"My time at A Perfect Knot has taught me to soften internally even during profound exertion. Over the years it has become the quiet and welcoming home I return to, to inhabit more fully the still pool within." ~Tona Williams, multimedia artist
Bikram CLASS DESCRIPTION: This amazing 26 pose sequence, made famous by Bikram Choudhury and his teacher, Bishnu Ghosh (who was the brother of Paramahansa Yogananda), meditatively and systematically stretches, strengthens, lubricates and oxygenates 100% of the body, restoring all systems toward healthy, balanced order. It is intended for any level of student as each pose has its beginning and advancing stage. While you can count on relief of stress every practice, continued efforts result in increasing awareness, control and relaxation of the body and the state of mind, meaning you can prevent stress from building in many situations that once inspired it. Wouldn't it be wonderful to decrease what stresses you by even 20%?! What about 50%? Count on a uniquely gentle teaching of Bikrams and kind encouragement in a class that respects silliness, seriousness and independent, explorative creativity. The focus of practice is health & freedom. Witnessing our habitual reactions and attitudes, for the temporary, changeable tendencies that they are, is movement toward uncovering our already free self. Mind AND body flexible, strong, imaginative, living well both within your culture, if you choose, and beyond culture, era, ego and circumstance.
Carla also offers useful anatomical and holistic health information and has been a Massage Therapist for 22 years.
Carla created A Perfect Knot in 1996 and welcomes everyone to come and spend awhile in an absolutely beneficial way. The room is warm (90 degrees only, 15 degrees less than average Bikram class, but if you stand right next to a heater, you will be much warmer) to help the stiff places get moving and to promote a gradual detoxification of the tissues through sweating. Layering of clothing is encouraged in the wintry months. Be sure to bring your largest towel, a washcloth, and a waterbottle to every class. (Please bring 2 towels if you tend to sweat a lot.)
TEACHER:Carla Raushenbush, creator and director of A Perfect Knot, has been a Massage Therapist since 1990 and graduated from Bikram's second formal 500 hr. teacher training in 1995. She has continued her studies through various teachers, self-study and Scott Anderson's Alignment Yoga 200 hr. Teacher Training in 2005. Since opening her own studio in 1996, she has taught 6-11 classes per week and loves it now more than ever. Carla is gentle and sweet in her approach to the practice of Bikram Yoga. Using the physically thorough sequence of poses to increase health and relaxation, the other focus of Carla's class is freedom. Carla's main practice toward the yogic goals of non-harming, contentment and self-knowledge utilizes recognizing cultural conditioning in all it's forms (that bind and crush our vitality, originality, and natural contentment, modesty and common sense, while presenting itself as the truth) and then steadfastly casting it away. This exploration is present and encouraged during asana practice if one wishes. Understanding habitual reactions/patterns of the mind and witnessing our attitudes and perspectives from a step back are ways to find our way back to our own center, if we have lost it. This ability to be calm, centered and non-judgemental amidst challenges allows clarity, kindness, and fun to flow forth.
*Carla understands something about dealing with illness as she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1982, when she was 20 yrs. old, and wears an insulin pump. She also has personal experience with depression and anti-depressant drugs.
Carla can adapt the poses appropriately for pregnant women and has had numerous women use this class pre- and postnatally. Private groups of 3 or more. Considers barter for open classes.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: 1.Hatha Yoga explores the creative life force, combining the ancient yogic traditions with the inspiration of nature and the knowledge of modern living. In group classes, the breath is introduced as a compelling current revealing an authentic alignment within the body that subtly sculpts a greater sense of well being. With a focus on natural movement and compassion toward the self, classes provide instruction in fundamental yoga postures and breathing techniques within a focused flow. With an eye for the subtle, Kristin provides assistance for students to refine practice to an individual level. Friendly classes are inviting for students at all levels.
2. Yoga Basics March 30th to May 18th - Saturdays from 2:30--3:45 pm.
This is an introductory course for new and returning students interested in developing the awareness and skills to intelligently approach a yoga practice. This course will provide a basic background in the yoga practices, including working safely with postures & breathing techniques, the historical context for the modern practices, special considerations for pregnancy, injuries & chronic pain and suggestions for developing a personal practice.
