World’s Oldest Yoga Master Speaking at Dharma and Yoga Fest in White Plains NY on September 21, 2013

The first-ever Dharma and Yoga Fest will take place on Saturday, September 21, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Highlands Middle School in White Plains, NY. The free event, organized by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), the White Plains Youth Bureau and White Plains Cares Coalition, features a talk by the world’s oldest known yoga master, Tao Porchon-Lynch.

The Dharma and Yoga Fest features yoga and meditation workshops, food demonstrations, discussions, storytelling, dance and cultural performances designed to show how spirituality plays an important role in nurturing wellness of the mind and body. The 95-year-old Porchon-Lynch will share her secrets for health, longevity and graceful aging during her talk and the Q&A session that follows.

The day, which is open to all, includes such fun-filled activities for children as game stalls, face painting, yoga for kids and a fancy costume parade. The festival concludes a year of activities organized by HSS to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, who introduced the Hindu philosophies of Vedanta and yoga to the western world in 1893. Dharma and Yoga Fest is part of the Wellness Week celebration of the City of White Plains.

Highlands Middle School located at 128 Grandview Ave. in White Plains, NY. For more information and a festival schedule, visit DYFest.org/ny or call 914.214.8911.

Natural Awakenings Calendar Listings for September, 2013 in Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess, NY

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

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Please call ahead to confirm event details.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Core Principles of Pilates – 12-2pm. A pre-requisite to group Pilates classes, workshop focuses on the teachings of Joseph Pilates’ principles to properly and safely execute exercise bringing the following elements together: concentration, control, center, fluidity, precision and breath. $20. Inner Balance Studio, Patterson. 845.878.7800.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

East West Warrior Yoga – 9:45am. Class incorporates weights to increase muscle mass and bone density while still retaining the mental and relaxation benefits of traditional yoga. Free/members or $30. The Gym of Armonk, 99 Business Park Dr, Armonk. 914.219.1601. GetToTheGym.com.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

The Old Guard Hosts: Sharp Again Naturally Presentation – 11am-12pm. Sharp Again Naturally educates the public about natural approaches to reversing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Free. Memorial United Methodist Church, 250 Bryant Ave, White Plains. SharpAgain.org or OldGuardOfWhitePlains.org.

Principles of Ayurveda Workshop Series: Introduction to Ayurveda – 7pm. Uncover the philosophy behind the Science of Life; including the Four Goals of life, Three Pillars of Life and the Elemental Theory of Ayurveda.1305 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains. $20/class or $99/6 classes. Register: 914.250.1417.SanthigramWellness.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Yoga Mini-Workshops – 7:15-8:30pm. Also 9/12, 9/19, 9/26. Hands-on instruction for experienced students based on weekly themes such as backbends, inversions, and hip openers. All Sport Health and Fitness, 17 Old Main St, Fishkill, $5/members or $15. Pre-register: 845.896.5678. AllSportFishkill.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Kundalini Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Also 9/13, 9/20, 9/27. Use breath, postures and meditation to maintain a healthy spine and strengthen the nervous and glandular systems. All Sport Health and Fitness, 17 Old Main St, Fishkill. Free/members or $15. 845.896.5678.AllSportFishkill.com.

Arch Angel Workshop –7-9pm w/Elka Boren. $35. Synchronicity, 1511 Rte 22, Brewster. RSVP: 845.363.1765. SynchronicityNY.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival – 11am-6pm Sept 7; 11am-5pm Sept 8. Taste hundreds of wines, more than 100 lifestyle vendors, food sampling from the region’s best restaurants, demos and seminars. Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck. Info: HudsonValleyWineFest.com.

Restorative Yoga – 2-3:30pm. Small class size allows for a hands-on therapeutic practice to soothe the body and mind. All Sport Health and Fitness, 17 Old Main St, Fishkill. $20/members or $30.Pre-register: 845.896.5678. AllSportFishkill.com.

