​The workshops and class series on our schedule give you the opportunity to go further or get started and tune into you. Workshops bring in new voices and experiences and give you insights into yourself that can serve to influence your day to day practice, and your day to day life. From understanding Shamanic practices, learning how to let go in Trance Dance, or discovering the basic of yoga in Yoga Essentials,  I strive to bring diversity and substance. 

The series classes give you a chance to start something, see it through to the end, and witness your own growth. They give you the chance to add a new class time to your carefully budgeted routine and commit for shorter periods, building whatever it is you choose to build. In these short term classes, you may try on Pilates Equipment for size, or get moving again in Re-Entry to Fitness. Whatever your goals, a class series may be the ideal kick-start you need. Some classes are such a big hit, we put them on the regular schedule!

I hope that you will make the time to try one of the workshops or series offered here at Maya. Bring a friend and it becomes even easier to keep the goals you set and take the risks that will help you grow. Be sure to register early, this ensures minimum attendance requirements are met so workshops and series classes continue to populate the schedule and return again and again.

Our full schedule of workshops and class series can be found on our website. Stay tuned to this blog to learn more about upcoming workshops and classes as well as meet the wide array of teachers that guide your path and unlock your potential.

See an upcoming workshop you'd like to spread the word about?
Here are a few ways you can assist Maya in maintaining strong workshop offerings:

• Hang flyers in your community; apartment complex, office, faith community, social clubs (ask front desk for flyers)
• Share with friends and family on social media and Invite them to join you. We usually have a FaceBook event link that you can use for easy sharing. Or, share our blog.
• Consider the questions above, then let us know what you want. Provide ideas and suggestions at front desk or        e-mail me directly:  [email protected]

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Ste. 3 Renton, WA 98056 425-271-0200 www.mayawholehealth.com

​Do you feel weighed down from past trauma or unknown stems of anxiousness?
This workshop is a safe space to build awareness and to identify coping mechanisms and tools to help shed layers of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, and fragility. 

Join two RYT 200 teachers, life coaches & survivors of PTSD for a two hour session of learning life changing techniques to release our selves from battered egos and open a space to take more confident & fearless steps into our daily lives.  ​

   It’s an absolutely beautiful day. You’re driving to your destination with a smile on your face and good thoughts in your head. You feel relaxed, calm and you’re enjoying the stretch of road in front of you. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a car swerves into your lane. You break hard, your body stiffening, eyes widening in surprise, breath caught in your throat. The impact comes before you know it and you’re plunged into the steering wheel. You’ve come to a stop, but your heart is racing and you’re shaking uncontrollably. Once it’s over, you sink back against your seat, check yourself for injuries and try to get a reasonable breath back. You’re pretty sure you’re ok and exit the car.

Trauma comes to us in many different forms; car accidents, abuse, war or natural disaster. We may come out on the other side thinking we handled it well and are ready to move on with our lives. But then another incident, close call, or person we don’t recognize can trigger the exact same response we had when the initial trauma occurred. This is the simplified face of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk of the Trauma Center at JRI in Brookline, Massachusetts, confirms that the physical body stores the information of trauma and stays ready to suffer it again. We may “think” we have moved on, but our bodies can stiffen unexpectedly, heart race and sweat pour off of us at just the idea we may become a victim again.

Parts of our brain, such as the amygdala located in the temporal lobe, can override any rationalization we may be making, even before we have a chance to make it. Our neocortex, or thinking brain, is hijacked by this almond shaped mass. A part of the limbic system and a crucial part of our survival instinct, the amygdala is invaluable. Yet when it perceives a threat (because it isn’t a “thinking” structure) it can kick in and cause us to react before we can analyze. When this pattern repeats over and over, the brain adapts, shutting off “normal” responses. Eventually, dissociation can occur and the trauma victim begins to “check out”, unable to process emotion constructively. Sense of safety is compromised and the body stays poised and ready for future assaults.
​

Ever notice how driving a car over the same patch of grass leaves a track? When I continue to drive over the same spot time and again, the track gets more pronounced, deeper, perhaps even destroying the grass beneath it. My brain, as another soft and spongy texture, works much the same way. When I teach myself how to react in a certain manner, conjure the same emotions, and live the same life, I create those tracks. I teach myself every single day how to react, how to be treated, and how to move forward. 

So how do I fill in the tracks on my mind's lawn? I stop driving over them again and again so new growth can happen, life can return, and traces of the past disappear. 

How can meditation heal your mind from old habits and repetitions? Keep reading.

Beginning Sunday February 7, join fellow meditators every week at 4:00 pm for a  group meditation class. 
Unlock your potential.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa 98056 425.271.0200  www.mayawholehealth.com

We are working our way to a safe and confident handstand in my Saturday morning vinyasa class.  As handstand hasn't been a part of my practice since before my pregnancy, I have a lot of preparing and practicing for the pose to do myself.  This means a renewed commitment to a daily asana practice which took second stage to a mindfulness and self-awareness practice that helps me survive the rigors of parenting.


