Category: General

Small Group Classes

CallOut_004Yoga Studies: An Intimate Yoga Group Experience

Deepen your practice of yoga through the practice and study of traditional yoga techniques from India, China and Tibet.  No experience required and all practices can be modified to meet your level, interests and goals.  This is a small group limited to six students or less.  All equipment, including mats, are supplied and handouts are provided as appropriate.

June Series: Sivananda Yoga, Meditation and Relaxation

Activate the parasympathetic nervous system and release deeply held tension and stress in the body through this unique Hatha yoga practice that incorporates active poses and relaxation in a beautifully coordinated holistic practice.  Therapeutic and strengthening at the same time, Sivananda yoga practices bring body, mind and spirit into balance.  Come and practice and stay for an additional half-hour if you wish for a meditation practice and discussion of the philosophy and science of Sivananda Yoga.  All classes are held at the fabulous Mookshi Wellness Center in Regent Square (401 Biddle Avenue, 2nd Floor, above Biddle’s Escape Cafe).  

MONDAYS in JUNE: June 3, 10, 17, 24
Practice: 10:00 to 11:00 am
Optional Meditation and Discussion: 11:05-11:30

Tuition: $100

You must sign-up for all classes in the series.  There are no make-up classes or refunds for classes missed in a series.  Drop-in students are not permitted.  If you have questions about this series or make-up class policies, please call before registering (412) 855-5692.  Your tuition payment indicates that you understand and accept the conditions of purchase.  

 Posted by Sharon Rudyk, a yoga and meditation instructor based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Contact Sharon for more information. 

Benefits of Yoga and Meditation

matrika-090Benefits of Matrika Yoga and Meditation

What if I told you that just sitting and breathing and moving in gentle and mindful ways could improve the quality of your life and improve your health on every level in just five minutes a day? What if I told you that for less than $2 per day, you could reduce your stress, back pain, increase flexibility and strength and have optimum mental health?  Well, all of this is true!  You can improve your health and well-being this year with reasonable investment of money and time.   The benefits last forever.

Start with A Mindful Month: Program Begins November 1st

I offer private sessions, small group instruction, and advanced yoga studies with or without teacher certification.  Many of my programs for women’s health, stress management and wellness can be accessed from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.  For my students based in Pittsburgh, I am delighted to offer private and small group sessions at the beautiful Mookshi Wellness Center near Frick Park/Regent Square.

Benefits of Yoga and Meditation

Stress Reduction

A regular practice of yoga literally changes the way your body responds to stress.  Everyone experiences stress, but yoga and meditation help your body respond in ways that are less toxic to your body.

 

Superior Cardiovascular Health

Yoga can : reduce high blood pressure, improve symptoms of heart failure, ease palpitations, enhance cardiac rehabilitation, lower cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and stress hormones, improve balance, reduce falls, ease arthritis, and improve breathing for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

 

Improved Mental Health, Memory and Mood

A regular practice of yoga has a significant and positive impact on mental health and general well-being.  Here is a list of general wellness benefits related to a regular yoga practice. 

 

Organ and Endocrine System Health

Improved circulation and reduction of inflammation have a significant health benefit for the organs of the body and the production of hormones and feel good chemicals in the body.

 

Strong Bones and Skeletal System 

Yoga helps grow bone mass.

 

Relieve Back Pain and Prevent Chronic Pain

Yoga may help relieve symptoms and experience of chronic health problems such as depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia.

 

Excellent Immune System Function

Yoga and meditation change the expression of your genes.

 

SignUp_03Curious about what yoga and meditation might do for you?  Sign up for my FREE newsletter and receive updates on programs that will help you bring yoga and meditation into your life in a way that works for you.  I also offer FREE phone consultations.  Call to schedule yours today (412) 855-5692.

 

 

A Pep Talk for You!

Click HereA Little Pep Talk Just for YOU

How many flexible people do you know?  Let’s be honest here—you don’t actually KNOW anyone who is flexible.  If yoga required flexibility, then 15 million people in America wouldn’t have been practicing last year.  But, they did.

How many thin people do you know?  If yoga required you to look fabulous in stretch pants, then 15 million people in America wouldn’t have been practicing last year.  But, despite the fact that two-thirds of Americans are overweight, they did. And, by the way, I bet you look awesome just as you are.

