Wellness Classes at the New Haven Public Library

NEW HAVEN - Carmen Canales will demonstrate "how to manage stress using hypnosis therapy" from 2 to 4 p.m. May 3 at the Mitchell Branch Library, 37 Harrison St., according to a release.

There is no charge for the demonstration. Details at 203-946-8117.

Meditation classes designed for beginners will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. each Tuesday in May at Ives Main Library, the release said. New Haven’s Shambhala Meditation Center is providing these classes at no charge. RSVP 203-946-8130 x200.

Library Yoga classes will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays through June, with an additional Friday class in June, the release said.  All classes are held 1 to 2 pm at Ives Main Library, 133 Elm St.

All classes are $5; bring your own mat.

 - Monday classes, May 5-26, will be led by Mary Graham Johnston, and June classes will be led by Alison Beale (no class June 9—Library is closed). 
- Wednesday classes, May 7-June 4, will be led by Ellen Barrett, and by Alan Bitker June 18-July 9 (no class June 11—library is closed).
- Friday classes in June will be led by Debbie Kahan.

Saturday Tai Chi classes continue through the summer at Ives Main Library, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with Kathleen Brenner instructing.

In good weather the class will meet on the Terrace, and inside in rain. Classes are $8 each, drop-ins welcome.

For more information about any of these classes call the library at 203-946-8835. Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Click one of the buttons below to share it.

Tai Chi series at New Haven Public Library

NEW HAVEN - The Saturday Tai Chi series at the New Haven Public Library continues in January, according to a release.

Kathleen Brenner will offer the class from Jan. 5 to Feb. 9, the release said.
Each class is one hour and starts at 11:30 a.m., the release said.
Brenner has studied tai chi for more than 20 years and has won many medals in international competitions, the release said, working under the direct guidance of Master Wang Hai Jin.
"Her series, which is suitable for most fitness levels, will teach a 10-form set of Yang style tai chi," the release said.
Advanced registration is required, either by calling the library at 203-946-8835, or online at www.2013taichi.eventbrite.com. The $30 series fee may be paid online or at the first class

The library is at 133 Elm St., 

Stretch out at the New Haven Public Library

Let your inner animal out

NEW HAVEN - Just in time for tax day (that's April 15, in case you forgot)a therapeutic session of Tai Chi will be held at the the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.
Instructor Kathleen Brenner, shown, returns with her "popular series of six classes designed to provide beginners with the skills to practice on their own," the library said in a statement.
The class will meet 5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursdays, from April 15 through May 20.
Brenner will lead the class through a 10form set of Yang style tai chi, derived from the form practiced in parks and sidewalks worldwide, the statement said.
No previous experience is required, just wear comfortable clothing, it said.
A $10 series contribution will be collected at the first class. Registration is required at www.taichispring10.eventbrite.com.
Free parking is available, and the class will meet on the library terrace overlooking the New Haven Green. Indoor space is available in case of incelement weather, the statement said.

Look what the Mayo Clinic has to say about Tai Chi. It says "there are more than 100 possible movements and positions with Tai Chi, many of which are named for animals or nature."

P.S. Debbie Kahan offers Library Yoga 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesdays, Feb. 10-Mar. 24, library. Classes are suitable for all levels and include basic poses and meditation, organizers said. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat. No previous yoga experience is required. A $5 donation will be collected for each class. Information at www.libraryyoga2.eventbrite.com or 203-946-8835.