Ashtanga Vinyasa
Ashtanga Vinyasa considered a “meditation in motion,” is a fluid and athletic yoga sequence consisting of sun salutations, standing, seated, and finishing postures that synchronizes the flow of conscious breath (ujjayi), precise movement (asana), specific gaze points (drishti), and directed energy (bandhas), to increase body and breath awareness, strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, confidence, self-acceptance, and more. Whatever your level of experience and skill, learn and begin to memorize this sequence in the ancient tradition that places emphasis on Sri K. Pattabhi Jois’ long-held belief that the practice becomes the teacher for our lives both on and off the mat. 1-hour classes & 75-minute classes are Level 1-3. These classes are an abbreviated version of the full Primary Series. 90- or 110-minute classes, are considered Level 2-3. The longer class time allows students to complete the full series with modifications offered for newer practitioners.
Beginning Ashtanga is a vigorous practice that moves slowly through the basic elements of Ashtanga Vinyasa with a changing weekly workshop element. Great for a first exposure to Ashtanga, or intermediate level practitioners wishing to slow down and refine the practice. Level 1-2.
Mysore-style Ashtanga is the traditional way of teaching Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, begun in the yoga shala of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India, the father of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. Mysore classes differ from typical yoga classes in that Mysore students practice their own portion of the Ashtanga sequence of asanas at their own pace, with one-on-one adjustments and instruction from the teacher. This class will deepen your understanding of what it means to have a personal practice. Students may arrive anytime during the class but must be finished by the ending time. You do not need to have the series memorized to attend. If you’d like to come and observe this class please contact the instructors. Level 1-3.
Basics
Begin with the basics and lay the foundation for a lifelong yoga practice! Develop confidence, kinesthetic awareness, and familiarity with a variety of yoga practices that will enhance your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. If you are a beginner, this class will prepare you to move into other classes appropriate for your experience and fitness level. More experienced students will enjoy getting re-grounded in the basics.
Chanting
Come and explore the ancient yogic art of chanting sacred mantras. We’ll use the sound and silence of the voice, the breath, and the heart to create a joyful, meditative, expansive state of consciousness. Let go into the healing energy and peace of living fully in the present moment. Sit, close your eyes, still the mind, relax and enjoy–sing along, just listen, or even get up and dance as we allow ourselves to be graced by the healing vibrations of this heart-opening practice. All ages are welcome. No experience is needed. Handouts and information about each chant provided.
Gentle
Gentle yoga classes are perfect for all abilities and ages, including those who are challenged by a decreased level of fitness, are overweight or may be recovering from injury or dis-ease. Experience the many benefits of yoga practice without the physical demands of a more rigorous yoga class.
Hatha
Hatha is a slow, deep, purifying practice that will challenge and expand your body-mind awareness. Ha-tha, literally meaning “sun and moon”, refers to the balancing of our receptive (yin) and our active (yang) energies. This balance is achieved through slow-flowing movement, well-aligned asanas (postures), pranayama (breathwork), intentional core engagement, and meditation. A regular Hatha practice will help you dissolve barriers that may have you stuck in habitual and limiting patterns, opening you to transformation from the inside out.
Restorative
Come and reduce your stress and support your overall well-being. Slow down enough to simply be with your body breathing and relax into the depths of silent presence. We’ll use bolsters, blocks, blankets and other props to completely support the body in gentle poses, so it can enjoy all the benefits of a well-rounded yoga practice in an effortless way! All are welcome.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa, a Sanskrit word meaning “synchronized breath and movement,” is an improvised mix of sun salutations, standing and seated postures, meditation, chanting, and breathing practices (pranayama) that energizes the body and quiets the mind by using conscious breath (ujjayi) to flow dynamically from posture to posture through a variety of transitional movements. Classes integrate intelligent sequencing, proper alignment and the fundamental tenets of yoga to provide a context through which to integrate yoga into our lives. Content and degree of challenge depend on the class level and the instructor.
Vinyasa + Restorative
This class will begin and end with restorative postures, breathing practices, and meditation techniques that relax and soothe the nervous system. In between, we will move in a more fluid Vinyasa style with sequencing and breath-work specifically designed to deepen the restorative effects. This class will leave you feeling balanced, energized, and calm.
Yin
Yin Yoga, accessible to all body types and levels of experience, is often called the “quiet yoga.” A seated practice that utilizes softer and sustained holds in a series of postures to slowly lengthen the connective tissue around the joints, allowing muscles to relax, energy to flow more freely in the body and the mind to calm, induces a deeper state of flexibility and awareness. Yin Yoga is a beneficial and balanced approach to physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and is an excellent complement to the fundamentally yang nature of Ashtanga and Vinyasa practices.
Yin + Restorative
Yin postures and Restorative postures… they blend together quite nicely. The class will be a Yin-based class, with softer and sustained holds for deep stretching. Incorporated throughout the class will be restoratives postures as well, to relax into the depths of silent presence while supporting your body in gentle poses. For people who haven’t taken a Yin-based class, or for folks who have never taken a restorative class, this may be a nice introduction.
Yoga Nidra
Also known as “sleep of the Yogi”, Yoga Nidra is both – a means to induce physical, mental and emotional relaxation, as well as a powerful method to discern mental obstacles and dissolve old patterns of thinking and habits. The practice of Yoga Nidra systematically combines initial relaxation of body and mind, the making of a resolve at the beginning and end of practice, awareness of breath, awareness of feelings and sensations, and the rotation of consciousness throughout different parts of the body. On a physical level, disorders that are linked to the release of tension in body and mind can be alleviated, such as anxiety, insomnia, severe pains, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and more. On a mental level, Yoga Nidra can be supportive in dealing with various kinds of addictions, or other deeply self-limiting patterns. This class will include about half an hour of preparatory exercises, which will vary (asanas that are connected with the resolves, sound and music, breathing exercises, various forms of short meditations, or any kind of combination). The class is open to all levels.
Yoga Nidra + Pranayama
Boost your immune system, experience peace and clarity of mind with this potent combination of Yoga Nidra with a selection of Yogic breathing techniques.