Don’t think you have enough money for yoga?  Yes, studying yoga and meditation is an investment.  But, in 2010 the cost of heart disease in the United States was $444 BILLION DOLLARS (source).  This is a no brainer.  Invest now in practices that immediately improve the quality of your life at a fraction of the cost that chronic illness and disease imposes on your life later.

Stop making excuses.  Making an investment in yoga and meditation will bring you greater returns through your lifetime than almost any other class, exercise or weight loss program or activity.  The benefits of yoga are 100% proven and have stood the test of time.  You aren’t going to get any more flexible sitting here at your computer.  Maybe you aren’t flexible and you have a few extra pounds you carry around with you.  You and everyone else.  Buy a mat, put on your stretch pants and show up for class.

If you are breathing, you can do it.  No matter your age, physical fitness, education, size, weight, flexibility, health status—-you can do this.  Yoga and meditation are just words for a variety of simple techniques for using what you arrived here on earth with–your body and your breath—to bring you relief from tension, stress and fear.  The tools of yoga are free, but you must use them to receive the benefit.

Yes, you need your own mat.  Yes, you need your own meditation cushion. No, you don’t need to buy $140 yoga pants.  A quality mat that is made out of non-toxic materials is going to cost you about half of what a new pair of sneakers cost.  If you care for it well, then it might last you 10-years.  Your meditation cushion is a lifetime investment.  Mostly, you just need your body and your breath—free.  Don’t get tripped up by all the commercialism around yoga and the advertisements that would lead you to believe that all yoga practitioners are 16-year old former acrobats.  Real people, with real bodies and real budgets do yoga all over the world every single day.  And, if you happen to be a 16-year old former acrobat, great—yoga is for you too!

Wanting Mind

Love Letter Thursday 5.16.13
Pittsburgh, PA

On this Thursday, I send you some ideas on the wanting mind.  Rooted in desire, the wanting mind is constantly evaluating what we like, don’t like, wish for and don’t wish for.  Although the world keeps changing right underneath our feet, we grasp with the wanting mind and hope (expect?) that somehow we can set the circumstances in place that will allow things to be “just so” and for as long as possible.  This is, exactly, the idea behind the love note itself.  Or is it?

In Phillip Moffitt’s book, Emotional Chaos to Clarity (which, by the way, I can’t recommend highly enough), he explores the difference between expectation and possibility.  And, I argue that, based on his explanation of the difference between the two, a love note is exciting because it is filled with possibility rather than expectation.  Sure, you don’t expect to open my little note on Thursday and find something mean spirited, but the reason why you look forward to these notes is because anything is possible—will it be a poem, a song, a video, a picture, a……….well, anything is possible really and there lies the joy.  But, if you found yourself really liking the love letters with videos and you opened this and didn’t find a video, well then, you might not be able to truly enjoy this love note for what it is.  In essence, your expectation that your wanting mind’s preference for videos in my love notes, when not met, will cause you to have a bad experience of this note even though it is entirely pleasant.

And, according to Phillip Moffitt, we pretty much do this to ourselves all the time.  We allow our wanting mind to determine what we like and when we don’t get it, regardless of how pleasant the reality might be, it is near impossible to let go of the disappointment and appreciate what is possible.

Wow!

Expectations narrow options, limit imagination and create pressure because you can only have a sense of well being if your wanting mind’s expectations are met.  Possibilities, on the other hand, are a request rather than a demand.  Possibilities are based on what is actually happening in the present moment.  Possibilities allow you to consider that there might be something even greater than what you think you want.

TAKE ACTION

What kinds of expectations has your wanting mind brought to your attention today?  Is there anything you expect that you might be able to release and turn into a possibility?  For example, all day long you look forward to your yoga class because you love your teacher.  Just the sound of her voice makes you feel calm and collected.  But, when you show up for class, you find out that your teacher had to fly back to San Francisco to visit with her sick Auntie and there is a substitute instructor.  Can you resist your urge to pack up your mat and head back out, disgruntled?  Can you turn this expectation into a possibility?  Can you give the present enough time to reveal potential?  Can you, just for a few moments, entertain the idea that you might even like the substitute teacher better than your regular teacher?  Or, maybe you will learn something new?  Or, maybe your experience will simply reinforce your gratitude for having found your regular teacher?

