Yoga and Meditation Class descriptions

CLASSES

"Yoga is a system of exercises based upon a profound knowledge of the
relationship between the Body and the Mind. The Body and the Mind
constitutes the basis of all human endeavors."
(Swami Jyotirmayananda - Yoga Exercises for Health and Happiness)

Hatha Yoga: The Classical Approach

Hatha yoga is slower and less intense style of yoga. You will defintely feel longer, looser, and more relaxed after each class. Pranayama, the combination of breath and movement, is an essential part of a yoga practice. Students of Hatha yoga will often find they can easily move with their breath during practice sessions. In Hatha yoga, poses are held for multiple breaths making it a slower , mindful practice and pace.

Hatha yoga works wonderfully to align our musculoskeletal structure and brings forth a more therapeutic focus for a healthier body and mind.

Beginning - Those new to yoga or beginners this is a great place to start. Learn the basics of
a yoga practice with detailed alignments and modifications to meet your needs as you begin the
wonderful practice of yoga.

All Levels - The introduction of more challenging poses to increase stamina and mental focus.

Includes some flow. This is a Hatha yoga practice. You are given time and instruction in each pose to settle into

correct, safe, applied alignment and breath as you progress through the class. The class culminates with guided deep relaxation.

Slow Flow: Offering modifications for beginning and intermediate students, this class blends flowing postures and held postures to balance strength and steadiness in body and mind. Standing and seated postures on the mat.

All Levels: Explore a variety of poses as you focus on mindful alignment, breath and body awareness, balance, strength & flexibility. Each class includes pose sequences along with a slower deepening into poses to experience the meditative benefits of breath and movement. Modifications and options will be given to students to meet their unique needs. This class is accessible for All Levels - Beginners and Seasoned Practitioners of Yoga.

Gentle Yoga/Yin:
Gentle Yoga is a combination gentle postures and yin yoga. Gentle Yoga classes begin with a guided awareness while lying in Shavasana ,Yoga's Relaxation Pose, and Pranayama (breathing practice). The classes progress into a very gentle and well supported practice
of asana (yoga poses). Using blankets and props for support, your body settles and softens into each
pose . As the body releases the habitual physical and mental tension patterns, the mind becomes quieter and
steady.

Gentle yoga offers a significantly different paradigm in yoga poses. Gentle yoga postures and sequences
along with deep relaxation methods return you to the place in yourself of wholeness and natural well-
being.

Restorative Yoga:

In restorative yoga, props are used to support the body so that you can hold poses for longer, allowing

you to open your body through passive stretching. The postures are usually adapted from supine or seated

yoga poses with the addition of blocks, bolsters, and blankets to eliminate unnecessary straining. This is a

great practice to slow down and nurture your well being if you are recovering from an injury or chronic

condition. You will be amazed at the benefits of this restorative yoga class from a therapeutic approach.

Slow, Subtle, Still:

Are you ready to unwind? The first 30 minutes of class you will use slow and subtle movements to take your spine in all directions. The next 30 minutes you will still your body, mind and energy with yin. You will end in an extended savasana. This class is designed to target your parasympathetic nervous system in order to help heal your body from the inside out. Explore what stillness can do for you physically, mentally and energetically.

Yin Yoga:

Yin yoga has many benefits other than just being a good balance to our active life styles. The YIN practice releases fascia and improves joint mobility allowing the flow of nutrients and energy through the body. Holding poses that gently lengthen the muscles and fascia helps to break up adhesions and applying mild stress to joints and connective tissue can increase their range of motion. Poses are held for an extended period of time allowing the body to release. As an added bonus, the YIN practice calms and balances the mind and body, increases circulation, improves flexibility and balances the internal organs.

Meditation and Mindfulness:

By learning to meditate, you can reap the benefits which include relaxation, focus, restore your energy, and perspective on your life. Meditation is being taken seriously by health researchers interested in stress reduction and methods to improve overall health. Meditation is often used by people interested in addressing conditions such as anxiety, pain, depression, emotional challenges, insomnia, and stress. Meditation is also the ultimate brain builder.

We begin with a 15 minute guided meditation , move into a short discussion and then end with a final guided meditation 20 minute. Meditation can be done in a chair or seated on yoga blankets.