Why Yoga Is Dangerous For Your Mind :)

 

An excerpt adapted from Lindsey Lewis:

The thing about yoga is this: it’s about your soul. It’s about clearing the blocks to your ultimate freedom, joy and purpose. It’s about getting to a state of total knowing and complete release. And when we get there we release our mind.

What happens next is not just illuminating, it’s revolutionary.

Because inside our minds live our doubts, fears, insecurities, stressors and our roadblocks to our true selves. Inside our minds live the limiting beliefs that we hold firm to, that keep us held down. Inside our minds lives the belief that we are smaller, less capable, and less brilliant than we really are.

Inside our minds lives…sometimes, loads of crap (SO TRUE).

Yoga is dangerous to those limiting beliefs that don’t serve us.

The mind is a beautiful thing. It’s an exquisite tool that empowers and powers our experience. It enables us to think rationally, to figure things out, and to find the solution.

But…our thoughts create our world. And if what we’re thinking isn’t serving us, or lifting us up, or showing us our truest, unlimited selves—the n we can change that.

“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” ~Albert Einstein

Yoga gets us out of our head, and into our body.

It gets us feeling-thinking, not just thinking-thinking.

It taps us into the non-verbal part of our brain, which processes between eight to 11 million bits of information per second. Did you know the verbal part of our brain only processes about 40 bits of information per second? 40!

So all those fear-based thoughts…they’re not based on all the information. They’re not based on everything our non-verbal brain is processing. And, for most of us, they’re coming from an over-stimulated amygdala. These little almond-shaped parts of our brain are stimulated by stress hormones, and when they are, the kind of take over our show. Fear-, anger-, and negativity-based thinking become our m.o. And the part of us that knows how to operate from a different place takes a backseat.

Yoga brings that part of us into the driver’s seat again. It gets us out of fears and stress and into our peace and strength.

Yoga brings our ultimate knowing—not just thought-based thinking—on board.

Yoga brings us our self.

3 Ways to Go Beyond Fear-Based Thinking

1. Move your body—consciously. Whether it’s yoga, dancing, swimming or walking, if you do it mindfully, it’ll help you amp up your physical awareness and tap you into the non-verbal part of your brain.
2. Notice your thoughts. Do they lift you up, light you up, ignite and fuel your life? If not, question their veracity. Is it true?
3. Turn doubt into fuel. When you spot an “I can’t do this” thought, turn it into a question. “Can I do this?” “Yes.” List at least three reasons why. Studies show that providing evidence for an affirmative response to a question like that has a much more powerful impact than empty affirmations.

Summer Solstice Meditation Workshop

Celebrate the coming summer solstice with a yoga and meditation practice! Slow the breath, calm your mind, relax and allow your body to stretch, heal and feel a sense of inner peace. Using ting-sha's and Tibetan singing bowls, Neil will guide you through a deep, healing practice.  

We will gather in the Sun room for a meditation to prepare for the upcoming Solstice by joining breath, asana, and meditation to focus on one's self - Sadhana, a way to change a behavior, or add a daily practice, or focus on healing through making a choice, a commitment and aspire to create a different result in one's life. It becomes a self discipline process. It is a way to remove blockages and develop prosperity, internal strength and enjoy a deep and rewarding meditation.

New Pricing and Package Pricing!

As of April 1st, we have changed some of our pricing and options for purchasing classes. We have done this to add more value to you, or amazing practitioners! Please let us know if you have any questions at all!

Session Passes:  We are no longer offering a 5 or 50 class pass The 10 Pass will stay the same at $140 NEW - 25 Session Pass for $275

Unlimited Passes: We have eliminated the 1 and 3 month memberships. The auto-renew will now be $79/month no commitment required (a credit card will still be needed on file to purchase this account, and we will charge a cancellation fee of $25 when/if you decide to cancel.) For those of you who prefer to pay up front, we will be offering a 1 year up-front payment of $805 (15% off the monthly price). You can also add the plus package for $255 (also 15% off).

Plus Package (Mat & Towel Service): $25 add on to any package or per month with the auto-renew

Again, please let us know if you do have any questions! Looking forward to seeing you in the studio and on the mat!

Smooth Moves with Cole Williston

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Join us Saturday, April 27th from 2:30-5:30 for a Vinyasa/Acro Yoga Experience!

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Learn to move smoothly through postures and challenges with guided breath. Within this workshop, you

will develop integral strength for each individual and we will expand your individual practice into

a shared group practice.

