Monthly HIGHER Self Men’s Circle

In a time where men are being called to step into their most divine selves for the betterment of our planet, and all who inhabit it, we are also being called to come together as men, in community to support each other in this expansion. 

Our monthly Men’s Circle is a safe space that facilitates intentional brotherhood of meaningful connection, vulnerability & supportive healing to reclaim & embody healthy & divine masculinity.

A Men’s Circle is a place to come together as men, share in our experiences of humanness and manhood, co-create a community that can support us & inspire us to grow & evolve, and explore the experience of being a conscious man on the planet today.

Each meeting may include: a meditation, short movement, sharing whatever is with us and needs to be shared in the moment, and other transformative & healing practices.

We invite all those who identify as men to attend, regardless of age or background, in order to come together on a regular basis to create strong relationships with other men & co-create sacred space for vulnerability, authenticity, emotional awareness, honesty, support, inspiration & positive masculine growth

Sliding scale registration fee $10-$30 : to register search for event on Humanitix, or venmo @richie-parrella
*If experiencing financial hardship please reach out to one of the facilitators and we’ll work something out with you. Don’t let finances dictate whether you are able to make it or not.

Richie Parrella is a Somatic Therapist, Certified yoga teacher, Reiki Master and sound healer trained in Prana yoga, based in the lineages of Kundalini and Tantra yoga and Ayurveda in the lineage of Dr. Vasant Lad. He facilitates sessions, classes, and groups with the intention to create a safe space for others to explore their inner experience, create transformation, as well as reduce stress, anxiety, and support the allowing of the body, mind, and spirit’s natural ability to heal. His teachings are rich in yogic philosophy, breath work and mindfulness. Learn more: www.richieparrella.com

Daniel Lipschutz is a lover and a learner, a father and a feeler, seeking to harmonize the mind and heart into a life of active contemplation. Working as a community muralist and teaching artist, he has witnessed our inherent collective creativity shining through kids at city rec centers, adults who have been impacted by the justice system, and young monks in the mountains of Nepal. These experiences have inspired him to integrate curiosity and compassion into collaborative designs at the intersection of art, science, and spirit.

Raj Oberoi has been practicing Vipassana (mindfulness) and Vedanta (non dual awareness) meditation for 12 years. He leads a weekly meditation circle for family and friends and a monthly self inquiry group in the local community. He hopes to create sacred space for others to experience their true self which we already are.

How to Live Your Yoga

An Introduction to Yoga Philosophy & The Bhagavad Gita
with Daniel Damodar Cordua

$75 Registration
In-person at Palo Santo Yoga or Online Via Zoom

Looking to understand the key ideas underneath your yoga practice?
Ready to shift your life and relationships?
Ready to find more self awareness, personal empowerment, and spiritual connection?

Join us for a very special afternoon of yoga philosophy and engaging timeless spiritual thought! Palo Santo co-founder, Daniel Damodar Cordua will present a fun, captivating, down-to-earth, deeply inspiring & digestible 4 hour introduction to the main yoga text & most-translated book in human history, The Bhagavad Gita.

Learning, exploring & discussing important themes of perennial yogic wisdom from this illuminating book, this immersion will invoke a spiritual intelligence that can be directly applied to our everyday lives - teaching us how to live a more connected existence - and, if we are yogis or yoga teachers, how we can apply this connection to our practice on & off the mat, as well as to our teaching.

What really IS this thing we do and call “Yoga?” This immersion will simplify & make clear the fundamental teachings of yoga by exploring the spiritual concepts of the Bhagavad Gita and other yoga texts, and the four common yoga paths described in this classic – Karma-yoga, Jnana-yoga, Ashtanga-yoga & Bhakti-yoga.

We will learn the spiritually inspiring backstory & context to this historic book and explore how we can apply yoga wisdom to our asana practice & the complexity of our contemporary lives - deepening our yoga practice in today’s world!

Students will be better prepared to interpret yoga teachings for themselves and apply those teachings to their own unique journey and individual lives.

This class is open to all traditions, outlooks, backgrounds, and beliefs and is meant to inspire your life whoever you are and wherever you come from. Be prepared for illuminating concepts, exciting conversation, and sharing & connecting in community.

