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 'Integrative/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.

Integrative/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 soothing beginner Yoga class involves a therapeutic style of Yoga taught for people who have never tried Yoga, for people living with obesity, physical ailments, high stress, and for those who enjoy meditation in motion.  In this therapeutic class, you are encouraged to work at your own pace.  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. 

       This conscious and compassionate practice helps us to rest and relax deeply and completely after stimulating and soothing the organs and nervous system.  Students are given personal attention as they experience an integration of Yoga, Restorative poses, aromatherapy, and vibrational therapy.  Students are well-supported by the use of bolsters, blankets, blocks, and other props that allow us to surrender to the poses, let go of muscular tension, and move toward a state of balance.  Enjoy how it feels to relax and let go, and leave feeling nourished and restored.  Please bring a pillow case or something to rest your head/face on.

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!

Moderate Slow Power Flow. This class presents yoga poses in a flowing manner at a comfortable pace.  Poses are connected with each other via the breath with a focus on strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, and inner calm.  You will settle into poses for multiple breaths, exploring the beauty of each asana; while building strength. This flow will incorporate standard poses intermingled with some advanced poses. This class is appropriate for regular and advanced practitioners alike.

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.

Sunrise Yoga.  What a great way to start the day!  This class is designed to revitalize your body, relax your mind, increase energy, and reduce stress.  For beginners, people with back, joint, or heart problems, or experienced students who want a slower paced, less strenous class.  

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 101 Basics.  Yoga 101 is a six-week program for those who are new to yoga.  A solid yoga foundation encourages balance, strength and flexibility for optimal health and wellness.  Through basic postures, alignment principles and breath you will be able to discover the benefits of yoga at your own pace.

     This program will address the fundamentals of proper body alignment, various forms of breath work and the benefits of using props that are common throughout yoga.  The cost of this six-week program is $30.00.  The six-week program will take place on Monday evenings from 5:45 to 7:00. 

The next program begins March 5, 2012 through April 9, 2012.  Pre-registration is necessary due to a limit of 12 students per class. To pre-register and to ask any questions, please contact Ogle Lowry at ogle.lowry@gmail.com or Cheryl Page at clearwatersyoga@gmail.com.

The program includes:

• Week 1: history and philosophy of yoga; breathing techniques; standing postures
• Week 2: seated postures; breathing techniques; review of previous week postures
• Week 3: inversion postures; breathing techniques; review of previous week postures
• Week 4: back bend postures; breathing techniques; review of previous week postures
• Week 5: balancing postures; breathing techniques; review of previous week postures
• Week 6: Gentle Yoga class; PTY class descriptions

Yoga at Lunch Downtown.  You will be led through a series of low impact stretches and poses.  Return to work refreshed and energized.  Bring your own yoga mats.  Restroom facilities are available for changing clothes.

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.