Summer Solstice Yoga Celebration Saturday, June 20 4:30–6:00 PM (In-Studio, Outdoor Deck & Livestream)

I really love gathering and practicing together on the longest day of the year.  It’s been a Sellwood Yoga tradition since we opened 16 years ago.  Solstice and Equinoxes, special classes that give you extended time and space to practice with more intention.  

The word solstice comes from the Latin sol (sun) and stitium (to stand still).   The sun appears to pause on the horizon.  It ‘stands still’, it pauses and we do too. On the longest day of the year, that pause deserves at least a few long exhales.

So that’s what we’ll do. We’ll take some deep breaths and  pay closer attention to what’s present. What’s been going on? What’s thriving? What needs some tending? What do you want to direct your energy towards? What are you ready to set aside? 

What to Expect

I’ve designed the class to move through a few distinct phases. We’ll open with a restorative pose and some guided breathing to settle in, move through a slow vinyasa flow, and return to restorative and yin yoga. The sequencing has pauses built in and an overall arc that has room to go places a regular 60-minute class usually doesn’t.

I’ll share some poems and prompts along the way. You don’t need to share a thing. This is your time to listen to yourself, reset, and reflect.

The doors to the garden will be wide open. The sun (hopefully) will still be shining, the warm air will breeze through and you’ll have space to spread out.  I’ve capped attendance to 6 people outside (there’s one spot left) and 16 people inside (there’s 6 spots left).  Livestream is always an option, and over the years students have joined from backyards, back decks, cozy living rooms, and home studios.

A couple of days before the celebration, I’ll email you a collection of seasonal quotes, poems, and reflections, along with a playlist and some things worth considering as we welcome this season from the Summer Solstice to the Autumn Equinox.

What Students Have Said

I’m always moved by what people share after these gatherings.

One new student, who came with a friend, arrived without quite knowing what to expect and left feeling energized, focused and inspired.  “One of the best yoga experiences of my life,” she emailed to me.

Another joined via livestream with her daughter. Afterward she told me that even from home, she felt connected to the community and present for the full practice which was something she wasn’t sure was possible before she tried it. She and her daughter felt at peace, grateful for their shared experience, and inspired. She wrote:

“Thank you for the great service of your practice shared over the decades, and for the creation and bringing together of all who make up the Sellwood Yoga community. It has been a life-affirming, nerve-calming, health-producing, and community-building force in our lives.”

Come alone or invite your friends!

The longest day of the year deserves more than your regular Saturday routine. Set it apart. Come for the movement, the stillness, the community and some long exhales.  Bring a friend or show up on your own. You’ll be in good company either way.

Looking forward to seeing you at the studio or through the livestream. Please use this link to sign up.

Summer Solstice Yoga Celebration Saturday, June 20 4:30–6:00 PM (In-Studio, Outdoor Deck & Livestream)