiet practices, those that encourage surrender, quiet contemplation and deep rest. Plumb the depths of these profoundly healing practices in this workshop. Physically unwind and spiritually soar as Lauren guides you through supported postures and 'yogic sleep'. Register EARLY as space is limited.

• Establishing a Home Practice with Lauren

Are you having trouble getting started or maintaining a yoga practice outside of your group class? This workshop helps you to illuminate and decipher the pitfalls, techniques and tremendous rewards of authenticating your practice at home. Though guidance from a good teacher is necessary, you may come to realize that you know more than you think- and that you are ultimately your own best teacher. Bring your mat and a notebook and get inspired!
Register now.

• Yoga for Better Sleep with Lauren

Insomnia and disrupted sleep are common maladies afflicting many of us. More than just an annoyance, lack of proper rest can have serious health effects. The prevalence of prescription and OTC drugs to combat these symptoms is frightening, with the cure often being worse that the "illness." Take control in this workshop and learn various yogic techniques (including asana, pranayama, lifestyle modification and meditation) that will bring you to a place of mental and physical peace, enabling you to sleep soundly.

Yoga Revival with Lauren as Guest Instructor at Inner Strength, Watertown

Feel the spirit, catch the fever. Your yogic future is rooted in the past, brothers and sisters! Practice Yoga as it was meant to be, bringing ancient teachings to life - your life. This workshop, which fuses age-old Tantric techniques, has it all; rigorous asana, pranayama, bandha, mantra, mudra and meditation. When skillfully combined in a practice, these techniques create an alchemy that transforms and expands your physical, mental and spiritual frontiers. Glory Be!

The Architecture of Energy Weekend

with Lauren as Guest Instructor at HeartSpace Holistic in Albany NY

Saturday January 13 11am - 1pm Asana and the Gunas - A Guna is a primary energetic state of matter. Rajas is the energy of movement, expansion and stimulation, Tamas creates grounding and stability and Sattwa is a state of calm, clarity and illumination. Theory and practice combine here to dynamically explore and use these elemental forces of nature to flourish on every level. All Levels

Saturday January 13 3pm - 5pm Bandhas and Chakras -We’ve heard of these things, and perhaps even worked with them on some level. But what are they, really, and how do they relate to your breath, consciousness and well being, not to mention your asana? This workshop will bring you to a new understanding of the energy body and its integration with the physical. Come with an open mind and an appetite to create a new landscape for your practice through an exploration of these energy centers. Some Experience.

Sunday January 14 11am - 1pm Disintegration to Integration -- Have you ever said, “I just can’t ‘get’ that pose….?” Explore the art of asana ‘deconstruction' and ‘reconstruction’, enabling you to practice and teach poses with more understanding (vidya), finesse (sthiram) and power, (shakti) and less effort (sukham). We’ll look at a few favorites from each type of asana and will also take suggestions from the group, time permitting. All Levels (Great for teachers).

Sunday January 14 3pm - 5pm From the Subtle to the Infinite (Pranayama, Mantra & Mudra) - We are more than just the sum of our physical parts. Asana is a great, inspiring workout, but does it really change how we view and act in the world? The makeup of our psychic and energy bodies hugely impacts how we manifest in the world, physically, emotionally and spiritually. This class will artfully weave a new tapestry for the subtle energies and maybe even give us a glimpse into Kaivalya, the ultimate state of blissful liberation. (Note: this will be primarily pranayama and meditation). All Levels

Mantra: Intention as Sound with Lauren at Acara Yoga in Southborough, MA

A mantra is a formula for reaching our highest human potential. Nearly all major Spiritual traditions use some form of mantra to 'fill the deepest needs of the human heart'. Learn the background and mechanics of mantra as a practical spiritual tool. Explore mantras that may suit your individual constitution or circumstance. We will also practice the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra together. It is one of the oldest and most profound Vedic mantras. Note: this workshop is open to all and will consist of lecture, meditation and kirtan.

Awakening the Power of Yoga with Yogarupa Rod Stryker

April 20-22, 2007 at the Masonic Hall in Cambridge, MA.

The true power of Yoga is found through the energetic body. Throughout this weekend, master teacher Rod Stryker guides us through the principles of accessing the true power of Yoga.

Hatha Yoga, as it was originally envisioned, is the sublime science that details the journey to greatness through perfection of body, breath, mind, and spirit. When understood and practiced accordingly, Hatha is Para ("supreme", "highest", "the place where our best efforts culminate"). Unfortunately, little of the knowledge of this glorious tradition is known or available to modern teachers and practitioners.

According to the ancient sages the keys to our emotional and physical states are not in the body per say. These are the forces and internal dimensions of: Sun, Moon, and Fire. Each class explores one of these specific approaches to empower practice and how to use Yoga to activate the forces that lead to success, freedom, and joy. Each practice includes Vinyasa flows, Asanas, breath work, focusing techniques, and relaxation, as well as, lecture. In Rod's words, “The ultimate aim of Yoga is to empower you to see, feel, and live life fearlessly. The greatest accomplishment of any practice is to be the radiant being you were meant to be.”

Awakening the Chakras

Learn the significance, location, colors, sounds and balancing techniques of the seven main Chakras of the human subtle body. Learn how, through the medium of Sanskrit vibration, to balance the Chakras to achieve better physical health, create a deep calming of the mind, that all leads to a deeper personal connection with spirit. You will have the experience Yoga as union through chanting a few Sanskrit sound syllables.

Workshop will be led by John Featherstone, CYT, MYEd, who has been studying and practicing Yoga for the past 23 years and teaching full time for the past 12+ years. He is certified in Integral Yoga, High-Tech Yoga and FrogPond Yoga and has earned a Masters Degree in Yoga Education from Sri Siddha Gupha Yoga in Sumai India. His Guru and Yoga preceptor is Dr Rao of High-Tech Yoga who has been the inspiration behind John’s desire to know the Truth behind Yoga teachings. He has also studied Sanskrit with Vyaas Houston and teaches students to experience the power of Sanskrit vibration. Past living masters Sri Brahmananda Saraswati of Ananda Ashram and Living master Pandit Rajmani Tigunait of the Himalayan Institute have also influenced his practice. For 10 years he taught the Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali in the FrogPond Yoga teacher training program. John maintains a regular schedule of Yoga classes for health, happiness, rejuvenation and spiritual growth in several towns in central Massachusetts.