Posts

Showing posts from 2014

Ready to start your year with nude men's yoga?

Image
Our first class of the new year is this Sunday, 4 January 2015 @ 10.00 until noon, at our regular venue in the heart of Cape Town. For further information contact us on capemensyoga AT gmail.com Each year people make new year's resolutions. I find them to be important opportunities to focus myself on what matters and to build that into my schedule, my plans and my consciousness. Sometimes those small and incremental changes in our habits and practices bring about lifelong transformations. Today I had some errands to run. I stopped off at a local deli where they have excellent sour dough bread with rye. I saw a little car park with a white haired lady driving. Something familiar resonated and I recognised it was my very first teacher who introduced me to the mind / body relationship. She taught Alexander technique from her home in Claremont. That practice of mindfulness of body and being present unleashed a great energy and awakening in me, which eventually flourish...

Be united as the year ends! Last naked men's yoga class of 2014

Image
We are joyful to welcome you to the last of our naked men's yoga and meditation classes in central Cape Town, Sunday 28 December at 10h00. It is a two hour class of nude male yoga and meditation. Beginners are welcome. There are some spare mats if you are only visiting Cape Town and want to join us. Classes are given by qualified yoga instructors. Practice is at your own risk. if you have any medical or injury related issues please check with a medical professional in advance before starting yoga. Bring a sweat towel with you and you may want a water bottle. For venue details contact us on: Capemensyoga AT gmail.com Namaste

Naked in life, naked on the mat: Next class is Sunday 14 December 2014

Image
Dear yogis, Cape Men's Yoga will be running through the summer months. The newly qualified but deeply gifted Craig will be taking the class on Sunday 14 December. Regulars and visitors most welcome. We have extra mats for the drop ins. Yoga refers to union, uniting, bringing together. We are taught that in yoga we become one with the whole universe, we become integrated internally - the mind, body and spirit in harmony. We align our energy points  - our chakras and their respective forms of personal energy and capacity. We find our connection with others in our lives. We let go of the stress, anger, confusion and find one of life's great and simple joys - the movement of the body and the stilling of the mind. Men's nude yoga is a chance to strip it all down. Drop issues of your job, your status, your wealth, your position in life. Just be who you are underneath - raw, transparent, humble and present. As the body is uncovered, so we also journey to see the mind more c...

Next Cape men's yoga class is Sunday 7 December 2014

Image
Dear Yogis, We will be running Cape Men's Yoga classes throughout the summer. If you are coming down to the sunny Cape on holiday please join us. Craig will be taking the class on Sunday 7 December. Craig has taught with us before, and has just completed his 200 hour Yoga Alliance qualifications with one of Cape Town's top instructors. Be prepared to be amazed. Craig has an easy but inspiring style - including elements of Tibetan meditative movement and classic Indian yoga. Our approach to yoga is a holistic one. We are looking to support you in your needs. This may be physical - building flexibility, strength, body mindfulness; it may be emotional - developing a sense of inner well-being, learning to study the mind and find your potential for integration and fulfillment; it may be about connecting with like-minded men, building a community of practice that strengthens the values of brotherhood and mutual respect. Whatever it is you are looking for, you are most welcome...

Classes all summer - next class is Sunday 30 November 2014

Image
Dear Yogi brothers, As a reminder, classes will be running every Sunday 10h00 until noon right through until the new year at our city centre venue in Cape Town. Duncan and Craig will take turns with the teaching. You can reach Duncan by texting / whatsapp on 084 294 8309 We teach various styles of yoga (hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga and sometimes yin yoga). Classes are designed for a range of experience from total beginners to advanced practitioners. It is a voluntary payment with our focus on building a community of practice. We include meditation and breath work in most classes. As a reminder, our Summer Encounters yoga and meditation retreat is coming up 29 January to 01 February 2015. Deposits are due now. For further information you are welcome to email us on capemensyoga AT gmail.com

Naked men's vinyasa yoga and meditation class - Sunday 23 November in central Cape Town

Image
Dear fellow yogis, I got to teach a class of yoga at Naked Yoga Sydney in Australia. A great bunch of guys - diverse and welcoming. I am back with you in Cape Town on Sunday 23 November 2014 in Cape Town at our central venue in the city. Class is from 10h00 until noon. There is secure parking or lots of street parking. Bring your mat and your open heart. We'll have a nude men's vinyasa class this week. Also as a reminder deposits are due to secure yourself a place at the Summer Encounters yoga and meditationn retreat, 29 January until 01 February 2015. For more info contact capemensyoga AT gmail.com or text / whatsapp 082 579 6868. Namaste

