National Yoga Month Celebration Kicks Off September 2012,

Yoga studios, teachers and students are celebrating Yoga Month throughout the country with free classes and events during September. For the third year, Natural Awakenings is a sponsor of National Yoga Month. This grassroots healthy living campaign and national observance, hosts the One Week Free Yoga Card program with more than 1,600 yoga studios offering free classes to new students during September and October. Cards can be downloaded from YogaMonth.org and redeemed at participating studios throughout the United States.

Yoga Month Founder Johannes R. Fisslinger says, “Experience is a powerful teacher, so we decided to give people the opportunity to try yoga for themselves.” Hundreds of community yoga events are registered and searchable in the organization’s online yoga finder. The culminating event for the month-long campaign is The Time for Yoga, a global community practice on September 30. The Yoga Month campaign’s programs facilitate actionable guidance for individuals wanting to better their health through yoga.

Yoga Month is a campaign of The Yoga Health Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote preventive health care and inspire a healthy lifestyle. In 2011 more than 25,000 cards for free yoga were printed and 650 events were posted on the organization’s website.

For more information and to find local Yoga Month events, visit YogaMonth.org.

Masters Degree in Integrative Health and Healing Offered at Stamford Hospital Fall 2012

Enrollment is now open for the Master of Arts in Integrative Health and Healing program at Stamford Hospital this fall. This dynamic and interactive program, presented by The Graduate Institute, engages participants in the investigation and practice of mind-body approaches to health and wellness.  Coursework will promote the study of comprehensive, integrative medicine uniting Eastern and Western modes of healing.

Modalities presented will include energy medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, food and nutrition, sound and art therapies, Traditional Chinese Medicine, animal-assisted therapies, Ayurveda, and more.  Faculty includes leading practitioners, healers, and educators from across the United States and Dr. Steven Horowitz, chairman of the Advisory Committee for Stamford Hospital’s Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness, is one of the program’s founding directors.

Classes begin September 21 and meet one weekend per month on Friday evenings and Saturdays at Stamford Hospital. The Master’s degree can be completed in 22 months and a 9-month certificate program is also available.

To register, call 203.874.4252 or write to admissions@learn.edu. For more information about The Graduate Institute, visit Learn.edu.

Natural Awakenings Calendar Listings for September 2012 in Westchester and Putnam Counties, NY

For additional event listings, updates and changes, visit our online calendar.

Visit www.WakeUpNaturally.com to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please call ahead to confirm event details

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Acupuncture for Fertility and Gynecology – 11am. Crystal Dmytryk L.Ac explains the Chinese perspective on women’s bodies, what signals to pay attention to and how to manage health with diet, exercise, acupuncture and herbs. Free. Eastgate Acupuncture, 177 E. Hartsdale Rd.  RSVP: 914.713.1000. EastgateAcupuncture.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Core Principles of Pilates – 12:30-2:30pm with Kate Petagine. This workshop focuses on the teachings of Joseph Pilates’ principles to properly and safely bring the following elements together: concentration, control, center, fluidity, precision and breath. $15. Inner Balance Studio, Patterson. Pre-registration required: 845.878.7800.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Spiritual Meditation Group – 7-8:30pm. Michael Rosenbaum, ACHT, offers a different meditation class each month. Bridge the gap from lower to higher self.  For seasoned and new meditators alike. $15. Center for Aligned Healing, 175 King St, Chappaqua. 914.589.3601.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Walk-in Wednesdays – 12-8pm (Also 9/12, 9/19, 9/26). Purchase a therapeutic massage session/gift certificate of choice and be gifted any 30 minute add-on donating all proceeds to PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). Soulauras, 520 N State Rd, Briarcliff. 914.941.2400. Soulauras.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Reiki 101 – 6:30-8:30pm. Holistic Moms of Putnam County host Reiki Master Michelle Carter to discuss the basics of Reiki; how Reiki can reduce stress levels, relieve pain and enhance overall well-being. First Presbyterian Church of Philipstown, 10 Academy St, Cold Spring. Info: 914.736.2975.

Message Circle – 7:30-9:30pm. Readings and reiki healing with Carla. $40. Soulauras, 522 N State Rd, Briarcliff. RSVP : 914.941.2400. Soulauras.com.

