Yoga Classes & Workshop

"Yoga is not about becoming a pretzel. Yoga is about becoming a human being." ~ Phil Milgrom, R.Y.T.

Phil Milgrom has been teaching yoga since 1974 and studying yoga since 1970. He co-directs The Centered Place Yoga Studio in Warren, MA. with his life partner, Nancy Nowak. He teaches classes at the Beyond Bliss Yoga Center in Chelmsford, MA. He taught yoga classes to employees of Compaq Computer Corporation and HP-Invent for over 14 years. He is certified, and he is a Registered Yoga Teacher (R.Y.T.) in the Svaroopa® style. He is also certified as a yoga therapist and Embodyment practitioner (one-on-one, hands-on healing using the principles of Svaroopa yoga).

What Is Yoga?

Yoga is both a physical and meditative practice. It is low impact and yet has high impact on your health. Anyone can practice yoga. Yoga is beneficial to all, no matter what your shape, size, or age. Flexibility is not a prerequisite for yoga — it is an outcome.

Yoga is excellent for your heart and circulation, and it is a powerful tool for relieving stress. The practice of yoga teaches you how to stay centered and calm even in the most stressful times, and how to conserve and increase precious energy. It helps develop self-awareness and to increase respect for, and balance of, all aspects of your being — emotional, mental, spiritual, as well as physical. Many of these parts tend to be neglected in the pressures and busyness of the work day. Yoga helps you connect with the whole and the holiness of your being.

Phil’s Classes in Chelmsford, MA

Beyond Bliss Yoga Center, Chelmsford
Wednesdays 12 noon to 1:30 -- All levels
Wednesdays 7:00 PM to 8:30 -- All levels

For more information, including standard fees and a full schedule that includes classes offered by other well-qualified Svaroopa yoga teachers, visit the following Web site: http://www.bbyoga.com

The yoga center is fully equipped.

Location:

313 Littleton Rd. (Rt 110), Chelmsford, MA

Directions:

1. From the South
a. From 495 North, take exit 32 (Westford)
b. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp and head to the first intersection (4-way traffic lights)
c. Turn left onto Route 110 and continue for about two miles – after you cross the Chelmsford line, the Yoga Center is about 1/8th of a mile further, in a small shopping plaza on your left (across from the Courtyard Condominiums)
d. The Yoga Center is located upstairs
2. From the North
a. From 495 South, take Exit 34 (Route 4/Chelmsford)
b. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp and head toward Chelmsford
c. At the big intersection (past the fire department), turn right onto Route 110
d. Continue approximately two miles. The Yoga Center is on your right in a small shopping plaza (across the street from Courtyard Condominiums)
e. The Yoga Center is located upstairs

The Centered Place Yoga Studio in Warren, MA

Warren, MA is near Sturbridge MA. From the Mass Turnpike, it is about 15 minutes from the Sturbridge/Rt 84 exit. Classes are held six days a week. The yoga studio is fully equipped and features Svaroopa yoga classes only. For more information, visit the following Web site: http://www.thecenteredplace.com

Phil’s Delightful Yoga Workshop:

Laughter Is a Good Stretch, Too! ™
Humor, Health, Yoga, and Bliss

This is a workshop that raises your yoga practice and your spirits to a new level, so needed in these stressful times that make it too easy for us to lose heart. A sense of humor can help us find our heart again, and can reinvigorate our practice and commitment to a life of health and inspiration.

The greatest yogis and sages worldwide have recognized the importance of humor and a cheerful disposition. They have always known that too much seriousness feeds the ego and dampens the spirit, while a sense of humor broadens our perspective and lifts our spirits.

When we have been hit hard by difficulty or tragedy, a good laugh can "resurrect" us, helping us rise above and live beyond the affliction. Radio personality Garrison Keillor (Prairie Home Companion) said: "Humor is not a trick, not jokes. Humor is a presence in the world — like grace — and shines on everybody." Even in the darkest circumstances, or the most difficult yoga postures, we can and must keep a light on inside, "a presence in the world that shines on everybody."

