Rounding Out Summer
I just saw my friends adorable 4 kids on Instagram holding a sign ready for school grades 2, 4, 6, 8! And broke out into cheer “who do we appreciate?” This photo got me thinking about my childhood summers and back to school prep time from the transition from endless play to structured school time. The minute my mom would say, “we have to leave the swim club early to set up my classroom,” I knew it was back to school for all of us, saying goodbye to the lazy, hazy daze of August and moving into a more formal structure of planning and getting ready day for school. Some of this planning and some subject studies, did not always please me. Truth be told, I am a little bit of a procrastinator on the things that don’t interest me. I get it done, but not with the initial verve, fire, and continual tapas of devotion as with the things I like. During the past 24 years of practicing Yoga, I have seen moments of joy and frustrations in transitions, plateaus and changes within myself as it relates to the have to’s. I have seen the yoga practice shift my perspective and my relationship to my actions of the likes and the dislikes. There is an equanimity and clarity that has evolved in my practices and my teachings from the place and space for play on and off the mat, like the summers of yesteryear.
Here are some simple benefits of adult play
Stress Reduction & Improved Mood
Enhanced Creativity & Problem-Solving
Stronger Social Connectiions
Improved Cognitive Function
Increased Physical Activity
Better Relationships
Increased Self-Esteem
Patience to learn new things
This recent summer yoga wall course ended last night with a lot of laughter and release. Some students couldn’t figure out the beginning of why we were playing around throwing the balls on The Yoga Wall. But they soon realized there is a rhyme and reason to my curriculum madness. We were in the present moment, laughing, breathing, relaxing in movement and not caring if the ball was missed. And no hold ups from the previous moments or guessing what pose was going to be queued next.
It was successful. We found freedom, flexibility, mobility and resilience in and out of movement for ourselves and with each other. Taking the pressure off of thinking “am I doing this right “or “I can’t do this “. From here we just set up our exploration of classical asanas with “playing in a pose” with the yoga wall support and worked slow, steady to experience and be with breath and the asana exactly where we were meant to be. No judgements, critiques or expectations.
It is my mission to start this back-to-school season with new offerings for you to connect, stretch, flow and learn about yourself, as if you are the most important subject to study. Because you are ! Whether you're a parent juggling school schedules, a student looking for balance in your schedule, or just someone craving some "me-time," or an opportunity to learn- I’ve got a class for just about everyone. Here are my classes for you to rediscover your practice, get you moving and inspire you in unique ways for connection. Maybe you’ll catch the last outdoor yoga classes with horses, or mingle in community on a farm, or meditate in the art gallery. Whatever you decide, there’s no better way than yoga to be with transitions as we shift into the back-to-school season. 🌟
Yoga & Horses! Topfield Center, Cold Spring
last one of summer
Sat Aug 23 10:00-11:30a.m
Join us on a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation as we blend the calming presence of horses with a well-rounded integrative yoga practice. Dani will lead us through a brief guided meditation surrounded by horses followed by an all-levels yoga class near the barn. After class there will be an optional tour of Topfield Center ‘s stunning grounds and facilities. Let's explore all connections for inner balance in a nonverbal way with the horses outdoors on this beautiful land.
Community Yoga at Glynnwood Farm! Cold Spring
last one of summer
Tues Aug 26 5:30-6:45pm
Practice outside on this sacred land supporting a just and resilient food system so farmers, land and communities thrive. Dani will lead us through creative practices on the farm that connect us to our seed source of food for the body, breath for the mind body connection and connections to the outdoors for cultivating a sense of awe that we are part of this miracle of life.
It’s back to school, Back to Yoga! Here’s what’s rolling out after Labor Day .
🧘♀️ Yoga Wall: Fundamentals Course
1 spot left!
Ready to try something a little different? I am introducing more yoga wall courses and pop ups! And taking us back to the fundamentals of the foundations of the asana practice. This innovative practice helps you deepen your stretches, build strength, and improve alignment. It’s like yoga, but with a whole new twist. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a newbie, the wall is an amazing tool to expand your practice with tools for connection and alignment.
When: Sept 2, Sept 9, Sept 16
Where: Fulbeing Collective, Wappingers NY
Why: Because a little support (literally) can go a long way!
