Fear has a way of tightening the body, shortening the breath, and distorting our sense of what's possible. Thich Nhat Hanh taught that we don't have to fight our fear or run from it — we can turn toward it, breathe with it, and even smile at it. As he wrote, "Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." His smile practices — paired with the simple phrase "Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile" — is a small, radical act of non-fear that meets suffering not with resistance, but with compassion and presence.

Our asana practice will explore the places where fear likes to live — on the tip of balance, the openness of a backbend, the disorientation of an inversion. It's in these shapes that fear tends to reveal itself, in a held breath or physical sensation in the body. Rather than avoiding these edges, we'll practice meeting them with steadiness, curiosity, and — yes — a smile.

Working with pranayama practice and drawing directly from Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings on conscious breathing, we'll build practical tools you can carry beyond the workshop. Breath becomes an anchor: something to return to when fear tightens the chest or invites panic into the mind. You'll leave with breathing techniques designed specifically to help regulate the nervous system in moments of anxiety, uncertainty, or fear.

Thich Nhat Hanh reminded us that peace isn't found by fighting our fear, but by breathing with it — gently, and with a smile. This workshop is an invitation to practice just that, and move a little closer to the peace that resides within us all.

What to bring: a long sleeve layer, socks, and eye pillow or scarf to cover eyes are recommended for pranayama.

Join us for a deeply transformative session of Mantra Meditation, where we will chant the sacred syllable "OM"—the primordial sound of the universe, embodying the divine energy that unites all beings.

We’ll begin with restorative yoga, allowing the body to open and the mind to settle into stillness. Then, we’ll dive into the Mantra Meditation, followed by a period of silent contemplation.

Mantra Meditation offers a unique opportunity to quiet the mind and align with your inner vibration, guiding you on a journey inward to discover your true self.

When: April 2nd, 7-8:30pm
Where: Awareness Center Yoga, 2801 E. Foothill Blvd Pasadena, CA, 91107
Your personal investment: $24 (sliding scale available, no one turned away due to lack of funds. If you would like to attend and are facing financial hardship, please email me to RSVP)

Mantra Meditation with the Sacred Syllable OMGuided by Courtnay Robbins

Join us for a special exploration of mantra meditation with the sacred syllable "OM." OM is considered the primordial sound of the universe, representing the divine energy that connects all beings. Together, we will experience how this powerful frequency can help bring stillness and peace to the mind while bringing us closer to the essence of yoga.

In this practice, you'll first learn the significance of OM and a technique for chanting it. We will begin with some gentle restorative yoga asana to prepare the body for a comfortable seated meditation. Then, we will chant OM together 108 times, followed by a period of silent meditation. The mantra meditation serves as an opportunity to quiet the mind and attune you to your inner vibration. It’s an inward journey to discover the true self.

When: March 5th, 7-8:30pm
Where: Awareness Center Yoga, 2801 E. Foothill Blvd Pasadena, CA, 91107
Your personal investment: $18 (sliding scale available, no one turned away due to lack of funds)

Tea ceremony is a meditative ritual that invites us into the present moment through our sensory experience.

As we gather in community, I will share rare, wild dragon tea from ancient tea trees, followed by a sound bath with antique Tibetan singing bowls. We will conclude with a guided compassion meditation to promote heart-opening and healing for all beings.