Dream Group – 7:30-9:30 with Warren Falcon. Share the gifts that the dream world provides. No prior experience is required.  All welcome. $25/members or $50. Transcendence at SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford Hills. Info: 914.218.3113.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Free Wine Tasting & Tango – 7-9pm. Josie’s International School of Dance at Tasty Port Wine, 125 Main St, Ossining. Info: 914.432.8502.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Saturdays Beginner Yoga Workshop – 8:45-10am. 6 weeks. $150. Intimate workshops provide step-by-step guidance through yoga breathing, core postures and the flow that links all these elements together. Quest Yoga Arts, 11 E. Main St, 2nd flr, Mt. Kisco. Info: 914.241.9642.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

The Mystery of Self-Esteem for Women – 1-3pm. Learn a process to allow the experience of self-acceptance, self-love, self-confidence and self-value. Free. Westchester County location. Offered by The Giordano Foundation. Registration required: 914.686.8002.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Sound Healing & Meditations of the Monochorde – 12-8pm (Also 9/10, 9/17, 9/24 & 10/1. Gather friends and join in for a profound experience of healing sound vibrations. $50/45 minute sessions; bring a friend for free. Soulauras, Briarcliff.  914.941.2400. Soulauras.com.

Tea & Play – 1pm. Stop by and meet the experienced early childhood faculty. Drop-ins and children (toddlers/preschool) welcome. Free. 307 Hungry Hollow Rd, Chestnut Ridge. 845.356.9715. Gmws.org.

Lotus Littles Yoga (4-5yrs) – 3:15-4pm, Mondays. Imaginative play, breathing, chanting, simple sun salutations, asana, and relaxation. Yoga games help keeps children interested and focused. $180/12 weeks.  Quest Yoga Arts, 11 E. Main St., 2nd flr, Mt. Kisco. Info: 914.241.9642; questyogarts.com.

Kid’s Yoga Jam (9-12yrs) – 4:30-5:30, Mondays. Kids move through the full range of motion exploring yoga postures with a sense of creativity and adventure. $180/12 weeks. Quest Yoga Arts, 11 E. Main St., 2nd flr, Mt. Kisco. Info: 914.241.9642; questyogarts.com.

Women in Transition – 7-9pm with Purim King, LMSW. 4 week psycho-educational support group provides information and coaching to women in transition: divorce/separation, career change, empty nest, aging parents, death of spouse. Opal Moon, 2037 Albany Post Rd, Croton.  914.788.4955. Opalmoon.net.

Intro to Tai Chi Workshop – 7-9pm. Class outdoors, weather permitting. $35/advance or $40.  The Ajna Wellness Center, 18 Old Post Rd S, Croton-on-Hudson. 914.827.0100.

Men’s Group – 7:30-9:30pm. Gather with other holistically minded men focusing on personal development and methods for shaping a healthier, more balanced approach to living; particularly as it applies to relationships. $15/members or $30. Transcendence at SunRaven, Bedford Hills. Info: 914.218.3113.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Qi Kung – 11:15am-12:15pm (Also 9/18, 9/25, 10/2). This ancient Chinese practice brings greater health, vitality, awareness and compassion into life. $20/class pre-registered or $25.   Soulauras, Briarcliff. RSVP: 914.941.2400. Soulauras.com.

Monthly Reiki Circle – 7-9pm. The Ajna Wellness Center, Croton on Hudson TheAjnaWellnessCenter.com. $10. 914.827.0100.

The World of Faerie, Myth or Reality – 7-9:30pm with Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki. Explore the legends and lore of the Faeries and what is known about them, as seen through poets, artists and writers of the world.  $30. Opal Moon, Croton. RSVP:  914 788-4955. Opalmoon.net.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Intro to Tai Chi – 7-9pm. The Ajna Wellness Center, Croton-on-Hudson. $35/advance or $40. 914.827.0100.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Rejuvenation Yoga – Time TBA. Vinyasa flow classes combine breathe, movement, spirituality, and energy for beginner and intermediate levels in a relaxed, healing atmosphere. Katonah and Ridgefield locations. More info: 914.763.9107.

Curb Sugar Cravings – 11:30am-12:15pm. The Ajna Wellness Center, Croton on Hudson. $25. TheAjnaWellnessCenter.com. 914.827.0100.

Drumming Circle – 7-8:30pm. Experience the healing benefits of drumming in community following Native American traditions led by Scott Nelson and StarVisions council members. $25. SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford. Pre-register: 914.236.4503. Starvisionscommuity.org.

Let’s Dance! – 7-9pm. Find a cure and end EB (EpidermolysisBullosa). Dance, and enjoy a fun work-out while helping to support a good cause. Enjoy food, wine and prizes. $20/suggested donation. Apogee Pilates & Wellness Center, 170 Harris Rd, Bedford Hills. 914.244.1606.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Kundalini Yoga & Art – 7-9pm (9/14-11/2). Class combines Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Master teacher Yogi Bhajan; a blend of postures, pranayam, mantra and meditation and creative art. $25/class. Golden Temple Yoga, Katonah. 914.232.3473.