Please register in advance. Full series is $100 - $90 if paid by March 15th or $30 to hold a space.
To register contact Kristin Sage at kristin@sageyoga.nett or 608.630.6435
TEACHER:Kristin Sage, RYT has been actively exploring yoga and meditation since 1997 and began offering classes in the community in 2004. She is Yoga Alliance certified, having studied with Scott Anderson of Alignment Yoga. Along with her explorations of the traditions of Hatha yoga, Kristin has been inspired by asana methods including Iyengar, Bikram, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa. Kristin offers group classes in the community, Adaptive Yoga classes for individuals with limited mobility, and private instruction to those requiring a more individual approach to instruction. She incorporates the teachings of yoga into all aspects of her life, especially feeling the connection to parenting, creating works of art and poetry, and serving in nature and in the community. Kristin draws upon the inspirations offered by her teachers, the forces of nature, and her individual explorations, and deeply enjoys sharing her insights with the community. Offers private sessions, considers barter and accepts Madison Timebank Hours.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Vinyasa Yoga is a comprehensive and fully integrated practice that includes the full spectrum of yogic disciplines and delights, fostering a potent healing dynamic and a free flowing of rejuvenative creative power. Vinyasa is where the traditional and methodical marry the artistic and evolutionary. The consistent practice of yoga gradually burns through the chords that keep us fettered to our past habituations and illusions, making space for the light of self-awareness, soul investigation, and realization. Yoga can increase the efficiency and harmony in the activities of the body's systems, while facilitating your higher qualities of intuitive discernment and development. You will feed all the layers of your being by exploring asana, pranayama, bandha, mantra, mudra, meditation and embodiment practice that enable you to identify and awaken a perennial wisdom capable of mobilizing your inner enlightened being. Lisa embraces the practice and teaching of yoga as a dance of remembrance that allows us to lose our taste for dualistic thinking and to soften into the enchanted domain of unity consciousness. She is sensitive to the current of the collective and the needs of the individual. Classes are held in a warm environment so you will find yourself drenched in the nectar of well being. Come join a community of authenticity seekers in a space that supports introspection, self-expression and unconditional acceptance. With a spirit of consistency, you will awaken to an enlivened relationship with your whole multidimensional self and experience how to meet change in life with agility, an attitude of stillness, and an open illumined heart.
TEACHER:Lisa O'Connor is a dedicated educator in the living spiritual arts and brings more than a decade of experience to her classroom. As a yogini, dancer, musician, and visual artist she is committed to living the path and passing the torch of creative life force to all whom she works with. She is known for integrating wisdom teachings into her eclectic classes, inspiring seekers to fall in love with their own authenticity and to inherit the role of their true destiny. Lisa's visionary nature and honesty guide her teachings, and it is with great heart that she shares the transmissions she has absorbed from her teachers, studies, travels, and experience and a life student. Lisa continues her studies with the world's leading teachers and offers oceans of gratitude to her teachers Shiva Rea, Rod Stryker, Jai Uttal, Nubia Teixeira, Baron Baptiste, Ana Forrest, Noema Devaki (her daughter), and all of her students. She has been teaching at A Perfect Knot since 2003. Offers private sessions, considers barter.
