Class Descriptions:

 

Vinyasa Yoga

 

Our Vinyasa classes are a dynamic and fluid style of yoga that emphasizes the intentional synchronization of breath and movement, creating a rhythmic and meditative experience. The beauty of Vinyasa yoga is the variety. There is no standard sequence in Vinyasa yoga, so the style, pace and intensity will all vary depending on the teacher, the classes’ needs, the season, etc. Each class flows through a unique sequence of postures, deliberately cultivating strength, flexibility, and concentration, and built around a philosophical theme or culminating in a peak pose. Also known as "flow yoga," Vinyasa encourages a seamless transition from one posture to another, creating a harmonious and continuous flow. This class moves from pose to pose with each held for no more than three to eight breaths. Ujjayi breathing is practiced during vinyasa classes. This is where the back of the throat is slightly constricted to create a whispering sound like the waves coming to shore. This helps build internal heat while keeping the mind focused on the breath and the present moment. As we ride the waves of breath in our yoga practice, we learn to ride the waves of change in our lives with more ease. Expect a fully balanced, warmth-building class of forward bending, twists, and backbends, with opportunity for inversions. All levels are welcome to join this vigorous yet accessible practice in finding one's state of flow.

 

 

Yin Yoga

 

Yin yoga is all about meditative, deep-stretching. A Yin yoga class usually consists of a series of long-held, passive floor poses that mainly work the lower part of the body – the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, lower spine. These areas are especially rich in connective tissues. The poses are held for 2-7 minutes, and target the deepest tissues of the body, our connective tissues – ligaments, joints, bones, the deep fascia networks of the body and the meridians. This is in contrast to a Yang yoga practice such as our All-Level Yoga Flow classes which target the muscles. Our bodies build up connective tissue (fascia) in many different ways, and this is what  causes us to feel “tight” or “stiff.” The work of this practice is to release layers of connective tissue leaving you feeling free, open, mobile, and overall better in your body!  Energetically, Yin yoga improves the energy flow, enhancing the flow of chi in the organs. To be healthy, we need healthy organs as well as healthy muscles. We all strive to feel good as long as we can in this lifetime, and this class is the prescription for just that. Yin yoga also offers wonderful emotional and mental health benefits, calming the nervous system and inviting space into the mind. This class is open for seasoned yogis and brand new practitioners alike, and utilizes various props to meet students where they are while properly aligning the body for softening and meditation. 

 

 

 

Restorative Yoga

 

Unwind from the day and prepare for deep rest in this supportive and rejuvenating class. We spend most of our day directing energy outward into our work and relationships. It is vital to also spend time at the end of the day redirecting energy inward to acknowledge and replenish ourselves. In this class we connect to the support of the earth in reclined poses and invite energy and attention inward with pranayama (breath work) and meditation. This gentle and therapeutic practice induces complete relaxation of the mind and body by holding passive, supported poses for an extended length. Using props for support allows for deep release of tension in the physical body. An emphasis on conscious relaxation soothes the nervous system and calms the mind. You will be offered a plethora of props to relax you into each posture, including blankets, bolsters, blocks, sandbags, straps, and eye pillows. This class will include 5 to 9 postures that will be held for a period of 8-12 minutes each, allowing you to offer your body & mind full relaxation. Practice may also include meditations or readings throughout the class. Better than a good night's sleep, you will leave your mat with a deep sense of rejuvenation. All poses will be either seated or lying down, and this class is appropriate for all levels of practitioner.

 

 

Kirtan

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These sweet bhakti yoga events help calm the mind, allow you to explore your voice in a non-judgmental environment, and tap in to your inner reservoirs of joy. All about community and connecting with the heart, Kirtan is an important aspect of yoga and one which holds so much potential for awakening and transformation. A world away from pitch-perfect choir singing or auto-tuned pop melodies, Kirtan is more about the intention of making sound, how you feel whilst you’re making it, and the effects that ripple out from there. Singing is inherent within everyone who has the ability to make sound, and a voice that sings allows expression to flow and emotion to be released, which is perhaps why we need this aspect of yoga now more than ever in the modern day world. Kirtan differs from simple mantra, in the way that mantras are often intended for personal use, whereas kirtan is all about cultivating a rich sense of community. A coming together of people, the sankirtana chants are usually sung in call-and-response style and a mood of celebration. When we chant in a group, music’s ability to bring people together allows the energy of the whole room to be uplifted. Kirtan is typically sung in Sanskrit, an ancient language revered as the ‘language of the divine’. The correct pronunciation of each word is said to create a vibration throughout the universe that makes contact with the subconscious mind and the world around us. Kirtan is a wonderful part of the vast yoga system, and gathering together with others to chant brings a new dimension to a practice that has so much potential beyond the yoga mat. Kirtan events are open to all, no prior kirtan experience necessary. Mantra booklets will be provided to easily follow along. Tea will be served, and both chairs and floor seating are available. These events are free to the public, but donations are always greatly appreciated. 

 

 

 

Chair Yoga

 

Find your center and get grounded in body and mind in this accessible yoga class. Chair yoga sessions flow through a sequence of postures seated in a chair, standing at the wall, and standing next to a chair. This is a great class for those who are desiring to avoid putting excess pressure on their knees and wrists. Emphasis is placed on deepening and lengthening the breath while linking it with fluid movement, cultivating an inner state of calm and disciplined focus. Benefits of chair yoga include increased range of motion, improved circulation, a release of tight muscles and fascial tissue, an increase in muscle strength, and a calming of the nervous system. Chair yoga also works hand & hand with physical therapy, and promotes healing for those recovering from injury. Appropriate for students of all levels. Chairs provided in studio.