Introduction to the Feldenkrais Method – 2-4pm. Learn how to relieve stress and pain and move with more ease, grace and agility. Free. 8 Manitou Rd, Garrison. RSVP: Mary Newell, 845.424.6056. Flexible-Comfort.Weebly.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Natural Healing w/Essential Oils – 11am. Also Sept 15. Learn how Claudia was cured from cancer using essential oils. 49 Lawton St, New Rochelle. 914.632.1101. WestchesterYogaArts.com.

Awakening into Creative Potential – 1-3pm w/Eve-Marie Elkin. Everyone is born with a purpose that the soul seeks to fulfill. $5. Hartsdale location. More info & directions: 914.686.8002.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Women’s Wisdom Group Open House –10:30am-12pm. Join a community of progressive women to share and support one another while drawing inspiration from Mark Nepo’s seminal work, The Book of Awakening. Free. Transcendence at SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford. RSVP required: 914.218.3113 or TranscendenceAtSunRaven.com.

Bi Monthly Adult Meditation Group – 7:30-8:30pm w/Merrill Black, LCSW/Reiki Master.  Unique theme, guided meditation, group discussion. The Temperance Center, 453 White Plains Rd, Ste 201, Eastchester. $15. 914.793.2600. TheTemperanceCenter.com.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Little Tree Huggers – 10-11:15am. Children’s discovery series for 2-3yr olds w/caregiver. Children explore the natural world of bugs, rocks, habitats and more; short hike, story or craft and visit w/animals. 8 wks; $150/members or $175. Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining. Info: 914.762.2912 x123 or Teatown.org.

Knee-Hi Nature – 1-2:30pm. Children’s discovery series for 4yr olds w/caregiver. Children explore the natural world of bugs, rocks, habitats and more; short hike, story or craft and visit w/animals. 8 wks; $150/members or $175. Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining. Info: 914.762.2912 x123 or Teatown.org.

StarVisions Community Circle – 7 pm. Meet soul friends in community to gain wisdom for spiritual enrichment following teachings of the Native American medicine wheel. $15/students or $20. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 236 S Bedford Rd, Mt.Kisco. RSVP: 914.236.4503. StarVisionsCommunity.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Knee-Hi Nature – 10-11:30am. See Sept 10 listing. 8 wks; $150/members or $175. Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining. Info: 914.762.2912 x123 or Teatown.org.

Little Tree Huggers – 1-2:15pm. See Sept 10 listing. 8 wks; $150/members or $175. Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining. Info: 914.762.2912 x123 or Teatown.org.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Teacher Appreciation Night – 5:30-7:30pm. Finger Lakes School of Massage is celebrating local teachers with the gift of massage. Students are providing 90 minute complimentary massages for teachers to say thank you for all they do. Free. RSVP: 914.241.7363 ext 14 or 16. FLSM.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Equine Energetix workshop: Mindfulness in Everyday Life – 10am-4pm.  w/ James Cassese. An illuminating journey toward developing conscious awareness through the way of the horse. No horse experience necessary. $250. Mistover Farm, Pawling. equineenergetix.com; 212.477.4475.

Brahma Kumaries Raja Yoga Meditation – 11am-1pm.  Helps in healing and recovery, reduces stress, and tension and increases concentration.  Free. Yonkers Public Library – Grinton I. Will Branch, projection room, 1500 Central Park Ave, Yonkers.  914.337.1500. Other days and times: call Indra 914.473.3879.

Runners Workshop – 12-2pm. Nueva Alma Yoga and Wellness Studio, 811 McLean Ave, Ste 4, Yonkers. $40. 914. 294.0606. Register online: NuevaAlma.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Awaken Fair New Jersey – 10am-5pm. Bringing all the fun, education and experiences of the Westchester Awaken Fair to Ft Lee NJ. Over 100 exhibitors and 1000 guests. 912.422.1784. AwakenFair.com.

