Workshops & Events
Expand & Deepen Your Practice with Workshops
40th Annual Yoga Vacation in Jamaica with John Schumacher & Barbara Benagh (Attend WEEK 1, WEEK 2, or BOTH.)
For over 40 years John and Barbara have welcomed yogis to join them for their annual trek to Negril, Jamaica. Negril is a relaxed resort on the west coast of Jamaica, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and lush islands and a wonderful place to unwind and restore the soul. Negril is vibrant and brought alive by Jamaicans, their music, and a sultry climate perfect for rest and renewal.
THE TEACHERS
John Schumacher teacher for 50 years, is one of the most prominent and respected teachers in the Iyengar tradition and a senior certified teacher in that method. The director of Unity Woods Yoga Center in Bethesda, MD until 2023, John continues to teach weekly classes as well as continuing education workshops for teachers online. The precision, clarity, humor and directness that John incorporates in his teaching help to guide students toward experiencing the richness and vitality that are possible through the practice of yoga. He lives with his wife Suzie Mann in Bethesda, MD.
Barbara and John got to know each other while sharing a long flight to India and, while their yoga paths have diverged over the years, they relish this annual get together. Their very different teaching styles demonstrate how diverse interpretations of Hatha Yoga can be respectful, informative, and complimentary in a way that inspires students to create an authentic practice.
Barbara Benagh’s unique teaching style draws from many traditions. A teacher since 1974, Barbara has a quirky style that combines breathwork, exploratory movement, yoga philosophy and alignment-based poses. Her unique voice and language invite you to listen more than look as you are guided into a deeply meditative practice that encourages asana to grow from the inside out- very slowly. With good humor, she teaches patience and attention with the goal of creating a yoga practice that is economical, effective, and elegant. She lives in Durham, NC .
Weekly Package (Inc. lodging, brunch, 2 evening events, and yoga). Travel is Sunday-Sunday with two classes daily Monday- Saturday.
Single Room – $1750 Double room -$1335 Companion $860
Class Only (Inc. all yoga + 2 evening events) $810 Unavailable at this time. Please inquire if interested in being waitlisted.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration will open on August 1, 2023. A $300 non-refundable deposit per person, per week is required to register. Newcomers are welcome to let Barbara know if you plan to register and she’ll add to our growing wait list. Questions? Email – barbara@yogastudio.org.
Tuition may be paid by Zelle (617-803-0918) or barbara@yogastudio.org), Venmo (@Barbara-Benagh), PayPal (barbara@yogastudio.org) or check to Barbara Benagh, 1107 Oakland Ave., Durham, NC 27705.
For more information and to register click here.
Further questions? Email Barbara: barbara@yogastudio.org
Day for Teachers: Observation and Adjustment in the Age of Zoom with John Schumacher
As yoga teachers, we strive to improve our students’ experience by guiding them to safer and more effective ways to practice. One of the ways we accomplish this is by adjusting their poses. Of course, in online classes, hands-on adjustments are not possible; we can adjust the students either verbally or visually.
First, however, we must see what is to be done. Observing what is happening, who needs attention, where to go first: all are key elements of effective teaching. Then comes the art of adjusting.
In this workshop, we will focus on seeing a class and the students in it and examine what to look for, what to avoid, and the mechanics of observation. We will also study and practice some of the techniques you can use to make effective adjustments verbally and visually.
The class will be recorded and will be available to all registered participants. There is no expiration date.
This class is eligible for Continuing Education credits for Yoga Alliance and IYNAUS.
$45
Day for Teachers - Turning the World Upside Down: Inversions in the age of Zoom with John Schumacher
The benefits of inversions - physical, physiological, and mental - are vast. It takes B.K.S. Iyengar several pages to list them in Light On Yoga.
In this class, we will learn about the basic inversions (Sirsasana [headstand], Sarvangasana [shoulderstand], and Halasana [plow]; how to prepare for them; how to practice them safely; and effective ways to teach them, especially online.
