Peace through Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a specific sequence of asanas (postures) that flow with the steady rhythm of breath and vinyasa to create a vigorous, cardiovascular purifying practice which can be exhilarating and challenging while also serving as a moving meditation. Breath, bandhas, focus and flow are key elements of each series of Ashtanga, helping to cleanse, stretch, balance, flex and strengthen the mind-body-soul connection for a greater sense of inner peace and well being. (Intermediate/Advanced)

Beginning Yoga classes focus on basic classical yoga postures, alignment principles and breathing techniques. Newcomers to yoga should start here, or in the 'Restorative Yoga' classes (see below). Beginning level is also recommended for those who may wish to strengthen the foundation of their practice, or who may simply want an ongoing practice that is in harmony with their level of flexibility.

Gentle Yoga is a soothing practice for all ages and body types, this class incorporates movements that help stretch and open the body, refine our sense of balance, and deepen relaxation through meditation. This is a slow paced introduction to yoga.

Hot Yoga is a sequence of postures and breathing exercises designed to systematically cleanse every part of the body and provide a complete mind/body workout. The heat warms and relaxes the entire body, promotes suppleness and the release of toxins, allowing the body to be in a balanced state. Regular practice of Hot Yoga will improve muscle tone, normalize weight, burn fat, strengthen the immune system and support vibrant health and well-being.

Kundalini Yoga is an intensive form of yoga, awakening the body, mind, and spirit. It focuses on the chakra system, stimulating the energy in the lower centers and moving it to the higher centers. From your very first class, you'll experience the benefits, which include relief from back pain, stress, addiction, depression, insomnia and weight control. Everyone can do it!

Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine which combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing (Pranayama).  Laughter Yoga is the only technique that allows individuals to achieve sustained hearty laughter without involving cognitive thought, while promoting a strong union between those who laugh together!  You do not need to be in shape, you do not need a sense of humor, you do not need to be familiar or practicing yoga at all and you do not need to be specially dressed.  Just bring your willing body and let us do the rest! Remember that laughter boosts your immune system, releases endorphins, reduces stress, improves circulation and provides an excellent cardio and mind body workout without breaking a sweat!  You can do laughter yoga in your work clothing and then go back to the office lifted and excited without needing a shower afterward!  Join us for this uplifting class and laugh yourself into a more joyful life! 

Meditation with Gentle Yoga.  Created in the yoga nidra style of guided  visualization, the meditations take the body into deep relaxation, calm the  activity of the mind, and open the emotions to peace, healing, and self-acceptance. The meditations, with the use of vivid imagery and repeating  themes and symbols, will take the participants into the waking sleep of yoga  nidra, a mental state that is optimal for learning and for healing from deep  within.

       Each meditation will begin with a thirty minute yoga practice to prepare the body for relaxation, followed by a one hour yoga nidra, and concluding in a wake-up period with tea and a light snack.
       Plan to bring a pillow and a blanket so you can stay comfortable during the meditation.

Partner Yoga not only develops our physical bodies, it also strengthens our emotional and spiritual bodies.  Some poses challenge our balance, strength, and flexibility; others require our total trust and surrender.  In doing partner yoga, practitioners develop and maintain a rapport with their partner, build and strengthen trust, and extend the boundaries of their awareness. 

Restorative Yoga.  Have you ever thought, “I can’t do Yoga.  I’m not flexible and can’t twist and bend that way”?  Well, then this is the class for you!  This Restorative Yoga class involves a therapeutic style of Yoga taught for people who have never tried Yoga, and for people living with obesity, physical ailments, and high stress.  This conscious and compassionate practice helps us to rest and relax deeply and completely while stimulating and soothing the organs and nervous system.  Students are well-supported by the use of bolsters, blankets, blocks, and other props that allow us to surrender to the pose, let go of muscular tension, and move toward a state of balance. 

       You’ll learn to create a supportive environment for total physical relaxation and learn to let go of mental stress.  We’ll connect the mind, body, and spirit through awareness in the postures, breathing, meditation, and relaxation.  If you need help getting on or off the floor, please know that we’re there for you.  Enjoy how it feels to relax and let go, and leave feeling nourished and well rested.

Vinyasa is a flowing, dynamic and athletic form of yoga which connects the breath and postures while linking asanas/postures with flowing transitions. This dynamic version of hatha yoga is an ideal way to build strength and improve balance and flexibility.  It is also beneficial for stress-reduction, relaxation and even weight loss!  This form of yoga generates heat in the body to lengthen the muscles and burn fat, and concludes with ten minutes of svansana/relaxation to allow the positive affects of the asanas to sink in.  (All levels)

Yoga for Strength and Peace is a series of gentle poses to wake you up and get you going in the morning!  It is good for beginners who are looking to develop a steady, fluid practice as well as experienced students who are continuing their practice.  

Yoga for Stress Reduction.   Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner of yoga, this restorative yoga class will invigorate by healing you through gentle and fun asanas/poses.  This class includes an eclectic assortment of asanas blended into a gentle vinyasa flow.  Each student is assessed on an individual basis and is compassionately guided by the instructor to reach his/her full potential in their practice.   
       The American Medical Association affirms that eighty percent of all diseases stem from stress.  Why not heal yourself through yoga?  Whether you already suffer from disease or are well on your way, these negative effects of stress CAN be stopped and even reversed through safe and natural means.