Yoga

Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga in which there is a focus on the structural alignment of the physical body through the development of asanas. Through the practice of a system of asanas, it aims to unite the body, mind and spirit for health and well-being. The discipline is considered by its practitioners to be a powerful tool to relieve the stresses of modern-day life, in turn helping to promote total physical and spiritual well-being.

It can be said that Iyengar differs from the other styles of yoga by three key elements: technique, sequence and timing.

• Technique refers to the precision of the body alignment and the performance of pranayama.
• Sequence means the sequences in which asanas and breathing exercises are practiced. Following the specific sequence is important in achieving the desired result, because only the combination of certain poses and breathing techniques can ensure the expected positive effect.
• Timing is the third key element which defines the time spent in each pose or pranayama.[1]

Iyengar Yoga is characterized by great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment. Iyengar pioneered the use of “props” such as cushions, benches, blocks, straps and sand bags, which function as aids allowing beginners to experience asanas more easily and fully than might otherwise be possible without several years of practice. Props also allow elderly, injured, tired or ill students to enjoy the benefits of many asanas via fully “supported” methods requiring less muscular effort.

Yoga and meditation for Stress Reduction combines gentle yoga asana (postures) and breath sequencing organized to slow down and engage your parasympathetic nervous system, creating time and space for resting and digesting in the moment.  Through practice and great care of your body, mind and heart, you learn to be lovingly with any present, past or future worries, fears or anxieties that might arise, and to compassionately care for yourself as you breathe and move with these experiences, allowing them to come and go rather than feeling trapped and controlled by them.  These classes are very supportive for anyone experiencing difficulty, trauma or grief.

Movement, Breath and Meditation offers the foundations of yoga asana (posture) alignment as the doorway into living inside of your body from your feet to your crown.  These classes are appropriate for those new to yoga as well as more experienced practitioners. Along with body awareness through movement and stability in asanas, practitioners will gain awareness of breath as a pathway into one’s internal experience through guided and silent meditation.  No previous experience is necessary for this deeply connecting and nourishing class.

Enter the yoga ‘nest’ where we pause from our busy lives and meet ourselves through gentle asana practice.  This class guides us to embody the yoga principles of Sukha (lightness, ease, and comfort), and Sthira (steadiness, groundedness, and strength) with support and balance.   Incorporating experiential anatomy and alignment explorations, we cultivate calm, clear awareness through somatic movement pathways.

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