A fundamental aspect of Ashtanga is its sequential ordering of poses called the Primary Series. The body is warmed up with a series of poses called Surya Namaskara A & B (Sun Salutations). Then the standing sequence, which progress into what Ashtangi's call Yoga Chikitsa, or yoga therapeutics, because it aligns and purifies the body. We primarily follow the Primary Series but also journey into the Second and Third Series to enjoy even more challenging postures. We finish with the closing sequences that give the body a chance to slow down and accept the practice.
The benefits of this system are cardiovascular for the heart, creation of a mind/body connection by linking the breath to the movement, purifying toxins from the body, and cleansing the circulatory system with fresh oxygenated blood. The Primary Series focus' on asana (postures), pranayama (breath control), drishti (steady gaze), bandha (energy locks) and mudra (a seal, usually an arrangement of the hands). Prior yoga experience is recommended, but remember to always practice with a “beginner mind.”Class is never a competition, with others or yourself. Yoga experience recommended.
*Fundamentals of Yoga II Sunday 2-3:30pm 6 week Series, Pre-registration, Prepayment Required/$75 3/16, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27
This 6 week introductory course is designed to help you explore the fundamentals of yoga. You will create a foundation based upon breathing techniques, primary yoga postures and universal principles of alignment. Individual attention and hands-on adjustments will give the necessary tools and confidence to progress to our on-going classes. People of every fitness level, from the tri-athlete to the sedentary individual can participate. Each student is accepted and encouraged exactly as they are. The physical, mental, emotional and health benefits of yoga are unparalleled by any other type of Western exercise. Learn ‘the basics' in a non-intimidating, fun and relaxed atmosphere.
The Fundamentals of Yoga Series will be taught by Louise Hague who is a gentle and warm soul who has an inviting spirit that encourages students of all ages and abilities to let go and explore the power of yoga. Louise nurtures students to open their hearts, minds and bodies through asana, breath work and guided meditation practices. Learn more about Louise.
To register print out the pre-registration form and mail with payment. Register Today as space is limited to 15 students.
*Tai Chi with Ben Furman Sunday 7:15-8:30pm 8 week Series, Pre-registration, Prepayment Required/$100 2/3 , 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23
“Be Still as a Mountain, Move Like a Great River”.
There
is a reason that many of the more profound statements in the Tai Chi
Classics sound more like poetry than practical instruction.They’re trying to express something subtle, something that words can’t really capture.The
practice of Tai Chi connects us to a set of principles that flow from a
more real, more internal, and more grounded aspect of our being.Through
a combination of proper alignment, intention, relaxation, and
mindfulness we allow these principles to manifest in our form. With
time and practice, the form grows in us and will eventually move us
just as the wind moves a blade of grass, but from the inside out. When
this happens we experience the beauty of this art as an outpouring of
something that words will never do justice to. Our practice will be to
understand, feel and cultivate those principles.
Ben Furman has over 20 years experience in martial arts. He has studied Tai
Chi Chuan with several 1st and 2nd generation students of Professor
Cheng Man-Ching. Ben is on staff at the Theosophical Society.
Yin/Yang
yoga is a complimentary practice of long, deliberate, holding of very
specific, more passive, postures (asanas) followed by a more active
series of postures that are more muscular in nature.This
class will begin with the long holding practice of the more passive Yin
postures, which generally target the areas between the knees and the
navel, (hips spine and pelvis).For most of us, these areas hold tremendous amounts of stress both physical and emotional.Holding
these postures for longer periods (3-5 minutes) allows the student to
work much deeper than the musculature to the connective tissue (fascia)
which, when bound, prevents the joints from moving freely within their
full range of motion.This practice also opens
up space in those areas allowing the energy or Chi to flow more freely
as well as releasing toxins and opening up energy channels (meridians
or nadis) which lead to other parts of the body resulting in a state
which is more conducive to better all-around health.
The
second, more Yang, portion of the class will be a gentle, joyful,
series of movements that take advantage of the new found space that was
created in the Yin practice.This will be a more
fluid, vinyasa style, practice with breath synchronized movement and
will include some standing and balancing poses.The
combination of the quiet meditative Yin and the stronger fluid nature
of the Yang allows us to cultivate and return to our natural life-
rhythm and prepare our bodies to sit for mediation at the end of
practice - ultimately resulting in a state of balance in mind, body,
and spirit. The use of props and many options for practice make this class appropriate for all levels.
Terry Hoffman has been studying and practicing yoga since 1997. After
a vertebral fusion, due to an auto accident in 2003, yoga helped her
recover beyond what the therapists had predicted and she grew even more
devoted to her practice.Throughout the years, Terry has
studied with a variety of master teachers such as Cindy Lee, Tias
Little, Seane Corn, Saul David Raye, Paul Grilley and others.In
2004, she began Moksha Yoga Teacher Training Program so that she could
study Yoga more intentionally, delve deeper spiritually, and share
yoga’s benefits with others.She now serves as a mentor for students going through the current Moksha Yoga teacher training program. Learn more about Terry.
Immerse
Yourself - Body, Mind and Soul- in a personal practice using Asana
(posture) Jnana (knowledge) and dhyana (meditation). This one and half
hour long practice will include physical practice of yoga, discussion
of some key concepts and guided meditation.
This special class will be taught by Poonam Gupta who grew
up with yoga training at home. Her father was her first yoga teacher
who taught her asanas, kriyas and the essence of yogic philosophy. As a
young child she learned how to meditate for hours. As she grew older
her parents taught her the principles of Ayurveda and how to eat
holistically. Poonam received a formal training in India, in Sivananda style of yoga. Poonam has also been trained and certified in US by a direct disciple of Swami Rama,
Ms. Shirely Walter (Yogiraj). Even though she has been officially
teaching yoga since the Year 2000, she has enjoyed helping people
all her life with this timeless treasure of yogic wisdom. Poonam is
500 level CYT, RYT. Learn more about Poonam.