The Beatles: Transcendence & Meditation – 1:30-4pm w/Cary Bayer. $25. Synchronicity, 1511 Rte 22, Brewster. RSVP: 845.363.1765. SynchronicityNY.com

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Men’s Group Open House – 7:30-9:30pm. Meets first Monday. Gather with other holistically minded men to focus on personal development and methods for shaping a healthier and more balanced approach to living, particularly in relationship to others. Free. Transcendence at SunRaven, Bedford. RSVP: 914.218.3113 or TranscendenceAtSunRaven.com.

Walkway Over the Hudson. East side of the River entrance (Dutchess County) 61 Parker Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY. Info: walkway.org

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Principles of Ayurveda Workshop Series: Ayurvedic Body Types – 7pm. Learn about the three bodily humors and the personalities related to humors, discovering one’s own body type to enhance understanding of the true self and others.1305 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains. $20 per session. 914.250.1417. SanthigramWellness.com.

StarVisions Healing Circle – 7:30pm. Connecting wisdom and energy principles to life; experience deep energy healing in a group setting with Anne Bentzen, Reiki Master. $15/students or $25. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 236 S Bedford Rd, Mt.Kisco. 914.588.4079.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Panchakarma Detoxification Retreat – Sept 19-22 w/Dr Scott Gerson. More info: 845.278.8700.Ayurveda.MD.

The 2013 Herb Fair – 11am-2pm. Stroll through the gardens, shop at the vendor tables and ask the experts at the Q&A table. Free admission. John Jay Homestead, Rte 22, Katonah. Info: 914.232.5651. JohnJayHomestead.org.

The Radiance Ritual: Simple Ways for an Ageless Mind/Body/Soul – 6:30-7:30pm. Experience a mini retreat, learning simple rituals and practices to easily integrate into life to feel more energetic, focused, creative and full of life. Presented by Pat Min Cohen, Certified Ageless Living Expert. Somers Library. 914.232.5717. SomersLibrary.org.

Owning Your Health: A Women’s Health Workshop – 6:30-8pm w/Jenifer Curtis. Learn how to nurture & care for the self. The Temperance Center, 453 White Plains Rd, Ste 201, Eastchester. $10. 914.361.9258. TheTemperanceCenter.com.

Gong Relaxation – 7-8:15pm. Rai Kaur leads simple yogic warm ups followed by the healing sounds of the Gong. No yoga experience needed. $15. Golden Temple Yoga Studio, 223 Katonah Ave, Katonah.GoldenTempleYoga.com.

Questions for Skillful Living Study Group Open House – 7:30-9:30am. Group meets second Thursday. A unique gathering of individuals interested in a more in-depth and practical exploration of the concepts within Michael’s book: 77 Questions for Skillful Living. Free. Transcendence at SunRaven, Bedford. RSVP: 914.218.3113 or TranscendenceAtSunRaven.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Wisdom in Aging: Waking Up the Mind and Revitalizing the Subtle Body with Tsoknyi Rinpoche. Sept 20-26. Garrison Institute, Rte 9D, Garrison. Info: 845.424.4800. GarrisonInstitute.org.

Equine Energetix workshop: Seeing with the Heart – 4-8pm, 9/20 & 10am-4pm, 9/21. Connecting with your Authentic Self. $375. No horse experience necessary. $250. Mistover Farm, Pawling. equineenergetix.com; 212.477.4475.

Bi Monthly Adult Meditation Group – 7-8pm w/Merrill Black, LCSW/Reiki Master. Unique theme, guided meditation, group discussion. The Temperance Center, 453 White Plains Rd, Ste 201, Eastchester. $15. 914.793.2600. TheTemperanceCenter.com.

Flow in the Dark – 7-9:30pm. Nueva Alma Yoga and Wellness Studio, 811 McLean Ave, Ste 4, Yonkers. $40. 914. 294-0606. Register Online: NuevaAlma.com.

