About Yoga...

About Yoga...

I see most people come to yoga to get a good stretch, gain physical strength, lose weight, begin the process of healing….. for most, the journey begins in the body. I see those tight, stiff, stressed bodies as tightly closed flower buds, just waiting to blossom open. Our day to day life builds stress and tension and when we do not get rid of it, unfortunately, we store it. As we do the physical practice of yoga we begin to release this built up tension. Peeling off these layers of stress we are able to gain flexibility, strength and health in our body while moving and breathing with more freedom. When we experience this freedom we begin to have more energy, we are happier and more relaxed. Immersed in this happiness and freedom physically, a pathway to our mind is opened where we are able to make a connection between body and mind, continuing the process of releasing negative energy. Our mind is often in a constant state of movement … reflecting on the past , jumping into the future, riding the highs and lows of our emotions and weaving in and out of awareness. It is rarely still and rarely in the present moment, which can cause us to feel anxious, edgy, and agitated. But if we can draw our mind, through conscious awareness, into this state of relaxation it becomes calm and peaceful. When the body and mind are in sync and at ease, we gain access to a “bliss state”, leaving the doorway wide open to an unlimited resource of energy, freedom and peace. I see yoga as the gradual blooming of a flower, each petal softens and peels back to reveal the center…. in our body and mind, each layer of stress and tension softening and opening to reveal our authentic self. Yoga, then, is one pathway to more health, happiness, freedom and energy in our body, heart and mind.

Gentle Yoga
This class is suitable for all levels but especially great for the beginner to intermediate practitioner. Postures are woven together with emphasis on breathe coordinated movement, creating a meditative experience. A great way to foster a deeper body awareness and focus the mind all while nurturing compassionate self-awareness

Moderate Yoga
This class is for students who have a knowledge of basic yoga postures. A sequence of postures and pranayama (breath practices), both basic and advanced, designed to awaken prana (energy), build mental awareness, and bring practitioners to an “edge” where there is comfortable challenge all while nurturing compassionate self-awareness. Suggestions for modifications of the advanced postures are given.

Vigorous Yoga
This class is for students who have a strong practice established. A physically strong sequence of postures and pranayama (breath practices) designed to bring practitioners to an “edge” where there is a strong challenge all while nurturing compassionate self-awareness.

Vigorous Vinyasa
This class is for students who have a strong practice established. A flow of postures that move breath to breath that is designed to bring practitioners to an “edge” where there is a strong challenge all while nurturing compassionate self-awareness.

Restorative
This class is extremely gentle and is suitable for everyone, first time practitioner to advanced student. Using breathing techniques and guided visualization, the body is supported by blankets, bolsters, blocks and straps in a series of postures intended to allow deep relaxation. This style of yoga addresses mental & physical stress, fatigue and tension while revitalizing the body. Click here to see ... ‘WHAT TO EXPECT’

About Restorative Yoga Workshops
“People need to be given permission to switch from the doing to the being mode, mostly because we have ben conditioned since we were little to value doing over being.” ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn
Ease your stress, align your body and balance your energy with this wonderful practice. There is no prior experience needed and all the postures are done on the floor or seated in a chair, so you can enjoy the day at work or at play then come and recharge yourself for a few hours while being lead through a series of postures and breathing techniques. Poems and readings are woven throughout the practice while soft music plays in the background to create the perfect atmosphere for tranquility.

About The Energy Experience Workshop
Come and experience the profound relationship between energy and consciousness, which is the essence of yoga and the foundation of all mind-body approaches. Explore your energy through a series of dynamic exercises such as free flowing meditation-in-motion, breath-work, and several techniques of seated meditation. Finally, let your energy flow to paper by journaling to integrate your experiences."

Private Yoga Sessions

Originally yoga was taught by one teacher to directly to one student. The great ancient teachers understood the importance of individualizing each yoga experience to meet the needs of the student. Today, a private session allows for a more intimate view into your practice. You can start a new practice, deepen an existing practice, or spend time working with an injury or limitation. When you work one on one with a teacher, the teacher is able to help you experience the benefits of yoga in a safe, personal way.

My Recommendations for a Coming to Class

Before Class
~ Eat a few hours before class
~ Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily
~ Avoid wearing perfume or cologne during class
~ Arrive 15 minutes prior to the beginning of class
~ Turn off cell phone before entering the room
~ Enter the room quietly in respect of others
~ Advise the instructor of any injuries or conditions before class begins
~ If you need to leave before the end of practice please let the instructor know
~ In consideration of others please do not attend if ill or contagious

During Class
~ If late, please be courteous and enter after centering is over
~ Or, enter quietly, take a seat, when centering is over unroll your mat & get props
~ Store personal belonging outside the practice room or against the walls
~ Keep your practice space organized during class
~ Keep the environment peaceful & safe for all
~ Uphold the intention that yoga is noncompetitive
~ Practice at your own pace and within your limitation, resting when you need it
~ If you are leaving early please do so before the relaxation begins
~ Enjoy!!!

After Class
~ Put all props away neatly for the next yogi/yogini to use
~ Leave the yoga room quietly in respect of others
~ Set the intention of bringing the peace you have created on the mat out into your day

“Small changes, small wonders are the currency of my endurance & ultimately my life”
~ Barbara Kingsolver

It takes consistent practice to see the changes that most people come in search of. We make so many commitments in our lives to other things and other people; let this be a commitment that you make to yourself