Subjects to be covered:
What is the true self?
What is the nature of the mind, body, and spirit according to yoga?
What is the relationship between the mind, the intelligence, the ego, and the Self?
What is "spiritual" and what is "material?"
What is Karma? How do we relate to it?
The modes of material nature
The three energies of the divine
Ashtanga-yoga / Meditation
Jnana-Yoga / Study + Renunciation
Karma-yoga / Action
Bhakti-yoga / Devotion
Yoga history & yoga storytelling
Basic concepts & comparison from other yoga wisdom texts & lineages
Mantra meditation & chanting
Spiritual bypassing & spiritual abuse
Living our Yoga: How to practice yoga off the mat
And much more…

About Daniel Damodar Cordua:

Daniel Damodar Cordua (E-RYT 200, RYT 500, YACEP, CRC, LMT) a Philadelphia native, is co-founder of Palo Santo Yoga & Wellness, co-owner of Bhava Wellness, and owner of Empowered Connection Coaching. He is a leader and sought after Yoga Teacher, Mentor, Certified Relationship Coach, Empowerment Coach, and Teacher of Yoga Wisdom, Story, Mantra, & Ayurveda. Damodar has studied with many internationally-renowned yogis, coaches, therapists, & healers both in the U.S. and abroad, regularly making pilgrimages to sacred centers in India and beyond. Holding over 17 years of experience & owning multiple businesses in the healing arts industry, Damodar’s unique style of teaching & coaching is so beloved because he synthesizes contemporary, cutting edge psychology, relationship & self growth ideas & tools with ancient wisdom truths & practices in ways that are profound, down-to-earth, inspiring, transformative - and fun! He works with individuals, couples, dyads, & groups and facilitates trainings, retreats, & men’s circles nationally & internationally and is host of the Empowered Connection Podcast.

INTRO to ASHTANGA

w/ Mysore Yoga Philly & Meghan Marshall

 
Join us for an immersive workshop designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to step into a Mysore room and start building a movement practice that truly belongs to you.

In this workshop, you will:

• Master the sun salutations and the first three standing postures

• Gain insight into the principles of the "Ashtanga Method"

• Explore the historical context of the practice and its roots in South Asian philosophy
  
  

Saturday, March 30th @ 1:00 - 3:30 PM
In-studio @ Palo Santo Yoga, South Philly

Investment: $50 registration
**As a bonus, participants can take advantage of a special offer: purchase a discounted 1-month introductory Mysore pass upon completing the workshop.

Unsure if this course is the right fit for you? Feel free to direct message our Ashtanga instructor, Meghan Marshall, on Instagram (@meghanmarshallmysore)

CHAKRA SOUND BATH CEREMONY
w/ Devachanna

 The Svadhisthana, or Sacral Chakra, holds deep potential of unlocking the internal space that connects to our creativity, our emotional fluidity, and the dwelling place of our deepest self. It is the place where we are able to fully open up to the ability to honor our truest selves and the natural gift of joy which we all deserve.

Join Laura of Devachanna in a chakra healing experience to bring awareness and build energy in the Svadhisthana Chakra. 

• Learn about the Sacral Chakra, how it relates to our lives and ways to bring balance to this energy center.

• Experience a guided meditation and group mantra chant to build energy in the this energy center.

• Receive a crystal bowl sound healing designed for creating positive flow and energy in the Svadhisthana Chakra.

You will leave the work shop feeling a new sense of creativity and cosmic energy in your life, a new awareness of the energy within the Sacral Chakra, along with skills and information on how to continue to create positively charged energy within this subtle center.

Devachanna Sound Baths are designed to heal by stilling/calming the body/mind to make way for illuminated states of awareness. Devachanna sound baths shift consciousness, clear and vitalize the Chakras (energy centers), and facilitate a natural flow of the body/mind through specialized vibratory sound and guided meditation. An introduction to and practice of Theta State Meditation during the event provides an inner environment for a consciousness shift while the crystal frequencies and chanted mantra provide an outer environment for healing of the body/mind.