Couples Program: Skillful Relationships Open House – 7:30-9:30pm.The goal of this series is to help couples rekindle the fire that sparked the beginning of their relationship, and to reconnect on a deeper level. Free. Transcendence at SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford. RSVP: 914.218.3113 or TranscendenceAtSunRaven.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Third Annual Member Appreciation Weekend – Sept 21-22. Exclusively for location members of Massage Envy Spa, 777 White Plains Rd, Scarsdale. The spa will be 100% staffed, book an appointment today. Not a member? Learn about the Wellness Program by calling 914.902.9200. MassageEnvy.com.

3rd Annual Fitness by the Beach – 9am-12pm. Fundraiser for the NYU Comprehensive Stroke Center. Yoga, Boot Camp, Zumba and Cross Fit Stealth classes. $65. Rye Town Park/Oakland Beach. RSVP: Tina Bilotta 914.924.5145.

Quest Yoga Arts Grand Re-Opening – 10am-7pm. Sample a variety of classes, free chair massage, food by local chefs, and Kirtan w/Satya Franche and Ma Kirtan at 7pm. Discounts on class passes and more. Quest Yoga Arts, 11-13 E Main St, Mt Kisco. 914.310.2132. QuestYogaArts.com.

Hudson Rising 2013 River Tour – 10am-10pm. Farm feast with local craft beers, live music, adventure village, sustainable living and historic exhibits, wooden boat show, family fun activities, and fireworks. Ossining’s public ferry dock north of Metro North train station. Free . Info: HudsonRising.com.

Oneness Program Webcast from India – 11am. First time Sri Bhavagan addresses USA for awakening the country. Meditation teaching and receive intentional Deeksha. Free. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 236 S Bedford Rd, Rte 172, Mt.Kisco. RSVP: 914.236.4503. StarVisionsCommunity.org.

Monthly Teen Guided Mediation Group – 11am-12pm w/Merrill Black, LCSW/Reiki Master. Ages 13-17. Unique theme. $15.The Temperance Center, 453 White Plains Rd, Ste 201, Eastchester. 914.793.2600.

Using the Tools of Yoga to Cope with Chronic Pain – 1-4:30pm.Workshop explores gentle movement, mindful meditation, breathing techniques, guided imagery, and reframing exercises to shift the focus back into fully living life. $65. Inner Balance Studio, 1072 Rte 311, Patterson. Pre-registration required: 845.878.7800.

Dharma and Yoga Fest – 1-7pm. Yoga and meditation workshops, food demonstrations, discussions, storytelling, dance and more. Porchon-Lynch will share her secrets for graceful aging. Free event. Highlands Middle School, 128 Grandview Ave. White Plains. Info: DYFest.org/ny or call 914.214.8911.

Book Signing: Questions for Skillful Living – 2-4pm. Dr. Michael Finkelstein gives a brief talk and signs books at the Village Bookstore, 10 Washington Ave, Pleasantville.

MantraFest – 7pm. An evening with Deva Premal & Mitten and special guests The Guruganesha Band. Get ready to experience the beauty and bliss of the world’s most sacred mantras. $30-$108. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St, NYC. Reserved seating only. Tickets: BrightStarEvents.net.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Sun Salutation Class – 12pm. Sun Salutation is as rich in symbolic and mythic overtones as it is in physical benefits. $30/suggested donation for Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser. The Gym of Armonk, 99 Business Park Dr, Armonk. 914.219.1601. GetToTheGym.com.

Family Constellation Work – 1-4:30pm. Process allows one to look at events in family history that impact present life experience; as hidden dynamics are revealed, new solutions emerge.$70/before Sept 7; $100/couples or $85/$115. Eve-Marie, 914.844.6213. EveMarieElkin.com.