However, too often yoga is practiced with a heavy seriousness, which only creates more tension. (How often do we see models in yoga magazines looking delighted in their poses? Usually they appear dead serious!) We can be serious about our practice, but we need not take ourselves so seriously in our practice.

Laughter Is a Good Stretch, Too teaches us how to practice yoga with a lightness of being. It helps us gain a deeper understanding of yoga and a greater appreciation of humor, both which bring releases that keep us loose, energized, mentally sharp, physically and emotionally resilient, and well-grounded on our spiritual path.

“I had a great yoga session today. I went into class feeling fatigued and not all that great, and left feeling so calm, peaceful, and oh so fortunate! It's amazing what a transformation I experience at times."

Lorraine Langan, Dracut, MA

“I am less reactive, less unconscious, less likely to judge; more generous, more sensitive, more loving. I'm barely a beginner at yoga, but it is clear to me that it is very powerful. Thank you for giving me a key to a new way of living!"

Jana Droms, Westford, MA

“After your Wed noon class, as I was driving home, I felt as if my spine were several inches longer, spacious and almost floating. WOW! I've been practicing yoga for umpteen years and this is a first."

Deb White, Tewksbury, MA

“Just had to let you know how great I felt this morning. For years, when driving I have not been able to turn my neck around without stiffness and feeling tight. Today I could not believe the ease that my neck and head turned without any stiffness. Your class and style of teaching has helped me so much. Thanks for all you do!"

Jeannie Sougnez, Chelmsford, MA.

“It has been a delight taking your classes. In addition to all the pleasure and stress reduction the classes have given me, my back is better aligned, I have less pain, my range of motion has increased significantly, and I feel stronger. Yoga will always be a part of my life (thanks to you)!"

Eleanor Chanda, Groton, MA.

“Your teaching has meant a lot to me, both physically and spiritually. For that I thank you."

Kevin Turner, Chelmsford

“Phil knows how to lighten your heart in a most yogic way!"

Rama Berch, RYT; originator of Svaroopa® yoga and founder of Master Yoga Foundation, headquartered in La Jolla, California. http://www.masteryoga.org
      Also, founding president of Yoga Alliance, the national professional organization providing standards, recognition, and support for yoga teachers.

“This workshop should be compulsory for everyone at the conference!"

Monica Voss, presenter and participant, Unity in Yoga International Conference, 1995; teacher at Esther Myer's Yoga Studio, Toronto. http://www.estheryoga.com.

“Thank you, again, for a refreshing, enlivening yoga-bliss-experience! It was a treat for me!"

Margery Anderson, RYT; Founder and Director of Mountain Yoga, Rutland, Vermont, http://www.mountainyoga.com

“Phil leads light-hearted yet practical workshops. He has an engaging and sincere manner that allows everyone to be comfortable and to have fun."

Ann Johnson, RYT; Founder and Director of The Yoga Corner Yoga Studio, Ithaca, New York, http://www.theyogacorner.com

“I am SO appreciative... I loved your humor class, and I love that you have combined two things that YOU love into a workshop. The spiritual aspects of humor were really fun for me! I do believe that we are closest to our true spirit when we are laughing!"

Kate Harper, Leadership and Life Coach, http://www.kateharper.com.

“You have inspired me to lighten up, to laugh at myself and life a little more —for this I am grateful."

Madeleine Haling, Social Worker

“Thanks for a wonderful presentation. My students loved it!"

Dr. R. Vallee, Nichols College

“Just wanted you to know that even though I have been living in Italy for 10 years and haven't practiced yoga since 2003 (my 1st daughter was born in 2003 and my 2nd in 2006), you are still an inspiration to me! I miss your classes and your sense of humor."

Andrea Pigey, Teacher