Class Descriptions
Ashtanga
Ashtanga is considered a “meditation in motion,” a fluid and athletic yoga sequence consisting of sun salutations, standing, seated, and finishing postures that synchronize the flow of conscious breath, precise movement, specific gazing points, and directed energy, to increase body and breath awareness, strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, confidence, self-acceptance, and more.
Candlelight Unwind
This practice focuses on moving through the energetic layers of the body, known in Sanskrit as the Koshas. The class will transition from a gentle Hatha practice to move through the physical and energetic layers of the body, to a seated Yin practice to move through the mental and intellectual layers, and then to restorative postures to move into and through bliss.
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.
Kundalini
Kundalini Yoga can help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, back pain, past trauma and current drama. It blends dynamic movement with held postures, breath techniques, deep relaxation, meditation, mudras (hand positions), and mantras (chanting). Expect fun surprises in KundaliniYoga class as sets vary and can contain everything from aerobic, strength-training to singing and dancing to quiet, introspective meditation.
Often called the “yoga of awareness”, it encourages self-acceptance whatever your fitness level. Kundalini yoga is fun and incredibly efficient, challenging yet “doable” for practically everyone! It can be used to break through old patterns, elevate the spirit, increase endurance, cleanse the mind, heal the body, and increase energy. The three goals of Kundalini Yoga are health, happiness, and spiritual progress.
Para Yoga
Para Yoga (Supreme or Transcendent Yoga) is a style of Tantric Hatha-Vinyasa Yoga which integrates a broad range of practices into a seamless whole. Practices will incorporate dynamic, flowing and meditative sequences, stillness, pranayama, meditation, visualization, mantra and other traditional yogic techniques to be energetically powerful and balancing. Through intention, skillful sequencing, and cultivating deeper awareness, Para Yoga brings about the transformation and awakening of the aspirant to their fullest potential.
Qigong Flow
Inside of you there is an aliveness that is at all times accessible to you. The Chinese call this Qi - the unseen, the palpable life energy that animates all life. In India, it has been called Prana, which means life breath or universal life force. The word yoga, in sanskrit, means union - thus Qi Flow yoga is a conscious movement practice that unites the physical body and the energy body through presence. In this practice you will be learning various postures and flows to hep you clear, cultivate, and circulate Qi throughout your entire body.
Release + Restore
This class applies Qigong and Yogic principles to support the release of excess energy and balance of overall energy in the body and mind. Deep relaxation and restoration practices are utilized to support renewal and vibrancy.
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.
Spring Forest Qigong
Qigong is a mind-body practice that originated in China and has been practiced in the United States for decades, bringing balance and healing to to the whole body system. It is accessible to all athletic levels, allowing the young and old to participate. Qi means “energy” and Gong means “work.” Qigong is “working with energy” through the front and back channels. When we keep these energetic pathways “open” all other channels will be supported and blockages in the physical, mental, and emotional body can release, improving every aspect of your life. This soothing form of mind-body work can help you transform your life!
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.
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.
Ashtanga is considered a “meditation in motion,” a fluid and athletic yoga sequence consisting of sun salutations, standing, seated, and finishing postures that synchronize the flow of conscious breath, precise movement, specific gazing points, and directed energy, to increase body and breath awareness, strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, confidence, self-acceptance, and more.
- 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 method of teaching Ashtanga Yoga in the tradition of the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. Mysore classes differ from typical yoga classes in that students practice the poses they have been given by the teacher at their own pace, with adjustments and instruction as needed. This essentially creates the atmosphere of a private lesson in a group setting. 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. Morning Mysore class meets six days a week, excluding moon days.
- Primary Series: Though it is the first of six increasingly difficult series in Ashtanga, the Primary Series is by no means an easy class. Fast-paced, dynamic, with an emphasis on correct movement and breath, this class is the bread and butter of your Ashtanga practice. Some experience with beginning Ashtanga, Half Primary Series, or Vinyasa classes recommended.
- Half Primary Series: In this class, students are led through the first half of the Primary Series and the full closing series, in a way that is appropriate for all levels.
Candlelight Unwind
This practice focuses on moving through the energetic layers of the body, known in Sanskrit as the Koshas. The class will transition from a gentle Hatha practice to move through the physical and energetic layers of the body, to a seated Yin practice to move through the mental and intellectual layers, and then to restorative postures to move into and through bliss.
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.
Kundalini
Kundalini Yoga can help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, back pain, past trauma and current drama. It blends dynamic movement with held postures, breath techniques, deep relaxation, meditation, mudras (hand positions), and mantras (chanting). Expect fun surprises in KundaliniYoga class as sets vary and can contain everything from aerobic, strength-training to singing and dancing to quiet, introspective meditation.
Often called the “yoga of awareness”, it encourages self-acceptance whatever your fitness level. Kundalini yoga is fun and incredibly efficient, challenging yet “doable” for practically everyone! It can be used to break through old patterns, elevate the spirit, increase endurance, cleanse the mind, heal the body, and increase energy. The three goals of Kundalini Yoga are health, happiness, and spiritual progress.
Para Yoga
Para Yoga (Supreme or Transcendent Yoga) is a style of Tantric Hatha-Vinyasa Yoga which integrates a broad range of practices into a seamless whole. Practices will incorporate dynamic, flowing and meditative sequences, stillness, pranayama, meditation, visualization, mantra and other traditional yogic techniques to be energetically powerful and balancing. Through intention, skillful sequencing, and cultivating deeper awareness, Para Yoga brings about the transformation and awakening of the aspirant to their fullest potential.
Qigong Flow
Inside of you there is an aliveness that is at all times accessible to you. The Chinese call this Qi - the unseen, the palpable life energy that animates all life. In India, it has been called Prana, which means life breath or universal life force. The word yoga, in sanskrit, means union - thus Qi Flow yoga is a conscious movement practice that unites the physical body and the energy body through presence. In this practice you will be learning various postures and flows to hep you clear, cultivate, and circulate Qi throughout your entire body.
Release + Restore
This class applies Qigong and Yogic principles to support the release of excess energy and balance of overall energy in the body and mind. Deep relaxation and restoration practices are utilized to support renewal and vibrancy.
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.
Spring Forest Qigong
Qigong is a mind-body practice that originated in China and has been practiced in the United States for decades, bringing balance and healing to to the whole body system. It is accessible to all athletic levels, allowing the young and old to participate. Qi means “energy” and Gong means “work.” Qigong is “working with energy” through the front and back channels. When we keep these energetic pathways “open” all other channels will be supported and blockages in the physical, mental, and emotional body can release, improving every aspect of your life. This soothing form of mind-body work can help you transform your life!
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.
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.
