We've given alot of thought to the structure and content of the classes we teach, so that you can choose what you'd like to experience and understand what to expect when you come to one.
In every class we emphasize the breath, proper form and alignment, and mindfulness. These elements are foundational.
Classes may begin as well as end with supine relaxation to allow time and space for us to come fully into our bodies and connect with the rhythm of long deep breathing.
Instructions often contain reminders to breathe deeply or clarify when to inhale and exhale in postures and movements.
The Yoga Fundamentals series and the Beginning Yoga classes are structured to have more explicit and detailed instruction in form and alignment in light of what they are designed to impart.
Beginning Yoga builds on the foundation established in the Yoga Fundamentals series. Each class will focus on understanding and practicing a basic beginning posture, with preliminary warm-ups and stretches designed to lengthen and strengthen the muscles used in that posture. Correct form and alignment for each posture are emphasized, yogic breathing is reviewed and reinforced, and other basic breath techniques are introduced over the course of several months. Stay with it until you've worked with all of the major beginning poses and feel comfortable and confident about moving into Open or Continuing classes.
Open Hatha assumes knowledge of basic postures and body positioning. From this starting point directives are given for different levels of ability and interest. Several variations may be given for each posture so that students can choose where they want to focus, but no one will ever be pressured to move into a version they prefer not to do or don't feel ready to do. Proficient students may challenge themselves in any posture by choosing the more challenging option.
Continuing Hatha is not for beginners, please! Warm-ups and preliminary postures may be given with minimal instruction ~ knowledge of form and alignment in these is assumed. More challenging postures will be given and instructed more completely. Often a particular pose or body region is selected as a class focal point, with opening sequences designed to support this focus. Backbends and introductory inversions are a distinct possibility! Basic breath techniques (pranayama) will be taught, although not in every class.
Friday Night Flow is a challenging and vigorous Vinyasa class based on the astanga primary series. *Instruction is minimal.* Students move from one posture to another, holding each for 5-10 breaths. The sequence of breath-driven movements is designed to create internal heat and build strength and stamina. Prior yoga instruction with a strong emphasis on form and alignment is an absolute prerequisite for participating in this class safely and enjoyably.
The mindfulness component of our instruction emphasizes a gentle, gradual training of the mind to rest on the flow of the breath, the movement of the body, and the physical sensations created by breathing and moving.
The mental posture can be the most challenging as well as the most rewarding.
Each of us has the inner capacity to move beyond and beneath the busyness of our minds and tap into a wellspring of alert yet still attention. Dropping down into this experience during classes and during daily life is rejuvenating and expansive.
We encourage you to be in your body, to stay with your breath, to be fully present and alive from moment to moment.