In honor of love letter Thursday, I ask you to challenge yourself to turn one expectation into a possibility and share your experience with the community below.

This Love Letter is brought to you from Sharon Rudyk, a Pittsburgh based yoga and meditation instructor, yoga therapist and doula.  Do you want my newsletter brought right to your inbox every Thursday?  Of course you do!  Well, then sign up here.

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What is Yoga Therapy?

Many people do not think about yoga as a form of therapy, but it is one of the top ten alternative healing modalities practiced in the United States (according to NIH) Sharon provides yoga therapy for teens and adults of all ages, physical abilities and experience levels with the following specialties:

Women’s Health

  • optimum fertility
  • assisted reproductive technology procedure support (IVF support)
  • bone health
  • pain management (arthritis, shoulder pain, chronic pain, painful periods)
  • cesarean and surgical birth recovery
  • pregnancy
  • depression, anxiety, fear
  • menstrual education
  • postpartum issues
  • hormone balance, metabolism, weight management

Cancer Support

  • phone or in-person deep relaxation sessions
  • visualization
  • meditation
  • gentle yoga
  • anxiety, fear and mood
  • pain management
  • surgical recovery: rejuvenation, strengthening, flexibility, balance
  • living with cancer

Senior Health

  • older adults with arthritis
  • chair yoga
  • heart and circulation issues
  • breathing problems
  • strength
  • fall prevention/balance
  • injury prevention

Teens and Adults

  • chronic headaches
  • back and neck pain
  • insomnia
  • mood
  • circulation
  • metabolism and weight
  • painful periods
  • menopause support
  • injury recovery
  • injury prevention for athletes
  • depression and anxiety
  • stress management

Family

  • family yoga sessions
  • couple sessions
  • birth preparation for couples
  • parenting planning for couples
  • postnatal family sessions
  • mother/daughter sessions
  • birthday parties, celebrations, remembering
  • ritual
Please call Sharon for your complementary yoga therapy phone consultation (412) 855-5692.  She will honestly evaluate your condition based on how you describe your symptoms and situation and make suggestions about the program that would be best for meeting your goals and needs and if she thinks that yoga would be helpful.  Sharon can also provide referrals to other service providers if she feels that they would be of benefit to you or if she is not able to help you.

The NIH (National Institute of Health) suggests that doing yoga for 12-weeks has a statistically significant benefit for adults with chronic back pain: 

What the Science Says About Yoga

Current research suggests that a carefully adapted set of yoga poses may reduce low-back pain and improve function. Other studies also suggest that practicing yoga (as well as other forms of regular exercise) might improve quality of life; reduce stress; lower heart rate and blood pressure; help relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia; and improve overall physical fitness, strength, and flexibility. But some research suggests yoga may not improve asthma, and studies looking at yoga and arthritis have had mixed results.

  • One NCCAM-funded study of 90 people with chronic low-back pain found that participants who practiced Iyengar yoga had significantly less disability, pain, and depression after 6 months.
  • In a 2011 study, also funded by NCCAM, researchers compared yoga with conventional stretching exercises or a self-care book in 228 adults with chronic low-back pain. The results showed that both yoga and stretching were more effective than a self-care book for improving function and reducing symptoms due to chronic low-back pain.
  • Conclusions from another 2011 study of 313 adults with chronic or recurring low-back pain suggested that practicing yoga for 12 weeks resulted in better function than usual medical care.

FREE Phone Consultation

 Call Sharon for your FREE consultation or
to schedule your first session today!
412.855.5692

Sharon offers instruction in yoga and meditation techniques including:

  • physical postures (asana)
  • breath work (pranayama)
  • energy and chakra balancing
  • meditation and moving meditation
  • yoga therapy
  • yoga teacher training for adults and prenatal and postnatal specialties
  • mindfulness techniques for pregnancy, labor, birth and parenting

Instruction is provided in the following formats:

  • Individual private sessions (for one or two adults): 50-minute sessions, in person, at my private studio space
  • Corporate sessions (for up to 30-students): 50-minute sessions at your office or other facility
  • Phone/Skype sessions: 45-minute distance sessions
  • Yoga Therapy: in your home, hospital or rehabilitation facility

Fees for Private Sessions:

Private Sessions at studio(can be shared by up to 2-adults):

1-session: $125
Discounts for multiple-session commitments are available.

