Shepherdstown’s Harmony Healing Arts Center announced today that its 8-week Summer Yoga Session begins June 29, and run through Aug, 23. The summer session offers 18 different classes including meditation, a wide array of hatha yoga classes for all ages and skill levels, and classes in tai chi.

Harmony has had the longest running yoga program in the Eastern Panhandle, having opened its studio doors in 2006. Harmony co-owner and yoga teacher Terry Lindsay says, “Our mission remains the same today as it did when we held our first class eight years ago: to foster health, healing, balanced living, self-awareness, and calm abiding through the practice of classical yoga in a safe and nurturing environment.”

Lindsay says he’s seen many trendy styles of yoga emerge since he started practicing yoga 14 years ago. “There are so many styles of yoga these days to choose from; it can be overwhelming for beginner students to know where to turn,” he said. “We try to keep our yoga program as close to its ancient roots as we can. Yoga is more than postures-called asana-it is a blend of postures for health and well being, breathing techniques to calm and steady the mind, and meditation to cultivate greater self-awareness and clarity in one’s life.”

Harmony has eight different yoga teachers, all extensively trained in various yoga disciplines under the umbrella of “Hatha Yoga.” Each teacher has met the stringent certification requirements of the National Yoga Alliance or is certified in related modalities, like Tai Chi. Despite variations in yoga style, the teachers share a common classical yoga goal of encouraging students to feel safe and comfortable in their practice.

Morning and evening classes are offered throughout the week, from gentle to vigorous and meditative to healing; there is even a class just for men. An 8-week class cost $80 or an unlimited class pass is just $160, enabling students to attend any or all the classes throughout the session. Harmony offers discounts to seniors, high school and college students, and Iraq and Afghanistan U.S. Veterans. First-time Harmony students can try out as many classes as they like for 30 days for just $30.

Harmony Healing Arts Center is located at 211 East New Street in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Register for summer classes now, online, at the first class, or by mail.

Detailed information about the yoga classes and how to register can be found at www.harmonyhealingarts.org or by calling 304-582-0179.