Integral Yoga San Francisco

21 - day Meditation Challenge
2025-01-06 07:15 - 08:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
ONLINE | Monday, JAN 6 – Sunday, JAN 26 2025
Daily 7:15 – 8:00am
$74 Early bird use promo code CHALLENGE, exp. 1/1/25 | $108 regular | Financial aid available
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Join meditation teachers Swami Ramananda, Claire Schneeberger, and Diana Meltsner for 3 weeks of daily morning meditations, Monday, January 6 – Sunday, January 26, 2025.
Develop, deepen or jumpstart your meditation practice with a 21-day meditation challenge. Meditation reduces stress, brings Self-knowledge and more. It becomes a mini-retreat where we connect with the inner calm, feeling whole and the contentment of simply being. Meditation cultivates positive states of mind that can lead to compassionate actions in our daily lives.
We will practice Integral Yoga-style pranayama and meditation. There will be guidance in the beginning and we will progressively reduce the instructions and increase time for individual practice.
Each session will include a topic relating to meditation, such as Why People Meditate; The Technique and Objects for Meditation; What to do with distracting thoughts; Affirmations, Chants & Prayers; Breathing Practices, Obstacles, Insights & Wisdom; and traditional texts that speak on meditation.. We will create a space for sharing and questions at the end of each week. Keeping a weekly sadhana chart to track the practice is optional.
Each session will be recorded and shared with all enrolled.CUEs for Yoga Alliance are available upon request.
Financial aid available, please contact diana@integralyogasf.org.

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 co-founded 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.
Claire Schneeberger
I am an educator leading workshops, classes, and healing circles related to meditation, mindfulness, compassion, and well-being. I facilitate a regular mindfulness meditation circle for WomenCARE, a center serving women with cancer in Central California, and have teaching certifications in meditation from the San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute and in applied compassion from Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism (CCARE). I am passionate about building communities and connections focused on compassion, empowerment, and well-being.
Diana Meltsner, C-IAYT, ERYT-500, YACEP, has been teaching a 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 been working 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 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

New Beginnings Writing Group
2025-01-10 16:00 - 17:30
$1-15 sliding scale
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Meets twice a month on 2nd and 4th Friday, next session is January 24th, 2025
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 Training at Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco (IYISF) 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 IYISF.

Ancient Yogic Food Wisdom, Modern Science: The Dietary Lifestyle to Transform Weight and Well-Being
2025-01-11 11:00 - 13:00
Workshop #1 of a 2-workshop series | offered individually | Online & in-person
$27 Early bird, use promo code FOOD, exp. 1/4/25 | $35
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Book now/In-PersonPlease review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Join us to discover the ancient principles of Anna Yoga, the yoga of food–plus food wisdom from other ancient traditions and state-of-the-art science–to unlock transformative and innovative pathways to optimal eating for ‘all of you’; physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. You can register for one or both workshops.
Workshop #1 of 2-part series is The Dietary Lifestyle to Transform Weight and Well-Being.
Come and discover the ancient/new, science-backed what to eat–and as important–how to eat guidelines that increase prana and influence weight.
What do you get when you unearth ancient yogic food wisdom (Anna Yoga) and merge it with state-of-the-art science? Answer: The transformative, scientifically sound Whole Person Integrative Eating® dietary lifestyle, which nourishes ‘all of you’ each time you eat–physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.
After registration, you will receive Deborah’s science-backed, automated “What’s Your Overeating Style? Self-Assessment Quiz” to discover the root reasons you may overeat.
Workshop #2 of 2: Ancient Yogic Food Wisdom, Modern Science: Cultivate Mindfulness Eating to Nourish Body, Mind, and Soul, Saturday, FEB 8 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. In this workshop you will experience The Whole Person Integrative Eating ® (WPIE) Guided Mindfulness Meal Meditation, so you can enhance physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being each time you eat. One meal at a time. Sign up

Deborah Kesten, MPH, is a nutrition researcher and award-winning author, specializing in the multidimensional power of food to heal. Her research career began as Nutritionist on Dean Ornish ‘s first clinical trial for reversing heart disease, which is an Integral Yoga-based lifestyle program inspired by IYI founder Swami Satchidananda. She also specializes in the health-and-healing benefits of ancient food wisdom from cultural traditions (such as Yogic Nutrition), world religions (Hinduism, etc.), and Eastern healing systems (such as India’s Ayurvedic Medicine), and in preventing and reversing overweight, heart disease, and other diet-linked chronic conditions.
Deborah’s science-backed Whole Person Integrative Eating® program–which is a distillation of ancient food wisdom and modern nutritional science–is about the power of food to heal ‘all of you’: physically (Biological Nutrition), emotionally (Psychological Nutrition), spiritually (Spiritual Nutrition), and socially (Social Nutrition); ergo, ‘Whole Person’ Integrative Eating. Deborah is married to IYI certified yoga teacher and behavioral scientist Larry Scherwitz, PhD, co-founder of Whole Person Integrative Eating®. To learn more, visit IntegrativeEating.

