S I D M O N T Z
Meditation & Movement
ABOUT SID
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Sid Montz was introduced to Buddhist meditation and yoga in 1987 in La Jolla, CA while studying at University of California San Diego. From that time on, yoga and Buddhism have been an integral part of his life.
Through all of the twists and turns in life, Sid practiced many styles of yoga and multiple lineages of Buddhism. Eventually, he was certified to teach at Yogaworks LA, where he became a RYT-500 YACEP yoga teacher. He's been fortunate to study and train with many senior yoga teachers over the years, in a variety of disciplines.
Sid's specialties are Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra. He uniquely blends mindfulness practices with various physical modalities a lighthearted atmosphere where all are welcome. His offerings are always changing along with his personal practice.
While Sid has trained, practiced, and taught in many Buddhist traditions over the years, his primary teacher for over a decade has been Zen Master Thich Nhat Hahn. Thich Nhat Hanh is a global spiritual leader, poet, and peace activist, revered around the world for his pioneering teachings on mindfulness, global ethics and peace. Sid is an ordained member of Thich Nhat Hahn's Order of Interbeing.
Sid also taught 6th-12th graders meditation and yoga for two years at Tree Academy for Creative Arts, New Technology and Social Justice in West Hollywood, CA.
Sid currently is a senior facilitator for studioBE Mindfulness a well-tech company serving humans around the globe. studioBe provides corporate mindfulness trainings and an online platform where senior yoga teachers offer live and prerecorded practices.
Rose Apple House NOLA (in its very early stages of development) is Sid's aspiration of creating a non-profit mindfulness practice center in New Orleans.
WHAT IS YIN YOGA?
YIN YOGA
Yin Yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga, incorporating principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with postures that are held for longer periods of time than in other styles.
The sequences of postures are meant to stimulate the channels of the subtle body known as meridians in Chinese medicine and as nadis in Hatha yoga.
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A more meditative approach to yoga, its goals are awareness of inner silence, and bringing to light a universal, interconnecting quality.
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It is not intended as a complete practice in itself, but as a complement to more active forms of yoga and exercise.
YIN YOGA PRACTICE
Yin Yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body—the tendons, fasciae, and ligaments—with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility.
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In Yin Yoga, we hold mostly passive poses for about two to five minutes to work into our connective tissues.
The more we work our fascial system and deep tissues, the less dense and tight our bodies become as we age. Movement and stretching hydrates fascia which literally helps slow the aging process.
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SOME BENEFITS OF YIN YOGA
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Calming and balancing to the mind and body
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Regulates energy in the body
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Increases mobility in the body, especially the joints and hips
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Lowering of stress levels
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Greater stamina
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Better lubrication and protection of joints
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More flexibility in joints & connective tissue
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Release of fascia throughout the body
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Help with TMJ and migraines
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Deeper Relaxation
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A great coping for anxiety and stress
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Better ability to sit for meditation
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Balances internal organs and improves flow of chi.
WHY RESTORATIVE YOGA?
"We work very hard in our lives, and while we may sleep, we rarely take time to rest. Restorative Yoga poses help us learn to relax and rest deeply and completely. During deep relaxation, all the organ systems of the body are benefited, and a few of the measurable results of relaxation are the reduction of blood pressure and the improvement of immune function, as well as improvement in digestion, fertility, elimination, and the reduction of muscle tension and generalized fatigue."
- Judith Hanson Lasater
A restorative yoga class typically involves only five or six poses, supported by props that allow you to completely relax by activating your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest).
Held for 5 minutes or more, restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle backbends.
YOGA NIDRA?
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Yoga Nidra roughly translates to "yogic sleep" and is a powerful meditation technique where you will be guided into a state of deep relaxation while maintaining awareness.
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Classes are designed to move you through a few gentle yoga postures to relax and settle the energies of the body.
Followed by a comfortable and supported Savasana (resting pose) for 30-40 minute of Yoga Nidra. Releasing physical, mental and emotional tension experience the opportunity to leave class feeling rested, restored and inspired.
PRACTICE WITH ME
Take a peek inside my new virtual home.
I’m so happy & humbled to be part of this incredible network of dedicated teachers from all over the globe at studioBE!
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On Thursdays join me at 6:30pm CST for 15 to Zen.
A brief 15 minute practice to tap into your inner Zen.
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Also on Thursdays join me at 7:30pm for LOVE Practices.
Metta or Loving Kindness meditations
to cultivate compassion.
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StudioBe has on-demand & live classes for all levels of practitioner!
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Join me online today for a 14-day complimentary trial! Just press the button:
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BE curious. BE connected. BE well.
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Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Earth Meditations
These meditations remind us that we all are made up of the elements of the earth, water, fire, and air.
As we know, our bodies are more than three-fourths water. So when we looks deeply in order to see the water in his body, not only do we see the liquids - the blood, sweat, saliva & tears, but we also sees the water element in every cell of our body.
There are clouds in the body, because without clouds there can be no rain. Without rain, we wouldn’t have any water to drink, or grains and vegetables to eat. We see the earth elements in us.
We remember that we are the earth. And that's a source of happiness.
Sustainability
When we remember that we are the earth, then we respond with love and compassion for ourselves.
And then we start to remember that when we don't take care of of the earth, we are not taking care of ourselves.
