This morning I sat to practice and it occurred to me that I had passed a milestone without noticing it. On October 13th I confronted a construction issue for the new 8 Limbs on Phinney Ridge, worked with our new Phinney manager Megan, had family dinner, went to Book Club (Olive Kitteridge, it was great), and went to bed without remembering that 13 years ago, on October 13th, 1996, 8 Limbs had its opening party the day before opening for business.
The party consisted of friends who had encouraged and helped me along the way, people like Melina Meza (she was here from the start) Michael Dill, Eben, Roberta, and Suzanne Carlson, Jonna Bracken, Tracy Bartholomew Erbeck, and Megan Jasper.
Spurred on by these folks and Paul Hawken’s book “How to Grow a Business,” I had jumped into the life of a small business owner, and a lease, two months of demo and buildout (most of it by friends and myself!), ads in The Stranger, and a Mac, put 8 Limbs on E. Pike St.
Oh, and incidentally, I was born on Friday the 13th (March, if you are curious, and I will be 40, wow), so I claimed 13 as my lucky number long ago (soccer and volleyball uniforms, that sort of thing).

It’s been a great 13th year for 8 Limbs. We won Best Yoga and Best Prenatal Yoga in The Seattle Weekly, Seattle Magazine, and Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, showing that Seattlites feel at home at 8 Limbs. We maintained and grew our amazing family of teachers. And we are “expecting” our newest member of the clan, 8 Limbs Phinney Ridge, opening in November.

Our best anniversary present was from The Seattle Weekly in its Reader’s Choice section of the Best Of issue:
“8 Limbs is where a local yogi can have a meaningful practice without feeling as if they have to join an ashram or be fully outfitted in Lululemon accessories. Teachers make yoga approachable for the novice and plenty challenging for the pretzel-bodied.”

Thanks to all the 8 Limbers for coming to the mat again and again. We are grateful for and amazed by your strength and loyalty.

Posted by: Anne Phyfe Palmer

Join 8 Limbs for a free outdoor yoga class:
Wednesday September 9, 2009, 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.
Gas Works Park, 2101 Northlake Way, Seattle
Gas Works Park will be a beautiful setting for yoga as artist and master kite flyer Seth Abramson launches 121 brilliant white kites into the air that will fly over the city all day long. Commissioned by the Credit Unions of Washington, the Kites Over Washington project is a moment of calm, created to give people a peaceful hiatus in the city. Join us to enjoy asanas in the park and experience this spectacular art project. The Kites Over Washington will also be the subject of an upcoming documentary art film. Please wear as much white as you can, 8 Limbs logos welcome but avoid other logos or patterns. You are giving filmmaker permission to use footage by participating in class.
Reservations are suggested but not required at annephyfe@8limbsyoga.com
Even if you can’t make it to the yoga class, look up in the sky over Gasworks on Wednesday, it should be an amazing sight!

Posted by: 8 Limbs

The name 8 Limbs comes from a central tenet in yoga philosophy that names eight limbs, or aspects, that give us a full kit of tools to work with any challenge we come across. These eight limbs are divulged in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali at the end of Chapter II and throughout Chapter III:
1. Yama (Attitudes towards others)
2. Niyama (Attitudes towards oneself)
3. Asana (Postures)
4. Pranayama (Breath Practice)
5. Pratyahara (Sense Withdrawal)
6. Dharana (Concentration)
7. Dhyana (Meditation)
8. Samadhi (Absorption)
Richard Freeman describes the usefulness of this eight-pronged approach as being akin to having eight legs, like a spider. The more ways we have to navigate our obstacles, the more agile we become. As Sutra II.28 says, “By dedicated practice of the various aspects of yoga impurities are destroyed: the crown of wisdom radiates in glory.”
This fall teachers at 8 Limbs will be using monthly themes in drop-in classes to spin a web, if you will, to bring you deeper into the philosophy of yoga. We’ll begin by moving through the eight limbs of yoga, from September to January. This month we’ll focus on the Yamas, attitudes towards others and the world around us. Look for a blog about the five Yamas this month.

Posted by: Anne Phyfe Palmer

I’ve decided to take some time off teaching to focus on my family and practice. When I came to 8 Limbs at the opening of the West Seattle location in 2005, I was based in a strong, dedicated practice of Ashtanga. It was the only yoga I had been doing for 10 years and I benefited so much from this practice.

