SAM Sather
The Sacrum: A Key to Spinal Health and Mobility

The sacrum, often overlooked, plays a vital role in both spinal health and overall movement. It's not just a single bone but a fusion of five vertebrae that occurs as we age, usually completing the process in our 20s. Despite this fusion, the sacrum is part of a dynamic system that requires awareness and movement to stay healthy.

The Sacrum: A Key to Spinal Health and Mobility
SAM Sather
The Convergence of Yoga and Creativity

Yoga and creativity share a special connection. Both require us to move beyond the confines of the familiar, to explore the unknown, and to embrace the perspective of a beginner—a fresh lens through which we see the world. This convergence of yoga and creativity is a catalyst for inspiration, opening doors to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of being.

The Convergence of Yoga and Creativity
Amanda Dzengeleski
Why we are a Yoga Therapy Studio. Plus, ...

Yoga therapy is fundamentally about empowering you to take an active approach to self-care through the tailored application of yoga. Unlike general group classes, which aim to benefit a wide range of participants, yoga therapy offers a personalized and evolving practice that addresses specific health challenges and promotes overall well-being.

Why we are a Yoga Therapy Studio. Plus, Nourishing Opportunities to Practice.
SAM Sather
NEW Studio Announcements: Introducing our ...

We have made new updates to our class schedule and an exciting addition to our team!

SAM Sather
iRest: Active Resting That Heals

iRest Yoga Nidra can be perceived as resting, especially since rest is in the name, and we all are not people who rest. Resting can even be a bit scary. It is easy to wonder: Will everything be OK if I slow down and rest? What if I told you that iRest Yoga Nidra is active resting? You are doing something. You are actively listening to a voice, following the prompts, re-wiring your brain, and improving your health.

Spinal Variation

Spinal Variation

The spine is most stable when in its neutral position, and it becomes less stable as it deviates from this natural alignment. Optimal health doesn't demand excessive spinal flexibility. Stability is the primary function of the spine. Remember, you are unique—no one else shares your biography or biology. One-size-fits-all advice doesn't hold; what works for one person might not work for you. The key is to discover the movements and exercises that serve your body. Let your practice be adaptable, not dogmatic, respecting the vast spectrum of human variation. 

Yoga and Osteoporosis Workshop, Explore Moving Safely with Confidence

Yoga and Osteoporosis Workshop, Explore Moving Safely with Confidence

Having osteoporosis shouldn’t prevent you from engaging in physical activity. Movement such as those done in Yoga can support healthy bones. A 2016 study reported that 12 minutes of yoga appeared to raise bone mineral density in the spine and the femur safely. Yoga is also good for your balance, flexibility, brain and more. However, not all yoga postures are beneficial for everybody’s skeleton. Some yoga postures and movements are associated with risks for those with osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important to equip yourself with knowledge about what movements are safe and what movements should be avoided. 

The Power of Community: Cultivating Inner Peace through Yoga

The Power of Community: Cultivating Inner Peace through Yoga

This week is Service Week! All are welcome to participate by joining us for any of our group classes October 9th-13th. You can sign up for classes using subscriptions and packages throughout the week. All proceeds will be donated directly to Healing Pines Respite. You may also contribute a donation of any amount to Dogwood’s Healing Pines Respite Fund. We hope sharing our yoga practice and raising money can provide a refuge of compassionate practice for all.

In the midst of our busy lives, finding inner peace is an invaluable pursuit. While yoga is often seen as a solitary practice, it teaches us that the journey towards inner peace can be greatly enhanced when we embrace the support and connection of a community. 

Enjoying All of Life’s Peaceful Moments.

Enjoying All of Life’s Peaceful Moments.

Yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditations help you achieve a peaceful state of mind. However, yoga is not limited to practices on the mat. You can experience glimpses of your peaceful nature at any time. You can experience PEACE in any setting and doing any activity. Take time throughout your day to relish in life’s beauty. Seek out joy and immerse yourself in the experience.

Heart of Peace Retreat 3 Weeks Away!

Heart of Peace Retreat 3 Weeks Away!

Join the Dogwood Team for a day of self care and creativity on Saturday October 14th, 2023 from 8:30am-3:30pm for our biannual Art and Yoga Retreat: Heart of Peace at the NC Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill. We will be collaborating with artist Beverly Dyer to deliver a retreat filled with creative art journaling and mindful movement practices in the lovely setting of the Garden.

Join Leesann this Fall at Dogwood Studio!

Join Leesann this Fall at Dogwood Studio!

We have some wonderful news to announce. Leesann will be returning to live classes at Dogwood Studios. 🥳 We are thrilled that Leesann will be gracing us with her presence. She will be joining Sam for Candlelight Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra and teaching from Chapel Hill at the end of October! 💖 You can practice Live with Leesann either In Person or Online. 

The Five Hindrances

The Five Hindrances

The five hindrances are mental states that challenge our ability to be mindful and present. These hindrances include sensual desire, ill will, sloth, worry or restlessness, and doubt. Such mental states have a potent effect on the way we see and interact with the world. As the name suggests, these qualities hinder our ability to perform effectively and respond appropriately. The hindrances are not to be seen as obstacles, but rather a valuable opportunity for self-inquiry. To overcome our hindrances we must become mindfully aware of their presence so we can learn how to best navigate our own unique path to liberation. 

Balance Systems

Balance Systems

Our ability to maintain balance relies largely on the integration of three vital systems: the visual system, the vestibular system (inner ear) and proprioception. A regular balance practice, found in many yoga poses, can improve stability and reduce the risk of falling. At Dogwood Studio, we apply functional and therapeutic balance poses adapted to your body promoting increased elasticity, strength, balance, decreased reactivity, and sense.

New Offering: Candlelight Yin Yoga & Yoga Nidra

New Offering: Candlelight Yin Yoga & Yoga Nidra

Combining Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra is a good recipe to contribute to your wellbeing. Yoga Nidra is a meditative practice of listening and letting go. Yin Yoga is an effective practice that is introspective (engaging in mindfulness activities designed to increase self-awareness) and interospective (creating and noticing a change in some aspect of one's internal self, such as muscular system, breathing, temperature, pulse or touch, energy, consciousness). Wind down and relax Wednesday evenings from north Chatham County. Apply mindfulness techniques to cultivate relaxation, awareness and insights to our mind, body and heart with Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra.