Integral Yoga San Francisco

Satsang: Mystical Poetry Night
2023-05-06 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Online & In-Person | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Join us for an evening of shared poetry that reﬂects the voice of our soul. We will read and discuss that which awakens inspiration, delight and peace in the heart. All are welcome to have a poem or two to share or simply listen and enjoy.
Mystical poetry and sacred songs are powerful expressions of the human experience, a dynamic meeting of the mind with the Grace of the Divine that crosses the lines of time and specific religious views.
A simple vegetarian meal will be offered after this in-person Satsang with a suggested donation of $5-10. Pre-registration is required for all in-person attendance.
Satsang is a special time for us to come together as a community. In Sanskrit, Sat means truth and Sangha means community. Satsang offers an opportunity to come together to share spiritual teachings. The philosophy of Integral Yoga is explored often through an informal discussion. Although our spiritual paths may diverge, the act of sharing spiritual teachings with others is inspiring and creates a solid foundation for continued practice.
People of all faiths are welcome.
Susan Ford, C-IAYT, RYT-500, began teaching in 2011 and has been an assistant trainer for the Basic Yoga Teacher Training at Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) since 2012. She specializes in gentle yoga and yoga therapy working with people with disabilities, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, aging, bone health, anxiety, depression and asthma. Her focus is to help students to meet their bodies where they are by introducing and incorporating Therapeutic Yoga, Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, pranayama and meditation.
Susan has been a writer of poetry, short stories and plays most of her adult life and has been repeatedly featured in storytelling events in Northern California. She has led writer groups, tutored many in writing, and regularly hosts poetry reading Satsangs at the IYI.
Diana Meltsner, E-RYT 500, YACEP, C-IAYT, has been teaching Yoga since 2001. Her focus is on healing aspects of Yoga ranging from stress reduction to injury recovery as well as personal and spiritual awakening. She is a certified Yoga Therapist and offers individual therapeutic sessions as well as group sessions. She offers classes and health education workshops for Kaiser Permanente. Diana is a lead trainer for 200-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings and a Meditation Teacher Training at Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco, where she serves on the Board of Directors and also provides continuing education.
Diana has recently started writing poetry and a personal blog focused on meditation and understanding of the mind.
dianameltsner.com

New Beginnings Writing Group
2023-05-12 16:00 - 18:00
Online | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Friday, May 12, 2023 • 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm • Monthly on the second Friday
Free follow-up Friday, May 26 • 4:00 – 6:00 pm • Monthly on the fourth Friday
In these times of great change we will explore a path toward meeting ourselves where we are to give voice to all that matters! As we live with interruptions and chaos, we can deepen into the roots of our creativity, encouraging the river of expression to flow. Beginners and seasoned writers are welcome, as we explore various forms of writing: poetry, prose, short stories, memoir, among others. Through writing exercises using everyday life, place, family, images, poetry of others, while using pranayama, meditation and the guidance of the Sutras we will build a body of work. Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace.
Tools we will Practice:

The Art of Paying Attention
Acceptance
Play
Writing from the Heart

Together we will combine self-care with our writing and discover what a writing practice means to us and how it may take shape.
Susan Ford, C-IAYT, RYT-500, began teaching in 2011 and has been an assistant trainer for the Basic Yoga Teacher at IYI since 2012.She specializes in gentle yoga and yoga therapy working with people with disabilities, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, aging, bone health, anxiety, depression and asthma. Her focus is to help students to meet their bodies where they are by introducing and incorporating Therapeutic Yoga, Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, pranayama and meditation.
Susan has been a writer of poetry, short stories and plays most of her adult life and has been repeatedly featured in the storytelling events in Northern California. She has led writer groups, tutored many in writing, and regularly hosts poetry reading Satsangs at the IYI.

A Travel Guide Through Raja Yoga: Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
2023-05-13 10:00 - 11:30
Online | $20 or $25 – sliding scale
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
A Travel Guide Through Raja Yoga: Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The teachings of Raja Yoga contained in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are gems of living wisdom; vibrant guides that can accompany you to higher levels of spiritual awareness.
You will discover hidden insight in even the most well known sutras and learn how to apply the Sutras’ small, simple steps that lead to Self-realization. Learn how each day can be transformed from a get-through-the-day mentality to a joyous journey of self-exploration.
This workshop is perfect for anyone familiar with the Sutras. Since the interest in Raja Yoga is steadily growing, this program will also be a perfect opportunity for advanced students to deepen their understanding and experience of the teachings.
There will be a balance of discussion and time for your questions. This program focuses on the practical application of these classic teachings and will use Guruji Rev. Jaganath Carrera’s book Inside the Yoga Sutras as a reference.
Sri Guruji Reverend Jaganath is the founder and spiritual head of Yoga Life Society and its first Yoga Life Center in Woodland Park, NJ. He is a direct disciple of world renowned Yoga master and leader in the ecumenical movement, Sri Swami Satchidananda, the founder and spiritual guide for the Integral Yoga Institutes and Satchidananda Ashrams worldwide. Guruji has taught at universities, prisons, Yoga centers, and interfaith programs both here and abroad. He was a principle instructor of both Hatha and Raja Yoga for the Integral Yoga Teacher Training Certification Programs for over twenty years and co-wrote the training manual used for that course. He established the Integral Yoga Ministry and developed the highly regarded Integral Yoga Meditation and Raja Yoga Teacher Training Certification programs.
He served for eight years as chief administrator of Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville and founded the Integral Yoga Institute of New Brunswick, NJ. He is also a spiritual advisor and visiting lecturer on Hinduism for the One Spirit Seminary in New York City.
He is the author of Inside the Yoga Sutras: A Sourcebook for the Study and Practice of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Awaken: Inside Yoga Meditation.

Kirtan with Michael Hathaway
2023-05-13 19:00 - 20:30
$15 | In-person
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Michael will lead us in chanting traditional Sanskrit mantras set to his original music, weaving an enchanting soundscape of hypnotic harmonics, joyful celebration, and fierce intensity. His unique melodies (often channeled in dreams) reveal a blend of musical influences, including jazz, soul, folk, psychedelic rock, church hymns, Western classical, and Indian classical – creating an innovative fusion that honors the tradition while expressing a deeply personal offering. He sings with sweet, celestial, heart-felt yearning and shares his practice as medicine with others by creating an uplifting communal experience of ecstatic group prayer.
Michael Hathaway discovered his musicality and voice through the practice of devotional chanting. He was introduced to daily chanting at the Sivananda ashram in the Bahamas in the late 90s, and quickly became immersed in the Bhakti scene – taking every opportunity to sit with his teachers Jai Uttal, Krishna Das, Bhagavan Das, Shyamdas, and others.
He can be found leading kirtan at yoga studios, festivals & conscious gatherings and singing with his harmonium for yoga classes in the Los Angeles area. His two albums, remixes, and music videos are available on streaming platforms. He’s also a Jivamukti yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, a 3rd-degree black belt in Seido Karate, and a regular practitioner of 5 Rhythms/ecstatic dance.
He humbly bows at the feet of Maharaj-ji Neem Karoli Baba, Ram Dass, and all of his Teachers and wishes to honor them by singing the holy names.
Learn more about Michael at michaelhathawaykirtan.com

Knees Need Good Yoga
2023-05-14 13:00 - 15:00
Online & In-person
$40 or $35 early bird exp. 5/1/23
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Yoga Therapy Clinic presents:
Most people with knee issues can benefit from more understanding of the causes and learn to target their yoga to strengthen the supporting muscles. You can increase stability and maintain essential mobility with this understanding and application of the correct techniques.
We will explore fundamental stretches and strengthening postures for the knees in this workshop and receive a short written practice to do at home to continue this work.
Keep on walking and doing all the things you love to do by cultivating happy knees.
Attendees can receive two hours of CE training which meet Yoga Alliance or IAYT standards upon request from the presenter.
Dawn​ ​Summers​,YACEP, ERYT-500​, is a certified Yoga Therapist who has been teaching yoga​ ​since becoming an Integral Yoga teacher in 1985. She has been a senior faculty in Teachers Training and Yoga Therapists Training Programs for the American​ ​Viniyoga Institute. She teaches classes through Ocean Yoga and works privately with individual students.
Dawn​ ​Summers​,YACEP, ERYT-500​, is a certified Yoga Therapist who has been teaching yoga​ ​since becoming an Integral Yoga teacher in 1985. She has been a senior faculty in Teachers Training and Yoga Therapists Training Programs for the American​ ​Viniyoga Institute. She teaches classes through Ocean Yoga and works privately with individual students.
Dawn Summers was initially drawn to yoga in 1983 for inspiration and support during a major personal transition. She also wanted to improve certain spinal imbalances with the practice of yoga. She discovered yoga provided a source of comfort and stability, as well as improving her back and producing an overall feeling of well-being.
She deepened her commitment to the practice of yoga and became a teacher in 1985 through Swami Satchidananda’s Integral Yoga. Continuing her dedication, Dawn became certified again in 1992, successfully completing a two year teachers training program by Gary Kraftsow in the Viniyoga tradition of Krishnamacharya and his son, T.K.V. Desikachar. In 2001, she was the first to be certified at the most advanced level through American Viniyoga Institute – as a Yoga Therapist. She continues to study with her teacher, Gary Kraftsow (author of Yoga for Wellness, and Yoga for Transformation); and assists him with teacher’s training programs.
In 1994, she also journeyed to Madras, India and received additional training at the Viniyoga school under supervision of T.K.V. Desikachar. From her study and application of yoga philosophy, she has developed an understanding of the yogic process towards greater mental clarity and equanimity.
Ms. Summers has taught in a variety of studio and corporate settings, and has assisted in the training of yoga and aerobics teachers. She has worked therapeutically with people with a variety of different conditions, including pelvic pain, post-surgery recovery, back pain and sciatica, hypertension, prostate cancer, panic disorder, depression, arthritis, and many other conditions. She is also certified by the Arthritis Association to teach the exercise classes for people with arthritis (P.A.C.E. program).
Dawn is certified by Yoga Alliance as a 500-hour Certified Yoga Teacher and also as a Continuing Education provider for C.E. credits for Yoga Teachers. She is also certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists as a Certified Yoga Therapist.

Satsang: Taking Refuge from the Storms of Life
2023-05-20 11:00 - 12:00
Online & In-Person | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines. https://integralyogasf.org/attending-in-person
As hard as we may try to manage our lives with care and skill, we all inevitably encounter times when life is especially challenging, overwhelming, or unbearable. Our normal coping skills may not be enough and when we are anxious, grieving or under pressure, we may make poor choices that make things worse.
In this Satsang, Asokananda and Ramananda will present the distilled wisdom of all the Yoga teachings as practical principles that lead to skillful action and wise choices. We will explore how to take refuge in the unchanging source of wisdom within us and how each of us can learn to access that presence in a unique way.
Satsang, a special time for us to come together as a community. In Sanskrit, Sat means truth and Sangha means community. Satsang offers an opportunity to come together to share spiritual teachings. The philosophy of Integral Yoga is explored, often through an informal discussion. Although spiritual paths may diverge, the act of sharing spiritual teachings with others is inspiring and creates a solid foundation for continued practice.
Swami Ramananda is the Executive Director of the Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco and a greatly respected senior teacher in the Integral Yoga tradition, who has been practicing Yoga for over 45 years. Ramananda offers practical methods of integrating the timeless teachings and practices of Yoga into daily life, and transforming the painful aspects of human experience into steps toward realizing one’s full potential. He leads beginner, intermediate and advanced level Yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco, and offers a variety of programs in many locations in the U.S., Europe and South America. Ramananda co-developed the Stress Management Teacher Training program with Swami Vidyananda, has trained many teachers to bring Yoga into corporate, hospital and medical settings, and has taught mind/body wellness programs in many locations. He is a certified Yoga therapist and founding board member of the Yoga Alliance, a national registry that supports and promotes yoga teachers as professionals. He is a co-founder of The Spiritual Action Initiative (SAI) which brings together individuals committed to working for social justice for all beings and for the care and healing of our natural world. His warmth, wisdom and sense of humor have endeared him to many.
Swami Asokananda, E-RYT 500, a monk since 1973, is one of Integral Yoga’s foremost teachers—known for his warmth, intelligence, and good humor. His teaching comes out of his own practice and experience, having absorbed the wisdom of his Guru, Sri Swami Satchidananda.
While he enjoys sharing the practical wisdom of yogic philosophy (especially the great Indian scripture, the Bhagavad Gita), he also loves his practice of Hatha Yoga. He is one of Yogaville’s primary instructors for intermediate and advanced Hatha Yoga teacher trainings.
He presently serves as president at the Integral Yoga Institute in New York City. Before this position, he served as the President of Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville and Integral Yoga International.

Kirtan with Nina Rao
2023-05-20 19:00 - 20:30
In-person | $20
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Chanting cleans the mirror of my heart to develop the clarity to slowly (but surely I’m told) find the Love and along the way, try to step out of my own reactionary behavior and see and be with all as it is. Maybe it will take at least another 108 lifetimes, but all I know is I have this moment – now.
Nina Rao learned traditional chants (bhajans) from her grandfather in a village in south India when she was nine years old. The chants quietly stayed with her until she rediscovered chanting with Krishna Das in New York in 1996. For many years Nina has been Krishna Das’ business manager and assistant, often touring with him playing cymbals and singing. In 2007, she recorded the track ‘Nina Chalisa’ on Krishna Das’ CD “Flow of Grace ” and in January 2013, she released her debut album, “Antarayaami – Knower of All Hearts”. Nina regularly leads kirtan, chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa, and sings for yoga classes in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY and beyond.
ninaraochant.com

Therapeutic Yoga and Sound Healing
2023-05-21 15:30 - 17:30
In-person | $45 ($40 early bird exp. May 14)
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Therapeutic Yoga and Sound Healing are remedies for the challenges of our stressful times, and blends restorative yoga with guided breath-work and sound healing. Accompanied by the healing sounds of various instruments, you will be gently guided to relax into postures that allow for deep relaxation and restoration of the entire body including tight muscles, restricted fascia, overstimulated nervous systems, and an overactive or out of balanced mind, resetting and restoring a natural rhythm to your whole being. The practice creates a calm, supportive and nurturing environment in which you can relax and let go, allowing the innate wisdom of your body to naturally restore balance and well-being. Whether you just need to decompress from stress, recover from injury or if you’re dealing with chronic illness, this workshop will help your body, mind and spirit to relax, rejuvenate, and heal.
No prior yoga experience is necessary.
Save the date! Our next session is on Sunday, July 30 from 3:30-5:30pm.
Rachel Jennine Goudey, Psy.D., C-IAYT, is a Certified Yoga Therapist, Educator and Doctor of Psychology. Specializing in trauma work and embodied practices for nervous system integration, Rachel helps clients increase their capacity for joy and love in life through somatic movement, breath work, sound healing, self-reflection, and cultivating healthy life choices. Rachel brings years of mental health experience working with at-risk and underserved populations, integrating Eastern and Western practices to help clients move past symptom relief into true healing. She has brought holistic yoga programs and professional trainings on yoga for mental health into community mental health centers, hospitals and schools. Rachel’s aim is to guide individuals into states of peace and trust in their life’s story through the mind and body, create community, and bring the teachings and practices of yoga into various settings around the world. Rachel’s classes meet each student where they are at while still challenging them to reach new heights of self-realization, acceptance, and strength and flexibility, both on and off of the mat. She will push you to challenge yourself while also guiding you to listen to your body and intuition, teaching from a place of authenticity, passion and playfulness. To learn more about Rachel and her work visit racheljenninewellnessandyoga.com
Heather Sevika Ford, C-IAYT, RYT-500, MFA Design, became a certified Yoga teacher in 2008 and a certified Yoga Therapist in 2017.
Her classical yoga training and approach to teaching guides individuals towards experiencing the essence of Yoga; a contemplative, mindful practice intended to remove obstacles and restore peace. Accessibly and collaboratively she supports her clients towards optimal health and wellness through mindful movement and postures, subtle practices such as Yoga Nidra, Pranayama and meditation, as well as Reiki, sound vibration and aromatherapy. These practices are intended to strengthen the body, increase flexibility, optimize and soothe the immune and nervous systems. Her training and experience enables her to work safely and mindfully with a range of clients with a variety of conditions including addiction recovery, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stroke, pre and post-op, arthritis, cancer, peripheral neuropathy, post-polio syndrome, PTS, asthma, emphysema, nerve damage, obesity, joint replacements, and those experiencing limited physical mobility. sevikayoga.com

Stories as a Source of Wisdom
2023-05-24 18:30 - 20:00
Online & In-person | $15
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Spiritual teachings can sometimes seem too abstract and hard to understand but can be fun to learn from stories. Ramananda will illustrate some of the most useful teachings of Yoga philosophy with real life stories and stories passed to us through his yogic lineage. Stories make it easy to understand teachings and their practical applications like coping with stress and obsessive thinking, aligning our will with a higher Will, and the meaning and practice of surrender.
Join us for a relaxing evening of storytelling to learn how these practical teachings can transform our lives and bring ever more peace to our hearts. There will be tea and cookies offered.
Swami Ramananda, CIAYT, RYT-500, is the Executive Director of the Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco and a greatly respected senior teacher in the Integral Yoga tradition, who has been practicing Yoga for over 45 years. Ramananda offers practical methods of integrating the timeless teachings and practices of Yoga into daily life, and transforming the painful aspects of human experience into steps toward realizing one’s full potential. He leads beginner, intermediate and advanced level Yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco, and offers a variety of programs in many locations in the U.S., Europe and South America.

Satsang: Dances of Universal Peace & Walking Meditations
2023-05-27 17:30 - 18:30
In-person | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
The Dances of Universal Peace and Walking Concentrations are spiritual practice in motion.
Drawing on the sacred phrases, scripture, and poetry of the many spiritual traditions of the earth, the Dances blend chant, music and evocative movement into a living experience of unity, peace and integration. This taste of our true nature – as Universal Peace – opens to the possibility of a deep spiritual revolution within the person.
The Elemental Walks support the practice of the Planetary Walks or Astrological Yoga. “Through the Walks, the individual practitioner is able to progress through all stages of development by use of breath, heart attunement and concentration.”
Zubin will share how these 3 practices: The Dance, the Element Walks and an introduction to Astrological Yoga, as given by Murshid Sam Lewis to Murshid Wali Ali Meyer, her Sufi initiator and Master teacher who was the Master teacher of these walks and dances for the last 50 years. It was his baraka ( بركة a “blessing”) that brought so many to put their feet where he put his.
“It is by following Wali Ali around, holding his hand in the dances and following in the wake of his energy during Walking Meditations that I “caught” the practices.” ~ Zubin
A simple vegetarian meal will be offered after this in-person Satsang with a suggested donation of $5-10.
Satsang is a special time for us to come together as a community. In Sanskrit, Sat means truth and Sangha means community. Satsang offers an opportunity to come together to share spiritual teachings. The philosophy of Integral Yoga is explored often through an informal discussion. Although our spiritual paths may diverge, the act of sharing spiritual teachings with others is inspiring and creates a solid foundation for continued practice.
People of all faiths are welcome.
Magdalena Zubin Goldman was initiated into Western Universalist Sufism via Sufi Ruhaniat International in 1974, ordained a Minister in the Universal Worship in 1993, initiated as a Sheika in 1995, and certified as a leader of the Dances of Universal Peace in 2002. She has resided at the Khankah on two occasions, from 1995-1998 and from 2010 to the present.

Full Moon Chanting
2023-06-03 20:00 - 20:30
Online & In-Person | Free
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
We gather once a month to chant the Gayatri Mantra, the great mantra of Light and Liberation, to maximize the spiritual benefits of the full moon.
“oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ
tat savitur vareṇyaṃ
bhargo devasya dhīmahi
dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt”
– Rigveda 3.62.1011
David “Dayalan” Clark, HHP, CMT, though originally from Kansas, is a long-time Californian, having resided in San Diego for 22 years before relocating to San Francisco in January 2012. David is a certified Yoga Instructor of “Deep Yoga”, a hatha-style yoga featuring asana, pranayama & meditation. He studied under Bhava Ram and Laura Plumb at DYSHA, The Deep Yoga School of Healing Arts in San Diego. David is also a certified Integral Yoga Instructor, having completed the Basic TT, Meditation TT and Therapeutic Yoga TT. He currently teaches Mixed-level hatha yoga at the Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco where he is a resident, and also serves as Head of Reception. “Dayalan” means compassion, and was received through IYISF in 2013.
David attended IPSB, The International Professional School of Bodywork in San Diego, attaining the HHP, Holistic Health Practitioner certification, with a specialization in Traditional Thai Massage. He is also a CMT, CA certified Massage Therapist. His business, 4d Bliss, is located in the beautiful Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, and offers a focus of Traditional Thai Massage, Deep Tissue & Swedish Massage, as well as Yoga Therapy. David offers yoga, meditation and traditional thai massage in retreat settings at different locales throughout California.
www.4dbliss.com

New Beginnings Writing Group
2023-06-09 16:00 - 18:00
Online | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15 | Monthly on the second Friday
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Free follow-up session on Friday, June 23, 4:00 – 6:00 pm (Zoom link be send with the original confirmation email upon registration). Monthly on the fourth Friday

In these times of great change we will explore a path toward meeting ourselves where we are to give voice to all that matters! As we live with interruptions and chaos, we can deepen into the roots of our creativity, encouraging the river of expression to flow. Beginners and seasoned writers are welcome, as we explore various forms of writing: poetry, prose, short stories, memoir, among others. Through writing exercises using everyday life, place, family, images, poetry of others, while using pranayama, meditation and the guidance of the Sutras we will build a body of work. Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace.
Tools we will Practice:

The Art of Paying Attention
Acceptance
Play
Writing from the Heart

Together we will combine self-care with our writing and discover what a writing practice means to us and how it may take shape.

Susan Ford, C-IAYT, RYT-500, began teaching in 2011 and has been an assistant trainer for the Basic Yoga Teacher at IYI since 2012.She specializes in gentle yoga and yoga therapy working with people with disabilities, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, aging, bone health, anxiety, depression and asthma. Her focus is to help students to meet their bodies where they are by introducing and incorporating Therapeutic Yoga, Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, pranayama and meditation.
Susan has been a writer of poetry, short stories and plays most of her adult life and has been repeatedly featured in the storytelling events in Northern California. She has led writer groups, tutored many in writing, and regularly hosts poetry reading Satsangs at the IYI.

Satsang: Yogic Healing - Exploring the Wounds Caused by Those We Love
2023-06-17 17:30 - 18:30
Online & In-Person | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
It is not easy when the ones we love and trust, hurt us, intentionally or unintentionally. Let’s discuss how to apply yogic teachings to the wounds created by those we revere and hold dear. This talk will allow us to tap into a profound healing regarding our ancestral lineages whether it be family, human, and spiritual. There is always a way to integrate and transform an experience into an authentic vibration of love.
A simple vegetarian meal will be offered after this in-person Satsang with a suggested donation of $5-10.
Satsang, a special time for us to come together as a community. In Sanskrit, Sat means truth and Sangha means community. Satsang offers an opportunity to come together to share spiritual teachings. The philosophy of Integral Yoga is explored, often through an informal discussion. Although spiritual paths may diverge, the act of sharing spiritual teachings with others is inspiring and creates a solid foundation for continued practice.
People of all faiths are welcome.
Saeeda Hafiz is a yoga teacher, author, and wellness expert with certifications from the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, the Natural Gourmet Institute. She is also a graduate of Temple University. As a holistic health educator with the San Francisco Unified School District, she focuses on sharing her knowledge of physical and mental wellness with diverse groups. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has appeared on various podcasts, radio, and television programs and has been featured in several national and regional publications. Her public speaking engagements have educated the public in yoga, holistic nutrition, and healthy living from coast to coast. saeedahafiz.com

Deep Restoration with Yoga Nidra and Sankalpa
2023-06-21 17:00 - 17:30
Online & In-Person | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Join Raama for a classical Yogic practice of Yoga Nidra incorporating Sankalpa at the occasion of celebrating the 9th annual International Day of Yoga. The United Nations proclaimed June 21st as International Day* of Yoga in order to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
In Yoga Nidra, deep relaxation creates an opportunity for the body to restore and the mind to rest, releasing energy to flow more freely. While staying aware and awake, the mind receives clarity and perceives a deep sense of peace that is beyond our everyday mental ruminations and neurosis.
It is in this state of open awareness when we can apply Sankalpa (संकल्प) practice. We can use sankalpa as a way to set an intention, to connect with your heart’s deepest desire and to simply bring healing and other positive effects into our lives. A sincere Sankalpa, practiced regularly, is sure to bring positive results.
*International days are occasions to educate the general public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.

Celebrate International Day of Yoga with us!
ALL Day • June 21st • Open House
ALL classes, workshops & events are by donation!
Your support enables us to serve and share the teachings of Yoga with diverse communities. Thank you!
Schedule:
7:30 – 8:30 am Hatha Mixed Level ONLINE with Mia Velez
9:30 – 10:30 am Therapeutic Chair Yoga ONLINE with Diana Meltsner
9:30 – 11:00 am Community Class IN-PERSON with Laura Perlin
11:15 am – 12:00 pm Chanting Mantras ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Snehan Born
12:00 – 12:45 pm Guided Noon Meditation ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Swami Ramananda
12:45 pm Community Lunch IN-PERSON (24-hour advanced sign-up required)
5:00 – 5:25 pm – Deep Restoration with Yoga Nidra and Sankalpa ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Raama Das
5:30 – 7:00 pm BIPOC Community Class ONLINE with IYI BIPOC teachers
5:45 – 6:45 pm Embodied Wisdom: Yoga Teachings and Practice ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Swami Ramananda
6:30 – 8:00 pm Community Class IN-PERSON with JoAnn Bonifacio
7:00 – 8:00 pm Summer Solstice Meditation ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Diana Meltsner

Raama Das, C-IAYT, is a former director of the Integral Yoga® Teachers Association and has been instructing Integral Yoga since 2009. He is a lead trainer for the Integral Yoga 200-hour Teacher Training at Yogaville and co-presenter for the 200 and 500-hour Yoga Alliance programs at Heal Me Institute in Fredericksburg. Raama recently received certification as a Yoga Therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), having studied Yoga programs for specific health conditions, including, anxiety, depression, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and addiction. He is also certified as a teacher of Intermediate Hatha, Raja Yoga, Meditation, Stress Management, Yin Yoga, and Yoga for our Elders.
Raama has studied and served extensively at the Integral Yoga Academy at Yogaville and managed the Integral Yoga Therapy Program. In addition, he has participated in many months of deep Tantric and classical Yoga sadhana (practice) at the Scandinavian Yoga and Meditation School in Sweden under the direction of Swami Janakananda. He currently serves as Institute Manager at the Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco.

Embodied Wisdom: Yoga Teachings and Practice
2023-06-21 17:45 - 18:45
Online & In-Person | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Please join us for this special class as we celebrate the 9th annual International Day of Yoga. The United Nations proclaimed June 21st as International Day* of Yoga in order to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
Swami Ramananda will speak about the classical teachings of Yoga, Yogic philosophy and then incorporate these teachings into a meditative Yoga practice. All levels of practice are welcome.
*International days are occasions to educate the general public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.

Celebrate International Day of Yoga with us!
ALL Day • June 21st • Open House
ALL classes, workshops & events are by donation!
Your support enables us to serve and share the teachings of Yoga with diverse communities. Thank you!
Schedule:
7:30 – 8:30 am Hatha Mixed Level ONLINE with Mia Velez
9:30 – 10:30 am Therapeutic Chair Yoga ONLINE with Diana Meltsner
9:30 – 11:00 am Community Class IN-PERSON with Laura Perlin
11:15 am – 12:00 pm Chanting Mantras ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Snehan Born
12:00 – 12:45 pm Guided Noon Meditation ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Swami Ramananda
12:45 pm Community Lunch IN-PERSON (24-hour advanced sign-up required)
5:00 – 5:25 pm – Deep Restoration with Yoga Nidra and Sankalpa ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Raama Das
5:30 – 7:00 pm BIPOC Community Class ONLINE with IYI BIPOC teachers
5:45 – 6:45 pm Embodied Wisdom: Yoga Teachings and Practice ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Swami Ramananda
6:30 – 8:00 pm Community Class IN-PERSON with JoAnn Bonifacio
7:00 – 8:00 pm Summer Solstice Meditation ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Diana Meltsner

Swami Ramananda, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, Diana Meltsner, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, Mia Velez and Rashmi Dianne Galliano, MS, I-IAYT, E-RYT500, RPYTnanda is the Executive Director of the Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco, C-IAYT, and a greatly respected senior teacher in the Integral Yoga tradition, who has been practicing Yoga for over 45 years. Ramananda offers practical methods of integrating the timeless teachings and practices of Yoga into daily life, and transforming the painful aspects of human experience into steps toward realizing one’s full potential.
He leads beginner, intermediate and advanced level Yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco, and offers a variety of programs in many locations in the U.S., Europe and South America. Ramananda co-developed the Stress Management Teacher Training program with Swami Vidyananda, has trained many teachers to bring Yoga into corporate, hospital and medical settings, and has taught mind/body wellness programs in many locations. He is a certified Yoga therapist and founding board member of the Yoga Alliance, a national registry that supports and promotes yoga teachers as professionals. He is a co-founder of The Spiritual Action Initiative (SAI) which brings together individuals committed to working for social justice for all beings and for the care and healing of our natural world. His warmth, wisdom and sense of humor have endeared him to many.