$45
39th Annual Yoga Vacation in Jamaica with John Schumacher & Barbara Benagh (Attend WEEK 1, WEEK 2, or BOTH.)
For nearly 40 years John and Barbara have welcomed yogis to them for their annual trek to Negril, Jamaica. Negril is a relaxed resort on the west coast of Jamaica, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and lush islands and awonderful place to unwind and restore the soul. Negril is vibrant and brought alive by the people, their music, and a sultry climate perfect for rest and renewal. These two weeks in February, with all events outdoors, will be our return to February in Jamaica after three years away. Excited!
THE TEACHERS
John Schumacher is one of the most prominent and respected teachers in the Iyengar tradition and a senior certified teacher in that method. He is the director of Unity Woods Yoga Center where classes are available online. The clarity, humor and directness that John incorporates in his teaching help to guide students toward experiencing the richness and vitality that are possible through the practice of yoga. He lives in Potomac, MD.
Barbara Benagh’s unique teaching style draws from many traditions. A teacher since 1974, Barbara has a quirky, slow style that employs evocative language and conscious breathing to encourage an internal, yet technical, approach to yoga. With good humor, she teaches patience and attention with the goal of creating a yoga practice that is economical, effective, and elegant. She lives in Durham, NC .
Barbara and John got to know each other on a long flight to India and, while their yoga paths have diverged over the years, they relish this annual get together. Their very different teaching styles demonstrate how diverse interpretations of Hatha Yoga can be respectful, informative, and complimentary in a way that inspires students to create an authentic practice.
Weekly Package (Inc. lodging, brunch, 2 evening events, and yoga):
Travel is Sunday-Sunday with two classes daily Monday- Saturday.
Single Room – $1,750 Double room – $1,335. Companion (no yoga) $860
Class Only (Inc. all yoga + 2 evening events) – $810
There are also two studio apartments with a kitchenette and one discounted room, the only room with no ocean view. Please ask Barbara for information.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration is OPEN! Questions? Email – barbara@yogastudio.org.
Tuition may be paid by Zelle (617-803-0918) or barbara@yogastudio.org), Venmo (Barbara-Benagh), PayPal (barbara@yogastudio.org) or check to Barbara Benagh, 1107 Oakland Ave., Durham, NC 27705.
For more information and to register click here.
Further questions? Email Barbara: barbara@yogastudio.org
A Day for Teachers: Deepening Your Practice and Teaching
Deepen your practice and teaching. You’ve said it; I’ve said and written it. What does it actually mean? And how do you do it?
Deepening means to move from an external, superficial, or peripheral level to a more internal, essential, core level.
In this class, we will explore how the concept applies to asana in particular and yoga in general and look at techniques to employ those concepts in practical how-to ways.
$45.
A Workshop with John Schumacher
Saturday and Sunday, January 7th & 8th
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
For more information and to register contact Bobbi Goldin@yogamiami.com or click here.
iYoga Del Rey Beach - Special Class
iYoga is thrilled to welcome Senior Certified Iyengar Instructor John Schumacher back for a surprise class. John has been teaching the Iyengar method since 1981 and owned Unity Woods Yoga Studio for 40 years. John was under the tutelage of BKS Iyengar for many years. He knows first hand that studying with a committed teacher not only transforms one’s practice, it transforms how we connect to the world around us and most important to ourselves. His teaching is clear, concise, precise and infused with humor. Don’t miss this special class!
$40. Check out schedule page here. Scroll down to January 2nd for more info and follow prompts to register for special class.
Recording will be provided for two weeks to all registrants.
For questions or to register please contact 254-295-6121.
A Day for Teachers: Secrets of Skillful Sequencing
Secrets of Skillful Sequencing
Zoom workshop with John Schumacher
Sequencing, the flow of one event into another, is an inherent part of our lives. It is also a key element in the practice and teaching of yoga. In this workshop, we’ll examine some basic principles of sequencing and learn guidelines for putting a pose, a class, a session, a year together in ways that help you and your students make progress.
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST
$45