Image: "Nine Suns", Oil on Canvas 2013
"The sun's eyes are painting fields again."
~Rumi
~Rumi
Monica DiGiovanni is a yoga and meditation teacher as well as an artist living in Central Vermont.
Learn more about her yoga and meditation instruction, view a wide variety of paintings and drawings or simply go directly to her upcoming schedule of classes.
Learn more about her yoga and meditation instruction, view a wide variety of paintings and drawings or simply go directly to her upcoming schedule of classes.
Weekly Drop-in Class Schedule
Embodied, Montpelier, VT
Friday: Gentle Flow, 12:00-1:00 pm
Community Yoga
Friday night, 5:00-6:00, by donation
March 16
Be sure to check the schedule for additional classes that Monica might be subbing.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach Monica through the contact page.
Friday: Gentle Flow, 12:00-1:00 pm
Community Yoga
Friday night, 5:00-6:00, by donation
March 16
Be sure to check the schedule for additional classes that Monica might be subbing.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach Monica through the contact page.
Dance with Fire Seven-Week Series
Now with an expanded week and longer class time!
Now with an expanded week and longer class time!
Dance with Fire: Unlock Creative Potential Through Yogic Practices and the Arts
Dates: Saturdays, April 21 - June 2
Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The series will explore a variety of techniques to fan the flames of your creativity, intuition and vision. Yoga and meditation, pranayama, creative brain exercises, written exercises and creative movement will all help you build clarity and confidence to say what you need to say and feel what you need to feel. As you get to know your interior through visual self-expression and the written word, so may you feel that experience in your body. Not just for artists, this workshop is for anyone wanting to hear, feel and see their own creative potential. No previous experience required. Read on...
Dates: Saturdays, April 21 - June 2
Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The series will explore a variety of techniques to fan the flames of your creativity, intuition and vision. Yoga and meditation, pranayama, creative brain exercises, written exercises and creative movement will all help you build clarity and confidence to say what you need to say and feel what you need to feel. As you get to know your interior through visual self-expression and the written word, so may you feel that experience in your body. Not just for artists, this workshop is for anyone wanting to hear, feel and see their own creative potential. No previous experience required. Read on...
Individual workshops:
Week 1: Beginner's Mind (April 21) – Are you struggling to see a new worldview beyond standards you’ve outgrown? Dive beneath the surface of grouchy moods, dissatisfaction, confusion and frustration by uncovering underlying motivations. This workshop is designed to help practitioners land fully in the “now” by gaining clarity about what’s not working, opening space and energy to light your creative spark. Read on...
Week 2: Release and Open (April 28) – There is a famous quote from martial arts master Bruce Lee: “Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” Do you long for ease of being? Read on...
Week 3: Overcome Fear and Adversity (May 5) - Fear of the unknown or unfamiliar can be paralyzing, causing poor decision-making or lack of action. Manifesting fear in the body can instigate illnesses of many kinds related to stress, depression and anxiety. Learn how to embrace challenge and change while enjoying the liberation of letting go of old habits, experiences and belief systems. Read on...
Week 4: Know Thy Self (May 12) – What makes you come alive? If you have difficulty answering that question it's time to become intimate with your edge. Read on...
Week 5: Yoga, Creativity and the Brain (May 19) – Creativity is the act of making connections, it’s what makes us, us. Learn some of the science behind how yogic practices and ancient techniques heal us mentally, physically and emotionally. Ground creative practice in a way that is healthy and sustainable. Read on...
Week 6: Let it Flow (May 26) – Explore the differences between “brain” and “mind”, requiring a particular kind of focus developed by skillful practice. Tap into source intelligence, an exploration of unconscious understanding, to discover the answers within. The Japanese Zen practices of zazen or “seated meditation” and kōan meditation, the contemplation of paradoxical meaning will support you on this journey. Read on...
Week 7: Creating Space (June 2) – You are enough! And you have everything you need right now. We are constantly receiving messages that we need more…more money, more happiness, more material possessions, etc. But what is it that you really need to thrive? Go beyond a scarcity mind-set. Step fully into a personal (r)evolution with confidence and a deep commitment to create your world. Read on...
Week 2: Release and Open (April 28) – There is a famous quote from martial arts master Bruce Lee: “Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” Do you long for ease of being? Read on...
Week 3: Overcome Fear and Adversity (May 5) - Fear of the unknown or unfamiliar can be paralyzing, causing poor decision-making or lack of action. Manifesting fear in the body can instigate illnesses of many kinds related to stress, depression and anxiety. Learn how to embrace challenge and change while enjoying the liberation of letting go of old habits, experiences and belief systems. Read on...
Week 4: Know Thy Self (May 12) – What makes you come alive? If you have difficulty answering that question it's time to become intimate with your edge. Read on...
Week 5: Yoga, Creativity and the Brain (May 19) – Creativity is the act of making connections, it’s what makes us, us. Learn some of the science behind how yogic practices and ancient techniques heal us mentally, physically and emotionally. Ground creative practice in a way that is healthy and sustainable. Read on...
Week 6: Let it Flow (May 26) – Explore the differences between “brain” and “mind”, requiring a particular kind of focus developed by skillful practice. Tap into source intelligence, an exploration of unconscious understanding, to discover the answers within. The Japanese Zen practices of zazen or “seated meditation” and kōan meditation, the contemplation of paradoxical meaning will support you on this journey. Read on...
Week 7: Creating Space (June 2) – You are enough! And you have everything you need right now. We are constantly receiving messages that we need more…more money, more happiness, more material possessions, etc. But what is it that you really need to thrive? Go beyond a scarcity mind-set. Step fully into a personal (r)evolution with confidence and a deep commitment to create your world. Read on...
