A Message From Peter |
When you dig a well, there's no sign of water until you reach it, only rocks and dirt to move out of the way. You have removed enough; soon the pure water will flow.
-Buddha |
Thank you all for your patience, your thoughtfulness and your sincere concerns. As some of you now know, I have been away due to health issues, which have forced me to seek specialists in Arizona and New Mexico. I do believe at this time I am on the road to recovery. However, it is obvious to me now that I am going to have to take some considerable time off to heal appropriately.
As a side effect from an antibiotic called Cipro, I have been suffering from a systemic infection that spread through my body. This drug had a profound effect on my body and my mental health. Apparently, the drug took a toll on several parts of my body. As most of you know, I lost my bicep and partially my brachialis. As happens to 1% of Cipro users, it created tears in my rectus causing hernias in my abdominal muscles. In addition, edema set into my legs and hips, alerting doctors of a heart condition. Most alarmingly, Cipro has as a side effect compromising the aorta valve of the heart. I was also very fatigued and struggling to maintain my normally hilarious and positive attitude. My health had become so serious that I could no longer do my own practice nor adequately lead my studio classes.
The worst part of my illness was not feeling well at all. It seemed like every doctor I talked to had a different diagnosis. Then came the prescriptions. My pharmacy bill went from zero dollars to nine hundred dollars a month , and growing. I was gaining weight, my knees ached, sleeping became difficult, even walking was painful. I was keeping most of this quiet and trying to push through, trying to ward off what I thought were signs of getting old. I teach for longevity, vitality and rich experiences deep into old age. “What if I was a failure of my own teachings?” asked the critic within.
In some ways, this struggle has temporarily advanced the experience of aging, forcing me to look at my own mortality at the young age of 71. This struggle has not jaded or shed any doubt on the capacity for us to age well, it has given me the information to understand how to be a better practitioner and teacher of wellness. In yoga we talk about finding our edge, the place where we intimately know our limitations. In old age, we may tend to think of our new limitations as finite, a symptom of time, when in actuality, they are as surmountable as every other limitation we’ve encountered. The key to the pose of aging is to keep the mind willing to try new things.
So, I am out here trying new things. I’ve sold most of my belonging and hit the trail. I took a road trip through the Southwest. I want to move to Costa Rica and live in a tiny house. (I’m basically a millennial! Take that, Aging.) I’m listeing to healthcare professionals I trust. The last few weeks I have sought the advice of doctors regariding Cipro side effects, particularly in the 1% of males that are seriously affected by the drug. The advice from these doctors is the same, I have to dramatically slow down.
I have decided to take a sabbatical from the teaching, while I practice my own healing and yoga. I will be entrusting my daughters with my latest venture, Blue Earth Yoga.
In addition, I am pleased to announce that Sarah Klintworth has taken over Downtown Yoga. I don't think I could have asked for a better replacement. She is motivated, smart and comes from a place deeply inspired by yoga values. I am excited for you to have her.
For the last twelve years I have shared my practice with my friends and students. That is one old thing I will deeply miss. You have all been the most perfect students and I am so indebted to you for being on this journey with me.
Thank you all.
Peter
As a side effect from an antibiotic called Cipro, I have been suffering from a systemic infection that spread through my body. This drug had a profound effect on my body and my mental health. Apparently, the drug took a toll on several parts of my body. As most of you know, I lost my bicep and partially my brachialis. As happens to 1% of Cipro users, it created tears in my rectus causing hernias in my abdominal muscles. In addition, edema set into my legs and hips, alerting doctors of a heart condition. Most alarmingly, Cipro has as a side effect compromising the aorta valve of the heart. I was also very fatigued and struggling to maintain my normally hilarious and positive attitude. My health had become so serious that I could no longer do my own practice nor adequately lead my studio classes.
The worst part of my illness was not feeling well at all. It seemed like every doctor I talked to had a different diagnosis. Then came the prescriptions. My pharmacy bill went from zero dollars to nine hundred dollars a month , and growing. I was gaining weight, my knees ached, sleeping became difficult, even walking was painful. I was keeping most of this quiet and trying to push through, trying to ward off what I thought were signs of getting old. I teach for longevity, vitality and rich experiences deep into old age. “What if I was a failure of my own teachings?” asked the critic within.
