Tree of Life Yoga Studio

The Tree of Life Yoga & Wellness Center
102-19 Metropolitan Avenue
Forest Hills, NY 11375
tel. 718-544-5997
e-mail: treeoflife@genesissociety.com

Our yoga center is in the Kriya yoga tradition of Babaji and our direct master is Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Our executive director, R' Rene David Alkalay (yogi Shekhinananda), is a direct disciple of Swami Rama.

Our extensive Hatha yoga program is in the tradition of Krishnamacharya and based on his teaching of Vinyasakrama yoga. We also include classes and workshops in various yogic topics including Yoga science, pranayama, meditation, Ashtanga yoga, Kundalini and Tantra yoga. 

What to look for  in a yoga school Our yoga classes are given by certified and highly trained  yoga instructors. Our teachers have a strong  background in anatomy meeting the yoga alliance standards of certification. Our teachers have knowledge of working with people at all levels of practice. A personal assessment is made for each student who takes the program and our teachers are attentive and responsive to health issues in general, i.e.,  injuries, pregnancy, high blood pressure or other conditions. All our teachers are certified under national and international standards of certification; our certification program is rigorous requiring a two year commitment of study and practice. Prerequisites for participation are a proven personal two year practice with an established, recognized, school or teacher.  Our teachers describe and model each pose before asking the students to do it, telling them  how to avoid strain and how to achieve correct  alignment. We encourage you to do yoga at home. Each of our yoga classes includes promoting breath awareness, encouraging a sense of contentment in the students, and teaching exercises to quiet the mind. Our teacher express a positive attitude. In our classes you will learn the difference between healthy stretching in the muscles versus unhealthy stretching. Each class ends with relaxation practice. At the end of a yoga class you should never feel jittery or nervous, but have a greater sense of vitality. We encourage resting between poses and we never push the student to stretch further and strengthen faster . We encourage the use of props to avoid fatigue and over stretching.

Our yoga environment Our studio is not overheated Props are available (including wall space, chairs, blankets, straps, etc.) Clean, swept floors A quiet space Emphasis on nurturing, not on appearances Lots of personal attention – small classes Wheelchair accessible bathrooms and studios for our restorative and rehabilitative yoga programs. Our teachers take time to offer modifications to poses or to offer alternate poses. Scholarships are available on a limited basis. We are a not-for-profit organization and are currently seeking funding (corporate or private) to make scholarships more available for those in financial need. If you want to contribute to our scholarship fund, making yoga available to others unable to afford the expense, please click on DONATION on our main page. Thank you for your support.

REHAB PROGRAMS AT THE TREE OF LIFE YOGA CENTER

Our goal of this program is to return each patient to his or her maximum level of functional independence. Part of a holistic approach to rehabilitation, the therapy program is made up of highly qualified professionals who work together to develop individual treatment plans based on individual patient needs. The primary goal of our therapy is to promote independence in all areas of living.
Our rehab program utilizes a team approach of several modalities. Prior to beginning the exercise phase of the program, there is an assessment of the condition with one of our licensed practitioners.
A follow-up assessment takes place at the mid-point and at the end of the program to monitor and determine progress. During these sessions, additional recommendations may be made regarding treatment. Additional treatment may include dietary and lifestyle suggestions for change, chiropractic, massage, or acupuncture therapies, and/or therapeutic counseling.
Each program is specifically focused on the area of the body in need of rehabilitation. Sessions are once weekly for 6 weeks for one hour. At the end of each session you will be given a series of exercises to do at home during the week, and at the end of the program, recommendations will be made regarding your self-administered exercise & wellness program to maintain good health.

Other classes and workshops are offered in Ethnic dance, Tai Chi/Chi Gung, and Pilates. Our program is comprehensive through the life stages. We have programs for children, pre-natal and post-partum yoga and fitness, yoga for seniors, rehabilitative yoga, and general fitness for reclaiming or optimizing health.

____________________________________________________________________________

Our cultural arts program offers several music and dance classes.

MUSIC TOGETHER is offered at Tree of Life for parent and child. Inquire about details.
Music Lessons are available in several instruments including Tabla, Harmonium, Sitar, and Guitar.
Dance: ballet, jazz, creative movement, bellydance, ballroom dance, line dance

OUR spiritual Director R' Rene David Alkalay (Yogi Shekhinananda) Ph.D., ND, energy healer; certified nutritionist trained in Western and Ayurvedic nutrition; certified bio and neuro-feedback therapist; Past Life Regression guide; therapeutic and pastoral counselor; biosyntonic energy therapist; yoga therapist and yoga teacher trained in Kundalini, Tantra and Kriya yoga traditions. Yogi Shekhinananda (Rene David Alkalay) is the spiritual preceptor and executive director of the Genesis Society and The Tree of Life Yoga Center. He began his studies in Yoga and Buddhism in 1953 at the the age of 15 and has studied the ancient traditions with  many of the great masters of the 20th century. His first teachers were Richard Hittelman and Satchidenanda, and his last master was Swami Rama of the Himalayas. He is a student and teacher of the Vinyasakrama tradition of Krishnamacharya as transmitted to him by Srivatsa Ramaswami.

Our Yoga Teachers:

Nishit Patel
Michel Swornik
Brigitte, Charles
Lisa Marco
Nadia Krummenauer
Edita Djordjevic
Elizabeth Erlich
Robin Stuelpner

Our Dance Teachers:

Chuck & Barbara Rancourt
Barbara has been teaching line dancing for many years. Articles have been written praising her instruction in the New York media as well as on cable television.
Chuck and Barbara also teach classes in ballroom dancing at Tree of Life Studios. 

Olympia Hernandez
Olympia runs our children's dance program in creative movement, modern and jazz dance.

Anush
Anush is our BellyDance teacher and as a professional performer has danced in numerous venues.  

Music at Tree of Life:

Corina Bartra
Corina is a recording artist and satsang leader. A wonderful musician, Corina brings her talent and the beauty of her soul to each gathering at our center.