Sound Baths Provide An Environment To:
Heal The Mind • Clear away stuck and discordant energy, gain clarity of thought and relief from difficult emotions.
Heal The Body • Stuck energy within the body is entrained into flowing energy from sound healing instruments, encouraging better health.
Heal the Soul • When used with intention for healing, a powerful influence of the pure energy of sound can break old outdated patterns and set a new path for our souls journey.

What To Bring:
Please wear comfortable clothes, bring a yoga mat and other supports to help you stay comfortable during the sound bath. Bring your crystals to be cleared as well! It is suggested to bring tea or water in a travel mug to hydrate after the sound bath.

About the facilitator:
Laura brings synergy to the latest developments in sound, consciousness and healing. Her practice has developed from the perspective of a scientific background (BS, MA, Geology), a lifelong interest in health, body/mind/spirit connection, consciousness, and music. Laura uses the gentle but powerful frequencies of sound healing instruments with guided meditation, and mantra to catalyze healing. She works with groups and individuals to move through energetic blockages for deep healing. Vibration of sound healing instruments and guided meditation result in an environment that fosters the creation of new positive mind/body/spirit connections and healing of the souls journey. In addition to her Undergraduate and Masters Degrees, Laura holds a Certificate of Sound Healing from the Globe Institute of Sound Healing, a Certificate in Journey Dancing and is a 200 HR-RYT with the Yoga Alliance.

The Power of Breath w/ Colette Marie

 This workshop is a deep dive experience into the world of Pranayama and breathing mechanics which involve the physical and physiological aspects of breathing, of breathing techniques and how the body and mind respond to these efforts.

Moreover, this workshop will introduce different kinds of Pranayama practices and share insight about how to pair Pranayama techniques with Asana that complement one another.

In sum, The Power of Breath workshop will help you to become more intimately aware and connected to your breath, as well as your Asana and Pranayama practice overall.

Why is this workshop important?
Deep breathing and other styles of breathing are the support system for any kind of Asana practice. When we take the time to peel back the layers of breathing practices, we begin to understand how the body takes in the information and therefore use it to increase a myriad of physical, physiological, psychological, emotional and energetic benefits. Thus, we are able to truly tap into the infinite power of breath and breath awareness!

Only $22 for this special workshop offering!
(spaces are limited, register to reserve yours)

Colette Marie is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher 500-Hours (ERYT-500) through the Yoga Alliance, as well as a member of the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance. Colette has been an esteemed teacher for almost 20 years teaching in cities such as Atlanta, Georgia, St. Petersburg, Florida, Stamford, Connecticut, New York City, and currently, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her body of work includes teaching as many as 20,000 yoga classes, 500 workshops, and directing a handful of 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Programs. Moreover, Colette Marie is also a Yoga Educator, a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council On Exercise (ACE), offering High Intensity Interval Training, Strength & Conditioning, and Weightlifting programs. Additionally, Colette Marie is a self-taught Thai Yoga Stretch Practitioner, Certified Foot Reflexologist in the Universal System, Certified Reiki Practitioner in the Usui system, Self-Published Author, Professional Photographer, Podcast Content Creator, Show Host and IG Influencer.

Hrdaya : The Effulgent Heart

A subtle-body offering w/ Joshua Evans & Seth Sheffler-Collins

Join Palo Santo Teachers Joshua Evans and Seth Sheffler-Collins for an activating journey within the subtle body. Through applied practice and meditation directly focused on the realignment of energy to the Heart Chakra, you will experience the strengthening of your aura and find the inner focus to study the subtlest vibrations of self, sound and music. 

This 2 hour event will include physical practices to balance the Lunar (Ida) and Solar (Pingala) nadis, realignment of the assemblage point of the energy body, and a Nada Yoga meditation to help you approach and respond to the silent vibrations of self (anahata) and sound and music (ahata). All of these vibrations carry a spiritual weight more meaningful than normal sensory input and connecting with them can play a potential intermediary role to assist in achieving a deeper unity with both the outer and inner cosmos.

This collaborative offering will feature physical kriya yoga practices utilizing subtle body yoga techniques by Josh and a guided live music + soothing sound experience by Seth. Suitable for all levels and paces of practice - no experience necessary!