Kundalini CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Kundalini Yoga, THE SCIENCE OF AWARENESS, a 5,000 year-old technology for maintaining balance in body, mind, and spirit, was first brought to America in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan. According to this ancient tradition, Kundalini Yoga will help strengthen the glandular system, the nervous system, and the circulatory system; expand the lung capacity; and eradicate emotional blocks that manifest as tension in the muscular system. Kundalini Yoga is accessible for everyone regardless of age or experience. Simple and effective, Kundalini Yoga yields fast and dramatic results, and may help with muscle toning, strength building, increased flexibility, better mental clarity, and stress relief. Please see your regular health care provider before beginning this or any other fitness routine. Kundalini Yoga combines conscious breathing (Pranayama), guided movement, meditation, simple postures (Asana), stretching, sequence (Kriya), rhythm, and sound (Mantra) to balance body, mind, and being. Remember who you truly are, love yourself completely, and accept yourself with all you potential and faults. These are the goals of Kundalini Yoga. Let Your Self Blossom! Sat Nam
TEACHER:Katie Muschlewski, Certified Kundalini Instructor Guru Kirti Kaur, founded Lotus Roots Kundalini Yoga in 2005, after practicing since 1995. In 2007, she launched Yoga Sprout! Child and Caregiver Yoga and Youth Yoga. She completed a traditional apprenticeship with Lisa Lawrence, Guru Anand Kaur, and has learned from renowned yogini, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and yogi Gary Kraftsow. These phenomenal teachers continue to inspire her practice and teaching. In her experience, Kundalini Yoga helps bring balance and bliss to all aspects of her life. Katie brings gentle and sincere instruction to her clients, and offers on-going classes, private sessions, and workshops in the Madison, WI area. Offers private sessions; kids $50 for 45 minutes, adults $70 for 75 minutes. Considers barter.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Odissi Dance is one of the earliest established classical dance forms from India. It is distinguished from other classical Indian dance forms by tribhangi, the body's independent movement at the head, chest, and pelvis, and upon the basic square stance known as chauka.
This class will be an exploration in basic stances, movements, and poses of Odissi dance. It will include introductions to rhythmic steps, mudras (hand postures), head and eye movement, and facial expression. Students will also learn small segments of the classical repertoire of pure dance, theatrical dance, and devotional dance.
TEACHER: Raka Bandyo was born and raised in a Brahman family in Michigan. She began studying the classical Indian art form of Odissi Dance in 1984 with Guru Sangetta Kar, longtime student of the most renowned Odissi Dance Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Raka has performed for several years as both a solo artist and in group dances at several cultural event and celebrations. In 2003 she began teaching Odissi dance until in 2005 when she moved to Madison, WI. Raka also offers private lessons.
YIN CLASS DESCRIPTION: A gentle & relaxing class that works deeply into muscles and connective tissues through extended holds of postures. It is the perfect class for meditators & those who lack flexibility because we will work deeply into the connective tissues and the joints. These are the deep yin tissues of the body, relative to the more superficial yang tissues of muscles and skin. Yin Yoga opens up these deep, dense, rarely touched areas.
Most forms of Yoga practiced in the U.S. are Yang; they emphasize muscular movement, contraction, and stabilization (all of which are important). Yin Yoga targets the connective tissue especially in the hips, pelvis and lower spine, and emphasizes deep tissue opening and restoration. This type of practice complements the more muscular styles of Yoga like Bikram, Hatha, & Vinyasa Flow.
Years of a dedicated asana practice will make anyone healthier, stronger, and more flexible, but at some point the muscles will have reached their limit of flexibility. New depths in postures, deeper ranges of motion, or an increased flow of energy may only be achievable by focusing on the deeper tissues of the body. This is why so many students are finding Yin Yoga to be the perfect compliment and balance to their more active, yang practices. For most, this class is one of the most challenging, yet totally relaxing experiences they have.
Bikram CLASS DESCRIPTION: This amazing 26 pose sequence, made famous by Bikram Choudhury and his teacher, Bishnu Ghosh, systematically stretches, strengthens, lubricates and oxygenates 100% of the body, restoring all systems toward healthy, balanced order. It is intended for any level of student as each pose has its beginning and advanced stage. All continued efforts are rewarded with increased awareness, control and relaxation of the body and the state of mind. The room is warm (90 degrees only) to help the stiff places get moving and to promote a gradual detoxification of the tissues through sweating. Layering of clothing is encouraged in the wintry months so the body doesn't cool down until the end of practice. Be sure to bring your largest towel, a washcloth, and a waterbottle to every class. (Please bring 2 towels if you tend to sweat a lot.)