Summer Solstice Meditation
2023-06-21 19:00 - 20:00
Online & In-Person | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Please join us for an extended evening meditation this evening as we celebrate the 9th annual International Day of Yoga and Summer Solstice. The United Nations proclaimed June 21st as International Day* of Yoga in order to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
Meditation or “dhyana” is part of yoga. Like the physical practice of yoga, meditation also forms a profound connection with the universe by doing mental practices which bring you to a higher state of consciousness.The Summer Solstice is a reminder to honor our connection to the natural world and changes in life. It is a time to celebrate inner power and brightness. This meditation will include

breathing
chanting
guided meditation instruction with the focus on connecting to our Earth and the Inner Light
sitting in silence
Arati, a sacred ritual in which Light is offered to the Divine and we then receive the blessings of the Light.

All levels of meditation practice are welcome. Online practitioners are encouraged to have a candle available for this ritual.
*International days are occasions to educate the general public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.

Celebrate International Day of Yoga with us!
ALL Day • June 21st • Open House
ALL classes, workshops & events are by donation!
Your support enables us to serve and share the teachings of Yoga with diverse communities. Thank you!
Schedule:
7:30 – 8:30 am Hatha Mixed Level ONLINE with Mia Velez
9:30 – 10:30 am Therapeutic Chair Yoga ONLINE with Diana Meltsner
9:30 – 11:00 am Community Class IN-PERSON with Laura Perlin
11:15 am – 12:00 pm Chanting Mantras ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Snehan Born
12:00 – 12:45 pm Guided Noon Meditation ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Swami Ramananda
12:45 pm Community Lunch IN-PERSON (24-hour advanced sign-up required)
5:00 – 5:25 pm – Deep Restoration with Yoga Nidra and Sankalpa ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Raama Das
5:30 – 7:00 pm BIPOC Community Class ONLINE with IYI BIPOC teachers
5:45 – 6:45 pm Embodied Wisdom: Yoga Teachings and Practice ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Swami Ramananda
6:30 – 8:00 pm Community Class IN-PERSON with JoAnn Bonifacio
7:00 – 8:00 pm Summer Solstice Meditation ONLINE & IN-PERSON with Diana Meltsner

Diana Meltsner, C-IAYT, ERYT-500, YACEP, has been teaching variety of classes and workshops since 2001 and since 2017 offers yoga therapy sessions privately and at Integral Yoga Therapy Clinic in San Francisco. She has worked in the clinical setting for Kaiser Permanente since 2005 as a yoga teacher, yoga therapist, and health educator and is teaching mindfulness and meditation to the medical staff.
Her focus is on the healing aspects of yoga on the mind as well as the body by applying the teachings of Yoga, practices of breath-control, mindfulness and meditation. Diana helps her clients to find healing and the ability to move through life with increased ease, stress resilience, and intuition.
Diana Meltsner works as a programs manager and serves on the board of directors at Integral Yoga Institute, an urban ashram in San Francisco. She is a yoga teacher trainer for the 200-hour and Meditation Teacher trainings. www.dianameltsner.com

Living Your Essential Nature: The Integration of Meditation into Daily Life, 1-Day Meditation and iRest Yoga Nidra Workshop
2023-06-24 10:00 - 16:30
Online & In-Person | $90 or $75 early bird exp. 6/17/2023
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines. https://integralyogasf.org/attending-in-person
This daylong retreat will guide you through a simple yet elegant nondual approach to meditation as both a practice and a way of living life. It is designed to help you experience how all movements of your body, mind, and daily life can be pointers that continually reveal your underlying Essential Nature as dynamically ever-present, beautiful, still, and the essence of indestructible happiness, peace, and well-being, which often goes unrealized because of its simplicity. Living your Essential Nature enables you to experience yourself and everything as interconnected, not-separate, and always whole.
During this daylong retreat we will engage periods of meditation, BodySensing and BreathSensing Yoga, iRest Yoga Nidra, and periods of self-inquiry into the freedom to be who we truly are. This is an opportunity to nourish coming home to your deepest Essence and authentic aliveness where you can open the door to the unexpected—to delight, wonder, astonishment, and awe. The day celebrates meditation not as an achievement, but as your ever-present Essence in which you can experience your true home in the Mystery we call life.
We have 1 hour for lunch – please bring your food (only vegetarian food in the ashram, no eggs or meat). We will share this time together. Hot water for tea and selection of teas will be available. We do not provide a way to heat up or refrigerate your food, the kitchen will be closed.
Schedule:
10:30 – 12:00 pm
1:00 – 2:00 pm lunch break
1:00 – 4:00 pm

Richard C. Miller, PhD is a clinical psychologist, author, researcher, yogic scholar, and spiritual teacher who has devoted his life to integrating western psychology and neuroscience with the ancient nondual wisdom teachings of Yoga, Tantra, Advaita, Taoism,and Buddhism. Richard is the founder of iRest Institute, co-founder of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and founding past president of the Institute for Spirituality
and Psychology.
Author of iRest Meditation: Restorative Practices for Health, Healing and Well Being, Yoga Nidra, The iRest Meditative Practice for Deep Relaxation and Healing, and The iRest Program for Healing PTSD, Richard serves as a research consultant studying the nondual somatic-based meditation protocol he’s developed–iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation–researching its efficacy on health, healing, and well-being with diverse populations that include veterans, women rescued from human trafficking, youth, the homeless, and the incarcerated with issues such as sleep, PTSD, pain and chemical dependency, as well as research on iRest’s efficacy for enhancing resiliency and well-being. Grounded in 35+ research studies, the US Army Surgeon General and the Defense Centers of Excellence have recognized iRest as a Complimentary Program for healing chronic pain and PTSD and restoring resiliency and well-being. Richard leads international trainings and meditation retreats on the integration of enlightened living into daily life. www.iRest.org.

How We Change, Why We Don’t – Yoga for Transformation, 2-part
2023-06-28 18:00 - 19:30
Online & In-Person | $35 for both
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.

Even when we are clear about changes we want to make in our lives, we often find it difficult to break out of well-established habits or we fall back into them when times are tough. Our conscious intentions may conflict with the old feelings and beliefs that are still embedded in our subconscious mind.
Part I, June 14 now on June 28, 2023
We will explore how to look deeply with compassion to unearth the roots of unhealthy patterns, understand our hidden needs and fears, and begin to make comprehensive lifestyle changes without stress or backlash. Then the changes we wish to make can be broken down into steps, and can be taken free from past conditioning, allowing us to feel the vastness, depth, and sacred nature of the Spirit within and around us.
Part II, June 28 now July 5, 2023
We will follow-up on the reflections and intentions we set in part 1. Then we will explore a comprehensive approach to change using all the practices and teachings of Yoga to address the different levels of being. We will learn how Yoga practice gradually restructures the subconscious mind, freeing us to experience the natural contentment and joy that is our birthright.
Swami Ramananda, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, Diana Meltsner, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, Mia Velez and Rashmi Dianne Galliano, MS, I-IAYT, E-RYT500, RPYTnanda is the Executive Director of the Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco, C-IAYT, and a greatly respected senior teacher in the Integral Yoga tradition, who has been practicing Yoga for over 45 years. Ramananda offers practical methods of integrating the timeless teachings and practices of Yoga into daily life, and transforming the painful aspects of human experience into steps toward realizing one’s full potential.
He leads beginner, intermediate and advanced level Yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco, and offers a variety of programs in many locations in the U.S., Europe and South America. Ramananda co-developed the Stress Management Teacher Training program with Swami Vidyananda, has trained many teachers to bring Yoga into corporate, hospital and medical settings, and has taught mind/body wellness programs in many locations. He is a certified Yoga therapist and founding board member of the Yoga Alliance, a national registry that supports and promotes yoga teachers as professionals. He is a co-founder of The Spiritual Action Initiative (SAI) which brings together individuals committed to working for social justice for all beings and for the care and healing of our natural world. His warmth, wisdom and sense of humor have endeared him to many.

