Beginning Tai Chi:
Tai Chi is continuous, slow, meditative movement and controlled breathing. It has roots in Chinese healing and is widely recognized for its health and wellness benefits. Beginning Tai Chi is designed to acquaint the student with Tai Chi practice and foundational movements. Although Beginning Tai Chi will prepare students to learn more complex Tai Chi forms, participants can also opt to continue practice at this level indefinitely.
Tai Chi is continuous, slow, meditative movement and controlled breathing. It has roots in Chinese healing and is widely recognized for its health and wellness benefits. Beginning Tai Chi is designed to acquaint the student with Tai Chi practice and foundational movements. Although Beginning Tai Chi will prepare students to learn more complex Tai Chi forms, participants can also opt to continue practice at this level indefinitely.
Tai Chi:
Tai Chi is an ancient practice based on slow continuous movement. It is widely recognized for its health and wellness benefits but when practiced in its more complex forms can be meditative in nature as well. This class presents opportunities for participants to learn both Sun and Yang style Tai Chi. It is for individuals who have some experience with Tai Chi practice.
Tai Chi is an ancient practice based on slow continuous movement. It is widely recognized for its health and wellness benefits but when practiced in its more complex forms can be meditative in nature as well. This class presents opportunities for participants to learn both Sun and Yang style Tai Chi. It is for individuals who have some experience with Tai Chi practice.
Gentle Myofascial Yoga: (Class begins February 18th)
A gentle, nurturing, slow-paced, well-supported and relaxing class to ease tension and allow the day to wind down. We will practice Pranayama (breathing techniques), a gentle yoga flow, myofascial rolling, and long-held restorative poses. Class is appropriate for all levels of yoga experience.
A gentle, nurturing, slow-paced, well-supported and relaxing class to ease tension and allow the day to wind down. We will practice Pranayama (breathing techniques), a gentle yoga flow, myofascial rolling, and long-held restorative poses. Class is appropriate for all levels of yoga experience.
Gentle Vinyasa Flow:
Introductory level flow class, allowing for growth and variations as your personal practice progresses. This class focuses primarily on gaining familiarity with, and basic principles of alignment in, common Yoga poses. Variations and options are offered and demonstrated in each class making traditional poses accessible to practitioners who are healing or have special considerations for their practice. Practitioners are introduced to mindfulness practices and meditation for stress reduction, along with Yogic philosophy. No prior Yoga experience necessary.
Introductory level flow class, allowing for growth and variations as your personal practice progresses. This class focuses primarily on gaining familiarity with, and basic principles of alignment in, common Yoga poses. Variations and options are offered and demonstrated in each class making traditional poses accessible to practitioners who are healing or have special considerations for their practice. Practitioners are introduced to mindfulness practices and meditation for stress reduction, along with Yogic philosophy. No prior Yoga experience necessary.
Healing Yoga:
Breathing exercises will be followed by a yoga sequence designed to facilitate release, relaxation, and a deep connection between body and mind. Poses will range from standing to lying down, and all can be done in a chair or with props. Class will often conclude with a brief session of yoga nidra (guided meditation) to help integrate the benefits of practice into your body, and promote an even deeper sense of well being. Expect a little work, a good amount of stretching, and a profound sense of peace. All levels and all people warmly welcomed and encouraged.
Breathing exercises will be followed by a yoga sequence designed to facilitate release, relaxation, and a deep connection between body and mind. Poses will range from standing to lying down, and all can be done in a chair or with props. Class will often conclude with a brief session of yoga nidra (guided meditation) to help integrate the benefits of practice into your body, and promote an even deeper sense of well being. Expect a little work, a good amount of stretching, and a profound sense of peace. All levels and all people warmly welcomed and encouraged.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga, known as the Yoga of Awareness, is a practice that offers meditation, breath work, mantra, singing, deep listening to our soul's wisdom, and practicing unique postures to strengthen the nervous, glandular and immune systems.Kundalini Yoga is prescriptive, meaning there is a kriya for whatever ails you mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. A kriya is a specific set of postures, breath work, and/or meditations that, when practiced for specified times in a designated order, are designed to produce a particular effect. We will practice a kriya and meditate together in every class. All levels welcome. Join Gillian and stretch your comfort zone on the mat and in life.