Kirtan with Acharya Mangalananda
2025-01-11 19:00 - 20:30
In-person | $25 Day of | $20 In advance, use promo code UNION
Book now/In-PersonPlease review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Chanting mantras and prayers are elements of the Bhakti Yoga path which leads to union with the Divine Consciousness. Chanting calms the nerves, purifies the emotions, heals the body and opens the heart. It elevates and concentrates the mind, preparing one for silent mantra repetition, meditation and communion with the Divine. Chanting done with a devotional attitude lifts the emotions toward selfless, divine love.

Acharya Mangalananda began his spiritual life in 1972 under the guidance of Swami Satchidananda, a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda. After an inner experience with Anandamayi Ma, the great woman Saint mentioned in Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”, with Sw. Satchidananda’s permission, he went to India to find her. He travelled with her in India during 1973 and ’74, receiving mantra Initiation from her. He has been since living within her Lineage with some of her great disciples in ashrams in the US and India. In 2001, he was sent back to India by Ma’s main Swami, Sw. Bhaskarananda to help start a school in one of her ashrams. He lived in Central India for twelve years, teaching in this school and also traveling within India extensively.
From 2007 to 2013, the Ashram sent him yearly to Europe and the US to present kirtan concerts and classes. In 2013, he returned to the US and lives in the San Francisco area, where he presents programs and hosts an online worldwide Matri Satsang group. He is an appointed Acharya (Lineage Teacher) of Ma Sharanam Ashram in India. He is the author of the book “A Goddess Among Us” which has been translated and published into five different languages. He is on the Board of Directors of the Shri Anandamayi Ma Ashram and Temple in Massachusetts and is a guest speaker and musician at Satchidananda Ashram/Yogaville, as well as at Sivananda Yoga Farm and Sivananda Bahama

Scripture study: The Essence of Balance: Exploring the Gunas through the Yoga Sutras, 3-part
2025-01-13 18:00 - 19:00
Online | $5-15 sliding scale
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Join us for a transformative 3-week scripture study group, “Understanding and Balancing the Gunas,” where you’ll explore the ancient wisdom of the Gunas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
On 3 Monday evenings January 13th, 20th and 27th, we will delve into how these fundamental energies shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The first week, you’ll dive deep into the characteristics of each Guna through group discussions and weekly reflections, gaining a profound understanding of how these energies manifest in your life. The concept of Gunas in Yoga philosophy introduces three fundamental energies that influence human behavior and the natural world. Sattva represents harmony, balance, and purity, associated with qualities like joy, intelligence, and clarity. Rajas are characterized by activity, passion, and desire, linked to movement, ambition, and restlessness. Tamas is associated with inertia, darkness, and ignorance, often leading to lethargy, confusion, and delusion. Understanding the interplay of these Gunas provides a framework for self-observation and personal development, allowing practitioners to navigate their emotional landscapes effectively, ultimately leading to a state of liberation as described in Patanjali’s teachings.
The Yoga Scripture Study series is an offering for participants to learn and discuss how the teachings of Yoga apply to our daily lives. We read passages, take time for reflection , and share how these words and practices support us on the spiritual path.
All are welcome to join any one or all of the sessions. Each session offered individually:
Part 1 Monday 1/13
Part 2 Monday 1/20
Part 3 Monday 1/27

Kealoha Deluz, Ph.D., has been a holistic health practitioner for 30 years, holds a Master of Divinity, Ph.D. in Holistic Studies, and is currently working towards a degree in transpersonal counseling. He has been an Integral Yoga Teacher since 2006 and is a Raja Yoga trainer, advanced level Hatha Yoga, meditation and stress management instructor. Kealoha is a licensed massage therapist, skin care practitioner, and holistic life coach. Kealoha Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, and currently lives and works in San Francisco, California.

Full Moon Chanting
2025-01-13 20:00 - 20:30
$5-$20 | Enroll for free, use promo code FREE
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Book now/In-PersonPlease 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 3.62.10[11]

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.

Community Movie Night
2025-01-18 18:30 - 20:00
Free | In-person
Book now/In-PersonPlease review our In-person Safety Guidelines. https://integralyogasf.org/attending-in-person
Break up the cold, dark month of January by joining us for an evening of uplifting entertainment to watch a fun British movie “Millions” (73 minutes). It’s a great movie with levity, spiritual values and is free of violence. The Institute will supply popcorn. Bring your own snacks or meal.

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.

Sunday Spiritual Talk: Radically Unselfish
2025-01-19 11:00 - 12:00
$5-$20 | Enroll for free, use promo code FREE.
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. observed that, “The nation is sick. Trouble is in the land; confusion all around,” then immediately following, he also said, “that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.” Those words continue to be relevant today. Dr. King himself was beaten, stabbed and even jailed almost 30 times. Still, he continued on this path because he believed he could make a difference. Imagine if the rest of us took up even a fraction of that kind of commitment. Using the guidance of the Yoga Sutras, let’s come together for an hour long discussion to figure out what meaningful and sustainable action looks like today and bring the light of truth to overcome ignorance.
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.