NO YOGA ON SUNDAY 09 NOVEMBER 2014 - Next class is 16 November

Image
Dear Yogis, Cape Men's Yoga has no class on Sunday 09 November 2014. The venue is occupied for other usage that weekend. We are back on the mat with Duncan teaching his inspiring Mysore Hatha sequence on Sunday 16 November. If for some reason you are in Sydney, Australia, one of our Yoga instructors will be offering a vinyasa class at http://www.nakedyogasydney.com/ on Sunday 09 November 2014. Sharing the love! For more information you are welcome to contact us on: capemensyoga AT gmail DOT com Namaste,

Cape Men's Yoga Summer Encounter 2015 - first call for retreat bookings

Image
Nude Men's Yoga Summer Retreat 2015 SUMMER ENCOUNTER This is your first notification of the Summer Encounter retreat at Bodhi Khaya, 29 January to 01 February 2015. This is a 4 day / 3 night retreat, though you have the option of coming for 3 days / 2 nights as some of you may have work obligations. We encourage you to take off the extra day if possible as it has quite a big impact on your ability to still the mind and process the deeper teachings and practices. The retreat is for people with at least some yoga experience and adequate fitness. If you are interested to start yoga you should attend some regular classes beforehand and build up some stamina and experience. In the retreats we do professionally guided yoga in many different styles: vinyasa, ashtanga, hatha, kundalini, raja, bhakti and / or yin yoga. There is guided meditation and self-knowledge exercises. BK is not a nudist centre, so only the yoga and dam swimming are done naked.  The full price for the ret...

October & November 2014 schedule

Image
Here is the schedule for the next few weeks: Sunday 19 October, we have a Mysore hatha class; Sunday 26 October, we have a Vinyasa flow class; Sunday 02 November, we have a Yin yoga class (a static non-muscular form of yoga where the poses are held for long durations). Sunday 09 November: NO CLASS. The building is not available and there will be no class on this particular weekend. For more information contact us on capemensyoga AT gmail DOT com

Mysore hatha @ Cape Men's Yoga this Sunday, 12 October 2014

Image
Duncan is freshly returned from exotic and esoteric experiences in Bali and Java. Inspired by these sacred sites he will be guiding you through 2 hours of nude yoga and meditation in another of our famous Cape Men's Yoga classes. The focus will be on the Mysore hatha sequence, a beautiful flowing and attentive yoga practice, rewarding for beginners or advanced yogis. We are at our city venue as per usual. Classes are free, donations welcome. We start at 10h00 sharp and the door is locked so we advise you to be on time. You need a yoga mat (a few extras for early arrivals), a sweat towel and a water bottle is recommended. Our practice is classical - we combine yoga movement, with yogic breathing and meditation instruction. Our members come from many backgrounds, different religious and spiritual traditions, or none at all. Whatever path you are on, we will support you on that. Come and explore the body and the mind with a group of like minded men. Booking is not required bu...

The Lord of Death and meditation

Image
In our Sunday mini-retreat, we took some time to read an excerpt from one of the most famous of the Upanishads - holy scriptures of the Vedic tradition. In this tale, Nachiketa is cursed by his father and as a response he travels to see Yama, Lord of Death. Yama is away and Nachiketa must wait for him to return. Yama is mortified that a guest has been made to wait. He offers Nachiketa any gift he wants. Nachiketa wants to know about the mysteries of death. Yama is reluctant but the boy has the right to ask. In this excerpt Yama explains how we apply our minds to understand the truth of the Self and in so doing, we understand our mortality and immortality. Behind this is a story about the fear of our Ego, the fear of death, of annihilation, of being set aside so that the true mind may pursue the holy life. In yoga, do not have fear, trust the path, trust your intuition, learn to put down the outer fussing mind and find the inner sanctum of stillness... Katha Upanishad Transl...