TEACHER: Alex Pfieffer's teaching focuses on alignment, breath, action and attitude to target full detoxification of the self: physical, mental and emotional. The result is a class meant to exercise one's spiritual edge from struggle to ease; from intensity to peace; from swimming in madness to inner clarity. "The trick" he says, "is to eliminate the blocks that keep the body and mind from its alignment with Nature. From there comes action without stress, which heals even ailments such as the bulging discs I once had. Align with Nature and there is great flow."
Since Bikram Teacher certification in 2004, Alex has been helping students experience alignment as more than where one puts body parts, but as an exploration of one's embodied experience, actions, and the quality of being fully present that casts out emotional, physical, and mental "garbage." Cast out the garbage and all that is left is the wellspring of peace, ease, release, gentle strength, inner reserve, and power.
Alex continues to refine his understanding of the human bodymind. He is also certified in Anusara Inspired Hatha Yoga and practices both Integral Bodywork (similar to rolfing) and Thai Yoga Bodywork. He is technically knowledgeable, but expect a class that is more like song and poetic exploration than like rote science. What matters most is that you leave feeling centered and full of the vitality that becomes a life well lived.
Yoga Teacher Training Ever thought of becoming a yoga teacher? Alex runs one of the most foundational, dynamic trainings in the midwest, calling upon many of the best yoga teachers in the area (and some from far away) to bring their expertise to you. This training is modular (rather than sequential) and is the only training in southern Wisconsin that combines the modular approach with a pay-as-you-go option - so you can be certified in a time frame that fits your budget and schedule. For more information check out madisonyogateachertraining.com Alex also offers Yoga Alliance Recognized Continuing Education for already certified yoga teachers.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Yin yoga is a revitalizing and relaxing class that works deeply into muscles and connective tissues (fascia) through extended holds of postures. With consistent practice the poses can stimulate the fascia to rebuild, stronger and more supple. Yin yoga is the perfect complement to "yang" activities like running, playing sports, or other yoga practices (e.g. Bikram, Hatha, & Vinyasa Flow). It is appropriate for all levels of yoga experience. Women who have given birth in the last 3-6 months should avoid this type of yoga because their fascia may be too elastic during this period.
Many of us in the West have a lot of fears about opening our backs and hips. Rightly so, since we sit so much of the time and the fascia in these areas becomes very stiff, decreasing the motion in these joints. Yin yoga can help slow this degeneration and revitalize these areas of the body. More and more people believe that the fascia is meridian tissue, and this is where the chi flows in our bodies. Stimulating the fascia, it is theorized, can unblock chi energy. See for yourself!
"The combination of Carla's Bikram class with Bev's Yin Yoga has become my personal 'Thursday morning spa.' I sweat, balance and stretch until I'm wrung out and softened, buoyed by a blissful sense of lightness and exhilaration. ~Tona Williams"
TEACHER:Bev Buhr RYT (AKA "Bevo") has been practicing various types of yoga since the mid 1990's. She started studying Yin yoga in 2008. She has completed Level One and Level Two Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Paul and Suzee Grilley (internationally known teachers and experts on Yin yoga) and is very excited about sharing this revitalizing form of yoga with others. In her teaching, Bev focuses on creating a space where students can be comfortable exploring each pose. She has an in-depth knowledge of functional anatomy and can assist students in finding how the natural variations in their bone structures and flexibilities impact their yoga practice. As a nurse practitioner who specializes in adult health, Bev is passionate about the healing properties of diet and physical activity—especially Yoga.
Private sessions are available in an assisted Yin Yoga routine which is great for beginners and anyone who wants to deepen their practice. $60/hour; barter and sliding scale considered.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: This is a yoga class for men. The poses, the techniques and the
explanations are geared toward men.
We will focus on three goals: strength, range of motion and attention.
We will do poses that will strengthen you, particularly your core.
Through strengthening and engaged stretching we will increase range of
motion. By working hard we will pay better attention to ourselves and
learn to relax.
Come to this class if you want to:
Work hard and get stronger. Learn to work with specific muscles for rehabbing injuries or strengthening imbalances.
Improve your athletic performance.
Learn to move more freely and confidently.
This is a high energy yoga style, you will leave class with a good energy buzz and a deep level of relaxation. We'll do a broad range of poses, each designed to target specific muscles. Each class will be different, we'll work on a wide range of themes.
