Yoga means "union"... union of the many aspects of mind, body, and spirit.
In our western societies many people have come to know and understand yoga as a practice in physical form. The main focus has been primarily on one aspect of yoga ... the asanas (poses). American culture has lead people to focus more on physical fitness than spiritual and mental fitness, approaching yoga in parts as opposed to the sum of a holistic practice.
When practicing yoga, the aspect of meditation addresses the fluttering mind. With all of the things we deal with daily, coming to a still place and centering can do wonders for our beings.
When we practice yoga, whichever part, we practice the awareness of various aspects of ourselves, our reactions, actions, thoughts, feelings, breathing, our strengths and weaknesses in that moment. The more we practice, the more we become aware of ourselves in each moment that we encounter.
In developing a practice it is of the utmost importance to be grounded in the basics. For example, when focused on movement and yoga asanas,
in order to avoid injury,
those basics are: alignment, stabilization, and elongation. The proper implementation of such will help keep you safe in practice.
When practicing breathing and meditation, it is important to know how best to explore stillness or how to move the body with each inhale and exhale in order to gain ease, release fully and flow.
This is some of what we help people do.
Below are a few offerings that can be spoken upon, demonstrated or lead though in a workshop, one-on-one or in small group settings.
“YOGA & YOUR BODY”
4 week intro course: One 45 minute session weekly
One-to-One or Small Group (in person or via skype)
A progressive experiential understanding of how your mind & body relates to yoga asanas (poses) and other aspects. Learning and realization will include a variety of poses, modifications, anatomy, alignment, elongation, breath work, strengthening of the core, and more. Each week is built upon the previous. You are strongly encouraged to practice between sessions. (in other words… Homework!)
A main intention of this program is to help you know how to keep yourself safe, healthy and strong so that when you enter a crowded yoga class, you can take care of yourself and not rely on the instructor who may never get to you. This will help you launch a solid foundation for your own practice.