Blandford Nature Center Presents: Yoga in the Woods

Wouldn't you love the opportunity to practice your yoga among nature?  To do your tree pose underneath not just one, or even some trees, but a whole canopy of trees?  Well, Blandford Nature Center is here to please with our "Yoga in the Woods" program beginning on June 16th.  This six-week yoga class has been put together by Camilla Voelker, an intern at Blandford, in order to bring together two of her passions: yoga and nature.  Voelker explains, "yoga is a science of movement, and often it mimics animals or shapes we find in the woods.  Bringing a practice outdoors is one aspect of deepening the art."

When developing the program Voelker initially struggled in finding an instructor, but eventually all the pieces fell into place and certified Anusara instructor Audrey Chapman was recruited.  Chapman is an instructor at From the Heart Yoga and Tai Chi Center in Grand Rapids where Voelker had taken classes with Chapman.  Voelker, having dabbled with several forms of yoga, felt an immediate connection to Anusara yoga and to Chapman.  Needless to say, Voelker was pleased when Chapman expressed an interest in teaching the class.  "When [Voelker} told me what she wanted to do, I was so excited.  Yoga has been a great life line for me, the mindfulness and strength it cultivates helped me through some very tough times a few years ago, and I love seeing it help others.  I feel the same way about being out in nature - there is this beautiful simplicity that feels very healing when things are crazy in the world" says Chapman.

This class is offered in two sessions based on skill level. Those with little to no experience should sign up for the Seedlings class which is offered from 1:00-2:15 p.m. and those with some previous experience can sign up for our Saplings class which is offered from 2:30-4:00 p.m. These classes will be held every Saturday from June 16 to July 21.  The series is $60 and space is limited so call 735-6240 by June 11 to register for this unique opportunity.