Cape Men's Yoga & Meditation 05 October 2014

Image
You may have heard about us. We are a quiet phenomenon in Cape Town. It is the place where Cape Town guys meet on a Sunday to find their mojo and their inspiration, explore the mind-body connection, and build a community of healthy practice.  All ages, all body types, many faiths and traditions, many journeys and a shared path.  We combine yoga asana, pranayama breathing and meditation to help you find your levels of fitness, well-being, restorative efforts and your path in life. Beginners are welcome. Classes are free - donations welcome to cover the venue. Bring a sweat towel and a yoga mat.  SUNDAY 05 OCTOBER 2014 10h00 until noon - naked, honest, challenging, uplifting If you have medical conditions or injuries please consult a competent medical practitioner. Practice is at your own risk and we aim for an injury free practice.  We start at 10am on the dot and the door is locked, so please be on time. For more info email us on capemensyoga AT gmail.com ...

HALF DAY MEN's YOGA & MEDITATION RETREAT - SHISA, TULBAGH 28 September 2014

Image
HALF DAY MEN's YOGA & MEDITATION RETREAT - SHISA, TULBAGH 28 September 2014 We are confirming that  Cape Men's Yoga  will go out to Tulbagh next Sunday 28 September 2014.  Note also that there is NO class in town that day as the building is being used for a film project. We are back on our regular schedule on Sunday 5 October .    There are  two offers  for the half-day retreat:  1) The Full Monty :  R600  pp for overnight accommodation at Shisa! and the breakfast on Sunday.  You may also have the discounted rate for a Friday night booking if you want to make a weekend of it.  There will be coffee and rusks available from 6 am to get your digestion done before the meditation and yoga start; 2) Come just for the Sunday . This will be  R100  pp, which includes the practice, access to Shisa! and a breakfast at 10h00 together.  Please email   Joe De Villiers  on  info@shisaf...

Cape Men's Yoga & Meditation on Sunday 21 September 2014

Image
After a superb weekend yoga and meditation retreat in the Overberg, with 28 members from several provinces, we are back on the mat in Cape Town this Sunday, 21 September 2014. The retreat explored the role of our spiritual faculties in getting us to move along our path, and the hindrances of the mind that can trip us up. We focussed on upper chakras and the notion that our path is one of spiralling in towards truth, and upwards towards inspiration and connection with the divine / the universal. You are welcome to join our wellness revolution. 2 hours of naked men's yoga and meditation in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Whatever your fitness, your age or your belief system, you are welcome to come and explore the mind-body-spirit relationship with us. If you are looking for greater flexibility, fitness, inner peace, self-acceptance or to meet like-minded men - Cape Men's Yoga is a great destination and journey of discovery. This week we'll be back at a v...

NO CLASS on SUNDAY 14 September; next class on 21 September 2014

Dear Yoga brothers, Due to our Spring Awakening Retreat this coming weekend there will be no regular Cape Men's Yoga class in town on Sunday 14 September. We will see you next on the mat in Cape Town on Sunday 21 September. Namaste 

Cape Men's Yoga & Meditation - naked ashtanga vinyasa on Sunday 7 September 2014

Image
Welcome to another session of men's nude yoga in Cape Town. This week we'll be doing some basic meditation techniques and some dynamic vinyasa-ashtanga yoga.  Beginners are as always welcome.  It is an authentic yoga practice, designed to open up the body, mind and the heart. It has a spiritual framewor k which you may engage with as it suits you. We respect whatever spiritual tradition you come from or if you have no such affiliation. Class starts at 10h00 sharp and the doors are locked so important to be on time. We recommend you bring your own mat but there are a few extras, first come, first serve. If you have never done yoga before, please come a bit early to speak to the instructor. If you have any previous injuries or health conditions you should consult a physician / chiro / physio before attempting yoga. Again, alert the instructor if you have any pre-existing conditions This is our last weekend practice before the Spring Awakening retreat 12-14 September. Note...

Cape Men's Yoga & Meditation - the Mysore Hatha sequence

Image
Cape Men's Yoga continues to grow and flourish. We are so happy to have created this space for men in Cape Town. We had our first yoga guest from Guatemala today, who generously gave us some feedback identifying our class as one of the best international yoga experiences he has had. Every class is unique and we aim to create a really diverse experience with different styles of yoga and meditation for you. Underpinning this is a combination of a strong culture of brotherly support for one another, non-judgmental approach, and a sincere approach to working with the body and mind. This week, Duncan takes over for another Mysore hatha class. Hatha is often considered the foundation of modern and ancient yoga. It is a series of yoga postures aimed at opening the mind and body, which achieving harmony of intention and action. The training comes from a famous school in Mysore which includes the use of mantras, meditation and devotional practice to combine with injury free yoga. To jo...