Mia Velez, E-RYT 500, entered the Integral Yoga Sangha in 2016 through the kitchen by helping to cook Thursday community lunches and silent retreat meals. In 2018 she was certified as an Integral Yoga teacher to learn more of the IYI approach and be part of the lineage. Mia is a disciple of the Moy Yat Ving Tsun Kung Fu lineage and is highly influenced by her martial arts training. After completing her first 200-hour teacher training in 2008, she began to see undeniable parallels in Yoga and Kung Fu. When she began teaching Kung Fu in 2014, she incorporated Yoga insight and principles in her classes. Her goal in teaching is to connect with the students and to facilitate a safe space for exploration and self-inquiry. Yoga and Kung Fu are integrated into her daily life as a mother, a preschool teacher, and an advocate for gender, race, and class equality through multiple non-profit groups.

Sound Bath–Yoga Nidra LA Fire Relief Fundraiser
2025-01-19 15:30 - 17:00
100% of the proceeds go to American Red Cross to help those affected by LA fires.
In-Person | $35-150 sliding scale
Book now/In-PersonWe appreciate advance registration.
When we take care of ourselves, we foster the capacity to take care of others. By supporting yourself you are supporting those in Los Angeles in desperate need of our help.
Our bodies are densely packed fields of energy. The day-to-day challenges of life, no matter how large or small, create stress hormones in the body that can depress the immune system. The practice of Yoga Nidra supports the body in doing what it is wired to do; rejuvenate, repair, and restore the body on both a cellular and energetic level. Yoga Nidra is also a practice of exploring, setting and activating your own, personal, Sankulpa or intention. The practice of bathing in sound can break the stress-cycle in a safe, relaxing and non-invasive way.
This workshop will guide you through the practice of centering, pranayama/breathing practice, and gentle movement before coming to a comfortable supported position and experiencing a guided 40-50 minutes, Yoga Nidra and sound bath. Live, sound-healing instruments in combination with Yoga Nidra creates the ideal conditions to recalibrate your own vibrational frequency, reboot the nervous system, and support you to tap into the self-healing capacity.
Some of the benefits of Yoga Nidra and sound bath include lowered heart rate and blood pressure, relaxed brain wave patterns, reduced respiratory rates, a boost of natural opiates in the physical body and improved sleep. Experience these profound practices for rebooting your nervous system, realizing optimal health and expanded consciousness.
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. We will be lying down on our backs for approximately 40-50 minutes. Props provided. If coming to the floor is not available to you a folding chair will be provided.
Thank you – Om Shanti
Unable to attend? You can donate directly to the American Red Cross online at americanredcross.org/donate.

Heather Sevika Ford, C-IAYT has been a yoga teacher since 2008 and became a Yoga Therapist in 2017. Based in the classical teachings of yoga her sessions are accessible, designed to guide individuals toward experiencing the essence of Yoga; a contemplative, mindful practice intended to eliminate obstacles and cultivate profound peace. Heather works collaboratively with her clients to support and empower them to explore and embrace the transformative power of Yoga. Sessions include mindful movement and postures to build strength and increase flexibility, subtle practices such as Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, and meditation and often integrate complementary techniques such as Reiki, sound healing and aromatherapy. These practices support optimal health, resilience and the opportunity to “reboot” the nervous system. Currently she teaches and leads workshops for Integral Yoga Institute, Stanford University, Rosebay Behavioral Mental Health and Alta Mira Recovery Center. Learn more at sevikayoga.com

Scripture study: The Essence of Balance: Exploring the Gunas through the Yoga Sutras, 3-part
2025-01-20 18:00 - 19:00
Online | $5-15 sliding scale
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Join us for a transformative 3-week scripture study group, “Understanding and Balancing the Gunas,” where you’ll explore the ancient wisdom of the Gunas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
On 3 Monday evenings, January 13th, 20th and 27th, we will delve into how these fundamental energies shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The first week, you’ll dive deep into the characteristics of each Guna through group discussions and weekly reflections, gaining a profound understanding of how these energies manifest in your life. The concept of Gunas in Yoga philosophy introduces three fundamental energies that influence human behavior and the natural world. Sattva represents harmony, balance, and purity, associated with qualities like joy, intelligence, and clarity. Rajas are characterized by activity, passion, and desire, linked to movement, ambition, and restlessness. Tamas is associated with inertia, darkness, and ignorance, often leading to lethargy, confusion, and delusion. Understanding the interplay of these Gunas provides a framework for self-observation and personal development, allowing practitioners to navigate their emotional landscapes effectively, ultimately leading to a state of liberation as described in Patanjali’s teachings.
The Yoga Scripture Study series is an offering for participants to learn and discuss how the teachings of Yoga apply to our daily lives. We read passages, take time for reflection , and share how these words and practices support us on the spiritual path.
All are welcome to join any one or all of the sessions. Each session offered individually:
Part 1 Monday 1/13 online
Part 2 Monday 1/20 online
Part 3 Monday 1/27 online

Kealoha Deluz, Ph.D, has been a holistic health practitioner for 30 years, holds a Master of Divinity, Ph.D. in Holistic Studies, and is currently working towards a degree in transpersonal counseling. He has been an Integral Yoga Teacher since 2006 and is a Raja Yoga trainer, advanced level Hatha Yoga, meditation and stress management instructor. Kealoha is a licensed massage therapist, skin care practitioner, and holistic life coach. Kealoha Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, and currently lives and works in San Francisco, California.