Upcoming Classes at
Montpelier Senior Activity Center
Yoga for Focus and Fitness (6300Q)
Wednesdays, 1:30-2:45 - 12 weeks
Do you enjoy physical activities such as running, crosscountry skiing, dancing, biking, hiking and rollerblading? This class is suitable for anyone with an active life. Moving slowly with great focus turns asana practice into a movement meditation, perfect for opening tight joints and building muscle strength while clearing the mind. Use of props is strongly suggested to safely and comfortably explore the edges of your practice. Class begins and ends with meditation and gentle postures on the floor while the heart of class enjoys a standing series for more heat. At the center of it all is a practice of compassion and acceptance of one's individual experience. Some yoga experience is necessary.
Gentle-Moderate Yoga (7300L)
Fridays, 2:30-3:45 - 12 weeks
Stretch, decompress and clear mental space with this Friday afternoon class designed to ease you into the weekend. Students are guided to find harmony between breath and movement and to be present moment to moment. Moving slowly with great focus turns yoga asana into a movement meditation perfect for opening tight joints and building muscle strength. Class will explore an intermediate standing series begining and ending with gentle postures on the floor and interwoven with meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises) and themes for contemplative reflection. Use of props is strongly suggested to explore the edges of your practice. A supportive environment encourages a practice of compassion and acceptance of one's own experience of body, mind, and spirit.
You must register ahead of time for either class.
Wednesdays, 1:30-2:45 - 12 weeks
Do you enjoy physical activities such as running, crosscountry skiing, dancing, biking, hiking and rollerblading? This class is suitable for anyone with an active life. Moving slowly with great focus turns asana practice into a movement meditation, perfect for opening tight joints and building muscle strength while clearing the mind. Use of props is strongly suggested to safely and comfortably explore the edges of your practice. Class begins and ends with meditation and gentle postures on the floor while the heart of class enjoys a standing series for more heat. At the center of it all is a practice of compassion and acceptance of one's individual experience. Some yoga experience is necessary.
Gentle-Moderate Yoga (7300L)
Fridays, 2:30-3:45 - 12 weeks
Stretch, decompress and clear mental space with this Friday afternoon class designed to ease you into the weekend. Students are guided to find harmony between breath and movement and to be present moment to moment. Moving slowly with great focus turns yoga asana into a movement meditation perfect for opening tight joints and building muscle strength. Class will explore an intermediate standing series begining and ending with gentle postures on the floor and interwoven with meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises) and themes for contemplative reflection. Use of props is strongly suggested to explore the edges of your practice. A supportive environment encourages a practice of compassion and acceptance of one's own experience of body, mind, and spirit.
You must register ahead of time for either class.
Teasers for upcoming spring offerings...
Gentle-Moderate Yoga for Core and Upper Body Strength, Series 1
When: Wednesdays, April 18 - June 6
5:15-6:30 pm
Where: Bethany Church
Montpelier, VT
Cost: 8 classes for $88
Register: Contact Monica
Based on a positive response and helpful student feedback, this is a repeat performance of the series that started in February and is great for moderate beginners seeking better body awareness. While building strength and integrity with correct alignment, topics will cover:
This eight-week series will assist you in finding stability and ease in asana such as downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana) and plank (phalakasana) as well as more mobility and balance in standing poses such as warrior poses (virabhadrasana), triangle (trikonasana) and extended side angle pose (utthita parsvakonasana). Read on....
When: Wednesdays, April 18 - June 6
5:15-6:30 pm
Where: Bethany Church
Montpelier, VT
Cost: 8 classes for $88
Register: Contact Monica
Based on a positive response and helpful student feedback, this is a repeat performance of the series that started in February and is great for moderate beginners seeking better body awareness. While building strength and integrity with correct alignment, topics will cover:
- Pelvic and shoulder girdle anatomy
- Proper adjustments necessary for individual bodies within specific poses (asana)
- An in depth exploration of movement focused on hips and shoulders to begin retraining somatic memory and movement
- The relationship between core integrity and proper breathing practices (pranayama)
This eight-week series will assist you in finding stability and ease in asana such as downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana) and plank (phalakasana) as well as more mobility and balance in standing poses such as warrior poses (virabhadrasana), triangle (trikonasana) and extended side angle pose (utthita parsvakonasana). Read on....
Gentle-Moderate Yoga for Core and Upper Body Strength, Series 2
When: Thursdays, April 5 - May 31 (no class April 26)
5:15-6:30 pm
Where: Bethany Church
Montpelier, VT
Cost: 8 classes for $88
Register: Contact Monica
Building the on the movement experience and understanding from series 1, series 2 will take posture (asana) and breathing (pranayama) practice to the next level! Come alive in poses such as half moon (ardha chandrasana), dancer’s pose (natarajasana), crow (bakasana), side plank (vasisthasana), and boat (paripurna navasana) to name few. Each week students will be guided through a series of preparatory poses with key alignment cuing to open and prepare the body for deeper asana exploration. Read on....
When: Thursdays, April 5 - May 31 (no class April 26)
5:15-6:30 pm
Where: Bethany Church
Montpelier, VT
Cost: 8 classes for $88
Register: Contact Monica
Building the on the movement experience and understanding from series 1, series 2 will take posture (asana) and breathing (pranayama) practice to the next level! Come alive in poses such as half moon (ardha chandrasana), dancer’s pose (natarajasana), crow (bakasana), side plank (vasisthasana), and boat (paripurna navasana) to name few. Each week students will be guided through a series of preparatory poses with key alignment cuing to open and prepare the body for deeper asana exploration. Read on....