Satsang: Guru Purnima
2023-07-01 12:00 - 13:00
Online & In-Person | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Guru Purnima is an annual celebration that offers us an opportunity to express gratitude for our spiritual teachers and recommit ourselves to the teachings they imparted. We will honor Sri Swami Satchidananda, the founder of Integral Yoga, his teacher Sri Swami Sivananda of our Saraswati lineage, as well as spiritual teachers of all spiritual traditions transmitting the teachings.
Everyone is invited to join in deepening the connection with that source of grace and guidance in whatever way we experience it.
Satsang, a special time for us to come together as a community. In Sanskrit, Sat means truth and Sangha means community. Satsang offers an opportunity to come together to share spiritual teachings. The philosophy of Integral Yoga is explored, often through an informal discussion. Although spiritual paths may diverge, the act of sharing spiritual teachings with others is inspiring and creates a solid foundation for continued practice.
People of all faiths are welcome.
Swami Ramananda is the Executive Director of Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco and a greatly respected senior teacher in the Integral Yoga tradition, who has been practicing Yoga for over 40 years. Ramananda offers practical methods of integrating the timeless teachings and practices of yoga into daily life, and transforming the painful aspects of human experience into steps toward realizing one’s full potential.
He leads beginner, intermediate and advanced level yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco, and offers a variety of programs in many locations in the U. S., Europe and South America. Ramananda trains Yoga teachers to bring Yoga into corporate, hospital and medical settings and has taught mind/body wellness programs in many locations. He is a founding board member of the Yoga Alliance, a national registry that supports and promotes yoga teachers as professionals. His warmth, wisdom and sense of humor have endeared him to many.

Swami Vimalananda Ma, RYT500, is an Integral Yoga sannyasi – monk. She has been involved with Integral Yoga since 1971 and Director of the San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute from 1992-2011. She specializes in teaching yoga philosophy and spiritual counseling.

Walking the Path Together, Community Meeting and Potluck
2023-07-08 11:00 - 12:30
Free | Online & In-Person
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Please join us in person or online for this gathering. The pandemic has really highlighted to us the importance of community and the benefits of supporting one another. There will be time for spiritual practice, sharing and questions. We will address the Institute’s plans for the coming year and we can discuss current news from the wider Integral Yoga organization. We always welcome your feedback on how we can best serve you going forward.
After the meeting, we will share a potluck meal in the backyard garden. Please bring a vegetarian dish to share (no meat, fish or eggs). There will be tea and cookies for everyone to enjoy.

Swami Ramananda, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, is the Executive Director of the Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco, C-IAYT, and a greatly respected senior teacher in the Integral Yoga tradition, who has been practicing Yoga for over 45 years. Ramananda offers practical methods of integrating the timeless teachings and practices of Yoga into daily life, and transforming the painful aspects of human experience into steps toward realizing one’s full potential.
He leads beginner, intermediate and advanced level Yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco, and offers a variety of programs in many locations in the U.S., Europe and South America. Ramananda co-developed the Stress Management Teacher Training program with Swami Vidyananda, has trained many teachers to bring Yoga into corporate, hospital and medical settings, and has taught mind/body wellness programs in many locations. He is a certified Yoga therapist and founding board member of the Yoga Alliance, a national registry that supports and promotes yoga teachers as professionals. He is a co-founder of The Spiritual Action Initiative (SAI) which brings together individuals committed to working for social justice for all beings and for the care and healing of our natural world. His warmth, wisdom and sense of humor have endeared him to many.
Please visit our website to learn more about our dedicated Board of Directors.

New Beginnings Writing Group
2023-07-14 16:00 - 18:00
Online | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15 | Monthly on the second Friday
Free follow-up Friday, July 28, 2023, 4:00 – 6:00 pm (Monthly on the fourth Friday)
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
In these times of great change we will explore a path toward meeting ourselves where we are to give voice to all that matters! As we live with interruptions and chaos, we can deepen into the roots of our creativity, encouraging the river of expression to flow. Beginners and seasoned writers are welcome, as we explore various forms of writing: poetry, prose, short stories, memoir, among others. Through writing exercises using everyday life, place, family, images, poetry of others, while using pranayama, meditation and the guidance of the Sutras we will build a body of work. Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace.
Tools we will Practice:

The Art of Paying Attention
Acceptance
Play
Writing from the Heart

Together we will combine self-care with our writing and discover what a writing practice means to us and how it may take shape.
Susan Ford, C-IAYT, RYT-500, began teaching in 2011 and has been an assistant trainer for the Basic Yoga Teacher at IYI since 2012.She specializes in gentle yoga and yoga therapy working with people with disabilities, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, aging, bone health, anxiety, depression and asthma. Her focus is to help students to meet their bodies where they are by introducing and incorporating Therapeutic Yoga, Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, pranayama and meditation.
Susan has been a writer of poetry, short stories and plays most of her adult life and has been repeatedly featured in the storytelling events in Northern California. She has led writer groups, tutored many in writing, and regularly hosts poetry reading Satsangs at the IYI.

Satsang: How Yoga Heals
2023-07-15 17:30 - 18:30
Online & In-Person | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Many people are familiar with the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the various branches of Yoga–yet do not recognize the integrated system of wellness outlined within this text and inherent in Integral Yoga. Within lies the power to heal body and heart; overcome illness and unhappiness, and reach a place of vibrant health, strength and peace.
Yoga is a transformative experience– integrating the mind- body- spirit. The results are subtle yet deep, proven to reduce stress and improve health. Whether you are experiencing the effects of trauma, stress, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, injury, or disease–or you are maintaining a balanced state of wellness–we all can benefit by gaining a deeper understanding of how Yoga affects our physiology and learning practical applications of the tools Yoga provides for healing.
In this Satsang Raama will share how Yoga heals and explore ancient practices blended with modern science and take home evidence-based, practical strategies to enhance your own healing.
Satsang, a special time for us to come together as a community. In Sanskrit, Sat means truth and Sangha means community. Satsang offers an opportunity to come together to share spiritual teachings. The philosophy of Integral Yoga is explored, often through an informal discussion. Although spiritual paths may diverge, the act of sharing spiritual teachings with others is inspiring and creates a solid foundation for continued practice.
Raama Das, C-IAYT, is a former director of the Integral Yoga® Teachers Association and has been instructing Integral Yoga since 2009. He is a lead trainer for the Integral Yoga 200-hour Teacher Training at Yogaville and co-presenter for the 200 and 500-hour Yoga Alliance programs at Heal Me Institute in Fredericksburg. Raama recently received certification as a Yoga Therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), having studied Yoga programs for specific health conditions, including, anxiety, depression, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and addiction. He is also certified as a teacher of Intermediate Hatha, Raja Yoga, Meditation, Stress Management, Yin Yoga, and Yoga for our Elders.
Raama has studied and served extensively at the Integral Yoga Academy at Yogaville and managed the Integral Yoga Therapy Program. In addition, he has participated in many months of deep Tantric and classical Yoga sadhana (practice) at the Scandinavian Yoga and Meditation School in Sweden under the direction of Swami Janakananda. He currently serves as Institute Manager at the Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco.