Mixed Level Yoga Class -Fundraiser for Govind Das
2025-01-21 17:30 - 18:30
Screenshot
100% of the proceeds from this class to support sangha member and Kirtan artist Govind Das – he and his family lost their home in the fires.
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Book now/In-PersonWe appreciate advance registration.
Mixed Level Yoga Class with Snehan Born
This class is appropriate for anyone from beginner to established yogis. Poses are taught with options for all levels and includes deep relaxation, pranayama (breathing practices) and meditation.

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.

New Beginnings Writing Group
2025-01-24 16:00 - 17:30
$1-15 sliding scale
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Meets twice a month on 2nd and 4th 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 Training at Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco (IYISF) 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 IYISF.

Ayurveda Play-shop
2025-01-25 11:00 - 13:00
We apologize, this event has been cancelled.
$27 Early bird, use promo code PLAY, exp. 1/20/25 | Regular $35

Join Ausra Duverge, an Ayurvedic Health Counselor and a Certified Yoga Therapist for an Ayurveda Play-shop, a two-hour interactive session.
In this workshop, we will delve into the principles of Ayurveda, the science of life and longevity, in a relaxed and playful atmosphere. Together, we’ll explore how to balance the body, mind, and spirit. We will focus on the Five Ayurveda Elements (Air, Fire, Water, Earth, Ether/Space) both internally and externally and the tools that can restore and bring forth optimum mental and physical health.

Determine your personal unique constitution, a combination of elements – dosha, and learn practical ways to balance them with Yoga practice.
Discover simple yet powerful Ayurvedic practices to enhance your daily routine, including nutrition, self-care rituals, and mindfulness techniques.
Explore the concept of “agni” (digestive fire) and its crucial role in maintaining optimal health.
Learn how to align your lifestyle with seasonal rhythms for optimal well-being.

Attend this workshop and receive half off on your next Ayurvedic consultation at the Integral Yoga Therapy Clinic. Find out more at our Yoga Therapy Clinic page.

Ausra Duverge, C-IAYT, ERYT-500, started teaching yoga in 2015. After an initial 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Dubai, UAE, she has continued to expand her knowledge in Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy. In 2017 she completed an Ayurvedic Health Counselor program at Kerala Ayurveda Academy in Fremont, California. Ausra is a Certified Yoga Therapist from the Stress Management Center of Marin in Larkspur, CA. Ausra uses Yoga techniques and practices: movement, breathing, relaxation, meditation, yoga philosophy, and Ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle recommendations to help safely manage existing health conditions, reduce symptoms, restore balance and vitality. She currently offers private sessions for clients that are recovering from physical injury or surgery, scoliosis, women in perimenopause and menopause, as well as Ayurvedic consultations. For more information, please visit her website at ayatherapy.me.

Kirtan with Easy E
2025-01-25 19:00 - 20:30
In-person | Sliding scale $5-25 (option to come for free with promocode FREE)
fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”]Book now/In-PersonPlease review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Please join Easy E and the band for an evening of chanting. His style of Kirtan is wonderful for all levels of Kirtan goers, with an easy flow of music and lyrics that are simple to follow and chant to. Easy E wants everyone to focus on the medicine of the music and not the complication of the lyrics. With an Easy and gentle flow of mantra music, Easy E takes everyone down a path of devotional music and challenges everyone to dive deep into their hearts and feel the true spirit of what Kirtan can dish out for its participants.

Easy E was born and raised in Southern California and found the Bhakti practice back in 2015 when he went to India on a retreat with Govindas from the Bhakti Yoga Shala. It was on that trip that Easy E was introduced to Hanuman, and the connection was life changing. Easy E comes from a musical background and has been playing the acoustic guitar since he was 8 years old. With a deep rooted background in Judaism, the Bhakti path was like a coming home party for Easy E, playing and singing mantras was heart opening which is very transparent to all those who chant together with him. He plays with Hanuman Ji’s, a Band of Friends, born out of the Bhakti Yoga Shala in Santa Monica California.

Scripture study: The Essence of Balance: Exploring the Gunas through the Yoga Sutras, 3-part
2025-01-27 18:00 - 19:00
Online | $5-15 sliding scale
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Join us for a transformative 3-week scripture study group, “Understanding and Balancing the Gunas,” where you’ll explore the ancient wisdom of the Gunas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
On 3 Monday evenings, January 13th, 20th and 27th, we will delve into how these fundamental energies shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The first week, you’ll dive deep into the characteristics of each Guna through group discussions and weekly reflections, gaining a profound understanding of how these energies manifest in your life. The concept of Gunas in Yoga philosophy introduces three fundamental energies that influence human behavior and the natural world. Sattva represents harmony, balance, and purity, associated with qualities like joy, intelligence, and clarity. Rajas are characterized by activity, passion, and desire, linked to movement, ambition, and restlessness. Tamas is associated with inertia, darkness, and ignorance, often leading to lethargy, confusion, and delusion. Understanding the interplay of these Gunas provides a framework for self-observation and personal development, allowing practitioners to navigate their emotional landscapes effectively, ultimately leading to a state of liberation as described in Patanjali’s teachings.
The Yoga Scripture Study series is an offering for participants to learn and discuss how the teachings of Yoga apply to our daily lives. We read passages, take time for reflection , and share how these words and practices support us on the spiritual path.
All are welcome to join any one or all of the sessions. Each session offered individually:
Part 1 Monday 1/13
Part 2 Monday 1/20
Part 3 Monday 1/27

Kealoha Deluz, Ph.D, has been a holistic health practitioner for 30 years, holds a Master of Divinity, Ph.D. in Holistic Studies, and is currently working towards a degree in transpersonal counseling. He has been an Integral Yoga Teacher since 2006 and is a Raja Yoga trainer, advanced level Hatha Yoga, meditation and stress management instructor. Kealoha is a licensed massage therapist, skin care practitioner, and holistic life coach. Kealoha Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, and currently lives and works in San Francisco, California.