Daily, home asana practice has always been hard for me.  I want my space to look like the spreads in the magazine.  Clean, bright, tranquil, color-coordinated.  Did I mention clean?  So there's usually a "oh, let me just tidy up before my practice", which inevitably causes a piece of paper to cross my path which leads to a "oh, let me get this email out before my practice", which, these days, inevitably is interrupted with a "oh, baby's awake!".

It's hard to put these things out of mind.  Or at least ignore them enough to get on my mat.  If there's even room for my mat.

But that's part of our practice.  That very work of letting that which isn't important at the present moment, even if it's important at another time.  

And a practice it is.  

The yoga sutras remind us that we can only make progress with repeated, applied effort.  So we repeat, every day, getting on the mat, prioritizing decluttering our mind over decluttering our floor (after checking that it's baby-safe!).

Handstand won't be achievable without practice. peaceful self-awareness wont be either. So choose to practice. In the middle of the clutter.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa 98056 425.271.0200  www.mayawholehealth.com 

“You are not your mind or your body. Both must be mastered to serve your higher consciousness, or spirit.” ~Yogi Bhajan


I find Kundalini Yoga comprehensive and practical in its instruction and depth. It is my goal to make this profound Yogic technology accessible to you and all fellow seekers.

Kundalini yoga combines contemporary and ancient practices of movement,
breath, meditation, and mantra. My goal is to deliver you to your most sensitive, natural, unique, and discerning self by the aid of this time tested tradition. Closely guarded and only taught from master to disciple throughout the ages it is now available to everyone. 

By divine guidance Yogi Bhajan brought these teachings along with a vast library of wisdom to the West in 1969 which was then taught openly to the public for the very first time in this tradition. Open yourself to go beyond the familiar and harness the Kundalini energy in this powerful modality on 
your evolutionary journey. 

"Tuning in"Mantras


Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
Before practicing a yoga set or meditation I always begin by Tuning in. This Mantra the “Adi Mantra” is said to light the candle of consciousness and will ready your mind to expand unto Infinity. 

“Ong” is the infinite creative 
energy in manifestation and consciousness. 

“Namo” means I bow in reverence to my higher Self. 

“Guru Dev” relates to the divine teacher within. 

*Mantra translates to “Mind” (man) “Wave” (tra) or wavelength of the mind

Aad Guray Nameh 
Jugaad Guray Nameh 
Sat Guray Nameh 
Siri Guru Dayvay Nameh
Kundalini Yoga protection Mantra: I call on primal wisdom, that of the ages, the truth, and inner light.

Now we practice kriyas

Kriya means completed action, action of the soul, and action of breath. Kundalini Yoga utilizes many different 

Kriya’s which are specific sequences of physical movements designed to perform a specific energetic shift, cleansing, and realignment of the physical and energetic body. 

Enter Shavasana
Shavasana also refers to “Corpse pose” where we lay on our back after our workout, eyes closed, palms up, and completely relax the bodies and psyche integrating the subtle changes in our body and energetic field. 

A study of action within stillness.

Meditation and closing
A short meditation or set of meditations will be given. 

“May the Long Time Sun” brings closure to every Kundalini class. Sing from the Heart.
May the Long Time Sun Shine upon you
All Love Surrounds You
                                                And the Pure Light Within You
                                                   Guide Your Way On

Send your Light, Love, and Prayers to those in need.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa. 98056 425.271.0200 www.mayawholehealth.com

I’ve become very interested in a yoga practice that is about staying in the middle, staying in the transition. It’s about Tara Brach’s suggestion, “Awaken recognition simply by asking yourself: “What is happening inside me right now?”


When we are in the yoga studio, we have the opportunity to practice investigation of “What is happening inside me right now”. This is in the transition from pose to pose, breath to breath.

This is in the staying with the flexion of the toes, even as you draw your knee forward from Down Dog to Lunge, or more challenging, as you lay on the fitness ball and roll back and forth.


Can you practice keeping your attention on “What is happening inside me right now?” as you press your lifted leg into your partner’s or teacher's hands, pressing up to a Half Pike?. Can you move closer to the emotions, the sensations in this transition, come to know them? Can you practice making friends with them, saying “I agree, I agree” or “Yes”, “This, too”, I consent”. (from the teachings of Tara Brach and Pema Chodron.)

Join me Saturday  January 31 from 1:00-3:00 pm for my Elements of Alignment workshop. This is your time to stop everything and ask that question about that pose.


Bring your favorite pose, the one you love, the one you could do every class, the one you show off to your friends.

AND...Bring the pose you want to get into, the pose you wish was different for you.

See you there!

