Catherine Halcomb Yoga Teacher

Yoga Schedule

Spring Series classes begin Feb. 27 & 29. Individual Asana Intensive is April 1-5 Monday-Friday 6:30-8:45AM!

6615 Bay Laurel Place inside White Heron Sangha Meditation Center in Avila Village. I am hosting the yoga classes privately and separate from the WHS calendar events. My classes will NOT be listed on the White Heron Sangha website and are not currently affiliated with WHS programs.

I am still teaching classes, privates, workshops and intensives at other private locations.  If you would like to study with me, attend weekly classes or be on my mail list please send an email request to breathe@catherineyoga.com.

I look forward to teaching you,

Catherine

Catherine is available for Private classes and Private Group classes. email: breathe@catherineyoga.com

In-Studio 2024    
Tuesday Series Feb. 27- Mar. 26.
Thursday Series Feb. 29- Mar. 28
I.A. INTENSIVE APR. 1-5 6:30-8:30AM

The classes below are held at the address posted or a private location. Contact me for details.

Day Time Class Location links
Monday 4:45-6PM Private Group Class Morro Bay Private Residence
Tuesday 7:30-8:45AM Shadow Yoga* 6615 Bay Laurel Place WHS Avila Village 93424
Thursday 7:30-8:45AM All Levels-Hatha Yoga Shadow Style 6615 Bay Laurel Place WHS Avila Village 93424
Saturday 8AM-11AM Monthly Workshops TBA Shadow Yoga/Nrtta Sadhana
Individual Asana Intensive M-F 6:30-8:45AM April 1-5. 6615 Bay Laurel Place WHS Avila Village 93424

Pricing:

Yoga Class
Shadow Yoga $25/series $30/drop-in *Must have shadow experience to drop in.
Private Classes 1 person/$85 2 people /$100 4+people $35/person

We accept cash, check and credit cards.

Shadow Yoga


What is Shadow Yoga?

Taught locally by Catherine Halcomb. A student of Sundernath (Shandor Remete) since 1994.

Shadow Yoga is taught in a series class style where students sign up for an 8 week class. In the course of 8 weeks students are introduced to one of the three prelude forms of Shadow Yoga. During this time students are guided through the learning of the stances, warrior forms, sun forms and uddiyana bandha. Once the prelude is learned asana-vinyasa is introduced. This systematic way of learning leaves the student with the understanding and skills necessary to move toward a more powerful, effective and enjoyable yoga practice.


Shadow Yoga, founded by Sundernath (Shandor Remete), is Hatha Yoga where the restrictions in the body are seen as layers of frozen shadows. Three preludes forms are used to prepare the student for different levels of asana. The preludes combine the use of warrior forms and sun-forms to release obstructions in the peripheral body and the spine. Progress through these forms brings about changes in flexibility and firmness, cultivates smooth breathing and an awareness of the inner life force. Once the prelude is learned asana-vinyasa is introduced.

The three fixed forms of Shadow Yoga utilize the guiding principles of Marmasthana (the Indian system of the 108 vital junctions of the body), to achieve the appropriate combination of positions and rhythmical movements to obtain an unobstructed movement of breath.

Balakrama – stepping into strength 

The first prelude builds strength and stamina. This form is dynamic and challenging making the core of the body firm while removing stiffness in the joints. The student is prepared for introductory asanas and the practice of the bandhas (internal locks) is introduced. Balakrama is a starting point for beginners and recommended for students coming from other schools / forms of yoga.

Chaya Yoddha Sancalanam – moving the shadow
The second form refines and strengthens the breath. This flowing and spiraling form deepens the work of the warrior and sun forms freeing the structure and enhancing the life force. Practicing this form leads the student towards the practice of intermediate asanas.

Karttikeya Mandalam – circling the shadow
The third form develops the internal energy and prolongs the duration of breath by moving the body in a circular manner and deep stance work. Practicing this form releases deeply held restrictions and leads the student towards the practice of advanced asanas.

View Shadow Yoga on You Tube

“…Yoga is designed to remove the excess of habitual living in order to free this energy so that it can be directed towards a higher order of living. Every human being is endowed with this potential; but usually its presence is masked by the fluctuations of the conditioned mind. The mind only becomes aware of this power when it stops projecting and attains a steady and concentrated state. The perfection of this state is the goal of yoga but, if there is to be a chance of success, beginners must be pointed in this direction from the beginning. The key lies in the right preparation.”

Sundernath (Shandor Remete), Founder of Shadow Yoga

  

For  info regarding Shadow Yoga & Shadow Yoga DVD’s and Sundernath : shadowyoga.com

To order a copy of the book Shadow Yoga Chaya Yoga by Shandor Remete: www.amazon.com

The following teachers are qualified to teach Shadow Yoga in San Luis Obispo. Catherine Halcomb: yogashalaslo.com , Shelle Massa-Gooch: into-balance.com,  Shelle Ball: yogashalslo.com

Corporate Yoga

 

Catherine Halcomb has been working with corporations and small businesses since 1989. Before she became interested in yoga Catherine was bringing unity and teamwork to the workplace. She starting in the late 80’s focusing on experiential learning, ropes courses, conflict resolution, positive communication and most frequently in the customer service field. Some of the companies she has worked with include AT&T, DuPont, PG&E, IBM, Bank of America, MSN, VSI – Cygnet Software and numerous small businesses.