Cole Williston has been instructing for seven years, and is home to Edmonton. His training is in Chakra

Yoga and his style of guidance reflects aspects of Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Pranayama. Cole is

passionate about building community and creating evolutionary group experiences. He organizes yoga

adventures through his company PLANit Adventure.

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To learn more about Cole, you can check out his blog.

Or you can look at his full bio here.

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The Yoga Code - With Jackie Dumaine

What is The Yoga Code™?  An incredible and thorough description is below.

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Yoga is so much more than looking good in a pair of black stretchy pants!

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The 10 Sacred Principles of The Yoga Code™ are based on the ancient wisdom found in The Yoga Sutras an ancient yogic text written approximately 2000 years ago by the Indian sage Patanjali. They have absolutely nothing to do with the physical postures.

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REPEAT:  They have absolutely nothing to do with the physical postures.

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In our body-obsessed Western world, we seem to simply focus on the postures, neglecting the true transformative powers of the yoga tradition. The 10 Sacred Principles are known as The Yamas & Niyamas in yoga philosophy and serve as the absolute foundation for the practice of living a yogic lifestyle.

Pantajali believed that before you even step foot on a yoga mat, these principles should by studied, practiced and applied into your daily life. Each principle is not independent of one another but rather weave together to form a beautiful tapestry.

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“Even as education in the primary school level is important, since it paves the way for one’s further mental build, the Yamas and Niyamas are the rock-bottom of Yoga.

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The tonic of Yamas & Niyamas will provide the power and courage needed to face all obstacles. The Yama-Niyama process constitutes the instructions in yoga psychology, which should give us sufficient warning on the path and make us vigilant pilgrims on the spiritual journey. ~ Sri Swami Krishnananda. What are the 10 Sacred Principles?  Here is a brief overview for you in both traditional Sanskrit language and translated into the Western meaning.

1. Ahimsa

Kindness and Compassion

Non-Harming towards all living things. In thoughts, in actions, in words.  This must first begin with ourselves in the form of self-love. Practice loving kindess towards yourself first and the energy of those around you becomes more gentle and kind.

2. Satya

Truthfulness

Living in integrity. Speaking your truth and living an authentic life without trying to be something or someone that isn't in alignment with your values.  Not lying to yourself or others.  Acknowledging that truth is not rigid, it flows and changes just as you do.

3. Asteya

Non-Stealing

Taking only what is yours. In a world addicted to consuming, we often take more than what we require which takes away from others who lack basic needs.  It also can lead to a negative effect on our environment.  Not stealing opportunities from yourself or others by not living up to your full potential.

4. Brahmacharya

Non-Excess or Moderation

Embracing life’s pleasures without reckless abandon.  Seeing the Divine in everything.  It allows you to indulge in the pleasures of life but having the awareness to know when you've had "enough".  By seeing the Divine in everything we can appreciate what we have and will experience unlimited abundance.

5. Aparigraha

Non-attachment, Non-Greed

Letting go of the need to control thoughts, people, situations and outcomes.  When you let go of things/people/circumstances that hold you down, you create space for lightness and unlimited opportunity.   In this non-attachment, you are also asked to not define  yourself by your possessions. If you attach your identity to your "stuff" who will you be if your "stuff" goes away?

6. Saucha

Purity and Simplicity

In all things: Body, Mind, Spirit & Surroundings.  Simplify the way you nourish your body, the way you consume information, the roles and responsibilities you take on,  the way you live your life.  Declutter your home and create a sacred space.   Become friends with silence and stillness to purify the mind and spirit.

7. Santosha

Contentment

Find true joy and happiness with where you are regardless of the external circumstance or challenge. Become fully accountable (and thus empowered) for where you are in your life.   Practice gratitude for what you have and embrace each moment exactly the way it is.  Stop wishing things were different than what they are.

8. Tapas

Burning Commitment, Self-Discipline

The determination to go on when faced with obstacles and challenges and welcoming the struggles that lead to growth and expansion.  Understand that the mind likes to give up before our spirit does.  Follow through with responsibilities and keep the commitments  and agreements you've made to yourself and to others.

9. Svadhyaya

Self-Study

Observe  your actions, your ego and continuously seek out opportunities to learn about your Self.  Live in a state of awareness to notice and question all of your decisions and behaviours (both positive and negative).  Read spiritual texts to continuously learn and grow while you develop the skill of self-inquiry and self-reflection.