Cape Men's Yoga & meditation - Sunday 24 August 2014

Image
After our beautiful marathon of 108 sun salutations, we are back to our regular teaching schedule. Come join us for two hours of nude yoga for men. We've been running for three years. It is a classic yoga practice, including pranayama breathing and meditation. Our instructors are all internationally certified. The class is done fully nude in a heated space in the central business district. 10 am until noon on Sundays. You need a sweat towel and a yoga mat. A good idea to bring yoga blocks and a strap if you have these. We mix the different styles of yoga for your interest. This week will be a vinyasa flow - a classic dynamic yoga based on the ashtanga sequence. Beginners are welcome, as a more experienced yogis. If you have any injuries or health issues, we advise you to see a doctor, physio or qualified professional prior to coming to class. Please also advise the teacher of any prior conditions. The practice is at your own risk. Classes are free, donations are welcom...

Surya Namaskara clinic and special 108 cycles classes

Image
Cape Men's Yoga is proud to invite you to join a two part teaching session on the Surya Namaskara A / Sun Salutation A sequence. In the Hatha and Ashtanga yoga traditions, most yogis know to follow a basic sequential routine that involves most muscles in the body. These are the Surya Namaskara sequence - the honorific greeting of the sun and the new day. On Sunday 10 August 2014 we'll spend time teaching the hatha surya namaskara in detail - explaining and practicing each asana and developing confidence in the sequence. On Sunday 17 August 2014, we'll be doing a ritual observed by many yogis and ashrams around the world, of performing 108 full cycles of the Surya Namaskara to music. It is a physically challenging practice but powerful, meditative and liberating. It is a journey into the heart of yoga. We invite you to join us for this special event. It also provides for excellent training ahead of our Spring Awakening Retreat in the Overberg, 12-14 September 2014...

Get out your old sheep skin and turban - it is Kundalini time! 3 August 2014

Image
It is that time again - by popular demand, Guru Duncan is offering another nude men's kundalini class. Kundalini is a yoga practice which involves a series of repetitive movements that are designed to awaken our deeper spiritual energy and help us cleanse and dispose of unnecessary attachments. Many kundalini classes can feel extreme and a strain on the body. Duncan draws on his extensive hatha and vinyasa knowledge to combine the fiery energy of kundalini with the physiologically reliable movements of the other yoga practices. All this means that if you are a beginner, you'll likely survive. If you are a regular practitioner you'll get a thrill from this. All our classes deal with mind, body and spirit - through meditation and asana - this one also includes some elements of Sanskrit mantras. If you've been looking to dive on into your energy source - no better place to start. Class is for men only, it starts at 10h00 and finishes at 12h00 noon. Our new venue i...

Cape Men's Yoga & Meditation - Sunday 27 July 2014

Image
Drop your issues and your shorts. Yes, another 2 hours of men's nude yoga this Sunday in central Cape Town. We get naked with our bodies, our hearts, our minds, our strengths and our frailties. Through the use of yoga, pranayama breathing and meditation we build a community of practice for self-affirmation, understanding, solidarity and hope. Be part of it. The class is all nude, traditional yoga practice for two hours. This week's class will be a flowing vinyasa-ashtanga style - one that combines strength, flexibility, focus and flow. It is accompanied by instruction in breathing and meditation. Whatever your need is, come and find out if this is going to be a valuable set of life skills and community you want to be part of. Ages range from 20s to 70s and everything in between. The men are of different levels of fitness and agility. You start where you are - both with body and mind. We are overtly supportive of your chosen spiritual path, be that a mainstream religion or ...

Cape Men's Yoga & Meditation class - 20 July 2014

Image
Dear Yogi brothers, There is indeed a Cape Men's Yoga and meditation class this Sunday at 10h00 at our regular venue in the heart of Cape Town. Duncan will be teaching the Mysore flow hatha sequence. For more information contact Duncan directly on 084 294 8309. You need a yoga mat and an open mind. Class is on the third floor. Enquire for details of the venue. Beginners are welcome. Classes are free - donations for the venue invited. Note: We are finalising the bookings for the Spring Awakening yoga retreat in the Overberg in September. Please book accordingly. Namaste