New Moon Hanuman Chalisa
2023-07-17 19:00 - 19:45
In-person | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines. https://integralyogasf.org/attending-in-person
Join Snehan for in-person chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa with harmonium. The Hanuman Chalisa is an ancient 40 line poem by Tulsidas extolling the many attributes and supernatural abilities of the Monkey God, Hanuman.
Sri Hanuman represents the ultimate devotee by his 100% commitment to his Dharmic path of serving Sri Ram, the Lord Itself. Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa promises the removal of all pain and suffering. And Sri Hanuman is the Wish-fulfilling Deity…..ask for what you really want!
We will chant for 30 minutes or so and then sit in meditation for about 10 minutes more.
Snehan Born, E-RYT 500, has over four decades of experience with yoga. He resides at the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco, where he teaches yoga classes and is a lead teacher trainer. Snehan is certified in all levels of Integral Yoga Hatha and has received additional certifications in Pranayama, Meditation, Raja Yoga and Stress Management from Integral Yoga. Chanting mantras and playing the harmonium are part of his regular practice and classes.
Snehan has lived and traveled extensively within India and practiced with many teachers there. He has taught yoga all over the US as well as in India, Nepal, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan and Europe.

Sufi Devotional Music from North India and Pakistan
2023-07-19 18:30 - 20:00
In-person | $25 or $20 early bird 7/12
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Anhad Naad Collective presents an exploration of traditional devotional music from the motherland of Yoga in this 2-part musical offering:

Hindu chants and devotional music with Lekshmi Satheesh Nair & Jun on Wednesday, July 12 ⋅ 6:30-8:30pm
Sufi devotional music from North India and Pakistan with Sukhawat Ali Khan on Wednesday, July 19 ⋅ 6:30-8:00pm

We will explore Sufi devotional music from North India and Pakistan lead by Sukhawat Ali Khan, an Eleventh Generation Singer of the Sham Chaurasi Gharana of hindustani music in Pakistan.
In the first hour we will focus on listening and experiencing the effect of raag in singing of sufi poetry by Sukhawat Ali Khan. We will also discuss the importance of poetry and music in Hindustani spiritual culture. Me and a drummer will provide accompaniment. Sukhawat ji will explain the basic characteristics and phrasing of simple raags used in qawwali music.
After a short break, we will ask for audience participation as background vocalists to sing 2 popular qawwali songs lead by Sukhawat Ali Khan. We will provide the lyrics sheet with English translation.
Sukhawat Ali Khan ji’s sufi music samples:

Ghulam Ali
Raste Juda Juda

Skhawat Ali Khan will be accompanied by his student Divya Vyas as a hindustani back up singer and Jun Ishimuro, back up musician. Jun is a musician and music producer under Qb Moda Jazz Soundcloud, former member of Astrud Castillo Cosmic Caravan and a student of Hindustani music.
Bio:
Skhawat Ali Khan, (born 1950), son of Indian-Pakistani vocalist Ustad Salamat Ali Khan and nephew of Nazkat Ali Khan is a classical singer of Sham Chaurasia gharana tradition founded in 16th century as well as a performer of North Indian and Pakistani classical music and related folk music. He began singing and playing at age seven and has performed around the world.

Yoga to Manage and Regulate Your Anxiety
2023-07-22 13:30 - 16:30
Online & In-Person | $65 or $54 early bird exp. 7/2
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Anxiety is the fear of being incapable or unable to face an impending circumstance or event. It is a normal emotion that as an informant, enhances preparedness, diminishes risk and promotes safety. But when it leads with excessive nervousness, apprehension, and worry, it becomes a mental disorder. If mild, it might be vague and unsettling, while if severe, it may seriously affect day-to-day living. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. Symptoms include those of stress – such as palpitations and sweating – out of proportion to the impact of the event, inability to set aside the worry, and generalized restlessness amongst others.
Antonio Sausys MA, IGT, CMT, C-IAYT is a somatic psychologist and yoga therapist specializing in grief counseling and therapy. He studied with Hugo Bilsky and Yoga masters and teachers such as Indra Devi, Ram Dass, Swami Shankaradevananda, Swami Ekananda, Babashi Singh and Swami Mairtreyananda. He has continued his professional development with training in Integrative Grief Therapy with Lyn Prashant, Foot Reflexology, Swedish Therapeutic Massage and Reiki.
Antonio presents his work both nationally and internationally at Schools and Universities and leads retreats at Ashrams, Retreat Centers and Yoga Studios., is a member of the World Yoga Council, the International Association of Yoga Therapists, a TV Host for YogiViews and the founder and Executive Director of ‘Yoga for Health’ the International Yoga Therapy Conference.
He is the author of Yoga for Grief Relief: Simple Practices for Transforming Your Grieving Mind and Body (New Harbinger) and a contributor for Yoga and Science in Pain Care – Treating the Person in Pain (Edited by Shelly Prosko and Neil Person – Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2019) and New Techniques of Grief Therapy: Bereavement and Beyond by Robert Niemeyer (Routledge 2019).

Therapeutic Yoga and Sound Healing
2023-07-30 15:30 - 17:30
In-person | $45 or $40 early bird exp. 7/23
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Therapeutic Yoga and Sound Healing are remedies for the challenges of our stressful times, and blends restorative yoga with guided breath-work and sound healing. Accompanied by the healing sounds of various instruments, you will be gently guided to relax into postures that allow for deep relaxation and restoration of the entire body including tight muscles, restricted fascia, overstimulated nervous systems, and an overactive or out of balanced mind, resetting and restoring a natural rhythm to your whole being. The practice creates a calm, supportive and nurturing environment in which you can relax and let go, allowing the innate wisdom of your body to naturally restore balance and well-being. Whether you just need to decompress from stress, recover from injury or if you’re dealing with chronic illness, this workshop will help your body, mind and spirit to relax, rejuvenate, and heal.
No prior yoga experience is necessary.
Please register in advance, space is limited. Thank you!
Save the date for our next session on Sunday, September 24th, 3:30 – 5:30pm | Open for enrollment!
Rachel Jennine Goudey, Psy.D., C-IAYT, is a Certified Yoga Therapist, Educator and Doctor of Psychology. Specializing in trauma work and embodied practices for nervous system integration, Rachel helps clients increase their capacity for joy and love in life through somatic movement, breath work, sound healing, self-reflection, and cultivating healthy life choices. Rachel brings years of mental health experience working with at-risk and underserved populations, integrating Eastern and Western practices to help clients move past symptom relief into true healing. She has brought holistic yoga programs and professional trainings on yoga for mental health into community mental health centers, hospitals and schools. Rachel’s aim is to guide individuals into states of peace and trust in their life’s story through the mind and body, create community, and bring the teachings and practices of yoga into various settings around the world. Rachel’s classes meet each student where they are at while still challenging them to reach new heights of self-realization, acceptance, and strength and flexibility, both on and off of the mat. She will push you to challenge yourself while also guiding you to listen to your body and intuition, teaching from a place of authenticity, passion and playfulness. To learn more about Rachel and her work visit racheljenninewellnessandyoga.com
Heather Sevika Ford, C-IAYT, MFA Design, became a certified Yoga teacher in 2008 and a certified Yoga Therapist in 2017.
Her classical yoga training and approach to teaching guides individuals towards experiencing the essence of Yoga; a contemplative, mindful practice intended to remove obstacles and restore peace. Accessibly and collaboratively she supports her clients towards optimal health and wellness through mindful movement and postures, subtle practices such as Yoga Nidra, Pranayama and meditation, as well as Reiki, sound vibration and aromatherapy. These practices are intended to strengthen the body, increase flexibility, optimize and soothe the immune and nervous systems. Her training and experience enables her to work safely and mindfully with a range of clients with a variety of conditions including addiction recovery, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stroke, pre and post-op, arthritis, cancer, peripheral neuropathy, post-polio syndrome, PTS, asthma, emphysema, nerve damage, obesity, joint replacements, and those experiencing limited physical mobility. sevikayoga.com

