What is Yoga? What does the word “yoga” actually mean? Is yoga something we “do” or something we just “be”?
Starting Fall (it is almost here), every month I will share with you a word, concept or source to dive deep into Yoga Philosophy. I’m really excited to educate you and also keep learning with you as the philosophical aspect of the practice is very valuable for me. Namaste.
An experience of a standing, balancing, back bending asana (posture) also known as the dance of Shiva ( The Hindu God who represents transformation).
The sequence is very purposeful from the very beginning towards this experience in Natarajasana. If you normally find standing balancing shapes quite challenging, please practice that portion of the class near a wall space so you can use one hand on the wall for an extra support.
This sequence is entirely on the floor but we will do A LOT in the body not just sitting and forward bending! Please have a strap ready (if you do not have a strap, grab a towel) to use it for deep seated forward bends as well as in Supine series. (Supine meaning: lying face upward)
Welcome to a short but VERY effective front-body sequence. This class can also be practiced before the “Hanumanasana-1” or individually. The purpose is elongating the entire front body for deep experiences and it is very targeted to stretch your quadriceps and hip flexors. Make sure to have your blocks ready for modifications.
Our spine can move in 7 different directions: flexion (forward folds), extension (heart openers), lateral (sideband right & left), rotation (twists right & left) and axial extension (lengthening like sitting tall).
In this class, the focus is moving the upper body as many directions as we can go within the flow.
A sequence designed to prepare the body for most of the deep seated forward bends and the wide-leg standing poses. The focus is stretching the insides and backs of the legs, stimulating the abdominal organs, strengthening the spine, calming the brain and releasing tension from groins. Please make your blocks and cushions ready as you may need them during the practice.
In this guided meditation, we will pay attention to the small parts of the body without loosing the understanding of the whole. It is also a powerful way to notice the differences on the right and the left side of the body as we explore how softening and being steady can help us with that. Can we practiced anytime during the day.
Malasana to Bakasana
This two shapes are actually the same and we only need to change our perspective to see the difference. You will feel immediately that the relationship with the gravity is changing your experience so much. This class can be a good starting point for your arm balances. We strengthen the shoulders, the upper arms, the forearms, and the wrists.
Hanumanasana or Monkey Pose is such a form in the yoga practice which requires a lot of dedication and patience. In the modern world we are very used to the end result and very focused on the fruit of actions where we miss the point of devotion and courage. The Hindu God Hanuman is the embodiment of this devotion and courage. There will be Hanumanasana-2 class coming soon with a different and more advanced sequence soon. Please repeat this class until you feel ready for Hanumanasana-2.
Elena Brower is one of the senior yoga teachers who I like to learn from and closely follow. She designed a deck called “practice you daily awakening”. Trusting the energy we are all creating with this class, I pick a card at the end and highly encourage you to contemplate on the message for the rest of your day. Awaken your body & mind to practice you!