For corporate yoga, private parties, events and other requests, please call Sharon for pricing (412) 855-5692.  Individuals who wish to study with Sharon for teacher training, advanced study or for professional development should explore teacher training packages and call Sharon to schedule a phone session or private session to initiate the application process.  The teacher training process is highly selective.

Wellness & Lifestyle Consultations

I provide wellness consultations for teens and adults that are looking for assistance with chronic health issues and feel that alternative and complementary medicine, yoga therapy, nutrition support and other lifestyle adjustments may be of assistance.  I do not provide medical care, but I can provide:

  • assistance in the creation of a wellness plan that includes suggested yoga, meditation, relaxation and lifestyle adjustments to support greater health and well-being
  • referrals to doctors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, therapists, physical therapists and other care providers who can provide the medical care you need in a way that will work in a complementary way with your wellness plan
  • techniques for making lifestyle changes in a manageable way that are likely to support great success
  • use of meditation and mindfulness techniques for greater mind-body connection, reduced stress and access to intuition
  • use of movement, yoga asana and breathing techniques to support health in the physical body and energetic body
  • design of home yoga and meditation practices
  • preparation of personal MP3 recordings and other wellness plan support

Consultation fees are the same as the fees for sessions outlined for private sessions and phone sessions.

 

Matrika Yoga Philosophy of Practice

Matrika: the vibration of that which is most true

Matrika: the vibration of that which is most true

Matrika Yoga & Meditation is a healing practice as, when we live more closely in alignment with our most authentic self, we experience less doubt, worry and anxiety and find that we can face adversity, stress and significant decisions with grace and clarity.

Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, MA, E-RYT, R-PYT and DONA Trained Birth Doula has established a healing practice of  yoga, meditation and personal transformation unlike any other.  The emphasis is on the mindful practice of yoga and meditation rooted in tantric embodied anatomy and Chinese and Tibetan energy systems.  This philosophy of practice does not distinguish between asana practice and meditation.  While many of the techniques are inspired by Indian Hatha yoga traditions Sharon’s style is distinguished by an emphasis on liberating the central channel.  The “Matrika” is the vibration of that which is most true to us that resides in the Central Channel.  The sound of this vibration is not available to the human ear, yet each of us carries this vibration.  When we practice Matrika yoga we open this space and allow our intelligence to be informed by this truth that is uniquely ours.  With regular practice, students find a deeper connection to their intuition in addition to all the other incredible benefits of yoga and meditation.   ,

This is not a “gentle” or “easy” practice by any means, but due to an emphasis on mindful movement, breathing, visualization and meditation, the practice is available to students of all levels.  The physical practice (asana) is not competitive and while you will build incredible strength, tone and flexibility in the body through regular practice, you do not need to be strong or flexible to begin practice.  The body is both a reflection of the mind and a tool for liberation.  Yes, the body that pains you and taunts you with desires, appetite and a constant stream of needs for sleep, nutrition and emotional support is also your best tool from liberation from your  pain, illness, dis-ease and unhappiness.  Your body is an instrument of bliss and yoga helps you fine tune your instrument so that the orchestra of your life brings you peace and contentment.

Studying with me is a holistic experience and you will be honored and kept safe as you explore movement, breath and mind.  This eclectic style reflects a commitment to working with the Matrika and honoring what is unique about each and every student.

What should a beginner do?  What is a class or session like?

Feeling nervous about trying something new is natural and to be expected.  Don’t let it stop you!

Matrika Yoga is not a secret, but it probably not what you are expecting.  Unless you’ve been under a rock for the past ten years, then you probably have some ideas about what yoga is about because it has pervaded our contemporary American culture—advertisements, referred to on tv and radio programs and with 15 million people taking yoga classes a year, chances are good that someone in your family or close circle of friends swears by the benefits of yoga.  My classes are a little bit different.  I introduce basic, yet very profound techniques that immediately bring you into a centered state of being.  There’s nothing “easy” or “simple” about it, but just like learning how to use a new kitchen gadget or software program or collapsing a stroller, there are very specific steps that are taken, movements and concepts.

