Ongoing

Amma Satsang
MONTHLY SATSANG: The 1st Sunday of EVERY MONTH at 5:30pm *oh hold until the coast is clear*
FREE and Priceless.
Satsang is a Sanskrit word meaning a close association or companionship with a Self-Realized Soul. It can also refer to discussion or hearing of spiritual truths expressed by Self-Realized Masters. In the scorching heat of worldliness, being in the presence of a Master or a Master’s teachings is like a cool breeze in the shade of a huge tree. Although Amma is the inspiration for this particular gathering, devotees of all traditions are welcome.
Please join us as we gather with some of Amma’s longtime devotees for an inspiring evening of prayer, puja (sacred ceremony) and song. We often begin the evening with a short video of Amma or her teachings, followed by a little song (bhajans/kirtan), meditation, and Aarati. In Sanskrit, the word arti – written as aarati – is composed of the prefix aa, meaning complete, and rati, meaning love. Aarti is thus an expression of one’s complete and unflinching love towards the Divine. It is sung and performed with a deep sense of reverence, adoration, and meditative awareness.
Amma (Mother) has physically hugged more than 34 million people from all parts of the world. Her tireless spirit of dedication to uplifting others over the past 38 years has inspired a vast network of charitable activities through which people are discovering the beauty and sense of peace that comes from selflessly serving others. We hope that you will join us in immersing ourSelves in the nectar of devotion and bringing boundless love to life here in Athens!
(It is customary to bring an offering to the symbolic feet of the Master…whether that be Amma or to whomever you bow, and offerings often include incense, flowers, fruit…whatever you would offer the Divine. Please know that this is not a requirement, just a tradition.)
For more information, please see the organization’s website at www.amma.org or call Meghan Madhavi Burke at (706) 613.1143
Upcoming

Saturday, August 20th / 3-5pm
Please join facilitators Rosemary Kimble and Emily Salguero for a heart stimulating event with two of the most ancient modailites for healing on the planet, Cacao and Sound. In this ceremony we will each set our own intentions, inviting cacao and sound to co-facilitate in opening our hearts and bringing us to a state of harmony with our souls in order to create the best reality possible for ourselves and our future world. Saturday, August 20th from 3-5pm. $20 at the door.
Past Events

Saturday, March 12th / 10-11:45am
March 11th/ 10-5pm
This will help you know where your attention is needed and assist you in maximizing the workshop. The appointments are first come/first served and are reserved for those registered for the workshop (or participants who did this workshop previously but assessment times were already booked).
Assessment appointments must be made directly with Kandy Duke: kandy.duke@gmail.com

Friday, March 11th / 5:30-6:45pm
MOVEMENT as MEDICINE is a new monthly FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR class in Sangha! Yep, this special event is about moving in ways that make you happy!
Movement as Medicine is an inspirational combination of breath work, yoga, body weight conditioning, and improvisational movement. The intention of this class is to help you align your physical and energetic self for your healthiest you. All fitness levels are welcome! Come as you are, and gently move towards your own functional goals.
COST: $18/ individual or $30/ twosome
Saturday, Oct. 23rd / 2-5pm
Open Air Yoga Studio GARDEN PARTY!



A book release on the first night of Navratri!
You are invited to the launch of the 2nd edition of
THERE IS A SEASON: AN INTENTIONAL APPROACH TO SUSTENANCE
Editors Suzanne Keifer & Rita Mathew
Thursday, October 7th from 6pm – 7pm* (5:30pm Navratri introduction)
Healing Arts Centre, 834 Prince Avenue, Athens GA.
Program is OUTDOORS, Free and Open to All!
If you are motivated to explore the benefits of being in tune with the rhythms of nature, building community and reaching your true potential, this book offers many ideas. 240 local and international recipes, beautiful artwork by award-winning artists, practical tips, and evocative poetry, it focuses on seasons that are based not just on a calendar, but on cycles of life as sources of nourishment.
In addition to food and festivities, there will be talks on: Environmental Stewardship by Keith Delaplane, MBE, Professor, Walter B. Hill Fellow & Honey Bee Program Director, Paul Matthews, PhD, Associate Director of the University of Georgia Office of Service-Learning (OSL), Nancy Stangle, Co-Founder, Athens Land Trust, Virginia Nazarea, PhD, Professor Emerita Department of Anthropology.
The first edition sold out within months of being on the market, and we raised $4500 for educational programs at the Athens Clarke County Extension.
Proceeds from the sale of the 2nd edition will benefit Athens Land Trust, whose “mission is to improve quality of life for all by preserving, protecting, and strengthening the fabric of the community through education and the stewardship of land for purposes of affordable housing, conservation, agriculture, and economic development”.
* From 5:30-6:45pm author Rita Mathew will be giving a little chat introducing Navratri (Nine Nights of Transformation) and the significance of this book launch being on the inauguration evening of Navratri.