New Moon Hanuman Chalisa
2025-01-29 20:00 - 20:30
$5-$20 | Enroll for free, use promo code FREE
Book now/In-PersonPlease review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
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.

Satsang: The Healing Power of a Yogic Lifestyle
2025-02-01 17:30 - 18:30
$5-$20 | Enroll for free, use promo code FREE.
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Book now/In-PersonPlease review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
From cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and depression, many physical and mental conditions have not only been escalating for decades, they are accepted as a natural progression of aging by conventional medicine, which treats chronic conditions with drugs or surgery.
In this presentation, IYI certified yoga teacher and research scientist Larry Scherwitz will describe the scientifically validated, therapeutic approach that can prevent, halt, even reverse the underlying causes of chronic conditions: the yoga-based Lifestyle Medicine program inspired by Swami Satchidananda and developed by Dean Ornish, MD.
As Director of Research on the “reversal program” for 18 years, Larry will present the yoga-inspired clinical trials by Dr. Ornish and colleagues, which showed that comprehensive lifestyle changes can halt and reverse CAD, hypertension, prostate cancer, and Alzheimer’s–without drugs or surgery. Throughout the presentation, Larry will shed light on the healing power of such yogic lifestyle ‘ingredients’ as a predominantly plant-based diet, exercise, group support, asanas, yoga nidra (progressive relaxation), pranayama, meditation, and more.
You will learn the specifics of each modality of Ornish Lifestyle Medicine, and how, and how much practice is necessary to achieve the benefits of the practice.
Everyone is welcome to share a simple vegetarian meal and tea afterwards. Recommended donation $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.

Larry Scherwitz, PhD, C-IAYT is a behavioral medicine scientist with a doctorate in social psychology. He is also a certified Integral Hatha yoga teacher, who first met Swami Ramananda while being trained at IYI in 1989.
As an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, Larry met fellow yoga practitioner, Dean Ornish, who was a medical student at the time. Based on the suggestion of Dean’s guru, Swami Satchidananda–that heart patients adopt a yogic lifestyle–Dean was then in the process of conducting a pilot study to see if the yogic lifestyle could halt and reverse heart disease. As Dr. Ornish’s Director of Research over the next 18 years, Larry conducted three clinical trials at Dr. Ornish’s Preventive Medicine Research Institute (PMRI) in Sausalito, California, showing that the yoga lifestyle could reverse heart disease as well as related risk factors, such as high cholesterol. Based on the success of these studies, Larry became a Guest Professor at cardiovascular clinics in Germany, where, for two years,
He conducted clinical trials on Ornish Lifestyle Medicine in both Germany and the Netherlands. During this time, he did two keynote presentations in New Delhi, India, about the yoga-based heart disease reversal program.
Larry is the co-author of four books on diet and health, and Co-Founder of the Whole Person Integrative Eating dietary lifestyle–a science-backed program about the power of food to enhance physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being (ergo, ‘whole person’ integrative eating). He is married to nutrition researcher Deborah Kesten, MPH, who was the nutritionist on Dean Ornish’s first clinical trial for reversing heart disease.

Death Cafe
2025-02-02 15:00 - 16:30
In-person | $1-$15 | Enroll for free, use promo code FREE.
Book now/In-PersonPlease review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Join Leslie for a Death Cafe at Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco. At a Death Cafe people, often strangers, gather to eat cookies, drink tea and discuss death.
What is Death Cafe?
It is a group discussion about death with the topics determined by attendees, with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. The objective is ‘to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives’.
Death Cafes are always offered:

On a not for profit basis, donation based
In an accessible, respectful and confidential space
With no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action.

Learn more at Death Cafe.

Avi Rose, MSW has been involved with LGBT causes for decades. He managed the pioneering AIDS program at S.F.-based Jewish Family and Children’s Services in the 1980s, has served as the executive director of a national HIV information and advocacy organization, and has worked extensively to bring LGBT and HIV/AIDS issues to the attention of faith communities. He served as Executive Director of Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay for 15 years, retiring in 2021. And he has continued his dedication to Jewish spiritual practice as a spiritual director at Kehilla Community Synagogue for more than 30 years. He is currently honored to serve as an end-of-life doula.

