Philip Bender (YACEP, E-RYT 500) creates yoga and meditation classes to facilitate greater joy, confidence and connection in the lives of beginners and experienced practitioners alike. With a clear style, dry humor and occasional irreverence, he shares traditional teachings in an accessible way to inspire students and connect them to the wisdom of their own bodies.
An initiate of the Himalayan tradition, Philip currently follows the embodied path of Dharma Ocean. He leads workshops and retreats as well as weekly hatha yoga and meditation classes throughout the area, including the Freer Gallery of Art and Anne Arundel Community College, where he is adjunct faculty in the yoga teacher training program through Yoga 4 Life, LLC.
What to expect in class Philip's classes connect movement with breath to draw students out of chronic overthinking and into the inherent wisdom of their own bodies. His mindful approach of combining dynamic and static postures with focus is influenced by the Viniyoga and ParaYoga traditions as well as the somatic lineage of Dharma Ocean. Philip is inspired daily by his students and family while drawing from a BA in philosophy, experience as a performing artist, Buteyko breathing, twelve years as a dad, and long-term personal practice to impart the profound yet practical wisdom of moving inward.
Studio Waiver
As the student taking classes or workshops at the studio, via livestream or by video (the “Classes”) with Circle Yoga Cooperative (CYC), I understand that the Classes include physical movements and exertion. As is the case with any physical activity, the risk of injury, even serious or disabling, is always present and cannot be entirely eliminated. I understand that it is my responsibility to consult with a physician prior to and regarding my participation in the Classes. I represent that I am in good health and physical condition and I have no medical condition which would prevent my full participation in the Classes. In addition, when in the Classes, I will make the instructor aware of any medical conditions or physical limitations before class begins. If I am pregnant, become pregnant, or I am post-natal or post-surgical, my signature below verifies that I have my physician’s approval to participate. In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Classes I agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries, or damages, known or unknown, which I might incur as a result of participating in the program. In further consideration of being permitted to participate in the Classes, I expressly irrevocably release and waive any claims that I have now or may have hereafter for any reason against Circle Yoga LLC, its owners, employees, and independent contractors, for injury or damages that I may sustain as a result of participating in a Class.
Photos: I may be photographed while at the studio and these photographs may appear in CYC promotional materials unless otherwise specified. No person whose photograph is used will be identified by name, nor will any compensation be extended for such use.
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