Developing Intuitive Awareness: Chakra Healing – 7:30-9:30pm. Psychic and Reiki Master Carla guides group through the “intuitive knowing and healing capacities” of the body’s energy centers. First of a three class series. $30ea/advanced or $40/ea. Soulauras, Briarcliff. Reservations: 914.941.2400. Soulauras.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Mindfulness in Everyday Life – 10am-4pm. An equine-interactive workshop to help one be more present in life, led by James Cassese, LCSW of Equine Energetix Mistover Farm, Pawling. No prior horse experience necessary. $250. 212.477.4475. Equineenergetix.com.

Community Yoga – 12-1:15pm. Admission by donation of non-perishable food for Pawling Community Resource Center. Inner Balance Studio, 1072 Rte 311, Patterson. 845.878.7800. InnerBalanceStudio.org.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Complete Reality Meditation – 2-3:30pm. Learn chakra meditation, a method to awaken inner potential followed by discussion. Beginners to advanced practitioners welcome. Free. Scarsdale Aikido, 77 Tarrytown Rd, 2nd level, White Plains. 914.751.3741.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Parent & Child Class – 8:45am. This 10 week class series is a chance for parents of babies and toddlers (birth-3yrs) to experience Waldorf education. $200-$300. Register by 9/10. 307 Hungry Hollow Rd, Chestnut Ridge. 845.356.9715. Gmws.org.

Soul Food – 10:30am & 7-9pm. Michael Rosenbaum facilitates monthly spiritual discussions that feed the soul. Enjoy a guided meditation and sharing at the end of each class. $15. Center for Aligned Healing, 175 King St, Chappaqua. 914.589.3601.

“Raise Your Glass to Support Connection”– 5-8pm. Join Natural Awakenings publisher Dana Boulanger for a fun evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres, music and silent auctions to benefit Support Connection. Location: The Winery at St. George in Mohegan Lake. Info: 914.396.7664.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Digestive Health Lecture – w/ Dr. Izumi. Time TBA. Location: Larchmont Fire House Auditorium, Weaver St. Larchmont. Register with Masa Ohta: 914.833.1532. Info: 914.310.9000; IzumiWellness.net.

Integrative Medicine Round Table Study Group – 12:30-2pm with Dr. Michael Finkelstein. Gather with like-minded holistic health practitioners to discuss individual client challenges and share perspectives on approaches to healing. $50/members or $100. Call for pre-requisites. Includes light lunch. Transcendence at SunRaven, Bedford Hills. Info: 914.218.3113.

Omnipure DNA Music – 7-9 pm. International artists Kirkland & Laura Ross of  Omnipure music help to expand the light stored in DNA; come and share in the vibration of love, light, wisdom and power. $35/includes CD. Opal Moon, Croton. RSVP: 914.962.2650. Opalmoon.net.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Message Circle – 12:30-2:30pm. Readings and reiki healing with Carla. $40. Soulauras, 522 N State Rd, Briarcliff. RSVP required: 914.941.2400. Soulauras.com.

Spiritual Book Study Group – 7-9pm. This is a monthly discussion group starting with “Autobiography of a Yogi” by ParamahansaYogananda. Enjoy a meditation at the end of each class. $25. Opal Moon, 2037 Albany Post Rd, Croton. RSVP: 914.788.4955.

SunRaven Book Club – 7:30-9:30pm. A unique gathering of individuals intended to promote wellness and self-discovery through the discussion and sharing of great works of spiritual literature. $15/members or $30. Transcendence at SunRaven, Bedford Hills. Info: 914.218.3113.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Transcendence ReTreat – 9:30am-2:30pm. Transcendental Yoga (gentle morning movement); followed by hands-on food preparation, lunch and review of the principles of skillful nutrition; concluding with a circle discussion on increasing harmony and balance in living. $50/members or $100. Transcendence at SunRaven, Bedford Hills. Info: 914.218.3113.

Mommy & Me Yoga – 10-11am (Newborn-crawling). Meet other moms and rejuvenate the self in a soothing environment; spending quality time with baby. Hudson Yoga, 5 Old Post Rd S, Croton-on-Hudson. $87/5 class card. Pre-register: 914.319.4010. Laughingheartyoga.com.

Integrative Health & Healing Masters Program – Meets one weekend per month on Friday evenings and Saturdays at Stamford Hospital. Also 22-month and a 9-month certificate programs available.  Info: 203.874.4252; Learn.edu.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Free Level 1 Yoga Class – 8am. Light cardio, floor exercises, guided meditation and deep relaxation. Westchester Yoga Arts, 82 Centre Ave. 2nd Floor, New Rochelle. Info: 914.632.1101; westchesteryogaarts.com.

