Classes
Beginners Yoga: Hatha Yoga is an ancient yet scientific system developed to revitalize the body and calm the mind. Yoga postures, breathing techniques, relaxation and meditation work together to strengthen and purify the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems, thus releasing physical toxins and mental tension. This course is a gentle step-by-step instruction towards the complete sequence of poses, going at a comfortable pace, with attention and support to each student’s needs. This is a good introduction to yoga for new beginners as well as a good refresher for experienced students who want to come back and resume their practice.
Continuing Yoga: This course is a continuation of Beginning Yoga for those with a desire to learn more about other aspects of Yoga and about themselves; a search for introspection and quieting of the mind; exploring the “edges” safely with a noncompetitive attitude. Some new “asanas” (postures) are introduced and others are being held longer, allowing for more depth; more time is devoted to pranayama (breathing), chanting, and meditation. This course serves as a maintenance structure for many students to help develop a personal practice at home. The teachings of Raja Yoga, the yoga sutras, applied to the asanas, help to reveal aspects of ourselves which are unknown to our conscious mind; and also lead us to observe and discover tendencies and habits in our lives, which show up on our mat in class. From this new awareness, change and transformation is possible.
Advanced Yoga: The class offers more poses and variations, while going deeper into poses already known. Requirements to participate in this class are: a deep awareness of our body; an understanding of the non-competitive nature of yoga; an ability to accept our limitations honoring ourselves; a curiosity and a courage to explore our “physical, mental and emotional edge” in each pose. This class focuses on applying the principles of the sutras, the ancient teachings of yoga, to the “asanas” (postures), such as “ahimsa” (non-harming) and “satya” (honesty). It also encourages a constant reminding of being true to the goal of yoga, the stilling of the mind, ending with 10-15 minutes of meditation and closing chants and mantram of peace.
Gentle Yoga: This is a small group class designed for students who have limited mobility, for those whom moving is painful and/or for students who would like a slower pace in a more relaxing setting with more individual attention. During this class we modify poses to address the specific needs of each student. This class is taught in chairs and on the floor, and it includes breathing and deep relaxation in a safe caring environment. People who may benefit from this class could be those suffering from: arthritis; fibromyalgia; heart disease; cancer; back pain; hip/knee replacement; surgery and any other condition for which a Beginners Yoga may be too demanding. For a condition with severe limitations/pain, we recommend a one-time individual assessment class and a letter from your doctor.
Raja Yoga: Please see the “Raja Yoga” page
Mixed Level Yoga: This course is offered to both, beginners and experienced students. While we address the needs of the beginner students we also allow the continuing yoga student to meet his/her needs. While there is some basic instruction geared towards the beginners, we do not modify the complete sequence of the class, so that those continuing students may feel comfortable in it, although they may find it a little bit more gentler than a regular Continuing class.
Drawing Mandalas: Using colored pencils on black paper, starting with a circle, which represents our unconscious or psyche, we allow our creative force and active imagination to unfold and express itself through lines and colors. The process of this meditative method as well as the final product and its interpretation, (used by Carl Jung as daily journaling to explore the state of his mind) leads to a deeper understanding of one’s self and a vehicle for transformation. The workshop is facilitated as a meditative experience towards the stillness of the mind, and an experience of inner peace, while it also reveals aspects of ourselves that are hidden from our conscious mind.