Johanna Boedenauer will be teaching the "Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga" practice. This type of Yoga is quite physically demanding and intense on many levels, but it's a practice that can be modified for EVERYONE. One thing Ashtanga stresses is that Yoga should not be about focusing on what others around you are doing. Even if the person next to you appears to be a contortionist that jumps into asanas with incredible ease, the only thing you should be worried about is the breath deeping you in every posture. We're all at different stages in our lives, and each of us has lived a completely unique past. Not to mention, our skeletal structures are totally individual, too! That means, everyone will experience Yoga in a different way. Because of this, it's not a good idea to constantly compare yourself to others. Every person and every day is different - embrace that!
Elena Mesa and Erin McDonough will trade off teaching a lighter morning practice that will most likely fall under the "Yin Yoga" category. Yin is a softer form of Yoga, geared more towards opening the body and stretching tight areas. This practice usually consists of fewer poses that are held much longer (between 3 and 10 minutes). Combined with deep Yogic breathing (an essential aspect of ALL forms of Yoga), Yin allows us to surrender and melt into the postures, which will help to release and lighten up.
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If you'd like to get a head start on the Yin Yoga practice, try out Yogi Nora's short video as an introduction. Don't worry if you're not flexible enough to do all of the postures yet. Use props, modify the poses as needed, and use the breath to guide you further. Please be sure to listen to your body's needs and never force yourself into a dangerous pose - in the words of Pattabhi Jois, "Do your practice and all is coming."
For those who wish to try the Ashtanga Vinyasa practice before entering our classroom, check out Lesley Fightmaster's one hour intro class to Ashtanga. Do what you can with this video, and don't get frustrated if some of the poses aren't available to you yet. If you stick with this practice, you'll notice your body changing in epic proportions. Remember, all masters were once beginners, and all GREAT masters will remain students.
Love and light,
Your Yogis
Elena Mesa and Erin McDonough will trade off teaching a lighter morning practice that will most likely fall under the "Yin Yoga" category. Yin is a softer form of Yoga, geared more towards opening the body and stretching tight areas. This practice usually consists of fewer poses that are held much longer (between 3 and 10 minutes). Combined with deep Yogic breathing (an essential aspect of ALL forms of Yoga), Yin allows us to surrender and melt into the postures, which will help to release and lighten up.
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If you'd like to get a head start on the Yin Yoga practice, try out Yogi Nora's short video as an introduction. Don't worry if you're not flexible enough to do all of the postures yet. Use props, modify the poses as needed, and use the breath to guide you further. Please be sure to listen to your body's needs and never force yourself into a dangerous pose - in the words of Pattabhi Jois, "Do your practice and all is coming."
For those who wish to try the Ashtanga Vinyasa practice before entering our classroom, check out Lesley Fightmaster's one hour intro class to Ashtanga. Do what you can with this video, and don't get frustrated if some of the poses aren't available to you yet. If you stick with this practice, you'll notice your body changing in epic proportions. Remember, all masters were once beginners, and all GREAT masters will remain students.
Love and light,
Your Yogis