Painting from the Inside Out Workshop –10am-5pm. Come explore, experiment and play while painting. Allow spontaneity to release creativity and affect life. No skills required. Tarrytown location. $75/by 9/14 or $90. Register: Eve-Marie, 914.844.6213 or EveMarieElkin.com.

Kirtan: The Art of Chanting – 1-3pm. w/ Lisa Ferraro, certified yoga teacher and musician. Kirtan is a sacred practice of call and response chanting to healing energies. Westchester Yoga Arts, 82 Centre Ave. 2nd Floor, New Rochelle. Info: 914.632.1101; westchesteryogaarts.com.

Kids Yoga – 1-2pm with laughing heart yoga. Empowering classes integrating traditional yoga poses, creativity, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques for kids 8-12yrs. Hudson Yoga, 5 Old Post Rd S, Croton-on-Hudson. $165/10 week session. Pre-register: 914.319.4010. Laughingheartyoga.com.

Blissful Mind/Blissful Body – 2pm. Conscious workshop for women with Dana Canetto.  $20. The Ajna Wellness Center, 18 Old Post Rd S, Croton-on-Hudson. 914.827.0100.

Teen Yoga – 2:30-3:30pm with laughing heart yoga. Teens learn how practicing yoga leads to awareness, self expression, real relationships and positive expression. Hudson Yoga, 5 Old Post Rd S, Croton-on-Hudson. $165/10 week session. Pre-register: 914.319.4010. Laughingheartyoga.com.

The Art of Peace through guided meditation, chant & prayer – 4:30-5:30pm. w/ Aneeahseah.  By donation.  Westchester Yoga Arts, 82 Centre Ave. 2nd Floor, New Rochelle. Info: 914.632.1101; westchesteryogaarts.com.

Feed Me Fresh Gala – 7pm. Features food from area farms and restaurants, open bar, live music, auctions and more. Benefits the Mt. Kisco Child Care Center. Location: Ivanna Farms, 153 Wood Rd.  Mt. Kisco. Info: 914.241.2135.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Writing the Journey: Autumn – 9:30am-4pm. Author, teacher and art advocate, Judith Dupre leads this writing workshop inspired by the autumnal season and the themes of vulnerability and transformation. $120. Wainwright House, Rye. 914.967.6080. Wainwright.org.

Exploring the Power of Your Energy Anatomy Workshop – 10am-4:30pm. w/ Sylvia D’Andrea. Participants will learn how to work with their own personal energy to access creativity in daily life. Info: nrgwkshp@gmail.com.

The Art of Healing: Hands on Healing Session – 4-5pm. The Art of Peace through guided meditation, chant, prayer. By donation.  Westchester Yoga Arts, 82 Centre Ave. 2nd Floor, New Rochelle. Info: 914.632.1101; westchesteryogaarts.com.

Kirtan – 7-9pm. Quiet the mind and open the heart with this powerful form of meditative chanting led and performed by special guests Satya-Franche and the NY ensemble of Bhakta musicians, Ma Kirtan. $20/suggested contribution. Transcendence at SunRaven, Bedford Hills.  914.218.3113.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Mind-Body Wellness Workshop – 6pm. Eliminate stress with breathing techniques and meditation; gain calmness and clarity while improving health. Sponsored by the Art of Living Organization. Somers Library, 80 Primrose St, Somers. 914.232.5717.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Wisdom Healing Circle – 7-9pm with Anne Bentzen, Reiki Master. Connecting wisdom teachings to energy principles followed by guided meditation and interactive energy healing. $25. SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford. Pre-register: 914.588.4079. Starvisionscommuity.org.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Yoga Teacher Training – Time TBA with LauriceNemetz and Susan Rubin. Comprehensive certified for 200 hours yoga teacher training. Develop well-rounded knowledge of yoga asana, philosophy, ethics, history and meditation. Gain experience through practice teaching, demonstrations, adjustments, and body reading. $3500/9 wks. Info: Susan Rubin, 914.393.6517.

Body Love: Nourishment for Teens – 7-8:30pm. With Dana Canetto at The Ajna Wellness Center, 18 Old Post Rd S, Croton-on-Hudson. $20. 914.827.0100.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Reading Food Labels: Mystery Workshop– 12noon. The Ajna Wellness Center, Croton-on- Hudson. TheAnjaWellnessCenter.com. 914.827.0100.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Walk for Celiac Disease – 9am. Colin Leslie Walk for Celiac Disease starts from Rye High School and raises funds for Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center. Gluten-free vendors, a presentation from Dr. Peter Green, director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. Info: ColinLeslieWalkForCeliacDisease.org.