🌀 Center & Flow: Find Your Balance
New Weekly in Studio Class at Alchemy
Back-to-school can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, but this class is here to help you find your center. Center & Flow is designed to ground you and bring calm to your chaotic mind, with a mix of gentle vinyasa flow, and deep breathing practices to help you reconnect with your body’s rhythm.
When: Tuesdays 9:30-10:45am
Where: Alchemy, Beacon NY
Why: Because life might be a bit hectic, but YOU can be centered.
💤 Monthly Restorative Yoga & Pranayama
Life can be busy, but you need time to rest and restore. Our Restorative Yoga & Pranayama class is designed to help you relax deeply and recharge—perfect after a hectic week of school or work. Expect to unwind in supported poses, then go deeper into the direction of your life force with a pranayama practice leaving you feeling completely refreshed.
When: Sundays 4:30-6:00pm
Sept 7, Oct 12, Nov 16, Dec 14
Where: Firefly Power Yoga, Fishkill NY
Why: Because deep awareness and flexibility can come from slow supported movement and stillness, not just fire
Yoga Nidra: The Ultimate Monthly Chill
Life can be busy, but you need time to rest and restore. You can’t just run a marathon without training. Nor can you just turn your brain off into a state of relaxation. Just like that. Yoga Nidra, often called "yogic sleep," offers various benefits related to sleep and relaxation and brain health. It can improve sleep quality by promoting deeper rest, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, and decreasing nighttime awakenings. Additionally, Yoga Nidra can help lower stress and anxiety, potentially leading to a more peaceful sleep by affecting the nervous system to downshift.
This is a very important yoga practice that usually gets overlooked in our high active western culture! When you know…you know!
When: Tuesdays 6:00- 7:15pm
Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16
Where: Ful-Being Collective
Why: Because everyone needs a neurological reset
When: Wednesdays 6:30- 7:30pm
Sept 10, Oct 9, Nov12, Dec 10
Where: The Collective (formerly known as Ascend Center)
Why: Because everyone needs support to constructively rest and recharge
🎨 Yoga in the Gallery: Flow and mediate with the Art!
New in Studio Class at Garrison Art Center
Ever wondered what it would be like to practice yoga surrounded by art? This fall, we’re bringing together yoga and creativity in an exciting new class series: Yoga in the Gallery! 🌈
Picture this: You flow through your practice with art as your backdrop—connecting your body, breath, and creativity in a whole new way. A perfect balance of movement and inspiration. This class is designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities. Dani will work with you in coming to meet yourself in somatic movement, simple poses and breath techniques to lead us to mindful meditation using the art exhibition as part of an integrated approach to wholeness.
When: Wednesdays
Oct 1, Oct 8, Oct 22
Where: Garrison Art Center, Garrison NY
Why: Because yoga + art = pure magic! ✨
✨ Special Workshops & Events:
A Fulbeing Day Retreat – Falling into Balance
Date: Oct 4 8:30am-5:30pm
A few spots available
We are back for another deep dive! Take a break from the back-to-school hustle! Join the healing team of Fulbeing Collective for a day workshop focused on finding balance, attunement, and inner peace through philosophy study, breathwork, movement, and art techniques to help you stay calm, cool, and collected this fall with nourishing yourself.
Meals, Snacks and props included
The middle Path Retreat –Catskills Long Weekend (16CE Credits)
Date: October 16-19 5:30pm – 11:30am. SOLD OUT !
This long weekend retreat is SOLD OUT ! Dani Locastro and Amy Pearce-Hayden have teamed up for a unique long weekend of yoga discovery & integration. This retreat is a path where effort meets ease, discipline meets creativity and movement meets stillness so you can feel spiritually integrated, grounded, and empowered to live with balance and intention every day.
🌟 How to Register:
Classes and workshops are already filling up, so make sure to grab your spot before they’re gone! You can sign up directly on these links or my website or send me an email if you have any questions.
As always, we’re so grateful for your continued support and can’t wait to flow with you into this fall! 🍁 Let’s start this season strong, resilient, supported and together.
OM SHANTI
Dani & the Heartful Yoga Team