I stepped into the room to teach what I knew and what turned out 4 years later is that I am not the teacher, but the people and fellow teachers who have walked into my classes have been teaching me. My eyes were opened to all different types of practitioners, various styles of yoga and many levels of the practice. The kindness that generates from everyone’s hearts and minds has been so amazing to see and witness. I am truly honored and am leaving with knowing so much more about yoga not from a physical practice, but from an internal practice.

My last morning class is August 27, Thursday, at 6:30am. To celebrate the present moment and what lies ahead for all of us in the future, this will be a benefit yoga class. Chaz Hastings, tabla player, and Brandon McIntosh, sarodist player, will accompany me in a live performance to the last class. I am donating my pay to the cause of helping dogs on chains with the amazing group, Dogs Deserve Better. This group works tirelessly to free dogs off chains and locked in pens and they work very closely with the state and county legislators to pass better laws for the treatment of man’s best friends.

I am honored to have passed on what I know of this lovely practice and I am so truly blessed to have been given the gift of being a student through all of you these last years.

Please join us Thursday, August 27, 6:30am, West Seattle 8 Limbs.

Vande Gurunam caranaravinde.
I bow to the lotus feet of the Gurus.

Posted by: Kelly Page

This summer we launched a new class at 8 Limbs West Seattle. On Wednesday nights, Senior Level teachers, all with at least 10 years of teaching experience, teach the 7:15pm Level II Flow class for one-month blocks to a chosen theme. Anne Phyfe kicked off the series in June with the Chakras, Melina shared her passion for Ayurveda in July, and Jenny is teaching the Yoga Sutras for August (Anne Phyfe is subbing for her Wednesday, August 19th and will focus on Chapter 3 and the last three limbs yoga).
The response has been terrific so we are extending the class into the fall. Here’s the line-up:
September 2 – 30: The Koshas (Sheaths) with Anne Phyfe Palmer
October 7 – 28: Ayurveda and Yoga with Melina Meza
November 4 – 25: Four Noble Truths (Buddhism) with Jenny Hayo
December 2 – 23: Divine Abode of the Heart with Denise Carrico
Class is $16 for drop-in and included in 8 Limbs memberships and class cards.
If it continues to be a hit we’ll keep it going into the New Year!

Posted by: 8 Limbs

If you’ve ever happened to drop in on one of my yoga classes at 8Limbs you might notice that I like to end each and every practice with the salutation “Namaste.” There are many variations in translation of this traditional Sanskrit greeting; however, my favorite is “I honor that divinity within you that is also within me.”

When I take the opportunity to perceive the deeper meaning behind Namaste, its meaning extends far beyond a typical “hello” and “goodbye,” or a routine ending that we might give to our yoga practice.

It can instead be something that inspires our lives by inviting us to look further than external differences such as gender, sexual preference, race, age, and social class to seek the divine spark that is present in each and every one of us.

In the spirit of celebrating Namaste I am honored to be co-teaching an all levels 1 ½ hour Yoga class with Troy Lucero and Matt Meko to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall, the event that sparked the gay rights movement. This is anticipated to be the largest outdoor yoga event Seattle has ever seen. I truly hope you can be present and share your practice for positive social change. Register TODAY online or come early to register on Saturday. Don’t forget your yoga mat and your Namaste!!

EQUALITY YOGA
Saturday June 27th
Cal Anderson Park
Gates 9AM – Flow 10AM
$15.00 to benefit the Stonewall Organization
www.celebratestonewall.org/yoga

P.S. Steve and Anne-Emilie Gold, two of the musicians accompanying Equalityoga, will sing at the end of Anne Phyfe’s Thursday 10am class at 8 Limbs Capitol Hill.

Posted by: Maygen McGrew

WOW.
I am fresh off the high from spending Saturday afternoon and evening with Sean Johnson and the amazing musicians of The Wild Lotus Band. We spent the beautiful five o’clock hour in Sean’s “Soul Flow” to the live accompaniment of Alvin Young on fretless bass and Gwendolyn Colman on percussion. I have discovered a new love, and it is practicing yoga to fretless bass. WOW (again). Sean had us connecting to source and clearing away our demons in a sweaty, fun, and powerful practice.
Having a chance to snack and drink chai between the class and kirtan helped us to refuel and create more of an intimate gathering when we began to sing. Sean and the band blew me away with their new music. They have put together a tight and powerful kirtan style that is easy and fun to join along with, even with no chanting experience. They were also blown away by our community, and felt energized and connected to 8 Limbs. We look forward to having them back AND hosting other musicians in the near future.
In June we have a handful of classes that will be accompanied by live music:
June 6, 12:15 – 1:30pm with Kelly Page: Fundraiser for abused dog Missy, 8 Limbs West Seattle (live tabla and sator)
June 18 at 5:45pm and June 19 at 4pm with Paul Millage (live music by Christopher, 8 Limbs Capitol Hill.
June 22 at 7:15pm with Paul and June 25 at 10am with Anne Phyfe (live music during savasana with Steve and Anne-Emilie Gold).
There is no “extra” charge for this music in these classes. Come and enjoy!