Restorative Workshop – 3-5pm. Nueva Alma Yoga and Wellness Studio, 811 McLean Ave, Ste 4, Yonkers. $40. 914.294.0606. Register online: NuevaAlma.com.

Teatown’s A Night in the Woods Benefit – 5pm/cocktails; 6:30pm/dinner. Celebrate a half century of Teatown as they look back on past leaders and growth through the years. Sleepy Hollow Country Club, Scarborough. Tickets & info: 914.762.2912 x123 or Teatown.org.

Restorative Workshop with Karla Diamond – 5-7pm. A relaxing yet powerful practice that everyone can benefit from. Release deeply held tensions, calm the nervous system, strengthen the immune system, and increase self-awareness. Quest Yoga Arts, 11-13 E Main St. Mt. Kisco. QuestYogaArts.com.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

The Skillful Living Room: Live from SunRaven – 6:30-8:30pm. Join in the discussion on Passion: The Secret to Success with Dr. Michael Finkelstein and others via Google+ Hangout. Simply follow Michael Finkelstein on Google+ to be invited in. SunRaven Skillful Living Center, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford. SunRaven.org.

Bi Monthly Adult Meditation Group – 7:30-8:30pm w/Merrill Black, LCSW/Reiki Master.  Unique theme, guided meditation, group discussion. $15. The Temperance Center, 453 White Plains Rd, Ste 201, Eastchester. 914.793.2600. TheTemperanceCenter.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Yoga for PTSD – 3:30-4:30pm. A therapeutic 10wk practice designed to help regain control of the mind and body. All Sport Health and Fitness, 17 Old Main St, Fishkill. $120/members or $150. More info: 845.896.5678. AllSportFishkill.com.

Putnam Women’s Way & Men Meeting – 6:30-8pm. Enjoy a night of casual networking, great food and Natural Awakenings Co-Publisher Dana Boulanger as guest speaker. $10 not including food or drink. Le Fontane Restaurant, 137 Rte 100, Katonah. Info:  PutnamWomensWay@yahoo.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Brain Health & Cognitive Remediation: Truths & Myths – 6-7:30pm. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Assoc with guest speaker, Daniel J Mancini, Cognitive Remediation Specialist, discussing what seniors, persons with memory impairment and caregivers need to know. Somers Library. 914.232.5717. SomersLibrary.org.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

On the Wing from Teatown Hill – 8am. Come climb Teatown Hill with views to the Hudson River flyway. Perhaps see migrating hawks, vultures and even a falcon or eagle. Free. Adults only. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd, Ossining. Info: 914.762.2912 x123. Teatown.org.

Harvest of the Hudson Valley – 5-11pm. Evening features cocktails, dinner and a silent auction. Benefits the new demonstration and teaching kitchen at Hudson Valley Hospital Center. Glynwood Farm, Tickets: 914.734.3526. HVHC.org.

Yoga for Athletes – 5:30pm. This class integrates movement, strength and breath work to help athletes excel, no matter their sport or ability level. Free/members or $30. The Gym of Armonk, 99 Business Park Dr, Armonk. 914.219.1601. GetToTheGym.com.

Yoga Alliance Certified 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training – Weekends beginning Sept 27-29, 2013 – Apr 2014. 6-9pm Fri; 9am-5pm Sat & Sun. Course provides training with all the body and health benefits, sequencing techniques and ailment awareness to help provide a radically transformative experience. The Gym of Armonk, 99 Business Park Dr, Armonk. 914.219.1601. GetToTheGym.com.

Monthly Meditation Class – 7:30pm. Rona Levine, Reiki Master, yoga instructor certified hypnotist, and shamanic practitioner leads meditation and experiential movement to provide deeper insights and personal awareness. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 236 S Bedford Rd, Rte 172, Mt.Kisco. RSVP: 914.236.4503. StarVisionsCommunity.org.