10. Ishvara Pranidhana

Surrender

Acknowledge that there is a Divine force at work and have faith that it will lead you on the right path. Learn to live in the “Flow” of life rather than fight against the current. Surrender isn't about giving up or quitting, it's about the powerful freedom that comes with knowing we are all part of a bigger plan.

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To learn more about The Yoga Code™ you can visit Jackie's page here

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Breathing the Exquisite Breath

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I'm still learning how to breathe fully. 

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 After 5 years of steady yoga practice, I'm still re-training myself to stop limiting my breath, on and off, of the yoga mat.

I discovered "The Breathing Book" by Donna Fahri, a yoga teacher from New Zealand about a year ago, and it has been one of the major catalysts in my quest to heal myself. I've been inspired to lead this workshop on breath by noticing some of the ways that I've been transformed by breath practice, whether it's yogic breath, pranayama, or simply full, diaphramatic breathing. I learned in my own body how I was creating tension simply by breathing using the wrong set of muscles! The patterns we weave into our bodies every moment are all about choice. The way we are breathing can become part of a conscious lifestyle, and support healing major blockages within our physical and emotional bodies.

The intention of this workshop is to offer tools to begin the process of healing yourself. We will be doing a bit of partner and group breathwork, as well as taking time to break down several pranayama practices, with optional homework to try out on your own. Come dressed in layers, as the breath techniques we'll explore have the potential to heat you up, and cool you down just as quickly. If you have your own meditation cushion or seat, please feel free to bring it with you, as we will be seated for most of the experience. And, of course, when we dig deep into the breath, we invite repressed emotions to the surface with the fresh oxygen, so I invite you to bring along a notebook or journal if you feel called.

In service,

Brittany

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Please join us for an amazing breath journey on Saturday, March 30th from 2:30-4:30.

To learn even more about Brittany, you can click here

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Your PSOAS - What it is and Why You Should Care!

An excerpt adapted from Hope Zvara:

The psoas (SO-az) is a muscle running through the pelvis to the upper part of the femur.

This long, thick, fibrous muscle helps with walking, and is one of the largest muscles in the body.

In yoga the psoas is often overused, usually in place of the core in poses such as Boat (navasana), standing leg extension, and even tree, which can cause a barrel of problems.

And that's just the beginning!

The psoas is also a huge storage depot for fear, trauma, and childhood concerns.

Take, for example, the dreaded potty training stage. Emotional trauma from this stage can get buried in this early childhood developmental muscle, and decades later can become a cause for concern.

That's because the psoas is like a storage depot that never gets emptied: Everything just keeps getting dumped into the psoas.

Pain related to the psoas can easily cause a slew of symptoms such as:

• Back pain
• Hip socket tension
• Leg length discrepancies
• Knee and ankle problems
• Groin pain
• Sleep issues
• Jaw pain
• Shoulder pain
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Excessive muscle tension
• Referred back and sciatic pain

One way the body tries to bring balance and release without us realizing it is by teeth grinding. By grinding our teeth, we allow synovial fluid to keep running through the CNS (central nervous system), helping the body find balance.

Not understanding what the body is trying to do, we try to treat the grinding instead of the real issue: the psoas. That's why treatments such as crainosacral therapy work, because in this type of practice, one works to release the pelvis and other connected areas.

The psoas has many other cries for help, too, including menstrual cramps. When the psoas is tight, it pins the uterus down, giving a woman sometimes very painful cramping. Other signs that the psoas needs rehab include insomnia, foot and leg dysfunction, and water retention.

And as I stated before, the psoas holds deep-seated fear and trauma. That's partly the reason why people many times feel uncomfortable in a deep hip release (PIGEON!), getting anxious, angry or sometimes even brought to tears.

Our psoas can additionally cause concerns:

• Prolonged sitting can easily deplete over vital energy as well as tighten up this pesky muscle.
• Cause compression on the intervertebral disc and facet joints leading us to thinner, degenerating disc. (While degeneration is a natural process, we can lessen the effects.)
• Dragging the rib cage forward creating short breathing patterns and limited thoracic breathing.
• Digestive concerns in which the upper portion of the psoas is tight and restrictive.
• Breathing problems, as pressure is put on the diaphragm.

Addressing the psoas in a class can assist students in the true journey to freedom and the body they have been searching for. It's by no means easy, and often uncomfortable and frustrating, but the reward is a more balance body, mind, and spirit.