13 July 2014 - Cape Men's Yoga & Meditation

Image
Freshly back from China, Duncan will be taking this week's nude men's yoga class. We are at our regular venue in the heart of Cape Town. Beginners and advanced practitioners all welcome. For further info contact capemensyoga AT gmail.com or 084 294 8309

6 July 2014 - Cape Men's Yoga & Meditation with a special guest teacher

Image
The next men's nude yoga class will be taught by Sean - he is a very talented yoga vinyasa and hatha teacher and has been a regular teacher at our weekend retreats.  The class will involve a good dose of hatha yoga is what I have in store for you. A few twists and some backbends to energise and liven you up for the week.  Join a wonderful group of guys for two hours of exploration of the mind, body an d spirit. The class is designed for those with some yoga experience but beginners are welcome. You need a yoga mat, a sweat towel and you may want a water bottle. The classes are in the centre of Cape Town. Ask by text, whatsapp or email for the directions. Classes are free but we invite you to make a voluntary contribution to cover the use of the venue. For more info contact us on: capemensyoga AT gmail.com or mobile 0833009513

Spring Awakening - Cape Men's Yoga Weekend Retreat 12 - 14 September 2014

Image
It is that time of year again .... Cape Men's Yoga - the all male, all nude yoga and meditation community is gathering at our favourite retreat centre - Bodhi Khaya in the Cape Overberg region - just a few hours out of Cape Town. 12 - 14 September 2014 This is our sixth such retreat. There are usually about 20 guys on the retreat. The venue is beautiful. Accommodation is shared - mostly two single beds in cottages around the quad but there are also cottages for group bookings and the two dormitories which take 3 and 5 men respectively.  Bodhi Khaya has been ranked as one of the world's top 'secret' retreat centres. It was founded by local Buddhists but has emphasised an ecumenical approach to spiritual development. They have always been welcoming of Cape Men's Yoga and we honour this welcoming. It is only the yoga that is practiced nude as the centre is not designed for naturalism in other regards. If the weather is warm, there is however a dam for sw...

Nude yoga and meditation for men - rebooting your life

Image
Sunday 29 June 2014 -  Join us for two hours of exploration of the mind, body and spirit.  A lively class of vinyasa flow yoga followed by guided meditation. Join our community and give yourself that healing boost on a Sunday to make your week smoother and your life more focussed.  In the past seven weeks we have been studying the use of the chakras - energetic points in the body associated with aspects of our character and our relationship with the greater universe. This week we'll be working with the bandhas - energetic locks which when used properly are believed to share the flow of energy in the body. They can be used for energising ourselves, for helping to control muscle, breath and blood flow. The bandhas also help us shift focus from one part of the body and one type of energy flow, to a new dynamic that ideally helps us on our path to greater consciousness and wellness.  The class is desi gned for those with some yoga experience but beginners are we...

Nude men's Hatha practice Sunday 22 June 2014

Duncan will be teaching another of his inspiring Mysore-style Hatha flow yoga classes this Sunday, 22 June 2014 at our new venue in central Cape Town. Classes are getting more full. We recommend that you get to the venue at 9h45 to secure a spot. Try if possible to bring your own mat (we have a few extras). Bring a sweat towel. Classes are free, donations are recommended to cover the venue use. If you need information, contact us on: Capemensyoga AT gmail dot com

Bye bye blackberry

Dear yoga brothers, Regrettably, the BBM contact details are no longer valid. I've upgraded and could not keep the bbm number posted here. For whatsapp or text messages contact us on either: 084 294 83 zero nine or 082 579 68 six eight. Apologies for any inconvenience

Naked yin-hatha yoga for men - 15 June 2014

Image
Join us for this week's nude men's yoga and meditation. We will be teaching a Yin-Hatha class. Yin yoga is a non-muscular yoga, where the poses are held for longer duration without muscular effort. Though it sounds easier, it can be challenging in some positions.  The purpose of a yin practice is to journey into th e memory of the body, to find wisdom in the silent places which we tend not to acknowledge or which may be hidden from view. Yin is about the darkness of the spaces between the joints, about activating the use of the fascia and in being fully present in each of the inward focussed asanas. Technically, a yin practice places gentle pressure on tendons, ligaments and pulls into the fascia. This is healthy for long term muscular health and appears to also stimulate the immune system of the body. The yin practice will be complemented with traditional hatha movements to gentle stretch and awaken our mind-body-spirit connection. Yin is one of the most meditative of ...