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It is worth remembering that there is only one yoga and can only be one yoga. True aspirants are of different natures and resort to various doctrines and practices to progress along the path. But one who completes the process of yoga understands its different paths and sees that the systematic practice of various disciplines leads to the same place. In the end, all yogas lead to one great Yoga. —Swami Kripalu (1913–1981)
If after reading the descriptions, you want to learn more about a class,
read the biography of the teacher or call the center.
Anusara-Inspired Yoga
Anusara (a-nu-sar-a), means "flowing with Grace," "going with the flow," "following your heart." Popular in large part due to its uplifting philosophy, epitomized by a "celebration of the heart," that looks for the good in all people and all things, Anusara honors students of all levels of ability and yoga experience for their unique differences, limitations, and talents. Without a rigid dogma, the system is open to continual change and restructuring and is held together by an implicit alliance to the spiritual principles of Anusara Yoga philosophy, such as celebrating beauty in all its diversity, truthfulness, and honoring the creative freedom of the Divine in all beings. For more on Anusara, click here.
Astanga-Inspired Yoga
A vigorous, athletic style of yoga. This class will appeal to those individuals who like a sense of order and independence for their lives. Astanga is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.
Astanga yoga literally means "eight-limbed yoga," as outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for revealing the Universal Self consists of the following eight spiritual practices:
Yama [moral codes]
Niyama [self-purification and study]
Asana [posture]
Pranayama [breath control]
Pratyahara [sense control]
Dharana [concentration]
Dhyana [meditation]
Samadhi [contemplation]
BigFaceLove Yoga©
Need a lift? BigFaceLove Yoga© is a mindful blend of form and flow designed to deepen your yoga practice as it uplifts the spirit and soothes the mind. A safe and open environment is created where laughter and acceptance is encouraged, and students feel comfortable exploring new postures. Combining asana practice, pranayama (breathing) and meditation, each class is uniquely structured to meet the needs of the students. Skillful instruction and thoughtful assists gently guide each student towards reaching the next level in their personal practice. Deeply held postures, performed with joy and levity, lighten the heart, free the body and uplift the spirit. BigFaceLove Yoga© will help you transcend your limitations and ascend to a higher state of being.
Flow&Form
A breath-synchronized yoga class that uses gentle movement to warm the body, reminders of the basics of alignment to protect the student from injury and combines asanas to create a smooth flowing practice. This class emphasizes increasing mobility, strength, and range of motion while maintaining a focus placed on alignment and depth. The breath is used to create a flow between asanas.
Gentle/Restorative Yoga
This class focuses on relaxing the body in restful postures. Blankets, bolsters and other props will be used. A healing experience for those recovering from illlness or injury, or anyone looking to recharge and re-new your lifestyle.
Hot Yoga Flow
This practice is done in a warm room that allows the muscles to warm up quickly. The heat helps the body remove toxins through perspiration and also allows one to go deeper into asana. The temperature in the room will be in the 80s.
Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu Yoga uses classic asanas (though not a particular set or routine), pranayama (breathwork), development of a quiet mind, and the practice of relaxation. What defines Kripalu Yoga is its emphasis: following the flow of prana (life-force energy), practicing compassionate self-acceptance, developing witness consciousness (observing the activity of the mind without judgment), and taking what is learned “off the mat” and into daily life. One reason Kripalu Yoga has been embraced by so many people is that it is designed to adapt to all body types, ages, fitness levels, and interests.
Kundalini Yoga
One of the most ancient styles of yoga, Kundalini yoga weaves together posture (asana), rhythmic movement, breath (pranayam), chanting (mantra) and meditation. This energizing, relaxing and contemplative practice promotes physical, emotional and spiritual energetic healing in our daily lives and opens us to joy. For more on Kundalini yoga, click here.
Para Yoga®
"Para" means supreme, ancient, highest, the culmination of all effort. ParaYoga® offers students of all levels access to the entire range and sacred power of Yoga..Ancient texts of the Hatha Yoga tradition describe Yoga as a journey that culminates in sublime success and happiness. These teachings describe how through perfection of body, breath, mind, and spirit we access it. The texts are very clear. Yoga includes all of the following: Asana, Pranayama, Bandha, Mudra, Visualization, Meditation, Chanting, Kriya, Mantra, Kundalini, along with a vast array of other practices. Through Para Yoga® not only are the techniques "other than Asana" accessible, they link one to the very heart and true power of Yoga's potential. Experience leads to understanding. Click here to learn more about Para Yoga®.
Peaceful Mind Yoga
Peaceful Mind yoga is an eight-week series designed to teach one to turn the focus of the mind away from the senses and inward towards the true self. Learn the practice of meditation as taught in the tradition of the Himalayan Institute. Each class will include a brief, gentle yoga practice, instruction in proper breathing and sitting techniques, full body relaxation, and meditation practice. Recommended reading: Moving Inward: The Journey to Meditation by Rolf Sovik, Psy.D.
Prenatal Yoga
Pregnancy changes the body quickly in a short period of time. This class will help the mother-to-be to surrender to those changes and embrace the miracle of life at every phase. Gentle and relaxing asana will be used to help open the pelvic floor and prepare you for a beautiful birthing experience.
Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga
This class emphasizes increasing mobility, strength, and range of motion with the focus placed on alignment and depth. The breath is used to create a flow between asanas.
Santosa Yoga
Santosa, the Sanskrit word for “contentment,” is one of the five observances (niyamas) in the eight-limbed path of yoga, practicing acceptance and gratitude for what we have, rather than mourning what we lack. According to the Yoga Sutras, it is a way to attain "supreme happiness." In this class, we'll use asana, attention to breath, and meditation to build strength and flexibility, open to possibility, invite peace, and experience joy in a safe, self-accepting, and playful atmosphere. This class is suitable for beginners and more advanced yogis.
Senior /Gentle Yoga
For seniors and those looking for a gentle and gently challenging class that helps strength, balance, and flexibility. Chairs and other props may be used to make it an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
T'ai Chi/Qigong
An ancient Chinese practice which consists of flowing and connected movements. Balance and mindful movement is the foundation which allows one to follow a healing path by balancing Chi (energy).
Tantra Yoga & Ayurveda
Yoga from an ayurvedic perspective. This class will practice pranayama (breath work), asanas, chanting, and centering with a bit of humor as well!
Tantric Hatha Yoga
Tantra may be taken to mean to weave--a continuous weaving of spiritual consciousness into the tapestry of life. The asana are used to provide a practical means of realizing one's highest ideals in daily life. This class is a holistic approach of refining thoughts and feelings that can free our consciousness from limitations. (more on Tantra)
Yoga for Weight Loss
This class cultivates a sense of well-being for all shapes and sizes through asana. Through self-love and acceptance one finds their way to more joy in life.
Vinyasa Yoga
A breath-synchronized yoga class that will use Sun Salutations and other combined asanas to create a smooth flowing practice.
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