Rehab your psoas with releasing and toning exercises:

Supine Single Leg Pull

Many focus too much on pulling the leg into the chest and hugging with all their might, but here I want to encourage you to focus on only taking the knee into the chest to the point you feel sensation all the while keeping the pelvis stable (and in neutral) rather than allowing the pelvis to curl along with the leg being hugged.

Focus on extending the lower leg away from the body, feeling a release in the psoas (groin area or lower back) Move slowly and do not force the release.

Do not keep extending the leg or hugging the upper leg if your pelvis is moving with. Work here for one to three minutes or more, moving slowly and mindfully.

Many of our instructors at Yogalife will begin or end with Pavanmuktasana (Wind Relieving Pose) for these reasons.

Supine Single Leg Lift

Lying on you back comfortably bend one knee and place the foot to the floor.

Find neutral pelvis and find comfort lying on the floor.

Extend the opposite leg and actively reach the heel away from the body without arching the back or pelvis.

Inhale and exhale activate the pelvic floor and press through the opposite foot to lift the heel off the floor a few inches.

Mindfully move the leg up and down a few times (a few inches) and then side to side a few inches.

This is an area many teachers are trying to have you move through, when we encourage you to hug your legs into the midline when doing yogi bicycle, boat pose, etc!

Constructive Rest Pose

Lying on your back flat on the floor, widen your feet to the width of the mat and let your knees fall together (if this is difficult place a block or rolled towel between the knees). Rest here for up to five minutes really focusing on softening the inner hips and relaxing your breathing down to the area of focus.

It's no wonder to me that in our fast-paced, all-or-nothing world that we're all in need of a little hip release, a little fear-unlocking, a little psoas rehab.

*** In many, if not all yoga classes at Yogalife, you will engage in some sort of a lunge series. Low lunge or high lunge (anjaneyasana). In this pose (and many others), you may hear an instructor cue you to "tuck your tailbone in" or "draw your pubic bone up towards your sternum). Here, we are tying to help you OPEN up your psoas, so you can work deeper into the pose, and yourself. This mindful alignment will help you to progress through your practice, and though whatever you may be storing in your psoas (and hips) ***If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask any of our qualified teachers!

The Hardest Part of Yoga Practice is Letting Go

An excerpt by Rachel Wallmuller:

What is the hardest part of yoga practice? Is it the asana or the breath? Is it the discipline to step on your mat every day? Is it your willingness to try something new? It may be any combination of these things, or it may be one thing. In my experience it is the simple act of letting go.

Let us not get confused here. By letting go, I don’t mean surrendering or giving up, but rather letting go of the stories we tell ourselves that we can’t do something, the expectations and judgments we experience as we move through our practice, and our egos that push us too hard.  So often these judgments and harsh criticisms hold us back, keeping us from our true potential, hiding us from the brilliance within.

One of my yoga teachers says “the strongest yogi in the room is the one that takes child’s pose when they need it.” How true. How many times have you pushed yourself too hard in class only to be left feeling worse than when you walked in or maybe even pushing to injury? Have you been practicing for awhile with little change and feel frustrated? Yes, you show up every day, but you are still as stiff and tense as when you began. You can power through any Vinyasa, but your stress and anxiety levels are through the roof. Kudos to you for coming to class, but have you considered that it’s not the asana you need to master, but the act of listening and letting go instead.

Where to start? First, know that this is a process and as such it can take a long time to learn. In other words, get your Patience hat ready. Next, when the little voice inside tells you to do more, do less and see what happens.  By doing so you learn to question whether your ego is pushing you forward for all of the guts and glory or if you’re really ready to go deeper.

Sometimes that little voice inside isn’t so nice about what is happening on your mat and depending on your life experiences, it can be downright disheartening. In this instance, turn it around by just being kind to yourself and take a break. Hard stuff, I know, but give it a try. The world will not come to an end because you did one less Chaturanga. In fact, you may even find yourself more peaceful when you do stop and listen. This is a huge step in learning to let go. Quieting the stories for even the smallest of moments can allow you to open up in so many ways. Take this experience off of your mat and see how letting go of all the expectations and judgments can help you be more free.

Yogitoes!

We have a wide variety of yogitoes (skidless yoga towel) here at Yogalife! They are our number one seller and we have over 20 colors in stock! They are the perfect gift for any yogi in your life. For sale for only $58 (less in one of our aforementioned packages).

The Yogitoes Vision:

With a deep-seated passion for sustainability that influences every aspect of our business practices, yogitoes was referred to by Susy Borlido, Business Greening Program Director for Sustainable Works, as the greenest office on Main Street, the Santa Monica Green Light District.

