MONICA DIGIOVANNI
  • Home
  • Ensō
  • Impossible Things
  • About
  • Contact

Special event: ​Art Sale Yard Sale Auction - one day only!

Saturday, September 19
​9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The corner of Liberty Street and Loomis Street, Montpelier, VT


More info: Facebook event page
Questions or to purchase: heartbeat@mywildbeat.com

The home studio is packed with art that needs new homes. With limited opportunities to show and sell in person because of the pandemic, Monica will be setting up outside for a one-day art market. 

All art will be marked with a base price but you are welcome to offer more. Images will be posted regularly up until the show through the Facebook event page. There will be way more at the show besides what is featured on this website. There will oil paintings, Chinese calligraphy, art post cards (support the post office!), ensō paintings in ink and watercolor, Buddha photos, a cheap art! basket, and more.

See below for images of current oil paintings.
​
Picture
"Common Morphos" Oil on Canvas, 16" x 20"
Picture"Great Female Mormon" Oil on Canvas Paper, 12x16"
If you missed the opening in May, Monica's work is on display again through the month of October at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Oil paintings, watercolors, ink, and photography inspired by nature and the sublime.

Where: Kellogg-Hubbard Library
           Kitzmiller Room for Fiction
           135 Main Street
​           Montpelier, VT


​Opening Reception:  October 9, 2019
                              4:30-6:30 pm

Info: Contact Monica, info@mywildbeat.com

Stay connected through the Facebook event.​


A portion of the sales from the show will be donated to support protections for pollinators including, butterflies, bees and other flying critters that make food possible as well as the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

To support butterfly populations and other pollinators, check out this list of organizations, apps and educational resources.

Core and Upper-body Yoga Fusion Thursday, 2:00-3:00pm
Embodied, Montpelier, VT Drop-ins welcome - $16 (Students, Seniors & Veterans - $12) 
Bodies are a complex series of relationships that can sometimes loose the connections necessary to function as an integrated system. Rebalancing the relationship between the pelvic and shoulder girdles will stabilize the spinal column and protect the spinal cord. This establishes proper alignment for the bones, or skeletal home, needed to support a healthy nervous system. Over time, adding strengthening activities to any movement-based practice will retrain and nourish somatic memory important to the relationship between the upper and lower edges of the core. This whole body stabilization will harmonize the diaphragm and pelvic floor to support healthy breathing patterns including pranayama. Experience safe, nourishing movement while creating the strength you need to support a deeply satisfying asana practice. Perfect for anyone who participated in the Core and Upper Body Series.
"Monica's Core & Upper Body Fusion class is a wonderful mix of a strengthening workout and relaxing yoga. I always leave class feeling amazing and walk away with new knowledge about how the body functions and moves. Monica is an excellent teacher and I look forward to her class every week." ~ J.O.
Picture
Let it Flow with Zen-inspired Practices To Build Connection

When:          Sunday, December 9 (One of Embodied's Sacred Sunday offerings)
                   1:00 - 3:00 pm
Where:         Embodied, 7 Main Street, Montpelier, VT
Cost:            $26, register

Explore the differences between “brain” and “mind” as you dive into prajna, or inner wisdom, to discover the answers within. In the first half of class, the Japanese Zen disciplines of zazen or seated meditation (on the floor or in a chair) and kōan practice offer you an opportunity to contemplate a paradoxical parable as you gain a deeper understand of yourself and the world. What appears might surprise you. In the second half of class, experience the creative freedom and liberation of flow in the whole of your being through movement meditation. Choose between being fully blindfolded or simply having eyes closed, for movement meditation that will untangle discursive thoughts and ingrained physical behaviors manifest in your physical form as tension. Release into a state of seamless connection with the universe. 

"I dove in because I wanted to see what I know." ~ Anais Nin 

Picture
Core and Upper Body Strength Basics for Yoga

When:     Wednesdays, November 28 - December 19
               5:30-6:45 pm
Where:     Bethany Church 
​               Montpelier, VT
Cost:        4 classes for $52
               Previous students receive a discount, cost is $48
​Register:  Contact Monica
 
This series is all you need to begin building awerness, strength and integrity to stabilize your whole body. Topics will cover:

  • Gaining awareness and control of core muscles 
  • 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, the diaphragm and the breath
 
This 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....

