Ashtanga Yoga
A modern offshoot of traditional Hatha yoga, Ashtanga vinyasa takes a particularly rigorous form, in which the dynamic play between polar energies––be they solar and lunar, masculine and feminine, expansive and contractive–– are expressed and harmonized. Harnessing the expansive generosity of the breath, in Ashtanga we trace a line between effort and ease, strength and passivity, invigoration and exhaustion.
Three fundamental principles transcend the practice from exercise to a moving meditation. The first principle, vinyasa, connects movement to a focused intention in union with ujjayi pranayama (breathing with sound). The second principle, bandha, guides us to engage internal physio-energetic “locks”––primarily mula bandha (the root lock)––in order to elicit the power of kundalini, the Goddess, who resides at the base of the spine. Finally, the principle of drishti––or “gazing point”––provides the eyes and the mind with a point of focus in each posture, aiding in the adoption of a meditative state facilitating balance and poise.
Our classes at YoS will draw upon the first two of these series: yoga chikitsa (yoga therapy), which is concerned with the purification and strengthening of the physical body; and nadi shodana (nerve cleansing), which acts upon the nervous system and begins to bridge the gap between gross and subtle, preparing the way for the later branches of traditional ‘eight-limbed’ (ashtanga) yoga.
Dharma Yoga
Dharma yoga is a modern interpretation of classical Eight-limbed or Hatha-Raja Yoga, formalized by Sri Dharma Mittra in 1975. Dharma yoga is deeply rooted in ethical precepts that includes elements of flowing Vinyasa, inversions and held poses that will help you to discover concentration, meditation, abiding contentedness and deep healing relaxation. The asanas (physical postures) tone and invigorate the body and mind, leading to enhanced flexibility, strength, balance and concentration.
The pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditative techniques regulate the heartbeat, de-stress the nervous system and calm the mind. Guided deep healing relaxation (Yoga Nidra) relieves stress, slows down the thoughts, calms the mind and recharges one’s physical body. Dharma yoga is a complete practice that will lead to radiant health, a peaceful life and, eventually self-realization. Dharma yoga is traditional, yet contemporary — perfect for today’s fast-paced world.
Dharma Yoga III & IV
Dharma yoga level III and IV incorporates asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises with bandhas), mantras, meditative techniques (SoHum), and healing relaxation. This class follows a traditional Dharma yoga class sequence with intermediate and advanced level variations of asanas.
Dharma Yoga Wheel
The Dharma yoga wheel is an effective tool invented by Sri Dharma Mittra in 1975. This class builds on the traditional asanas found in a Dharma yoga class and incorporates the wheel to help strengthen, stretch, support, and balance the body. Our Dharma Wheel Certified instructors provide a variety of classes for both a fun workout as well as for serious therapeutic effects.
Hatha Yoga
Students will practice traditional Hatha Yoga asanas "postures”, combined with deep breathing to strengthen and stretch the body while relaxing/centering the mind for meditation. This is a slower paced practice seen as a moving meditation. Available to all levels. This class helps build strength, increase flexibility, concentration, and promote balance within body/heart/mind.
Inversions
Inversions are yoga poses where the heart is higher from the ground than the head. This practice includes poses such as downward facing dog, shoulder stands, headstands, handstands, and forearm balances. This class incorporates drills to prepare for inversions, as well as opportunities to meditate in such postures. Inversions are beneficial to circulation of blood, lymph flow, as well stimulation of the nervous system to create heat in the body for stress and anxiety reduction.
Nidra Psychic Sleep
Yoga Nidra is a practice of deep restoration and relaxation in what’s referred to as yogic sleep. This class begins with a guided meditation that systematically relaxes the body and in turn awakens the psychic centers allowing us to feel more in tune with ourselves and surroundings.
It is recommended that you dress comfortably, and bring any props (pillows, blankets) that may aid you in attaining a state of ease and relaxation.
Pranayama & Meditation
Pranayama refers to yogic breathing practices and it deals with regulating your breathing. This includes control of the timing, duration, and frequency of every breath and hold. The goal of pranayama is to connect your body and mind. It also supplies your body with oxygen while removing toxins. This is meant to provide healing physiological benefits.
Meditation is a mental practice and refers to the higher state of your consciousness and deals with your mind. Through specialized techniques– such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – meditation trains attention and awareness to help achieve a clear, calm, and stable state.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga enables deep relaxation with the aid of props to support you in longer-held poses. Props, like blocks, bolsters, blankets and straps are used so that you can find comfort in your poses. The focus of this practice is to minimize strain and pain to achieve physical, mental and emotional restoration. Our parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated when we relax into poses, which promotes a relaxation response and reduces stress in our bodies. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for slowing your heart rate and breath and increasing blood flow to your vital organs, among other things. These classes are slow paced, and provide a great balance to an active schedule.
Sound Healing + Reiki
Sound healing is the use of specific instruments, music, tones, and other sonic vibrations to balance and heal the body, mind, and spirit. This practice includes both ancient and modern instruments along with the vocal cords of our instructors. It also includes using specialized sound frequencies to create a therapeutic atmosphere to promote deep rest, nervous system rebalancing, and emotional release. Ideally, a hypnotic, meditative or theta brainwave state is created which allows access to deeper levels of inner wisdom and healing. The soothing vibrations will help you relax, release stress, anxiety and tension.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa is a type of Hatha yoga. This practice connects breath to movement with a focus on developing our bodies, mind, and spirit through a series of asanas (postures) strung together in a sequential order. From the Sanskrit “to place in a special way,” vinyasa aligns poses with the breath to achieve a continuous flow. Inhalation is usually connected to upward, open movements, while exhalation is often tied to downward movements or twists. These classes can offer you a safe place for challenge, growth, and development.
Gentle Vinyasa
Gentle vinaya is a type of vinyasa yoga that is more slow and gentle in pace, challenge, and movement. Similar to a traditional vinyasa, this class includes a series of movements woven together, balance, strength and breathing techniques. It is designed to give some challenge to students, relieve stress and deepen the mind and body connection. The focus is on proper alignment, use of props, and modifications to accommodate individual practices.
Power Vinyasa
Power vinyasa is a type of vinyasa in that it connects breath to movement with a focus on developing our bodies, mind, and spirit through a series of asanas (postures). These classes are designed specifically to improve muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance through a fast-paced flow. Power yoga will have a focus on a specific part of the body or group of poses and will build up in a progressive sequence, from more basic asanas to more advanced ones. One of the effects of the class on the body is that, because of the dynamic nature of the practice, the muscles warm up quickly. It also increases oxygen intake and the heart rate. These classes can also help build stability.
Rhythmic Vinyasa
Rhythmic vinyasa is a vinyasa-based class connecting breath to movement through a sequence of asanas (postures). Each class is uniquely curated through a playlist by the instructor. The playlists may be genre or artist-based and are informed by the instructor’s musical background, specialty, and history. Rhythmic vinyasa offers a space to practice traditional yoga asanas guided by songs you may otherwise not find in a typical yoga class.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a slower practice where poses are passively held for longer, working on the deep, yin (dense) connective tissues and joints in the body. These classes also target bones, the deep fascia networks of the body and the meridians. Yin yoga classes mainly work the lower part of the body such as the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, lower spine. These classes provide a welcoming space in which to relax, breath, and meditate in the cooling asanas.