Scripture Study: The Wisdom and Beauty of the Upanishads, 3-part
2025-02-03 18:00 - 19:00
3 consecutive Mondays ⋅ 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Online | $5-15 sliding scale | Each session offered individually
Monday, FEB 3
Monday, FEB 10
Monday, FEB 17
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Sri Aurobindo said that the Upanishads are the supreme work of the Indian mind and are the highest expression of its genius. In its beautiful poetry and profound stories the Upanishads explore the great questions of the human condition: what is the nature of the true Self, how do we overcome suffering and find happiness, and what is the purpose of life? In these sessions we will explore the history of the Upanishads, examine some of the main Upanishads, and discuss these great questions.
The Yoga Scripture Study series is an offering in which participants learn and discuss how the teachings of Yoga apply to our daily lives. We read passages, take time to reflect upon them, and share with each other how these words and practices support us on the spiritual path. All are welcome to join any one or all of the sessions.

Gary Kissiah was introduced to Eastern philosophy in college when he discovered the writings of Alan Watts which led to studies in Zen and Zen-inspired poetry. Gary found yoga in 2000 and has a Certificate of Yoga Philosophy from the California Institute of Integral Studies. He has studied yoga at Esalen Institute, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, and Satchidananda Ashram.
Gary published his first book entitled: “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali- Illuminations Through Image, Commentary and Design.” The book provides a new approach to studying and living the Yoga Sutras by using imagery, poetry and quotation to illuminate the heart of the Sutras. Gary Kissiah also has practiced corporate law for over 20 years. After Gary’s book on the Yoga Sutras was published, he began to get speaking invitations and teaches workshops on yoga philosophy, ethics and law for Yoga teacher training programs. Gary was on a Yoga Alliance Committee that drafted a new Code of Conduct and was on the Board of Directors of the Integral Yoga Institute-San Francisco.

Scripture Study: Raja Yoga - Keys to Sustainable Growth, 2 of 3-part
2025-02-08 08:00 - 17:00
Online | $5-15 sliding scale | Part 2 of 3-part series, each session offered individually
Free for active IYISF teachers
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
3 Mondays, from 6:00 – 7:00pm:
Part 1 – March 24
Part 2 – March 31
Part 3 – April 7
It can be fascinating to research and grasp the meaning of the Yoga Sutras, but unless we find ways to embody these principles in daily life, we only scratch the surface of the benefits held within the words. In this series, we will explore 4 specific methods to deepen our personal experience of selected sutras and take concrete steps toward sustainable personal growth. We will use a system of reminders, guided reflection, and group support to bring these principles into a lived experience.
The Yoga Scripture Study series is an offering in which participants learn and discuss how the teachings of Yoga apply to our daily lives. We read passages, take time to reflect upon them, and share with each other how these words and practices support us on the spiritual path.
All are welcome to join any one or all of the sessions.

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 co-founded 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.

Ancient Yogic Food Wisdom, Modern Science: Cultivate Mindfulness Eating to Nourish Body, Mind, and Soul
2025-02-08 11:00 - 13:00
Workshop 2 of 2-part workshop series, offered individually | Online & in-person
$27 Early bird, use promo code NOURISH, exp. 2/1/25 | $35 regular
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Book now/In-PersonPlease review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Ancient Yogic Food Wisdom, Modern Science 2-workshop series:
Come and discover the ancient principles of Anna Yoga, the yoga of food–plus food wisdom from other ancient traditions and state-of-the-art science–to unlock transformative and innovative pathways to optimal eating for ‘all of you’; physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. You can register for one or both workshops.
Workshop #2 of 2: Cultivate Mindfulness Eating to Nourish Body, Mind, and Soul. With a daily Sadhana practice, we are reshaping our inner being; replacing old patterns and thoughts with new ones. So, too, with The Whole Person Integrative Eating® (WPIE) Guided Mindfulness Meal Meditation, which creates a harmonious balance between physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. Each time you eat. Come experience the health-enhancing benefits of mindfulness eating with The Whole Person Integrative Eating® (WPIE) Guided Mindfulness Meal Meditation. One meal at a time.
After the workshop you will receive Deborah’s downloadable audio, “The WPIE Guided Mindfulness Meal Meditation” to nourish ‘all of you’ each time you eat.
Workshop #1 of 2: Ancient Yogic Food Wisdom, Modern Science: The Dietary Lifestyle to Transform Weight and Well-Being on Sat. JAN 11, 2025 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm PST. This workshop explores the influence of prana-infused food and feelings on weight. Sign up

Deborah Kesten, MPH, is a nutrition researcher and award-winning author, specializing in the multidimensional power of food to heal. Her research career began as Nutritionist on Dean Ornish ‘s first clinical trial for reversing heart disease, which is an Integral Yoga-based lifestyle program inspired by IYI founder Swami Satchidananda. She also specializes in the health-and-healing benefits of ancient food wisdom from cultural traditions (such as Yogic Nutrition), world religions (Hinduism, etc.), and Eastern healing systems (such as India’s Ayurvedic Medicine), and in preventing and reversing overweight, heart disease, and other diet-linked chronic conditions.
Deborah’s science-backed Whole Person Integrative Eating® program–which is a distillation of ancient food wisdom and modern nutritional science–is about the power of food to heal ‘all of you’: physically (Biological Nutrition), emotionally (Psychological Nutrition), spiritually (Spiritual Nutrition), and socially (Social Nutrition); ergo, ‘Whole Person’ Integrative Eating. Deborah is married to IYI certified yoga teacher and behavioral scientist Larry Scherwitz, PhD, co-founder of Whole Person Integrative Eating®. To learn more, visit IntegrativeEating..