We are offering a sliding scale fee for this special event : $33 - $44 - $55

special Kirtan with Devadas

Come join the Palo Santo Yoga community and special guest, renowned kirtan artist + musician Devadas, for an evening kirtan : chanting and singing ancient mantra and songs in a call & response fashion - no experience necessary!

Devadas is a kirtaniya, composer, and artist hailing from Brooklyn, New York. He leads kirtans throughout the world and has recorded a wide variety of acclaimed CDs, including his latest releases, 3 Prayers and Radio Nada.

In 2012, Devadas collaborated with indie-rock icon J Mascis to produce and record the film score for the feature documentary One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das. Devadas produced Nina Rao’s chant album, Antarayaami, and in 2016 launched the Lokah Peace Project, an online and ever-expanding video project aimed at inspiring reflection, empathy and harmony.

devadasmusic.com
@ammasdevadas

We are VERY excited for this inspiring evening of sacred song & connection

$20-25 sliding scale admission
*please register ahead of time if possible

Partner Yoga Workshop

Sat. February 17th @ 2:00-3:30pm
In-Studio w/ Renee G. & Joe Huntenburg

Grab your partner, friend or yoga buddy for a fun Partner Yoga Workshop led by Palo Santo’s very own sweet souls, Joe Huntenburg & Renee Gilinger!

In this all-levels class, you’ll connect with your partner’s breath, deepen stretches for yourself and them, try fun balancing poses, learn some simple adjustments that you can take home with you, and have a fun shared yoga experience!

The workshop will be held from 2-3:30pm in-studio in South Philly with an optional open studio til 4pm if you’d like to continue practicing with your partner or take some photos together to commemorate the FUN!

$56/coupled-group
(Each ticket purchased counts for 2 people.)

MINI HOLIDAY MARKET IN-STUDIO

Have you heard of Kriskindlmarkt?

It's MJ here, the woman behind the happenings at Palo Santo, excited to be offering a mini Holiday Market in our sweet studio space on Saturday, December 2nd from 1:00-6:00pm. 

Kriskindlmarkt, if you've never heard of it, is a Germanic tradition that goes back to the 16th century when the town square was set up for local artists, craftsman, food sellers, toy makers, tradesman, and the like to sell their goods for gifts in little stalls throughout the holiday season.

Traditional songs were sung and sometimes dances were performed throughout the market to bring joy and light to the inevitable darkness of the winter season. Much of the intention was to create a marketplace that supported the local town and bring together the folks who resided in it.

Being from Bethlehem, PA and of Austrian lineage, I grew up going to Kriskindlmarkt annually watching and helping my Grandmother sell her beautiful handmade ornaments. The tradition was always so magical to me, so I've decided to bring the magic to my sweet little community of Palo Santo Yoga.

Come out and shop for the holiday season by supporting local artists, conscious creators, and small businesses - we'll have unique art pieces, Japa Coffee, healing + wellness gift cards, handmade jewelry, locally made candles, and tarot readings available (you can pre-book an appointment here) while you shop! Plus more...

In the Spirit of the Season, we honor holding space for those we cherish most by giving gifts made of the best intentions!

Abundance Flow w/ MJ

Thursday, November 23rd
In-studio & Online @ 10:15am

A special community offering, aligning to the spirit of autumn : join us for an all-levels morning yoga practice to start the day in studio or online.

Abundance Flow - moving stagnation out of the body through yoga asana, we will collectively express gratitude for what we have harvested through life's journey, and create new space in preparation for the winter season ahead.

Pre-registration is suggested!
All class passes accepted!

KITTEN YOGA : Adoption and Fundraiser Event

 Saturday, Sept. 23rd @ 3:30-5:30pm
Palo Santo Yoga in South Philly

Come join us for a purr-fectly adorable experience of kitten-filled yoga! We will be hosting an event where you can meet and fall in love with our irresistibly cute and adoptable cats and kittens.

Join yoga teacher and Palo Santo student Lindsey Gill as she leads a special all-levels flow as some furry foster kittens bless our mats! As a foster mom and volunteer with the Kitten Snatchers team, Lindsey is excited to use her connections to Palo to raise money for this completely volunteer run organization. Kitten Snatchers saves hundreds of feral cats and kittens a year from the streets and places them in loving homes.