A group class with me is a lot of fun.  We get to know one another and I know that I look forward to seeing everyone each week.  So, in the first part of class there are people chatting and introductions and everyone kind of finds a place to put their mat or cushion.  I sit in front of the class and we start with some exercises to warm up and enter the space—you need a few moments to transition from the rest of your day to your practice.  Then we do sequences of breathing, physical practices, visualizations and relaxation.  I give verbal instructions, demonstrate poses and exercises as necessary and provide instruction in yoga philosophy, anatomy and theories of practice.  Classes end with a deep relaxation and you roll up your mat, grap your purse and off you go—-feeling taller, thinner, lighter, more free and creative and relaxed than when you arrived.

In private sessions, there is some talking and counseling and discussion of how to proceed in a way that will help you meet your goals for practice.  I make additional referrals as necessary for anything that is outside of my scope of practice.  Then, I design a practice that meets your specific needs.

Seven Stress Related Health Problems

Here are seven stress-related health problems you can do something about with gentle yoga and meditation.  Remember, stress isn’t a “feeling”–it is a physiologic response to perceived (or real) danger.  It isn’t in “your head” and yoga and meditation provide release of deeply held tensions, fears and anxieties through physical, mental and spiritual exercises.

Heart Disease and Diabetes
Stress raises your glucose levels making it harder to manage Type 2 diabetes.  Mindfulness-based meditation programs have been proven to reverse heart disease.

Asthma
Chronic stress makes asthma worse and children with stressed-out parents are more likely to have asthma.

Obesity
Stress causes higher levels of the hormone cortisol which makes you collect fat around your middle.

Headaches
Migraines and tension headaches.  Enough said.

Depression and Anxiety
Adults who report having stressful jobs (like having a lot of work and very few rewards) have an 80% higher chance of developing depression than adults who do not report a stressful work environment.  It’s unlikely that you can change your work situation overnight, but you can change your response to stress with regular yoga and meditation practices.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
You have a very smart gut and stress changes your gut’s ability to process food and can be a factor in GERD, IBS and making ulcers worse.

Accelerated Aging & Premature Death
Caregivers have a 63% higher chance of dying prematurely than adults of the same age who are not caregivers.  Life is stressful, but we can use very simple methods of movement and meditation to ease this tension and decrease this risk.

Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive a downloadable/printable PDF with three exercises you can do right now to ease tension and stress (no matter where you are, your physical abilities or what you are wearing—-everyone can do these!).  This is posted by Sharon Rudyk, an independent yoga and meditation instructor based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who has designed a unique movement-based meditation program, Matrika Yoga in the hopes of making yoga and meditation available to everyone and improving the quality of life for as many people as possible.  Namaste.

 

 

Yoga and Meditation Classes with Sharon Rudyk

This Week: Starting Monday, April 29, 2013

GROUP CLASSES: This MONDAY I am teaching an all levels (and when I say “all levels” I truly mean that everyone from absolute beginners to advanced students will all feel comfortable and get a great practice) yoga class at Mookshi Wellness Center.  Class is from 10:00-11:00 am.  Just $5 for your first class at Mookshi!  (LOCATION: 401 Biddle Avenue, 2nd Floor above Biddle’s Escape Cafe, Regent Square, Pittsburgh)

I have availability for private sessions or yoga spa treatments this TUESDAY afternoon and evening as well as THURSDAY in the morning, afternoon and evening.  Please call me to schedule (412) 855-5692.

Women of all ages with irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS, PMS, infertility, painful periods or other pelvic pain should check out my personalized womens’ holistic health and lifestyle counseling sessions.  Most women find some (if not a great deal) relief within six-sessions.

I have some private childbirth education and birth doula availability in June and July.  I will not be accepting births for August or the beginning of September.  Please contact me for FREE consultations for June or July or late September through November 2013 births.  Call (412) 855-5692.

I am offering a discounted introductory rate on my NEW Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training online course (will regularly be offered for $1,000, but this special introductory rate of $500) to the first 15-people to register (starts in June 2013 and ends in November 2013).  Please send me an e-mail if you are interested in learning more about this online training opportunity: sharon@yogamatrika.com.  Application is required and all participants must have completed or be in the process of completing a 200-hour teacher training program or have similar experience.

Your Greatest Fear Survey

I’m doing a little research for a new project and hope you will help me. Please comment below or message me privately and let me know:
1) What is your greatest fear?
2) What would it feel like to be free of it? How would your quality of life improve if you were no longer afraid of this thing, event, person, etc.?