Kundalini Yoga, known as the Yoga of Awareness, is a practice that offers meditation, breath work, mantra, singing, deep listening to our soul's wisdom, and practicing unique postures to strengthen the nervous, glandular and immune systems.Kundalini Yoga is prescriptive, meaning there is a kriya for whatever ails you mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. A kriya is a specific set of postures, breath work, and/or meditations that, when practiced for specified times in a designated order, are designed to produce a particular effect. We will practice a kriya and meditate together in every class. All levels welcome. Join Gillian and stretch your comfort zone on the mat and in life.
(Mostly) Meditation
In this course, we will explore many styles and approaches to meditation. All forms of meditation have the same general goal: to find peace and happiness within. The various techniques, including mindfulness, breath, focus, mantra, mudra, and more, are tools to help us navigate our inner landscape, and ultimately, see things for what they are, with acceptance, compassion and understanding. This is not about the quick fix, but slowly settling our minds down into our natural, peaceful state. Each class begins with some light yogic stretching, an introduction to a particular approach or technique, and time for moving into meditative state. There will also be friendly discussions about the contemplative path and developing a personal practice.
In this course, we will explore many styles and approaches to meditation. All forms of meditation have the same general goal: to find peace and happiness within. The various techniques, including mindfulness, breath, focus, mantra, mudra, and more, are tools to help us navigate our inner landscape, and ultimately, see things for what they are, with acceptance, compassion and understanding. This is not about the quick fix, but slowly settling our minds down into our natural, peaceful state. Each class begins with some light yogic stretching, an introduction to a particular approach or technique, and time for moving into meditative state. There will also be friendly discussions about the contemplative path and developing a personal practice.
Sunset Yoga
We delve into the myriad benefits of yoga practice through basic pranayama (breathing practices); yoga sequences emphasizing alignment, breathing, and conscious movement; and reflection on yoga philosophy as it applies in our practice and in our daily lives. We strive to make each class a well-rounded session that leaves every participant feeling relaxed, renewed, and well-nourished in body, mind, and spirit. Moderate intensity; some knowledge of yoga helpful but not required.
We delve into the myriad benefits of yoga practice through basic pranayama (breathing practices); yoga sequences emphasizing alignment, breathing, and conscious movement; and reflection on yoga philosophy as it applies in our practice and in our daily lives. We strive to make each class a well-rounded session that leaves every participant feeling relaxed, renewed, and well-nourished in body, mind, and spirit. Moderate intensity; some knowledge of yoga helpful but not required.
Vinyasa Flow 2.0
When you are ready to venture beyond Gentle Vinyasa Flow:Although primarily an asana class (poses/physical practice), participants will explore all 8 Limbs of Yoga expanding their understanding & knowledge of Yogic philosophy. We will explore ethics, meditation, breath-work, the concept of the Energy Body & the relationship of these concepts to overall health. Participants can expect the physical practice to be more challenging & instruction to be more subtle than in a Gentle Vinyasa class. Familiarity with common pose names is suggested as we work toward more fluid transitioning in Sun Salutations & introduce variations to the traditional sequence. Most classes can be adapted to chair or wall variations. Each class includes brief discussion & extended Savasana or Yoga Nidra (final relaxation).
When you are ready to venture beyond Gentle Vinyasa Flow:Although primarily an asana class (poses/physical practice), participants will explore all 8 Limbs of Yoga expanding their understanding & knowledge of Yogic philosophy. We will explore ethics, meditation, breath-work, the concept of the Energy Body & the relationship of these concepts to overall health. Participants can expect the physical practice to be more challenging & instruction to be more subtle than in a Gentle Vinyasa class. Familiarity with common pose names is suggested as we work toward more fluid transitioning in Sun Salutations & introduce variations to the traditional sequence. Most classes can be adapted to chair or wall variations. Each class includes brief discussion & extended Savasana or Yoga Nidra (final relaxation).
Wind-Down with Yin
Allow your body and mind to reset from the stress of your week with this mostly ground-based practice of longer-held poses. Varying sequences target the deep connective tissues of the body, especially the spine and joints from the waist down, which tend to tighten with age and both over- and under-use. In addition to improving flexibility and mobility of the physical body, this style of yoga incorporates relaxation techniques for mental and emotional benefits. Props are available to make this quiet time as restorative as your body needs.
Allow your body and mind to reset from the stress of your week with this mostly ground-based practice of longer-held poses. Varying sequences target the deep connective tissues of the body, especially the spine and joints from the waist down, which tend to tighten with age and both over- and under-use. In addition to improving flexibility and mobility of the physical body, this style of yoga incorporates relaxation techniques for mental and emotional benefits. Props are available to make this quiet time as restorative as your body needs.