After class, guests will have a chance to learn about the kittens present and even apply to adopt or foster some of them in the future!

All donations and proceeds will go towards the Kitten Snatchers supply fund for litter, food, vet bills, and other supplies. See you on the mat!

$30 Class Donation for Registration!
(all proceeds go to Kitten Snatchers rescue)

GET TO THE JOINT: WRIST & ANKLE WORKSHOP

Saturday, September 23rd @ 12:30-2:30pm
Palo Santo Yoga - South Philly

In this 2 hour workshop, learn strengthening exercises and stretches for these oh-so-important parts of our body, tools to help heal from injuries, and modifications of yoga flow to help prevent new injuries. Implementing new ways to stay off of or reduce strain on a hand or foot when needed during practice, this self-focused + therapeutic event will include a self-massage to close the day.

This workshop will be led by Palo Teacher Renee G, who struggles with long-term repetitive injuries in both her ankle and wrist, among other things, but has found opportunities in these challenges that she hopes to share with others. Please come dressed for moderate practice, props will be provided.

*Please note that Renee is not a medical professional and this workshop is not intended to replace the care of a doctor or physical therapist.

All levels + all experiences are welcome, please reach out with any questions!
Only $33 for this informative event!

YOGA PUNX SAINT PETE PRESENTS : ROCKET YOGA "HAPPY HOUR"

Saturday, August 5th @ 2-3:30pm
Palo Santo Yoga & Wellness : South Philly

“It gets you there faster!"

Rocket vinyasa happy hour is a 90 minute combination of the Rocket 1 + Rocket 2 routines, rooted in Ashtanga yoga, and sequenced by Larry Schultz.

The Rocket is moderately paced, prop friendly, and open to modifications and variations. Energetic arm balances and inversions sprinkled throughout the sequences, including options to create a practice that feels good and safe for your body.

 Join special guest, Madisson Marin of Yoga Punx in-studio at Palo Santo! Come practice with an open mind, open heart, and a willingness to be playful. Some yoga experience is recommended, but not required.

Only $22 for this specialized in-studio summer offering!
Register via MindBody to reserve your space + reach out with any questions!

IGNITING SUMMER & ENERGY EXPANSIONS
ACUPUNCTURE + YIN YOGA + REIKI

w/ Palo Santo Yoga & Inhabit Acupuncture
Saturday, June 3rd @ 4:30pm

The fire element as it pertains to yoga expresses expansion, connection, joy & openness but with the intention to be cultivated in ways that are also safe, contained & sustainable so that we don't "burn out".

During this practice, we will explore finding our unique edges and feeling what too open or too closed feels like so that we can nurture our own healthy vulnerability and discernment. We will intentionally seek for the balance in what feels good (like a deep healthy stretch), and what feels like too much (when overstretching leads to injury) by bringing awareness to specific meridian lines of energy in yin yoga asana.

Fire pertains to our shen or spirit and how we shine that out into the world. We will explore heart opening in a way that holds internal boundaries so that our energy doesn't become damaged or emptied. Through supportive restorative practices, we will work not just with the front of the heart, but with the back of the heart allowing the light to shine through us. This dance of opening ourselves to the world and to others isn't an arduous task, but one that naturally happens when we repair + cultivate our connections to source and to ourselves.

Within this 2.5 hour community event, we will explore dynamic movements to release inner tensions while expanding our energy systems, activate deep stretching of connective tissues in yin yoga asana, and move into a heart opening restorative practice allowing space for vulnerability and healing.

While in restorative posture, acupuncture will be applied to each participant while reiki energy will be cultivated to help deepen the subtle energetic release and seal in a potent + protective power.

Join Palo Santo Owner, MJ Heart & Inhabit Acupuncture's Kristen Voget for this activated and energetically aligned summer experience. This in-studio event will be held from 4:30-7:00pm with the option to stay and gracefully move back through the layers until 7:30pm.

Space is extremely limited - register ahead of time via MindBody!

Join Crystal Rose for HEALTH GOTH YOGA!