Thursday, Oct. 7th
FREE INTRO to CHAIR YOGA!
Thursday, Oct. 7th/ 12-1pm
with Darlene Bink
Chair Yoga is offered every Thursday and we are extending this special invitation for folks to join us for FREE on Oct. 7th to check it out.
This class is for all levels, especially aimed toward people who have a difficult time getting down on a yoga mat, and ideal for anyone who wants to learn healthy ways to move in a chair!
We explore seated and standing rhythmic movements and stretches that will help improve flexibility, strength, and balance. It is also helpful for boosting energy and circulation.
Over the past 20 years, Darlene Bink has experienced many teachings styles that have allowed her rhythmic Yoga style to bloom! Her teaching style and personal practice are based on listening and being guided from within. She teaches a playful and fluid approach to Yoga, emphasizing ease, gravity, lightness, and freedom. Exploration, creativity, and mindfulness are also a part of her approach. She believes that a Yoga practice can open your heart allowing your authentic nature to surface, thus allowing you to “Live Your Yoga.”
https://www.yogafromthegroundup.com

Thursday, Sept. 30th
LAUGHTER YOGA REBOOT with Rebecca Shah!
Thursday, Sept. 30th 5:45-6:45pm / OUTDOORS, riverside on our private lawn.
Cost: $16. Location: Beechwood Hills. Exact address will be given when you register.
(If you pre-paid for previous date we can easily transfer payment, or reimburse if necessary.)
We fully express our smiles and laughter with every muscle in our face and want to be able to share that contagious beauty without the obstruction of a mask. So, we will be laughing outdoors alongside the Middle Oconee River. Thanks for your support and we look forward to laughing with you.
Laughter is contagious. What begins as fake laughter for some soon turns into real laughter. The body cannot distinguish the difference between real and simulated laughter. As long as you engage your diaphragm, you will benefit.
Laughter Yoga: reduces stress, promotes cellular renewal, bolsters the immune system, boosts energy, oxygenates the blood, removes carbon dioxide from the lungs and helps concentration and confidence. Laughter is a universal language that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Laughter Yoga was founded by Dr. Madan Kataria of India in 1995. As of 2020, Laughter Yoga can be found in over 110 countries with over 20,000 Laughter Clubs. Research found an array of benefits for mental and physical well being. Laughter Yoga is endorsed by AARP, Cancer Centers of America and the Mayo Clinic.
Rebecca Shah is a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader and has been leading workshops in Atlanta to max capacity audiences…we are so lucky to have her introduce Athens to this joyful opportunity!
Curious about Laughter Yoga: laughteryoga.org (official website)

Saturday, April 25th, 2020

Thursday, April 16th

Thursday, Jan. 16th / 5:45-7pm

Friday, Oct. 11th / 7-8:30pm

Saturday, Oct. 12th / 9-11am

Saturday, July 13th / 2-5pm/ $30

Community Drumming Circle & Fundraiser
FRIDAY, JUNE 7th / 5:30-7pm / $ Donations
You are invited to this festive Community Drum Circle in support of Drumming For Success, a motivational youth program created by Dr. Arvin Scott more than 2 decades ago! Drumming for Success makes learning how to drum accessible to under funded children. Benefits in the program include increased ability to focus & concentrate, improved self-esteem, stronger skills in math & science, improved self confidence, expanded creativity, improved problem solving skills in academic & social settings, reduced stress, and other qualities that attribute to well-being & success in life. It is a huge victory for our community.
A selection of Dr. Scott’s signed percussion instruments will raffled off to add to the fun, excitement, and generosity of the event. (Oh, and this gathering will be on Arvin’s birthday…lets celebrate!)
There is no drum circle admission charge. 100% of all donations will directly go towards sponsoring children in the Drumming for Success program. Lets put our hands and hearts together for the children of Athens!
Dr. Arvin Scott is a multi-award winning percussion artist, youth program developer/coordinator, and educator with over three decades of national and international experience. Dr. Scott was on the faculty at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, and was guest faculty at The New England Conservatory before relocating to his present home in Athens, GA. where he has taught at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music since 1991.

AMRITA YOGA WORKSHOP: Tuesday, May 14th / 5:30-8:30pm

The BLISSFUL PRACTICE of MANTRA MEDITATION

Insight Mindfulness Meditation Retreat

WHOLE BODY UPGRADE