TEACHER:Bruce
Kiefaber comes to yoga with an engineer's perspective. What works? How can your body move more freely? What kinds of movements will allow you to move with more confidence? I experiment with poses and techniques to find the best ways to improve the way you move.
Over the years I have been active in a number of sports including soccer, running, cross country and downhill skiing, road and mountain biking, hockey and canoeing. As a firm believer that anything worth doing is worth over-doing, I have injured myself countless times, experiencing a range of torn and sore muscles, sprains, and tendonitis. Injuries are common in sports and in life and I take each injury as an opportunity to learn more about the body and how to heal and rehabilitate. I've found the combination of muscle engagement and muscle stretch in yoga is an excellent cure for injuries and great preparation for moving through life with confidence. Yoga is simple, effective and powerful.
I studied with two yoga teachers before I started studying with Roger Eischens in 1998. Roger taught the importance of experiencing what your body was telling you, and trying different things to see how they feel. I embrace his non-dogmatic approach to movement. I have learned a great deal from my other teachers including Mike Slater, Kari Tomashik and Scott Anderson. I am a certified yoga instructor at the 200 hour level. My teacher training was with Scott Anderson's
Alignment Yoga School. I have done yoga for the last three years with the Verona girls Soccer team and the Verona boys Lacrosse team, where I've developed a range of movements for athletes. I am also an active participant in Spectrum Yoga Therapy, a group that provides one-on-one yoga for people on the Autistic Spectrum.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Ideal for individuals new to yoga and those seeking to deepen their practice, Yoga Fundamentals begins with a guided meditation then progresses to mindful movement followed by relaxation. Incorporating the elements of grounding, authentic breathing, core work, and optimal alignment, this class can help students cultivate a safe, accessible, and regular yoga practice. Learn techniques to relieve stress, improve posture, and ease pain in the body. Find your "just right challenge," exploring your edges of strength and flexibility with awareness and a light heart.
TEACHER:Megan Bjella developed an interest in yoga in high school as a way to cope with the stress of adolescence. After committing to a regular practice in college, Megan pursued her first teacher training, receiving her 200-hr certification in 2009. Since that time, she has studied with Ana Forrest, Talya Ring and Steve Emmerman, Andrea Russell, and Michael Stone. In 2012, she completed the Alignment Yoga 200-hr Advanced Studies program, under the direction of Scott Anderson and Alicia Wright.
As a yoga teacher, Megan aims to guide her students in a beneficial practice, equipping them with the tools needed to practice yoga safely and mindfully. Her intention is to empower students to feel capable in their practice and in their bodies, encouraging them to cultivate respect, compassion, and curiosity towards where they are physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Offers private sessions, considers barter.
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Imagine the combination of an uplifting concert, a walk in the park with your best friends and belly laughs shared in the intimate presence of the ones you love… That pretty well sums up Josh's classes. Blending heartfelt compassion with unyielding enthusiasm, Josh encourages you to strengthen your connection to YOU! Using breath and sensation as mediums of revelation, Josh is certain that new levels of compassion, gratitude and fulfillment are available to everyone through the practice of yoga.
Trained in the tradition of Vinyasa Krama Yoga by Srivatsa Ramaswami, 33 year long student of the great Sri T Krishnamacharya, Josh shares his traditionally grounded studies in contemporary fashion. Each class artfully (vinyasa) innovates the ordering (krama) and variety of asana (postures) to develop the sometimes subtle and sometimes substantial tools of being. As we move the breath we move the body, and in turn the mind with its senses moves closer to its seat in the soul… finding fathomless joy, peace and happiness.
TEACHER:Josh Geidel
is lucky enough to have been exposed to many different perspectives and ways of knowing. Josh seeks to develop a unique approach to yoga that blends the roots of traditional knowledge with the best of what we have discovered with the science of today. His Vinyasa Krama classes are designed to move one in the direction of artful living… the discovery and maximization of one's mind body soul potential. You are beautiful and free! Learn how to live more so!
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