Yoga for Every Body
This is a led gentle Vinyasa flow class that begins with Pranayama (breath work) and is based in part on the Ashtanga primary half series, ending with three-to-five more restorative postures aimed at increasing both physical flexibility and personal resiliency. Modifications are provided so that everyone can practice at her/his/their level of ability. Perfect for those who are new to yoga, as well as experienced practitioners.
This is a led gentle Vinyasa flow class that begins with Pranayama (breath work) and is based in part on the Ashtanga primary half series, ending with three-to-five more restorative postures aimed at increasing both physical flexibility and personal resiliency. Modifications are provided so that everyone can practice at her/his/their level of ability. Perfect for those who are new to yoga, as well as experienced practitioners.
Monthly Chakra Immersion Series
Join us monthly for an in-depth exploration of the seven major Chakras of Yogic tradition and their contribution to overall health and vitality. Particularly in many Eastern spiritual traditions, the chakra system forms the foundation of the human energy body and is key in understanding our energetic nature and elevating consciousness. Through discussion, immersive activity, movement, yoga asana, and meditation, each month we will focus on the energy of a different chakra and discuss practical applications of this information in day to day life. Please dress comfortably as there will be some yoga and movement in each class. Folding chairs, yoga mats and props are available at the studio or please feel free to bring your own. You may also wish to bring a notebook or journal. No need to register ahead of time, this is an open group class so please come to as many classes as you like.
Join us monthly for an in-depth exploration of the seven major Chakras of Yogic tradition and their contribution to overall health and vitality. Particularly in many Eastern spiritual traditions, the chakra system forms the foundation of the human energy body and is key in understanding our energetic nature and elevating consciousness. Through discussion, immersive activity, movement, yoga asana, and meditation, each month we will focus on the energy of a different chakra and discuss practical applications of this information in day to day life. Please dress comfortably as there will be some yoga and movement in each class. Folding chairs, yoga mats and props are available at the studio or please feel free to bring your own. You may also wish to bring a notebook or journal. No need to register ahead of time, this is an open group class so please come to as many classes as you like.
Monthly Restorative Respite
Join us for this practice of stillness and release. Through the slow, simple movements of Somatic Yoga, our class begins by softening muscles and connective tissues that contribute to pain and tension. We then move into the Restorative Yoga experience where we will explore 4-5 yoga poses, completely supported by props. These poses are passive rather than active, meaning that the muscles are in a state of near complete relaxation allowing the mind to soften and surrender. Poses are held for 5-10 minutes each depending on the posture. Our class finishes in deep relaxation with a fusion of guided meditation, mindfulness, and yoga nidra (yogic sleep) often accompanied by the healing vibrations of singing bowls.
Join us for this practice of stillness and release. Through the slow, simple movements of Somatic Yoga, our class begins by softening muscles and connective tissues that contribute to pain and tension. We then move into the Restorative Yoga experience where we will explore 4-5 yoga poses, completely supported by props. These poses are passive rather than active, meaning that the muscles are in a state of near complete relaxation allowing the mind to soften and surrender. Poses are held for 5-10 minutes each depending on the posture. Our class finishes in deep relaxation with a fusion of guided meditation, mindfulness, and yoga nidra (yogic sleep) often accompanied by the healing vibrations of singing bowls.
Monthly Sacred Sounds: Poetry and Gong Class
You are invited to this interactive experience; come share a favorite piece of poetry or simply listen to the poetry readings, and let go and soak in the gong’s cosmic vibrations. The gong is a treat for the senses and profoundly relaxing for the nervous system. We will have time for up to four readings each class.
You are invited to this interactive experience; come share a favorite piece of poetry or simply listen to the poetry readings, and let go and soak in the gong’s cosmic vibrations. The gong is a treat for the senses and profoundly relaxing for the nervous system. We will have time for up to four readings each class.
Monthly Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra (psychic sleep) is the art of conscious relaxation. It is a powerful practice liberating the body & mind from usual tensions & anxiety. We learn how to put the body into sleep mode while the mind remains fully awake. The brain wave drops into theta state, where deep levels of healing take place on the emotional, mental, & physical planes.
Yoga Nidra (psychic sleep) is the art of conscious relaxation. It is a powerful practice liberating the body & mind from usual tensions & anxiety. We learn how to put the body into sleep mode while the mind remains fully awake. The brain wave drops into theta state, where deep levels of healing take place on the emotional, mental, & physical planes.