This article first appeared in the Washington Island Observer.

By Mari Anderson

In 2000, Patti Coan’s yoga practice was born — mat-to-mat — in a small studio in Madison, Wisconsin. Years later, while reading the “Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,” the Sanskrit term “Samāpatti” appeared, and Patti’s path had been chosen for her. Samāpatti is a yoga term for a state of equilibrium or stillness of the mind.

Saturday, July 14, Patti will present two workshops at the Hotel Washington Studio. From 9-11 a.m., “The Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga” will explore the foundations of yoga in an enlightening, interactive workshop. Students will connect with authentic Himalayan yoga traditions that support a meaningful and purposeful life, then apply their learning through an all-levels yoga practice, with pose modifications and accommodations for all.

“Finding Inner Peace through Relaxation” follows from 1-3 p.m.; it is an interactive workshop to explore powerful relaxation practices that will soothe the nerves, calm the mind and teach strategies to economize energy. “In our increasingly interconnected world, we tend to be human doings rather than human beings, spending a great deal of energy feeding underlying stress. While stress is both unavoidable and productive at times, it becomes harmful when it interrupts the healthy state of equilibrium we need,” says Patti.

Patti Coan earned her yoga certification from the Himalayan Institute and founded Samāpatti Yoga in 2013. She has guided a wide variety of yoga practices for the past five years and has a background in learning and performance improvement as a leader, facilitator and coach.

Registration fee for each workshop is $40, or $75 for both. Patti will host an optional lunch between sessions in the Hotel’s restaurant. Advance registration is recommended; class size is limited. To reserve a spot, and/or a guest room, call Hotel Washington, 920-847-3010. For more information about the workshops or regularly scheduled yoga classes, visit www.hotelwashingtonandstudio. com/events.