B.K.S. Iyengar notes the etymology: “The term yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate one’s attention on, to use and apply.” Iyengar also conveys that in the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna defines yoga as, “a deliverance from contact with pain and sorrow.” Donna Farhi notes, “Yoga is a technology for removing the illusory veil that stands between us and the animating force of life.” Yoga Class Descriptions MEDIATION One purpose of asana is to learn to sit properly and comfortably during meditation. I have also experienced the effects of asana on my meditation practice directly. Sitting meditation without prior exercise is often NOT effective in removing internal blockages. Without some asana and breath work prior to meditation, the blockages tend to stay, along with the associated mental states of stress, frustration, etc. Preliminary asanas, pranayama, and mantras may be either led, silent, or a combination. We spend 5-10 minutes on the physical preliminariies and 5-10 minutes on the mental preliminaries, both of which are practiced to make the mind a fertile garden for deep meditation. Yoga Sutra Studies This class is done one on one or in groups. The purpose is to discuss and translate Master Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, often referred to as the Mother text on Yoga. Increasing our knowledge(Jnana) of Yoga in turn increases our devotion(Bhakti), giving us the inspiration to practice consistently and without gaps. Yoga Sutra I.14 Sa tu dirga kala nairantarya satkara-asevito dirdha bhumih Asana and Pranayama Practice Beginner Ashtanga This class includes all of the standing sequence with focus on teaching the student the importance of synchronizing breath with movement and supporting the spine through awareness of the bandhas, selected asanas of the sitting sequence and selected asanas of the finishing sequence. It flows at a slower pace than the intermediate class which allows for more instruction and guidance for the beginner yoga student. Intermediate Ashtanga This class includes all of the standing sequence, selected asanas of the sitting sequence and all the asanas of the finishing sequence as time permits. It flows at a faster pace than the beginner class which allows for the practice of moving meditation using the technique of pranayama called ujjayi. Prior experience needed. Primary Series Ashtanga Yoga Restorative These soothing and well-supported poses offer the opportunity to rest quietly in poses for long periods leaving students nourished and well rested. These postures are usually completely supported by blankets, blocks, or other props and are held for several minutes at a time. Class begins with a few minutes of gentle movement before settling into the restorative poses. A little stretching will warm the muscles and create space in the body to prepare it for relaxation. Movement will also give the body a chance to shed its restlessness before settling into a place of stillness. "A person whose mind is wandering has already put their head between the jaws of the terrible lion of unhappiness. -Master Shantideva(8th Century)