Picture
Release and Open with Psoas-Focused Asana, Metta Meditation, & Haptic Drawing

When:          Sunday, October 21 (One of Embodied's Sacred Sunday offerings)
                   1:00 - 3:00 pm
Where:         Embodied
​                   Main Street, Montpelier, VT
Cost:            $26, register

Do you long for ease of being? How can you loosen the constrictions and burdens placed on you by life, relations, society and even yourself that manifest as creative blocks, feeling “voiceless” or as a sense of alienation? Explore hidden tightness in the body with yoga movement (asana) to tone and nourish the psoas muscle. Discover how this important muscle relates to the respiratory and pelvic diaphragms and yogic breathing (pranayama). Lovingkindness or Metta meditation will build a compassionate practice of non-judgmental self-acceptance. Automatic or "haptic" drawing exercises will free your mind and creative spirit. Surrender the burdens that no longer serve you while learning to adapt to the free flowing nature of a changing world. No previous drawing experience required.​
Previous participants of the Core and Upper Body Series are welcome to participate in the last three classes or retake the entire series at a 10% discount.
Email Monica with questions or to register.
Picture
Core and Upper Body Strength Basics for Yoga

When:          Wednesdays, October 10 - November 14 (NOTE: Date correction!)
                    5:30-6:45 pm
Where:          Bethany Church 
​                    Montpelier, VT
Cost:             6 classes for $72 (Payable by cash, check, credit card, or ApplePay)
​Register:       Contact Monica

Great for beginners or intermediate practitioners wanting to go deeper. This series offers a chance to experience better body awareness while building strength and integrity in a supportive environment. 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)

The first three classes offer an in depth, anatomical understanding of core muscles including the transverse abdominous and psoas muscles as well as their relationship to the respiratory and pelvic diaphragms with gentle, movements on the floor. Also included in the first three weeks, students will learn about shoulder girdle anatomy and feel in their own bodies opportunities to release old holding patters that create strain, tension and pain. The last three classes will offer participants gentle-moderate posture-based classes to build confidence and clarity in yoga.

Experience stability and ease like never before 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). In the last few classes students will begin to explore poses with moderate complexity offering an opportunity to challenge their limits in a safe, supportive environment.

​Class is open to anyone with at least six months of practice or more.

​Join the series Facebook event

More info
Picture
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 (Payable by cash, check or ApplePay)
​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. This is an opportunity to find enjoyment in individual poses requiring core strength combined with shoulder mobility and stability.

​Fine for anyone who has completed Series 1 or anyone with a moderate practice wishing to explore individual yoga poses in more depth.

​Join the conversation on the Facebook event page!
​

Picture
​Week 1: Beginner's Mind (June 18) – 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 (June 25) – 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 (Postponed to July 16) - 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 (July 9) – 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 (July 23) – 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 (July 30) – 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 (August 6) – 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...

Picture

Dance with Fire: Unlock Creative Potential Through Yogic Practices and the Arts


Dates: Mondays, June 18 - August 6 (no class July 16)
Time: 5:45 - 8:45 pm
Location: Waterbury, VT
​
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...

Picture
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....

Picture
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:

  • 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....

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.
​Class Description
Both classes will start with a guided five minute meditation and end with five minutes of silent meditation. Asana in both classes will focus on upper body and core strengthening in addition to heat building standing poses to nourish and nurture joint health.

Try out the first class for $5 or pay $88 for 8 classes.
​Payment with cash, check, credit card or Apple pay.
Picture
Picture
Gratitude Yoga
Take a break from holiday festivities to return back to your center. Calming and clarifying breathing and meditation will open class with time just for you. Next, enjoy a gradual emergence into gentle asana followed by a joyful flow of twists to alleviate holiday indulgences and heart openers to center and cultivate gratitude. Class will end with a regenerative, extended Sivasana. All levels welcome.​
​
A portion of the proceeds from this class will be donated to support the Native American organization Kunsi Keya Tamakoce (Grandmother Turtle Land). Kunsi Keya Tamakoce is an independent women-run, safe space community. Based on the Lakota spiritual principle of Mitakuye Oyasin, or egalitarianism and interdependence with All Our Relations, Kunsi Keya Tamakoce (KKT) preserves indigenous religious heritage and fights against racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, ageism and ecological violence experienced in tribal populations and the world at large. ​​

When:            Thursday, November 24, 10:00-11:15
Cost:              Regular class pass or drop-in rates: $16 / $12 (seniors, students, veterans)
Registration:    https://www.embodiedvermont.com/schedule/
                      (Pre-registration is highly recommended.)

