Additional Info

With conscious awareness, the practice of Yoga postures and techniques improve strength and flexibility, tone the organ systems, release toxins, strengthen the immune system, and quiet the nervous system; bringing balance, awareness and harmony.

Some things to be mindful about:

  • Breathe through the nose when possible (and avoid being known as a "mouth breather.") The breath should be loud enough for you to hear but no so loud that it scares your neighbor.
  • Practice on an empty stomach. Twists, inversions, forward/backward bending, knees-to-chest, laying on the belly; Yoga Asana is very uncomfortably when done after eating and although we take it easy, it's possible to hurt the stomach organ if its full of food and drink during Asana practice. You could also make yourself sick. 2 hours is a good amount of time to go without food before practice. Caffiene and sugar drinks before practice don't help either.
  • Avoid inversions (any posture where the pelvis is higher than the head) during menstruation. Inversions during this period can interfere with the natural flow down and out of the body and could have a toxic effect.
  • Go slow and pay attention to what you feel. Not observing during practice is like planting seeds without harvesting.
  • Back away from pain and strain. Be forgiving.
  • Eyes are open---soft and relaxed. Forgiving, again.
  • Observe without judgement. If you find yourself being judgemental, don't be judgemental about it!
  • Honor the experience by not practicing competition with others or with yourself. Even more forgiving.
  • Questions are OK and questions are EXPECTED!

When we begin a new program of movement, we may experience sensations that are different from what we normally notice. Please take this opportunity to tune into your own body and if you feel pain, do less! It may take a few classes (and some home practice) before you are able to understand your limitations. In Yoga we work to the inside edge of comfort, gently expanding our edges as the body allows. When you complete a session we hope that you will feel relaxed, energized, balanced, light and a bit more open or spacious.