Committed to using recycled content in 100% of our yoga line by 2013, yogitoes has already rescued nearly 900,000 plastic bottles from our oceans and landfills.  Continuously pushing the creative envelope in sustainability, yogitoes launched rYoga Collection, a full line of yoga tools made with recycled and repurposed materials, such as recycled plastic bottles, recycled rubber and rice husk, a by-product of rice grain production that normally goes to landfills or gets burned.  The "r" stands for recycled and for our collective responsibility to make a difference in the health of our planet.

Less than 10% of recyclable materials actually gets recycled.  It is vital for the health of our planet and our children that we find creative ways to reuse and repurpose these materials, and yogitoes is excited to be part of that solution.

Transcending beyond green product, yogitoes renovated its offices and rExperience Lab to LEED standards, and has Green Business Certification.  rExperience Lab opened as part of yogitoes’ headquarters in August 2012, to engage the community in sustainability of mind, body, spirit and mother earth, and serve as a gallery for mindful organizations.  This creative space also serves as a retail showroom and R&D lab, where we share our products while educating on green living and inspiring involvement.

Yogitoes supports environmental organizations like 5 Gyres and Kurmalliance, along with organizations devoted to human wellness, in giving 1% of annual sales.  The relationship between environmental and human health is deeply linked, and yogitoes’ culture is rooted in helping both to thrive.

Come by to one of our locations to support this creative green movement!

Reasons to Splurge on a Yoga Mat

There's some fitness gear to save money on, but how about yoga mats? You can grab a mat from Target or Walmart or buy a wicked Manduka Pro here at Yogalife. But is it worth it to drop so much cash on a yoga mat? Here are five reasons the answer should be yes.

1. You'll save money: When buying a pricier mat, it costs more upfront, but it's often because they are thicker, durable, and made from better-quality materials. A cheaper mat, in comparison, can begin to flake after less than a year's use. In the end, you'll actually save money since you avoid any replacement fees.

2. For you and the planet: Since expensive mats tend to be made with higher-quality materials that last longer, it means buying one mat instead of five — or more! — in your lifetime. Not only are fewer mats ending up in landfills, but you also cut back on personal consumption.

3.How it feels: When you come into your first Down Dog on a pricier mat, you'll notice the difference in smoothness, stickiness, and how it's more dense. All of these factors contribute to fewer distractions and a safer, more comfortable practice.

4. Meet for class? Sure! Investing in a more expensive mat can inspire you to practice more, not only because it feels more luxurious, but also to get your money's worth. It'd be a shame to have a $70 mat sitting in your closet.

5. Hey, why not? Yoga is a pretty gear-free activity, so besides a mat, there really isn't much else to splurge on (you know, except for incessant amounts of clothes!). So you might as well go for the best.

Pricier mats worth the splurge - in stock now!!!

Manduka Mat Pro - It weighs seven pounds, is 1/4-inch thick, and is backed by a lifetime guarantee. It's made from a blend of polyester and eco-certified PVC, with emissions-free manufacturing. We have it in a variety of colors, especially for the holidays! Manduka PROLite Mat - It weighs four pounds, is 3/16-inches thick, and is also backed by a lifetime guarantee and made from a blend of polyester and eco-certified PVC.

The Beauty of Yoga

An excerpt from Karen Carrasco:  

Yoga is one of the most phenomenal spiritual connections to the self. Some individuals call it exercising, while others simply practice it to relax their body and minds. While it is proven to reduce stress and be an exercise of it’s own, it is something greater than that. Yoga is a union, a more harmonious union of the self, breath, body and soul.

The beauty of yoga is that you don’t have to be B.K.S. Iyengar to practice yoga well. What makes yoga practice perfect is practicing often and always being willing to learn new things. Being open-minded is a virtue and talent. In addition to that, subconsciously or unconsciously, your chakras and kundalini will be awakened in their due time. Chakras and the kundalini are simply the energy systems for spiritual awareness. Many people worry that yoga is a religion, but it is not. It is just an awareness of yourself and the universe. Whether or not that is your purpose, it brings a calming sensation to your being, physically, mentally and spiritually.

An important lesson to always remember is that one is in control of his or her own body and life. Amazingly enough, yoga falls under the category of Alternative Medicine. This basically means that the practice of yoga has the healing effects of medicine, but in a more natural way. It’s one of those old wives tales that say if you do yoga, you eliminate stress. With stress being one of the major causes of modern medical issues, yoga does a great job in relieving tensions from the everyday obstacles in life. Practicing yoga helps you have a better mood and supplies you with good physical activity, leaving you with a healthier life.