Annual Healing Arts & Community Fair – 12-6pm. Experience lecturers, healing arts practitioners, labyrinth, meditation garden, children’s activities, community participants, holistic vendors and more. $15. Wainwright House, Rye. 914.967.6080. Wainwright.org.

OCTOBER 4

Divas Night Out – 7-9pm. w/ host Diva Mama, Shira Adler. “Are You Spiritually Sexy? Find out, come to Soulauras in Briarcliff.” $20. RSVP/info:  914.861.5186.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6

Finding Your Path: Equine-Interactive Life Coaching – 10am-4pm. Experiential workshop with   James Cassese, LCSW of Equine Energetix. $300/includes lunch and materials. No prior horse experience necessary. Mistover Farm, Pawling. 212.477.4475. EquineEnergetix.com.

First Saturday Family Yoga – 4-5pm for parent and children 8-12yrs. Creativity, fun poses, games, and breath work. Bring anyone you love or want to love. Hudson Yoga, 5 Old Post Rd S, Croton-on-Hudson. $25/adult & child. $5 additional loved one. Pre-register: 914.319.4010  Laughingheartyoga.com.

Eckankar Weekend in NYC August 18 to 19, 2012, Explores Spiritual Freedom

Individuals seeking to tune into greater states of awareness and joy are invited to an Eckankar-sponsored event from August 18 to 19, in New York City. Titled “HU, the Most Precious Gift,” event activities will explore spiritual freedom and the healing, uplifting sound of the word HU, which is sung as a mantra, or love song to God. Saturday’s highlights include an afternoon workshop and an evening of engaging speakers and uplifting music. Sunday’s program features a 30-minute community HU chant.

Eckankar teaches that a spiritual essence, known as the Light and Sound, connects everyone with the heart of God; singing HU draws individuals closer in their state of consciousness to the Divine Being.

Spiritual Leader Harold Klemp says, “Singing HU has been practiced for thousands of years in one form or another for inner attunement. In the same way a musician can use a tuning fork to find the right pitch, the person singing HU tunes in to a higher spiritual awareness.”

Guests receive a complimentary registration for the weekend. Locations: Aug. 18 – Society for Ethical Culture, 2 W. 64th St.; Aug. 19 – 4 W. 43rd St., Ballroom (same building as the Eckankar Center). For more information and to register, visit Eckankar-NY.org/HU. Also visit MiraclesInYourLife.org.

Green Living Expo of Westchester August 18, 2012 in White Plains

The Green Living Expo of Westchester, a free event aimed at promoting good health and environmental awareness, will be held August 18 in White Plains, NY.

Exhibitors at this family-friendly event will offer natural and eco-friendly products and services in a wide variety of categories, including energy, automobiles, cosmetics, baby products, toys and cleaning products. The Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Playgroup Theater, 1 North Broadway, White Plains, with a raffle drawing for prizes held every hour.

There is still some space available for exhibitors and sponsors. For more information, visit GreenLivingExpoW.com or e-mail Lorraine@appleliners.com.

Being Yoga Conference and Retreat at Omega August 17-19, 2012

Yoga class at Omega

From August 17 to 19, a diverse community of yoga practitioners will gather at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck for a weekend event that’s part conference and part retreat. Yoga aficionados can deepen their practice through self-reflection and study while enjoying the natural beauty and quiet of Omega’s upstate campus.

“At Omega, we believe yoga holds tremendous potential for strengthening both individuals and the health and well-being of society,” said Carla Goldstein, chief external affairs officer and director of the Women’s Institute at Omega. “As a nonprofit organization, Omega strives to model the philosophy of ‘being yoga,’ from the food we serve, to the teachers we choose and the sustainability initiatives on campus. We create an environment that supports a deep immersion into yoga.”

Omega’s Being Yoga Conference Retreat offers sessions for both beginner and experienced practitioners in a wide range of topics. Participants can gather wisdom and knowledge from such senior teachers as Seane Corn, Rodney Yee, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and Beryl Bender Birch, or experience something new with up-and-coming teachers. There will also be opportunities for spending contemplative time in nature, joining community gatherings and vegetarian meals, and experiencing healing arts at the Omega Wellness Center. Tuition for Being Yoga is $395, with additional fees for accommodations and meals.

The Omega Institute is located at 150 Lake Drive in Rhinebeck. For more information visit eOmega.org/beingyoga/pc or call 800.944.1001.