Kirtan with BlisSing – 7:30-8:45pm. An evening of omnifaith singing that quiets the mind, opens the heart, and uplifts the spirit. All Sport Health and Fitness, 17 Old Main St, Fishkill, $10/members or $15.Pre-register: 845.896.5678. AllSportFishkill.com.

Kirtan – 7:30-9:30pm. Quiet the mind and open the heart with meditative chanting. Lead and performed by special guests Satya-Franche and the NY ensemble of Bhakta musicians, Ma Kirtan. $20/suggested.Transcendence at SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford.  RSVP: 914.218.3113 or TranscendenceAtSunRaven.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Conscious Parenting – 9am. Safe and supportive group process provides a space to move through early experiences that prevent one from reaching their full parenting potential using diverse perspectives, facilitated exploration, and yogic and meditative elements. Golden Temple Yoga Studio, Katonah. 912.232.3473.GoldenTempleYoga.com.

Reiki Master Class – 9am-5pm. Sept 28-29 w/Marcus. $675. Synchronicity, 1511 Rte 22, Brewster. RSVP: 845.363.1765. SynchronicityNY.com.

Transcendence ReTreat Open House – 9:30-2:30pm. Held quarterly on Saturdays, gentle morning yoga followed by hands-on food prep, lunch and the principles of skillful nutrition; concludes with a circle discussion on increasing harmony and balance. Free. Transcendence at SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford. RSVP: 912.218.3113. TranscendenceAtSunRaven.com.

Reiki I Workshop – 9:30am-4:30pm w/Ginny Mackles, LMHC, Reiki Teacher. Be attuned and certified to the first level of Reiki, Shoden from a teacher with over 25 years experience and creator of The Reiki Journey CD. Chappaqua. 952.426.3525. GinnyMackles.com.

52nd Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show – 10am-5pm. Sept 28-29. Over 185 juried artists displaying their creations in a broad spectrum of media. 205 Business Park Dr, Armonk. Rain or shine. Info:ArmonkOutdoorArtShow.org.

CaribBeats Dance Class – 11:30am-12:30pm. A mix of Soca, Reggae, and Calypso gives a high energy workout. $10. 49 Lawton St, New Rochelle. WestchesterYogaArts.com. 914.632.1101.

Reiki I Class – 1-5pm. Sept 28 -29. Learn self healing benefits of Reiki, history, ethics, hand positions. $150/manual & certificate. Anne Bentzen, Usui/Karuna Master, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 236 S Bedford Rd, Mt.Kisco.914.588.4079. StarVisionsCommunity.org.

Free Yoga with a Beer Tasting – 5-6pm. 49 Lawton St, New Rochelle. Info: 914.632.1101. WestchesterYogaArts.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Reiki II Workshop – 9:30am-4:30pm w/Ginny Mackles, LMHC, Reiki Teacher. Be attuned and certified to the second level of Reiki, Okuden from a teacher with over 25 years experience and creator of The Reiki Journey CD. Chappaqua. 952.426.3525. GinnyMackles.com.

Zumba Intro Class – 11am-12pm. $10. 49 Lawton St, New Rochelle. 914.632.1101. WestchesterYogaArts.com.

Yoga Intro Class – 12pm. Free. 49 Lawton St, New Rochelle. Info: 914.632.1101. WestchesterYogaArts.com.

Belly Dance Basics Workshop – 1pm. $10. 49 Lawton St, New Rochelle. Info: 914.632.1101. WestchesterYogaArts.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1

Principles of Ayurveda Workshop Series: Daily Routines/Dincharya – 7pm. Each day is a building block of life; uncover how to utilize the day to enhance overall lifestyle and long-term health. 1305 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains. $20 per session. 914.250.1417. SanthigramWellness.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

All-Star Environmental Conference: Omega’s Where We Go from Here – Oct 4-6. President Bill Clinton, Jeremy Rifkin & others gather to discuss opportunities and solutions for an interdependent world. Omega, 150 Lake Dr, Rhinebeck. Info: 800.944.1001. eOmega.org/OCSL.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

10th annual Harvest Fest at Stone Barns – Festivities include live music, farmers market with delicious, seasonal food from local food artisans, farm Olympics, food-crafting, farm demonstrations, hayrides, and square dancing. Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, 630 Bedford Rd, Pocantico Hills.Tickets: 914.366.6200.