This will be an All-Levels Yin Yang Flow to the sounds of 80’s New Wave and Post-Punk Bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode and New Order.

Saturday, May 13th @ 12:30pm
Crystal Rose @ Palo Santo in South Philly!

This will be a special 75 minute hip focused Yin Yang Flow that will balance the solar and lunar energies within us. It will be about 45 minutes yang and 30 minutes yin so expect to sweat & strengthen as well as get a nice deep stretch. Interweaving some upbeat new wave (B-52s, Blondie, etc) during the solar/yang flow portion... with some of the darker jams (joy division, bauhaus, etc) during the lunar/yin poses.

Expect to sweat, stretch and surrender into a sweet savasana.

Come channel your inner health goth!

Only $22 for this specialized studio offering!

Deep Dive Practice: A Two Hour Journey of Yoga, Mantra, & Wisdom

Sunday, April 30th @ 2-4pm
Palo Santo Yoga & Wellness : South Philly

Join Palo Santo founder, South Philly native & loved yoga teacher of over 13 years, Damodar Cordua for a special 2 hour extended practice that will dive deep into the possibility of your physical yoga asana AND connect you to the subtle heart depths of yoga wisdom, story, and mantra in deep & meaningful ways. 

This 2 hour empowering experience will consist of a fun, challenging yet all-levels-accessible, extended yoga flow full of dynamic transitions + creative & unique sequencing… all interwoven and book-ended by inspiring heart wisdom, yoga stories & philosophy, humor, and blissful mantra meditation.  Bring profound yoga truths & self growth wisdom into the complexities of your contemporary life in ways that are down-to- earth & deeply relevant.  Playful, loving, deep and powerful.

Crack-open to your own inner wisdom and soar within your yoga practice.  Open up your body, heart, mind, and soul in connection to yourself, to others, and to something greater

Get blissed out.... and be prepared to sweat, love, & laugh & push the edges of your practice and yourself.
Only $22 for this specialized offering!

Palo Santo founder & South Philly native Damodar Cordua is a well-known yoga teacher, relationship + empowerment coach, & teacher (& lifelong student) of self growth, relationships, spirituality, meditation, ayurveda, mantra, and yoga philosophy - yearly studying in the sacred lands of India and around the globe with some of the world’s most renowned teachers of wisdom + wellness.

A yoga teacher of over 13 years & a fan of strong, creative + aligned vinyasa flow, yoga wisdom, mantra, + kirtan - Damodar brings self growth, yoga truths & the captivating stories of yoga into the complexities of our contemporary lives in ways that are down-to- earth, inspiring, dynamic... and, most especially, fun & expansive!  He is also a relationship coach & empowerment coach, helping individuals & couples locally & worldwide to connect better to themselves, each other, and something greater. He and his wife co-own the shop, herbal remedy line, and healing space Bhava Wellness in Tucson, AZ & he is the host of the Empowered Connection podcast. Learn more: empoweredconnection.me & bhavawellness.com

Damodar’s unique style of teaching & coaching is so beloved because he synthesizes contemporary, cutting edge relationship, self growth, + psychology ideas & tools with his knowledge of perennial ancient wisdom truths & practices. His sessions & classes are down-to-earth, practical, peppered with humor, and yet profound & deeply transformative.

SPRING ENERGETIC UPGRADES

Kundalini Yoga Workshop 
w/ Joe Longo

New Date : Saturday, April 8th @ 2:30pm

Kundalini Yoga is a powerful practice that combines movement, breath, and mantra to activate the energy within your body and elevate your vibration. 

In this workshop, Joe will guide you through exercises to help you connect with your body and raise your energy. Using mantras and movement, we will raise our vibration moving into the spring season, giving us the strength and courage to live our best life.

Some of the benefits of this energetic upgrade workshop are:

• Increased energy and vitality

• Improved mental clarity and focus

• Emotional balance and stability

• Greater self-awareness and spiritual connection

• Improved flexibility and strength

• Relief from stress and tension

• A sense of calm and well-being

• Improved immune and nervous system function

• Improved digestion and elimination

• Greater ability to manifest one's desires and goals

Spaces are limited for this unique energetic experience!
Only $33 cost for registration.