Picture
Invite a Demon to Tea:
​Self Exploration to Overcome Fear and Adversity

​
When:          Saturday, November 4
                    3:00-6:00 pm
Where:          Embodied
​
                    Montpelier, VT
Cost:             $45
Pre-registration is highly recommended
​
Learn how to embrace challenge and change and find liberation in letting go of old habits, experiences and belief systems. The fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, causing poor decision making or lack of action. Manifesting fear in the body can instigate illnesses of many kinds based in stress, depression and anxiety. When we begin to understand the underlying experiences that fuel our fear, fear dissolves leaving us in a place of strength and stability. More information...

Picture
Picture
Dear friends,

There's been an internal call to settle into a quieter space that has gotten louder and clearer as the days pass so I'm taking time off from teaching yoga this self-care summer to dream a little bigger, dive a llttle deeper and explore my life in a more private way. I will return to teaching in September and hope to see you once again for a healing, cathartic practice on the mat.

In the mean time I'll be checking email so drop me a line through the contact page if you'd like to be in touch to just say "Hi!" or join my email list. I send out infrequent newsletters and updates including occasional blog posts.

Wishing you a sunshine filled summer with plenty of joyful play.

Lots of love, Monica

Picture
Vigorous Flow Thursday, 9:00-10:15 am @ Embodied
​​Passion arises out of intrinsic connection and love. Flow yoga practices have the amazing ability to shift and move energy through the body to support strength, stability, and confidence. Connect deeply to the body on the cellular level with passion through the breath and clear consciousness, awakening the physical form by activating the whole self within and beyond. Rhythmically surrender into equilibrium by giving yourself permission to whole awakening through a gradual building of breath, energy and heated vitality without force. Moderate to Intermediate.

Picture
Fresh Start Yoga: Mindfulness exploration for beginners

When:    Sunday, 1:00-3:00 pm
             April 23
Where:   Embodied
             Part of the "Sacred Sunday" Series
Cost:       $26
Pre-registration is highly recommended.
​

For those just starting out on their yogic journey, this workshop gives you an opportunity to ask questions and find answers in the company and support of other beginners. Starting a yoga practice can be a joyful, enriching experience and doesn’t have to be intimidating or stressful. You deserve to be happy! Head to the workshop page...

Montpelier Senior Activity Center, Montpelier, VT
Registration for the 2017 spring/summer session is open!
COST: $20 members / $30 non-members for 12 weeks April 10 - June 26
Vigorous Yoga for Seniors: Thursdays, 10:45-11:45 am
Moderate Yoga for Seniors: Fridays, 2:15-3:30 pm
Gentle Yoga for Beginners (at CVMC): Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 pm

Full class descriptions and schedule can be found on the Yoga and Meditation page.
​
Picture
Six-week Beginner's Yoga and Meditation Series
​
New dates for 2017!

When:    Wednesday nights
              January 11 - February 15 
              5:15-6:30 pm
Where:    Embodied
              Montpelier, VT
Cost:       $90

Pre-registration is highly recommended. To register, click on the "series" tab at the top of the page and scroll down to the event.


Are you wondering why everyone is talking about yoga and meditation? Have you been curious to try it? This introductory series is perfect for beginners. Experience yoga and meditation for the first time or delve a little deeper to create and expand your own practice. Read on...

Thanksgiving Day Class

Picture
Gratitude Yoga has become a yearly tradition, take a break from holiday business and join Monica for a special Thanksgiving Day class! 

Dive beneath the surface of holiday stress and reconnect to the goodness in your life. Class will be a mix of gentle asana to ground into yourself combined with a joyful flow of twists to alleviate holiday indulgences and heart openers to center and cultivate gratitude. Class will end with an extended Savasana, giving you plenty of time to regenerate before heading back into the holiday season. All levels welcome.

When:            Thursday, November 24, 10:00-11:15
Cost:              Regular class pass or drop-in rates: $16 / $12 (seniors, students, veterans)
Registration:    https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/home?studioid=18629
                      (Pre-registration is highly recommended.)
Monica will also be offering her regular classes the week of Thanksgiving.
​
Sunset Yoga: Wednesday, 7:00-8:45 pm
Gentle Vinyasa: Friday, 12:00-1:00 pm
Morning Yoga: Saturday, 9:00-10:30 am

Join Monica's mailing list
© 2023 Monica DiGiovanni
  • Home
  • Ensō
  • Impossible Things
  • About
  • Contact