In some ways, this struggle has temporarily advanced the experience of aging, forcing me to look at my own mortality at the young age of 71. This struggle has not jaded or shed any doubt on the capacity for us to age well, it has given me the information to understand how to be a better practitioner and teacher of wellness. In yoga we talk about finding our edge, the place where we intimately know our limitations. In old age, we may tend to think of our new limitations as finite, a symptom of time, when in actuality, they are as surmountable as every other limitation we’ve encountered. The key to the pose of aging is to keep the mind willing to try new things.
So, I am out here trying new things. I’ve sold most of my belonging and hit the trail. I took a road trip through the Southwest. I want to move to Costa Rica and live in a tiny house. (I’m basically a millennial! Take that, Aging.) I’m listeing to healthcare professionals I trust. The last few weeks I have sought the advice of doctors regariding Cipro side effects, particularly in the 1% of males that are seriously affected by the drug. The advice from these doctors is the same, I have to dramatically slow down.
I have decided to take a sabbatical from the teaching, while I practice my own healing and yoga. I will be entrusting my daughters with my latest venture, Blue Earth Yoga.
In addition, I am pleased to announce that Sarah Klintworth has taken over Downtown Yoga. I don't think I could have asked for a better replacement. She is motivated, smart and comes from a place deeply inspired by yoga values. I am excited for you to have her.
For the last twelve years I have shared my practice with my friends and students. That is one old thing I will deeply miss. You have all been the most perfect students and I am so indebted to you for being on this journey with me.
Thank you all.
Peter
community Sing
Community singing is the timeless ritual of coming together with others to co-create a rich musical experience. Join your voices singing in a weekly 90 minute journey of songs about nature, life, love, emotions, joy, activism, peace, happiness, etc. Songs will be taught in the oral tradition of call and response. No singing or musical experience is necessary- just a desire to use your voice and connect joyfully through song with others.
Please Note: Singing has moved outside for the summer. Check back with us in the fall!
$5-$10 Suggested Donation
Please Note: Singing has moved outside for the summer. Check back with us in the fall!
$5-$10 Suggested Donation
Gentle Yoga
A slower moving asana class, students will learn a variety of yoga styles, including yin, hatha, and slow movement poses. We will address both the muscular skeletal system as well as the myofaschia. The gentle, easy, poses will be held for a length of time, to bring the most therapeutic benefit.
hanuman Beginners' practice
Named after Hanuman, the mighty monkey warrior and the figure of strength, perseverance and devotion, this beginner to intermediate vinyasa class will emphasize learning the poses, alignment, muscle structure, and building strength. Emphasis on learning mindfulness in the pose.
Morning Core
Join us for an exhilarating class focusing on the health of the whole body. In this class Cindy and I will utilize multi-disciplines to create a new paradigm in the body that promotes flexibility, strength, grace, toning and core building. The work sculpts the body and adds health to the myo-fascial sheaths. Dynamic Fusion workouts will cross train with stability balls, pilate rings, light kettle bells, principles of martial arts, yoga and pilates. We focus on the entire body, work from the simple to the dynamic. No practice is the same. Feel great and stand tall.
All levels
All levels
Vinyasa
This satisfying and inspiring class is movement-based while incorporating the power of breath to achieve mindfulness, strength and ease. Using proper alignment and creative sequencing to deliver deep stretch and opening as well as strengthening the shoulder girdle and building core stability, leaving you more centered and peaceful.
Yoga for Men's Health
Yoga, sometimes referred to as a “fountain of youth,” is a powerful 7500 year old antidote for many of today’s common maladies. With all of the physical, mental, and overall health benefits, yoga can make you feel better and younger than you could have ever imagined. Mixed with a healthy diet, a regular yoga routine can make a profound difference in your health without any supplements or drugs.
This class will work on the body as a whole, with specific focus on the center of the gravitational line where so many of the body’s organs and glands are located. We will pay particular attention to the energetic body as important to good health because any stagnation in this field can lead to disease. You will open up new channels of healthy energy to your body and spirit, and you will gain tools to improve health and stamina, and to help you live a longer and healthier life.
All levels
This class will work on the body as a whole, with specific focus on the center of the gravitational line where so many of the body’s organs and glands are located. We will pay particular attention to the energetic body as important to good health because any stagnation in this field can lead to disease. You will open up new channels of healthy energy to your body and spirit, and you will gain tools to improve health and stamina, and to help you live a longer and healthier life.
All levels