Community Kirtan
2025-02-08 19:00 - 20:30
In-person | $5-$20 | Enroll for free, use promo code FREE.
Book now/In-PersonPlease review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Join Snehan Born for an ‘open mic’ community Kirtan. We will share and take turns in leading call and response chanting. All are welcome to participate in leading or join in with your voice for responding only. No music experience is necessary.
Kirtan is the Yoga practice of chanting Sanskrit mantras, sacred sound formulas that create a peaceful and uplifting vibration. Singing these holy mantras together calms the thinking mind, illuminates the heart and awakens the spiritual consciousness within. Kirtan is a form of Bhakti Yoga, singing the names of the Divine and a calling out of the soul for support, protection and guidance.

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.

Scripture Study: The Wisdom and Beauty of the Upanishads, 2 of 3-part
2025-02-10 18:00 - 19:00
Online | $5-15 sliding scale | Each session offered individually
3 consecutive Mondays ⋅ 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Monday, FEB 3
Monday, FEB 10
Monday, FEB 17
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Sri Aurobindo said that the Upanishads are the supreme work of the Indian mind and are the highest expression of its genius. In its beautiful poetry and profound stories the Upanishads explore the great questions of the human condition: what is the nature of the true Self, how do we overcome suffering and find happiness, and what is the purpose of life? In these sessions we will explore the history of the Upanishads, examine some of the main Upanishads, and discuss these great questions.
The Yoga Scripture Study series is an offering in which participants learn and discuss how the teachings of Yoga apply to our daily lives. We read passages, take time to reflect upon them, and share with each other how these words and practices support us on the spiritual path. All are welcome to join any one or all of the sessions.

Gary Kissiah was introduced to Eastern philosophy in college when he discovered the writings of Alan Watts which led to studies in Zen and Zen-inspired poetry. Gary found yoga in 2000 and has a Certificate of Yoga Philosophy from the California Institute of Integral Studies. He has studied yoga at Esalen Institute, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, and Satchidananda Ashram.
Gary published his first book entitled: “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali- Illuminations Through Image, Commentary and Design.” The book provides a new approach to studying and living the Yoga Sutras by using imagery, poetry and quotation to illuminate the heart of the Sutras. Gary Kissiah also has practiced corporate law for over 20 years. After Gary’s book on the Yoga Sutras was published, he began to get speaking invitations and teaches workshops on yoga philosophy, ethics and law for Yoga teacher training programs. Gary was on a Yoga Alliance Committee that drafted a new Code of Conduct and was on the Board of Directors of the Integral Yoga Institute-San Francisco.

Open House for 200-Hour BIPOC Yoga Teacher Training 2025
2025-02-11 17:30 - 18:30
Online | Free
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Join our live-online Open House to learn more about our third bi-annual scholarship-based 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). In an effort toward dismantling imbalance, IYISF is offering this Yoga Teacher Training in a two-module format: Module 1 with 100% BIPOC teacher trainers and participants and Module 2, for anyone who has taken Module 1 within the past 2 years or yoga teachers who want to certify as an Integral Yoga teacher.
The program’s lead trainers are Mia Velez and Rukmini Ando. The guest trainers in Module 1 are Marc Morozumi and Kamala Damaris Berrio, and in Module 2 Swami Ramananda and Arturo Peal.
Visit our website for more information about the 200-hour BIPOC Yoga Teacher Training.
Our curriculum is based on 40 years of Integral Yoga teacher training tradition coupled with harm-reductive and anti-racist practices. Students will learn skills to become knowledgeable yoga teachers for in-person and online classes.
At the 2 open houses:
⋅ Meet the members of this all-BIPOC teaching staff
⋅ Explore the importance of a program specifically designed to address systemic racism and lack of equity in the yoga community
⋅ Have all of your questions about the training answered
This high-quality training meets the Yoga Alliance standards.
We also offer a 2nd Open House on Tuesday, March 25, from 5:30–6:30 pm PT.
Book now/Open House #2
About our 2-part training:
Module 1, Yoga Immersion Program, provides a strong foundation for personal and spiritual development. Whether you want to teach others or take your own practice to a deeper level, this module will offer an authentic experience of living Yoga which includes well-rounded, in-depth yoga studies. Click to learn more
Module 2, Yoga Teaching Essentials, provides further understanding of Hatha Yoga and a thorough training in developing the skills necessary to become a confident, knowledgeable Integral Yoga instructor. This module has a newly expanded curriculum in anatomy, teaching methodology and professional development. Already certified teachers are welcome to join to refresh or deepen their teaching skills. Click to learn more.
Testimonials:
“This has been an amazing journey for me. It has helped me to be more accountable to myself and help me to hone my reflective skills even better.” – Jennifer
“Being in a space with everyone and getting to know everyone on a connected, deeper level, going through an intensive yoga training, and knowing that everyone is connected to you on some level is the most exciting part of the training.” – Rachel
“Feeling the benefits in my life, I’ve noticed my interpersonal relationships have been changing and even my relationship with myself. Those are influences in my life that I owe to this training.” – A.G.

