Ayurveda Basics

Find out what your yoga and spiritual practice might be missing with this introduction to the study of Ayurveda - the sister science to yoga.  Ayur = Life, Veda = Knowledge. Learn ways to amp up your daily routine, incorporate healing foods into your diet and nurture your soul with simple Ayurvedic techniques. We will explore our individual constitutions, identify our unique dosha makeup and learn Ayurvedic tools to achieve lifelong health and wellness.  

Restorative Yoga Basics

A practice of restorative yoga strips away all the distractions of our lives, fully supports our body so we no longer have the ambition to move or the curiosity for external distractions and puts us into a state of deep relaxation. “Just as the sculptor reveals beauty by removing what conceals it, restorative yoga can help reveal what it is like to rest in the beauty of your true self.” adapted from Living Your Yoga, Relax and Renew by Judith Hanson Lasater. As the word suggests, a true restorative practice should include the following attributes: rest, safety, quiet, stillness, calm and support. In this module, we examine the fundamental theory behind restorative yoga including the measurable health benefits such as the effect on blood sugar & blood pressure, weightloss, better sleep, reduced fatigue and increased quality of life. 

Working with Bandha

Bandha has several different translations such as block, restrain or lock. Alternatively some have translated it as bond, connect or unite. So how is Bandha relevant to our asana practice? Bandhas help create lightness, connection and ease (Sukha) in yoga practice. We will review the basics of 4 primary Bandhas and their ability to convert the body to energy, discuss why the yogic texts share so little about the topic and leave with a deeper understanding of how a bandha practice can help us shift energy. We will discover the physical, spiritual and energetic elements of working with Bandhas. This module will leave you with a powerful tool that allows you to reach a deeper connection to your individual soul (jiva atman) and unlock the potential of your spirit.

Beginning Meditators Series

Meditation is hard. Meditation is raw. Meditation is life. You can meditate and I will help you. Learn all about the benefits of meditation and key preparatory techniques ideal for beginning meditators. Each class we will build on the one previous by increasing our length of time spent in meditation. This series is an instructor led meditation class and there will be specific instructions for getting into and out of meditation. Ideally this is a 5-6wk weekly class series

Understanding the 5 Prana Vayus (Winds of Prana)

Prana is often translated as life force or the air element in the body but can be understood to be so much more than that. Prana works on a deeper plane and has the wisdom to influence many aspects of our being. Vayu is translated as wind or direction of flow. The 5 Prana Vayus are the different directional flows of life force that influence our energy and the subtle body. Prana being oriented to move has the ability to push other elements in the body out of balance. We can cultivate awareness of the prana vayus, learn to manage our energy and keep the body at optimal health and vitality. This series incorporates the 5 prana vayus into asana practice and delineates the effect on the mind, physical body and energy body. 

The Yamas and Niyamas of your practice

“Guidelines, Ethical Disciplines, Restraints and Observances, Rare Gems of Wisdom that give direction to a well-lived and joyful life” Deborah Adele

This module incorporates the 10 fundamental guidelines for living whole heartedly into asana practice.  These age old, simple yet masterful observances serve as a way to skillfully navigate a pure and meaningful life.  Allow the wisdom of the yamas and niyamas to help you refine your perception, find your unwavering courage and become master of your actions so you can live a life full of purpose.