Class Descriptions
10/29/21
Monday at 10:30am
Strength Without a Gym
Do you want to build muscle but don't want to go to the gym? Do you enjoy a light-hearted groups with lots of laughter? Then our new "Strength Without a Gym" yoga class is for you!
Whatever your age or physical ability and whether or not you've ever done yoga, this class will offer you an opportunity to build on your strengths as you build strength!
This class is taught by Donna Warren, long-time Open Spirit yoga teacher and unoffical comedian.
Mondays at 7:30pm
Meditation with the Masters
Come and start your week off right! In this series we'll practice meditations described by leading current masters.
This class is led by Katherine McClean.
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:45am
Qi Gong / Tai Chi
Join us to begin the day as the wise people of ancient China have done for centuries: stretching, breathing, increasing Qi (chi)(energy), unblocking and balancing Qi, and connecting mind, body and spirit always.
Tuesday classes are meeting in-person and online. Please contact Kathleen if you are interested in joining in-person.
This class is led by Kathleen Sakovitz.
Tuesdays at 9:30am
Gentle Yoga for
Body, Mind & Spirit
A gentle, restorative yoga class for all levels of ability and experience. Come experience gentle stretch, deep relaxation and restoration of body and spirit. Each week, we will begin our time with an intention to focus on a poem or prayer from a spiritual tradition. This class is for all ages and abilities; postures can be adapted for chair yoga.
This class is currently being held both in-person and online via Zoom. Please contact Debbie if you are interested in joining in-person.
Led by Debbie Clark.
2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm
Buddhist Meditation
Join us for an hour of meditation, with guidance and inspiration offered by Bhante Pannasiri from New England Buddhist Vihara.
Venerable Debokkawe Pannasiri was born in Angunukolapelassa in Hambanthota, Sri Lanka. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk on March 11th 1998 and received his higher ordination in 2005. He received his Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degree in Buddhism and Buddhist Philosophy in 2011 and completed his Masters of Arts degree (M.A) in Buddhist Philosophy in 2013. He worked as a religious lecturer/counselor at the National Drug Prevention Operation Unit at the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs. Since arriving at NEBV & MC in Grafton, MA, he has been working as a resident monk, conducting religious activities at the center.
1st Wednesday of the month at 1:30pm
Prayer Shawl Group
Our Prayer Shawl Group's mission has always been making a difference in helping people through difficult times and health challenges. It is about being in community with like-minded people who care so much about making a difference in people's lives who are feeling isolated, overwhelmed and just scared. We are a community of women who want to give back. We gather once a month to quietly knit shawls that are passed on to women who need some love and support. As a group, we bless each shawl in our own unique way before they are passed on. Both knitters and non-knitters are welcome to join us.
Wednesday at 9:30am & 11:30am
Gentle Yoga - in-person series
Sandra Dennis is a long-serving yoga teacher of 30 years+. Trained in the Kripalu tradition of yoga and influenced by many amazing mentors, she continues her quest in sharing the wonderful gifts of yoga!
During the Covid pandemic, Sandra's yoga studio 'The Yoga Leaf' sadly closed, not knowing where to turn she stumbled upon 'Open Spirit', which has welcomed her into their like-minded community! With gratitude and an open heart she embraces this opportunity to recreate a warm nurturing environment for all students of different ages, abilities and experience, to explore a yoga practice that honors the body's wisdom and foster's a mindful approach to yoga!
"It is really important to me as a yoga teacher that each student that walks into my class is welcomed, understood and respected, and is given the opportunity to explore yoga that fits their own individual needs. Working mindfully with breath, modifications and props, students grow their innate knowledge, trusting when more effort is necessary and when more ease is desired!"
To join this class, please contact Sandra.
Wednesdays at 6:00pm
Veteran's Yoga
A trauma-sensitive yoga class for veterans, those on active duty and their families. The yoga will be gentle but invigorating, designed to help you let go of the stress of the day and relax!
FREE TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Thursdays at 1:00pm
Strength Training with Resistance Bands
Join us for a relaxed, fun, interactive new class to help us move a little. Pets invited, laughter encouraged, mixed exercises with yoga moves and breathing. The ultimate stress relief! Anyone missing social interaction? Join us, let’s stay in touch, in shape and in a good mood!
Want to learn even more about what to expect from this class? Click here to watch an introductory video by Donna.
Led by Donna Warren
Fridays at 9:00am
Morning Meditation
End your week with an opportunity for centering and reflection. We will offer a brief reflection on a theme, followed by a guided meditation and a few minutes for sharing. The whole thing will be about 20 minutes, so it can mark the end of your week!
Led by Michelle Goldhaber
Fridays at 10:00am
Gentle Yoga for Challenging Times
This class is temporarily on hold. Check back for future dates/times.
This class is a gentle, restorative, accessible and trauma-informed offering for grounding in challenging times. Both movement and mindful will be presented. Class is suitable for all physical abilities and bodies and can be done on a mat or chair. No experience required. All welcome.
Led by Danielle Rousseau