Mia Velez, E-RYT 500, entered the Integral Yoga Sangha in 2016 through the kitchen by helping to cook Thursday community lunches and silent retreat meals. In 2018 she was certified as an Integral Yoga teacher to learn more of the IYI approach and be part of the lineage. Mia is a disciple of the Moy Yat Ving Tsun Kung Fu lineage and is highly influenced by her martial arts training. After completing her first 200-hour teacher training in 2008, she began to see undeniable parallels in Yoga and Kung Fu. When she began teaching Kung Fu in 2014, she incorporated Yoga insight and principles in her classes. Her goal in teaching is to connect with the students and to facilitate a safe space for exploration and self-inquiry. Yoga and Kung Fu are integrated into her daily life as a mother, a preschool teacher, and an advocate for gender, race, and class equality through multiple non-profit groups.
Nathalie Rukmini Ando is a Yoga teacher, trainer, and graphic designer, Brazilian of Japanese descent. She lived in Yogaville, VA, where she served as a Yoga teacher, program development director, leadership team member, online courses administrator, DE&I (Diversity Equity and Inclusion) Committee member, and Anti-Racism Task Force member. She has been practicing Yoga since 2004, teaching since 2010, and has been a Yoga teacher trainer since 2022. She is certified in Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Integral Yoga, Raja Yoga, Adaptive, Stress Management, Yoga of Recovery, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Basics of Ayurveda, and Neuroscience & Yoga. As a teacher, she’s known for her clear instruction and her classes include fun, level-appropriate challenges. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and is a fine artist specializing in oil-on-canvas. You can see her artwork at natiando.art.

Full Moon Chanting
2025-02-12 20:00 - 20:30
$5-$20 | Enroll for free, use promo code FREE
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Book now/In-PersonWe appreciate advance registration.
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 3.62.10[11]

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.

Deepening Your Yoga Practice, On and Off the Mat, 3-part course
2025-02-13 18:00 - 19:30
Online & In-person | 3 consecutive Thursdays 13, 20 & 27
$70 | $56 Early bird, use promo code YOGA, exp. 2/6
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Book now/In-PersonPlease review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Many people struggle to find time for a regular Yoga practice and even when they do, they may not derive the profound benefits that it can offer. Likewise, the teachings and principles of Yoga can be hard to remember and implement when our lives are stressful, and the messages of our culture contradict them at every return. Join Swami Ramananda for this three week course in which we will explore together how to experience maximum benefits from even a short daily Yoga practice on the mat, and how the teachings of Yoga can be integrated into our daily activities.
Session 1 – 2/13: The focus will be on how to correctly approach and refine the practice of Yoga asana and relaxation, and how to lay a foundation for sustainable, spiritual growth. A couple of short asana routines for morning and evening practice will be introduced.
Session 2 – 2/20: The focus will be on the practice of pranayama and how the teachings of Yoga can be integrated into all of our daily activities. We will review specific breathing techniques and their benefits, as well as how and when to practice them, both on and off the mat.
Session 3 – 2/27: The focus will be on deriving maximum benefit from meditation practice by learning what techniques work best for you. We will also explore how each person can customize their personal path to align with their natural inclinations.

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 co-founded 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
2025-02-14 16:00 - 17:30
This event has been canceled
Online | $1-15 sliding scale
Next session is Friday, February 28, 2025.
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 Training at Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco (IYISF) 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 IYISF.

Therapeutic Core Strengthening
2025-02-16 09:30 - 11:30
Online & In-person | $27 Early bird, use promo code CORE, exp. 2/9 | $35 Regular
Book now/OnlinePlease register in advance; a Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the session, or join Zoom directly via your Momence dashboard.
Book now/In-PersonPlease review our In-person Safety Guidelines.
Join Diana Meltsner, a certified yoga therapist in learning to understand the importance of core strength as support for balance, lower back and more. Lecture, practice and discussion will be included. We will tailor our explorations to your interests.
We will look at the anatomy just briefly and then in movement we will recognize and feel the different parts of the core and how they can engage in movement together with the rest of the body. This regained awareness can be applied to gentle yoga asana, advanced asana practice as well as body movement off the mat. We will explore what happens when we use or don’t use the core, and how to teach the body to start using these muscles again and how much to do to regain or sustain strength.
In a gentle way, we will practice a series of strengthening practices for your core and address their challenges. It will be done in a chair, standing and on the floor. All levels of practice are welcome.
This workshop will be recorded and shared with participants for later viewing.
CEUs 2 hours for Yoga Alliance offered to attending teachers upon request.

Diana Meltsner, C-IAYT, ERYT-500, YACEP, has been teaching a 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 been working 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 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

Sunday Spiritual Talk: The Essence
2025-02-16 11:00 - 12:00
Cancelled, we apologize for any inconvenience.
$5-$20 | Enroll for free, use promo code FREE
Sri Swami Satchidananda stated, “Keep the essence clear and clean and everything else responds to that.”
Looking to the new year, it gives us an opportunity to ask, what is the essence of our lives? What is the essence of what we want from life and how do we get there and maintain it?
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.

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.

Scripture Study: The Wisdom and Beauty of the Upanishads, 3 of 3-part
2025-02-17 18:00 - 19:00