Equine Energetix workshop: Finding Your Path – 10am-4pm. A life coaching experiential workshop. $300. No horse experience necessary. $250. Mistover Farm, Pawling. equineenergetix.com; 212.477.4475

Katonah Yoga Fall Fair – 2-5pm. Fair features local vendors selling jewelry, clothing, art work, crafts, and more. Enjoy delicious food and live music. Free. Katonah Yoga, 39 Main St, Bedford Hills. 914.241.2661. KatonahYoga.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6

19th Annual Support-A-Walk by Support Connection – 9am. An inspiring 3-mile walkathon held to bring attention to the needs of people living with breast and ovarian cancer. FDR Park, Yorktown Heights. Info: SupportConnection.org; 914.962.6402.

Mindfulness for Kids, Yoga Teacher Trainings & Peruvian Shamanism Training

New Wellness Center for Kids Opens in Westchester

Child•cor, a wellness center for children, opens Saturday, August 3, in Thornwood, NY. The center will combine yoga, dramatic arts and creative meditative practices to build confidence and self-esteem, manage stress and promote well-being for children between the ages of 7 and 12.

Child•cor founder and director Elena Olivieri has more than ten years of teaching experience in elementary and middle schools in New York City, Westchester County and Budapest, Hungary. “During my experience in Budapest, I saw the positive effects that yoga, relaxation techniques, daily affirmations and dramatic arts had on my students,” says Olivieri. “When I implemented these things in my classrooms, I found that my students became more focused and successful in all areas.”

Olivieri says that the inspiration for Child•cor came from witnessing the impact of wellness practices on classroom experience. “While I may not have been teaching arithmetic or the science of gravity, I was teaching kids how to be proud of themselves, how to appreciate themselves and others, and how to be more present,” Olivieri explains. “This enhanced the learning of their common branch subjects because I was teaching the whole child.”

Child•cor will run four-week sessions on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in addition to after-school and private sessions. Activities include centering and mindfulness exercises, improvisation and breathing practices.

Child•cor classes are held at 52 Garrigan Ave. in Thornwood, NY. For more information, call 914.960.5335 or visit Childcor.com. 

 

Basil Yoga Teacher Training Begins in September

Basil Yoga, located in the historic Union Hall in North Salem, is offering a nine-month Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program that begins this Fall. The 200-hour certification program, which is registered with Yoga Alliance, meets weekly on Tuesday evenings beginning in September and selected weekends January through April 2014.

“The Basil Yoga YTT Program was designed for those seeking the certification, skills, and knowledge of the yogic sciences and arts in order to guide others on a path to balanced and whole living,” says studio owner Basil Jones, who has appeared on The Martha Stewart Show and in Stewart’s publications. “It’s a well-rounded training program for personal growth and self-discovery through the in-depth exploration and study of the Vinyasa Yoga tradition.”

Jones says that his program is also for those who want to refresh their knowledge and skills or enrich a past yoga certification. “Learning is ongoing,” he notes. “Through self-study in a yoga practice we cultivate awareness that brings the physical, emotional and energetic experiences of who we are to a place of stability and clarity. Our effort towards steadiness supports our health and well-being as individuals and members of a global community.”

Basil Yoga is located at 2 Keeler Lane, Upper Floor, in North Salem, NY. For more information about Basil Yoga Teacher Training, visit BasilYoga.com/pages/training.html or email info@basilyoga.com.

