 listed alphabetically
ASHTANGA YOGA
Ashtanga means literally "eight limb", referring to the eight aspects of yoga that, when practiced regularly, help us to transcend illusions and brings us into a more full experience of life. The practice of Ashtanga yoga includes observation of these eight limbs, use of the bandhas ("locks" within the body to channel the flow of energy), ujjayi breath (a deep and "victorious" breath that passes in and out through the nose and is slightly voiced, as in a whisper) and other pranayama techniques, and an athletic and prescribed physical practice in which each postures flows into the next with the use of vinyasa. The idea of yoga in Western culture today often addresses only the physical practice, or Asana, but yoga is founded on the practice of ethical principles and self improvement; Ashtanga is a form that strives to keep the fullness of a yoga practice intact in a culture where oftentimes the inner journey falls to the wayside. Yoga means "union", so the goal of Ashtanga yoga is to unify all aspects of yoga within the practice. Ashtanga yoga is usually practiced without music, to allow the mind to focus inward and on the bandhas and the breath . K. Pattabhi Jois, founder of Ashtanga yoga, specifically expresses that the fruits of the practice are only obtained through the practice itself--there is no sense theorizing about yoga--do it!
The limbs of yoga include:
Yamas--ethical codes or moral disciplines, five ways to relate compassionately to the world
Niyamas--self observances, five ways to look deeper into oneself with a goal of self improvement
Asana--postures, or the physical practice
Pranayama--energy or breath control, breath exercises to channel the mind in a specific way
Pratyahara--withdrawal of the senses, to look within
Dharana--concentration, to focus the senses
Dhyana--meditation, when concentration is so complete that the sense of separateness dissolves
Samadhi--uninterrupted state of joy and peace
BEGINNER’S YOGA
Yoga for every BODY. No experience necessary, each class will be suited
to beginners, but those with experience are welcome, too. Learn breathing
techniques, stretch and strengthen the body and quiet the mind. Give yoga a chance to change your
life. Be sure to review the “Preparing for Class” link
that is on our schedule page, or call/email with questions.
CANDLELIGHT YOGA
A gentle, flowing class for yogis of all ages and abilities. Great class for beginners. Ease into your work week with this soothing practice in our beautiful, candlelit studio. Occasionally includes restorative yoga poses, and yoga nidra.
 CHILDREN’S YOGA
Children love yoga, and we hold classes for children periodically; check the calendar for classes currently scheduled. Children's classes are usually aimed at specific age groups; realize that well behaved children ages 12 and up can attend most yoga classes on the regular schedule.
We will begin with centering and warm-ups, then learn some poses. Children will learn how to breathe properly, and use their breath to help with stress, focus and relaxation. We will also play some yoga games and learn how to care for our wonderful growing bodies! Classes will end with a relaxation that will sometimes include visualization techniques.
HATHA FLOW, LEVEL 1 & LEVEL 2
A challenging class that awakens the body/mind connection and brings awareness to how we breathe, this is a flowing style of yoga practice incorporating sun salutes, forward bends, backbends, and inversions that focus on aligning body and mind through the rhythmic movement of the breath. This class focuses on moving toward a state of surrender to the moment and each pose, increasing flexibility of mind and body, and creating a state of renewed vitality and health.
Level I class is an all-level class; the Level II is a 1.5 hour class that introduces more advanced postures, incorporates Sanskrit chanting, and discussions of yogic philosophy; some yoga experience suggested.
HATHA YOGA
Hatha Yoga classes include poses (asan) and breathing techniques (pranayama). Classes are more of a workshop format, with a specific emphasis in each class.
HATHA YOGA, LEVEL 1 & LEVEL 2
Classes that indicate Level 1 are geared for beginners or people with a little yoga experience. Also a great class for someone looking for a little less intensity.
The Level 2 class has little more intensity. Focus on building strength and increasing endurance in the poses. This class will also introduce more advanced postures. Some yoga experience suggested.
INTEGRAL® YOGA
Integral Yoga is Hatha Yoga. The class consists of a series of postures (asanas), breathing practices, deep relaxation and meditation, all of which have immense benefits for the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being. Integral Yoga is a gentle practice, led with step-by-step instruction. This class reduces the tensions of everyday life, and balances our entire being!
Looking to begin your Yoga journey? Integral Yoga offers a holistic path that is accessible to all ages 16 and up. This class consists of a series of postures, breathing practices, deep relaxation and meditation, all of which have immense benefits for the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being. Integral Yoga is an overall gentle practice, led with step-by-step instruction. This class aims to reduce the tensions of everyday life, and balance your entire being.
This class is appropriate for students who have taken Integral Yoga or are at an Intermediate/Advanced level within their yoga practice. We will dive deep, working with challenging asanas that are held for a greater amount of time. In addition, further instruction is given on bandhas (energy locks), breath work, and chanting. This class is for yogis who are exploring their own boundaries while fostering a deeper awareness of the body in a noncompetitive atmosphere. This class explores how to honor and respect ourselves cultivating a peaceful state of the mind even within the midst of a challenging practice. We will learn to explore the "edge" of each pose while practicing non-attachment and compassion towards the self.
Looking to get in shape or increase your overall body strength? Yoga Conditioning is the perfect way to go. Taught at a vigorous pace this lively class will combine Vinyasa sequences, challenging standing/balancing poses, and Pilates mat exercises that will work together to build strength, stamina, and flexibility. Special areas of focus will include upper body and core strength! We will finish the class with a cool down sequence, designed to re-center your body and spirit.
JIVAMUKTI YOGA
A Jivamukti Yoga class is a vigorous physical and spiritual practice that pushes beyond the limitations often imposed by the mind. Class consists of vinyasa (flowing asana sequences), hands-on adjustments, pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, Sanskrit chanting, yoga philosophy, and deep relaxation. To keep the practice unanticipated, asana sequences are ever-changing. Uplifting and inspirational music plays an integral role in each class. An inspiring, spiritual, physical practice.
KARMA YOGA CLASS
This weekly class is offered to benefit the community. A $5.00 donation is requested which will be given to a different charity each quarter. The class will be an all-level power/vinyasan class and it is appropriate for practitioners of all levels, even those who have not taken a beginner class.
KUNDALINI YOGA
Kundalini Yoga (as taught by Yogi Bhajan), known as the Yoga of Awareness, was brought to the West by Yogi Bhajan in 1968. Yogi Bhajan taught that through the practice of Kundalini Yoga and meditation, the glandular and nervous systems are stimulated, and your capacity for creative potential is heightened. You gain inner vitality to compensate for the adverse effects of stress so you can excel in life.
"Kundalini yoga classes are a dynamic blend of postures, pranayam (breath techniques), mantra, music and meditation, which teach you the art of relaxation, self-healing and elevation. Balancing the body and mind enables you to experience the clarity and beauty of your soul. No previous experience in yoga is required for you to achieve results with your very first class." -- Yogi Bhajan
POWER YOGA (VINYASA)
Power Yoga is an athletic, vinyasa (unbroken sequence) class. In these classes the postures are all connected with movement; one pose naturally “flows” into the next. We begin with centering, warm-ups, then move into a more active practice. We wrap up with cooling, calming postures, and end with a deep relaxation. Poses flow quickly from one to the other, so a knowledge of basic yoga poses is required. |