Wanting to share the benefits yoga in the workplace, Catherine began offering Corporate Yoga Programs. She has a mobile yoga center that includes yoga mats, belts, blocks and blankets, all of the equipment needed to conduct a yoga class in a board room, office or recreation area.

Companies have chosen one of three options in hosting yoga classes.

  1. Full subsidy : Employer offers the classes free of charge to the employee.
  2. Partial subsidy : Class fee is shared by employee and employer.
  3. Hosting : Employer offers a space in the office for the class time and employees individually pay for classes.

Yoga in the work place is known to

  • build camaraderie
  • reduce stress
  • increase the health and well being of co-workers
  • reduce illnesses
  • increase job satisfaction levels
  • increase the productivity of participating employees

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Commonly asked Questions

Q. Why do yoga in the office rather than at a yoga studio?
A. Yoga in the work place makes it easy for employees to join in and eliminates travel times to and from the yoga studio. It also eliminates the tendency to lose people to errands and extra stops. Corporate yoga promotes self care and stress relieving techniques during the workday.

Q. What if our office has limited space for yoga but we still want to participate?
A. No problem, I can offer a private class just for your employees off site in a yoga studio.

Q. What does it cost?
A. Prices differ depending on the# of people participating in the program. Please contact Catherine to discuss your questions and goals.

Q. How do we book a class or series of classes?
A. Simple. e-mail or call Catherine. Set up a meeting for her to see the space that will be used for yoga, discuss the type of business conducted in your workplace and the goals for the class. All classes are designed and customized to create balance in the individual corporate environment.

Q. What do we need to host or sponsor yoga in our office?
A. Four walls, an open floor and 45min-1hour to enjoy the benefits of yoga.
Catherine will provide any yoga equipment needed, expertise, and plenty of positive encouragement.

Q. Do our employees need to have yoga experience to participate?
A. No. Classes will be taught with the beginning student in mind. I teach yoga postures that are friendly to all.

Q. I heard that in yoga you need a hot room and sweat a lot. How would this work? Does everybody need to shower after class?
A. No. I do not teach HOT YOGA. The corporate yoga classes are taught with the requirements of an office environment in mind. Although most participants like to change into more comfortable or loose fitting clothing for class, plenty of participants have enjoyed a yoga session in a button up shirt and slacks, or jeans. Then return to work…..

Q. How often should we offer yoga in our office?
A. Most companies decide based on the availability of a open board room and the time and resources of their company. I offer bi-weekly, weekly, bi-monthly, and monthly class options.

Q. Can we sign up for a trial run?
A. Absolutely, I recommend scheduling 3-4 classes at first. Then see the progression of results, responses and feedback from the employees. One class is a new experience. Two classes is still on the learning curve. As we move to three or four classes, participants are more familiar with the environment and the movements. By then the benefits of the class are clear and your staff will be asking when the next class will be held!

Biography

Catherine Halcomb began her study of yoga in an effort to heal a nagging injury from running. Yoga in fact healed the injury and fueled a curiosity about the healing capabilities of Yoga. She is a certified massage therapist and yoga instructor. Her studies began in the Iyengar tradition in 1991. She met her teacher Sundernath (Shandor Remete), founder of Shadow Yoga, in 1994 and eventually enrolled in a month long course studying at the Iyengar Institute in Pune, India in 1996. After returning from India, Catherine started teaching yoga in San Luis Obispo. She continues to study with Sundernath and Emma Balnaves in the US, Australia, Europe & India. See www.shadowyoga.com

Catherine previously owned the Yoga Centre in San Luis Obispo & Arroyo Grande. In 2007 she opened the Yoga Shala SLO in Shell Beach CA and now in SLO where she has dedicated more time to the practice and teaching of Shadow Yoga classes and courses.

Prior to teaching yoga, Catherine’s background was in corporate training. Since 1989, Catherine has lead seminars on teamwork, conflict resolution and customer service. She has worked with small companies, large corporations and professional sports teams. She now leads corporate yoga programs on and off site as well as private group classes. See corporate yoga for more info. Catherine teaches Shadow Yoga and Hatha Yoga with great inspiration from Sundernath (Shandor Remete), Emma Balnaves, Shadow Yoga and Nrtta Sadhana. She believes everyone can benefit from yoga when practicing at the correct level. Her style is passionate, consistent and encouraging.

Catherine offers public classes, Shadow Yoga courses and  private yoga sessions.

Contact

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email Catherine: breathe@catherineyoga.com 

In person classes are being held at a private location at this time.

805.441.7837  breathe@catherineyoga.com