Yoga Teacher Training This Fall at All Sport Health and Fitness

For the second year in a row, All Sport Health and Fitness in Fishkill is offering an eight-month yoga teacher training in its Mind/Body studio. The comprehensive Yoga Alliance Registered training begins in September and focuses on teaching alignment-based Hatha yoga to a broad population.

All Sport’s teacher training curriculum covers asana, pranayama, anatomy, yogic philosophy and teaching methodology. Joelle Van Sickle, a certified yoga therapist, directs the training along with guest instructors in such areas as chakras, meditation and the art of adjustments. “I believe this program is unique in that it offers students a good amount of teaching time, during which they are supported with constructive feedback,” says Van Sickle. “Also, while a lot of time is spent on methodology, personal practice and self-study are emphasized as gateways toward creative thinking in teaching.”

Sessions take place most Wednesday evenings and one weekend per month, offering participants time to absorb the material and integrate it into their lives. The course runs from September 18 to May 18. The fee is $2,800 for All Sport members and $3,200 for non-members, with payment plans available. To learn more and apply, call 845.896.5679, ext. 160, or email Joelle@AllSportHealthandFitness.com.

All Sport Health and Fitness is located at 17 Old Main St. in Fishkill, NY. For more information, call 845.896.5678 or visit AllSportFishkill.com/yoga.html.

Peruvian Shamanism Training Begins this Fall

Eileen O’Hare, a legacy carrier in the lineage of Don Manuel Quispe and Don Benito Q’oriwaman, begins a training program in Peruvian shamanism this fall. Mesayok Medicine Spiral 9 (Spiral) begins on Saturday, September 21, and runs every third Saturday of the month for 16 months in Brewster, NY.

“The training is in the bundled mesa tradition of Peruvian shamanism,” says O’Hare. “It’s about the deep healing of ourselves, our ancestors and the planet. For those who have received the Munay Ki rites, Spiral is a beautiful way to deepen your experience of this powerful shamanic tradition.”

O’Hare says that Spiral creates a safe and sacred environment in which to do deep spiritual healing. An email group will keep program members connected and supported during the weeks between Spiral gatherings and after it ends. “Spiritual work is also enhanced by various gatherings during the month, with the intention to create and sustain spiritual community,” says O’Hare. “Sacred chanting with the group BlisSing is held multiple times during the month to enhance the practice of connecting with Spirit using sacred sound.”

O’Hare leads a Women’s Chanting Group every Monday night at The Healing House in Beacon, NY, where she has a private healing practice.

For more information and to register for Mesayok Medicine Spiral 9, call 845.831.5790, email xoeolovemore@gmail.com or visit BlisSingChant.com. 

Awaken Fairs Expand to New Jersey, Manhattan and Connecticut

Paula Caracappa, founder and director of the Awaken Wellness Fairs in Westchester, is launching additional fairs in nearby states. Caracappa plans to bring the popular event to Ft. Lee, New Jersey, on September 15 and to New York City and Connecticut in 2014. The traditional Tarrytown Awaken Fair takes place on November 3 this year.

The popular body-mind-spirit-green expos have been part of the Westchester wellness scene for 12 years, and now Caracappa plans to offer her model for creating Awaken Fairs as a franchise or license across the country. “I’m committed to educating the general public about the variety of health services and products that are available today,” she says. “I present the fairs in a hotel setting because I want to ease people who are curious, but undereducated, into the world of ancient and cutting-edge healing and wellness practices.”

Caracappa is the long-time chairperson of the Westchester Holistic Network, an organization of “spiritual beings on a human journey,” who meet monthly for breakfast presentations. She is also an ordained reverend, a certified Reiki Master and a polarity and Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner. “Part of my new business plan is to promote these skills worldwide via a new website and teleseminars,” she says. “I also love to help other holistic practitioners promote their businesses with eblasts to my vast address list.”

For more information, email PaulaCaracappa@aol.com, visit WestchesterHolisticNetwork.org and AwakenFair.com or call 914.422.1784.