Posted by: Anne Phyfe

I love the title of this new documentary. It is SOOO easy to take oneself too seriously. As I addressed in my last posting on FUN, having more of it has been my goal this month. Since then I have attended a Venus Party (I wore an orange wig and gave out Mardi Gras beads), put up the paddle for Arts Corp at their annual auction at The Triple Door, and had numerous playdates in the sun with my little ones.
This Thursday 8 Limbs is co-sponsoring a screening of a new documentary about yoga called “Enlighten Up!” on Thursday, May 14 at The Varsity Theater. Come and have fun with us as we learn about “A Skeptic’s Journey through the World of Yoga.” The evening will begin at 6:45pm with music by Steve Gold and friends, a meditation with Melina Meza, and introduction with the director of the film, Kate Churchill. Come early as seating is limited! Listen to KWJZ Radio, KKNW Radio or e-mail JWMovieClub@gmail.com with ‘enlightenup’ in the subject to find out how to get your complimentary pass to the screening. ENLIGHTEN UP! will open in Seattle on Friday, May 15th.
Now a question for all you fun lovers out there: what is your favorite “fun” activity here in Seattle? What about fun and FREE?

Posted by: Anne Phyfe

As many of you have learned from news reports, a few probable cases of “Swine” Influenza A (H1N1) have now been reported in our state, including in King County. So far, it appears as if people who become ill with this strain of influenza are recovering. At 8 Limbs, we are continuing to conduct classes and workshops, and ask everyone attending our studios to please take the proper precautions to keep everyone healthy.
Prevention practices are emphasized daily through hand washing with soap and warm water, using hand sanitizer before and after classes, and respiratory etiquette (coughing into sleeve, elbow; coughing, sneezing, or expectorating into paper tissues and immediately discarding them). Influenza A (H1N1) in people is characterized by fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. The illness may last up to seven days, but people are considered to be contagious as long as symptoms persist. If you have mild flu-like symptoms, monitor your condition and telephone your health care provider to consult if necessary. A diagnosis is confirmed by your health care provider by a positive nasal swab culture.
To prevent illness:
• Practice healthful habits such as eating nutritious food, getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of fluids, being physically active, and reducing stress.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve – not your hand! Throw the tissue in the trash after use. • Refrain from spitting on the ground.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, contact with other people, or with door handles, keyboards, telephones, and shared writing implements. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
A always, we encourage you to STAY HOME if you begin to experience any flu-like symptoms (cough, sore throat, and fever) and contact your health care provider if you experience a persistent high fever (greater than 101 degrees F) chest pain, difficulty breathing, dehydration, or other worrisome symptoms.
Thank you for reading!

Posted by: 8 Limbs

During a late-night talk with Melina during the Breitenbush Advanced Training Retreat, a question came up that always takes me by surprise: “What are you doing for fun?” I mean, I feel very satisfied with my life, enjoy what I do for work, have a great time with my husband and kids, and keep in touch with close friends, but when asked “what do you do for fun?” I always come up short.
I returned from our retreat curious about how I could make a change in the fun factor. The next day I read a parenting calendar that mentioned a family roller skating session and we headed to Skate King to boogie to The Village People and Journey with our 8 and 3-year-old. Ever since, when the opportunities have come up, I have said YES.
This month we have a few FUN opportunities to invite you to. 8 Limbs is a sponsor of the Seattle screening of Enlighten Up!, A Skeptic’s Journey into the World of Yoga on May 14th at the Varsity Theater. This film promises to be a humorous AND serious. Listen to KWJZ Radio, KKNW Radio or e-mail JWMovieClub@gmail.com with ‘enlightenup’ in the subject to find out how to get your complimentary pass to the screening. We are also thrilled to welcome Sean Johnson to 8 Limbs on May 30th to teach a Bhakti Flow Yoga Class and lead Kirtan (devotional singing). I am looking forward to this event to bring our community together for some FUN! Come for any part of this event and help me welcome Sean to the wonderful 8 Limbs community.
What do you do for fun? Write a comment so we can all increase our fun factor!

Posted by: Anne Phyfe