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa. 98056

"The heart is not like a box that gets filled up; it expands in size the more you love. I'm different from you. This doesn't make me love you any less. It actually makes me love you more." Samantha from the movie Her.

Most people who attend have never done Trance Dance before, but It is very simple to learn; Trance Dance is the opportunity to connect more clearly with your heart.

Trance Dance is a unique blend of body movement, healing sounds, dynamic percussive rhythms, transformational breathing techniques and the innovative use of a blindfold or bandana – together stimulating a trance state that promotes spiritual awakening, mental clarity, physical stamina and emotional well-being. Driven by unique musical soundtracks recorded specifically for this method of healing, Trance Dance takes participants on an inner journey not limited to our normal perceptions of space/time.

Ritual trance journeys have been a vital part of shamanic and eastern dance cultures for thousands of years. My contemporary approach to Trance Dance brings together the richness of these ancient rituals with some startlingly effective modern techniques.  All of us spend a great deal of time in our rational mind. This is the chance to really listen to our heart versus our head.
 
Trance Dance's primary focus is on healing and spiritual evolution. By dancing within the seclusion of darkness participants discover parallel realities where solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems are possible. Through Trance Dance we `disappear', becoming more like spirit, and simultaneously less attached to life's ordinary difficulties, making it possible at these moments to let these problems go.  Wilbert Alix, creator of the Trance Dance experience, explains the benefits of Trance Dance to the human soul in the video below:

Pre-registration is strongly recommended. 

Note: This series may be cancelled 48 hours before it is scheduled to begin if minimum registration is not met.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa. 98056 www.mayawholehealth.com

Dearest Maya Community,

I am so excited to begin this next chapter in my life. My due date grows close, January 11th and I keep growing larger, but am still so happy to be here practicing with you. I have truly appreciated all the support and love each of you has shown me as I prepare to make this leap into motherhood/parenthood. I want to confirm with you that I will remain here in spirit, rooting each of you on with words of self care and support for your continuing practice.


While I am away for part of January and all of February I leave you in good hands with Maya instructors: Alec, Diana, Terry, and Madelene each of whom I love and respect as practitioners of yoga and instructors. I enjoy going to their classes and so will you. They are exceptional instructors and I am sure that you will learn something about yourself, peeling back another layer of awareness working with them. Come with an open heart and you will not be disappointed. Keep coming, it is so worth it. 

 I plan to return to Maya the first weekend in March. I will offer the Re-Entry to Fitness series starting March 5th and will continue with my regular schedule from there. My mother will be in town to help with baby and to help me return to a full teaching schedule. You may see me around the studio receiving acupuncture or attending a class, if baby allows, even before that.

I wish you all a very happy New Year and hope that you find your heart-felt intention to create a new year of growth, understanding, and love.

Love and Light,

Kristen Swanzy-O’Conner,

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa. 98056 www.mayawholehealth.com

When it comes to manifesting desires, often having a visual reference is a handy way to "see" your future. New Years are about clean slates, new directions, or even the ignition of a favorite old hobby. Maybe you have an idea of how you'd like the next year to look, but are still scattered on the details. Or, you know exactly what you want and creating a road map might help guide the universe that way.

Creating a Vision Board can fulfill several functions:

• Specific goals; write a novel, run a marathon
• Intentions; get in shape, plant a garden
• Ideas: design a tree house, build a sanctuary
• Dreams; vacations, careers, family
• Change; deepen spirituality, define peace

Build one or more, the possibilities are not only endless, they are all yours.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ster. 3 Renton, Wa. 98056 www.mayawholehealth.com

It's the time of year now, when the days are quite short and the air heavy.  Instructor and Studio Coordinator Diana Reed shares her insights on the season::

Although I grew up in Chicago, living in Florida for 30 years sort of halted the seasonal changes most other parts of the world experience. Fall meant the temperature dropped to 80 and in winter we might get a freeze or two, but 75 is the average, and the Gulf of Mexico is still warm and inviting. Hence the tourists.

Since moving to Washington, the change of season has been felt for sure! It's a wonderful reminder of my Chicago days, and a reminder of just what it means to move from summer to fall to winter. The shorter days remind me to slow down, take stock, and rest a little more. A hibernation, if you will, to prepare for the coming of the sun.

On December 22, we enter Winter Solstice, when the days start to get longer and the light returns. In celebration of this shift, the practice of 108 sun salutations allows us to usher in the changing light and ignite the fires on which we've lowered the flames. We will practice one salutation (see the video below for a demo if you're not familiar with Surya Namaskar A) in sets of 20 with a 5 minute rest in between. The practice will leave you invigorated and stretched, opening pathways for the light to enter.

After all, the sun shines everywhere, from coast to coast, border to border, heart to heart.

I hope you'll join me in this amazing class!

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa 98056 425-271-0200
  www.mayawholehealth.com