Full Moon Chanting
2023-08-01 20:00 - 20:30
Free | Online & In-Person
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
We gather once a month to chant the Gayatri Mantra, the great mantra of Light and Liberation, to maximize the spiritual benefits of the full moon.
“oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ
tat savitur vareṇyaṃ
bhargo devasya dhīmahi
dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt”
– Rigveda 3.62.1011
Snehan Born, E-RYT 500, has over four decades of experience with yoga. He resides at the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco, where he teaches yoga classes and is a lead teacher trainer. Snehan is certified in all levels of Integral Yoga Hatha and has received additional certifications in Pranayama, Meditation, Raja Yoga and Stress Management from Integral Yoga. Chanting mantras and playing the harmonium are part of his regular practice and classes.
Snehan has lived and traveled extensively within India and practiced with many teachers there. He has taught yoga all over the US as well as in India, Nepal, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan and Europe.

Satsang: Mystical Poetry Night
2023-08-05 17:30 - 18:30
Online & In-Person | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Join us for an evening of shared poetry that reﬂects the voice of our soul. We will read and discuss that which awakens inspiration, delight and peace in the heart. All are welcome to have a poem or two to share or simply listen and enjoy. Mystical poetry and sacred songs are powerful expressions of the human experience, a dynamic meeting of the mind with the Grace of the Divine that crosses the lines of time and specific religious views.
Tea and cookies will be offered after this in-person Satsang. Pre-registration is required for all in-person attendance.
Satsang is a special time for us to come together as a community. In Sanskrit, Sat means truth and Sangha means community. Satsang offers an opportunity to come together to share spiritual teachings. The philosophy of Integral Yoga is explored often through an informal discussion. Although our spiritual paths may diverge, the act of sharing spiritual teachings with others is inspiring and creates a solid foundation for continued practice.
People of all faiths are welcome.
Susan Ford, C-IAYT, RYT-500, began teaching in 2011 and has been an assistant trainer for the Basic Yoga Teacher Training at Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) since 2012. She specializes in gentle yoga and yoga therapy working with people with disabilities, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, aging, bone health, anxiety, depression and asthma. Her focus is to help students to meet their bodies where they are by introducing and incorporating Therapeutic Yoga, Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, pranayama and meditation.
Susan has been a writer of poetry, short stories and plays most of her adult life and has been repeatedly featured in storytelling events in Northern California. She has led writer groups, tutored many in writing, and regularly hosts poetry reading Satsangs at the IYI.
Diana Meltsner, C-IAYT, RYT-500,has been teaching variety of classes and workshops since 2001 and since 2017 offers yoga therapy sessions privately and at Integral Yoga Therapy Clinic in San Francisco. She has worked in the clinical setting for Kaiser Permanente since 2005 as a yoga teacher, yoga therapist, and health educator and is teaching mindfulness and meditation to the medical staff.
Her focus is on the healing aspects of yoga on the mind as well as the body by applying the teachings of Yoga, practices of breath-control, mindfulness and meditation. Diana helps her clients to find healing and the ability to move through life with increased ease, stress resilience, and intuition.
Diana Meltsner works as a programs manager and serves on the board of directors at Integral Yoga Institute, an urban ashram in San Francisco. She is a yoga teacher trainer for the 200-hour and Meditation Teacher trainings.
dianameltsner.com

Embodied Wisdom: Yoga Practice to Awaken, 2-part
2023-08-09 17:30 - 19:00
Online & In-Person | $45 for both
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
Enroll/In-person Please review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
There is a significant benefit to understanding our Yoga practice in the context of its original intention—stilling the mind to experience the spiritual consciousness that is our essential nature. Otherwise, our approach to practicing Yoga will be determined by our unconscious beliefs and habitual thought patterns, which are strongly influenced by the prevailing messages of our culture and become a primary source of suffering.
Come prepared to practice asana, pranayama and meditation.
In part 1 of this workshop on August 9th, we will tune into the natural intelligence of the body and practice moving free of our conditioning by guiding our attention in various ways to cultivate a neutral, non-reactive awareness, and an open heart.
In part 2 of this workshop on August 16th, we will explore the pathways for the flow of prana (subtle energy) and how that awareness supports us to bring the body, breath and mind into harmony and awaken us to the spiritual consciousness at the core of being.
Over time, a regular practice of this kind will gradually restructure even the subconscious mind so that we are no longer compelled by old beliefs and fears, and approach life with a sense of deep belonging, inner contentment and wonder.
Swami Ramananda, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, is the Executive Director of the Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco, C-IAYT, and a greatly respected senior teacher in the Integral Yoga tradition, who has been practicing Yoga for over 45 years. Ramananda offers practical methods of integrating the timeless teachings and practices of Yoga into daily life, and transforming the painful aspects of human experience into steps toward realizing one’s full potential.
He leads beginner, intermediate and advanced level Yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco, and offers a variety of programs in many locations in the U.S., Europe and South America. Ramananda co-developed the Stress Management Teacher Training program with Swami Vidyananda, has trained many teachers to bring Yoga into corporate, hospital and medical settings, and has taught mind/body wellness programs in many locations. He is a certified Yoga therapist and founding board member of the Yoga Alliance, a national registry that supports and promotes yoga teachers as professionals. He is a co-founder of The Spiritual Action Initiative (SAI) which brings together individuals committed to working for social justice for all beings and for the care and healing of our natural world. His warmth, wisdom and sense of humor have endeared him to many.

New Beginnings Writing Group
2023-08-11 16:00 - 18:00
Online | By donation $0, $5, $10, $15
Friday, August 11 (monthly on the second Friday)
Free follow-up Friday, August 25, 4:00 – 6:00 pm (monthly on the fourth Friday). Zoom link for this follow-up session can be found within your original registration conformation email.
Enroll/Online Please register in advance, a Zoom link and passcode will be provided via confirmation email.
In these times of great change we will explore a path toward meeting ourselves where we are to give voice to all that matters! As we live with interruptions and chaos, we can deepen into the roots of our creativity, encouraging the river of expression to flow. Beginners and seasoned writers are welcome, as we explore various forms of writing: poetry, prose, short stories, memoir, among others. Through writing exercises using everyday life, place, family, images, poetry of others, while using pranayama, meditation and the guidance of the Sutras we will build a body of work. Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace.
Tools we will Practice:

The Art of Paying Attention
Acceptance
Play
Writing from the Heart

Together we will combine self-care with our writing and discover what a writing practice means to us and how it may take shape.
Susan Ford, C-IAYT, RYT-500, began teaching in 2011 and has been an assistant trainer for the Basic Yoga Teacher at IYI since 2012.She specializes in gentle yoga and yoga therapy working with people with disabilities, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, aging, bone health, anxiety, depression and asthma. Her focus is to help students to meet their bodies where they are by introducing and incorporating Therapeutic Yoga, Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, pranayama and meditation.
Susan has been a writer of poetry, short stories and plays most of her adult life and has been repeatedly featured in the storytelling events in Northern California. She has led writer groups, tutored many in writing, and regularly hosts poetry reading Satsangs at the IYI.