That’s the beauty of yoga.

Holiday Package Specials!!!

For the month of December, Yogalife has 5 premium packages for purchase for yourself or for a loved one (or both) for the holiday season! Purchase any one at our South or North location! All of these packages are offered at a 15% discount! Just in time for the holiday season.

1. Holiday 10-Session Pass and Mat - Regular - $183.00 - Holiday Special! - $155.55

2. Holiday Mat and Towel Package - Regular - $143.00 - Holiday Special! - $121.55

3. Holiday PROLite and Seeker Package - Regular $181.00 - Holiday Special! - $153.85

4. Holiday Restore Package- Regular - $163.00 - Holiday Special! - $138.55 - includes Halfmoon eye pillow, Love Stone Mala Beads, and Rectangular Bolster Deluxe

5. Holiday Yoga Kit - Regular - $117.00 - Holiday Special! - $99.45 - includes Manduka foam block, Manduka PROlite mat, and 10 foot Manduka yoga strap

***All mat packages include a Manduka PROlite mat***

VINYASA!!!

The term vinyasa may be broken down into its Sanskritic roots to assist in decoding its meaning. Nyasa denotes "to place" and vi denotes "in a special way." Like many Sanskrit words, vinyasa is a term that has many meanings, such as "breath synchronized movement."

There are four basic definitions of vinyasa: 1) the linking of body movement with breath; 2) a specific sequence of breath-synchronized movements used to transition between sustained postures; 3) setting an intention for one's personal yoga practice and taking the necessary steps toward reaching that goal; and 4) a type of yoga class.

Vinyasa is also employed as a noun to describe the sequence of poses that are performed between Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Facing Dog as part of a Surya Namaskara or Sun Salutation sequence. Though this is more correctly termed half-vinyasa as full-vinyasa returns to complete standing asana or positions.

The term vinyāsa refers to the alignment of movement and breath, a method which turns static asanas into a dynamic flow. The length of one inhale or one exhale dictates the length of time spent transitioning between asanas. Asanas are then held for a predefined number of breaths. In effect, attention is placed on the breath and the journey between the asanas rather than solely on achieving perfect body alignment in an asana, as is emphasized in Hatha Yoga.

A standard vinyāsa consists (for example) of the flow from chaturaṅga, or plank, to chaturaṅga daṇḍāsana, or low plank, to ūrdhva mukha śvānāsana or upward-facing dog, to Adho Mukha Svanasana, or downward-facing dog.

The breathing style used in Vinyasa Yoga is Ujjayi which is a relaxed diaphragmatic style of breathing, characterized by an ocean sound which resonates in the practitioner's throat. Throughout a practice, this specific breathing style is maintained in alignment with movements. The steady cycle of inhales and exhales provides the practitioner with a calming, mental focal point. Additionally, viṅyāsa and Ujjayi together create internal heat, which leads to purification of the body through increased circulation and sweating.

This style is sometimes also called flow yoga, because of the smooth way that the poses run together and become like a dance. The breath becomes an important component because the teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale. Vinyasa is literally translated from Sanskrit as meaning "connection," and In terms of yoga asana, we can interpret this as a connection between movement and breath.Vinyasa Flow began as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga by a Yogi named Sri Tirumala Krishnamacharya. He was given a place to teach yoga and eventually taught a young boy named Parrabhi Jois his learnings on the power of breathing. Jois then established an institute for practicing the specific form of Vinyasa yoga. Like all styles of yoga, Vinyasa has both mental and physical benefits. Physically, sweat expels toxins and re-energizes your body. Mentally, the synchronized breathing relaxes your mind and helps to release any blockage of energy flow throughout your body.

Vinyasa yoga offers much diversity. The pace can vary and there is no one particular sequence that instructors must follow. In fact, the name vinyasa can also be translated as "variations within parameters." This flexibility allows the teacher to tailor the sequences to their own philosophy. So, if one class doesn’t work for you, try another, until you find one that you are comfortable with.

It is important to remember a vinyasa is not just any sequence of actions: It is one that awakens and sustains consciousness. In this way vinyasa connects with the meditative practice of nyasa within the Tantric Yoga traditions. In nyasa practice, which is designed to awaken our inherent divine energy, practitioners bring awareness to different parts of the body and then, through mantra and visualization, awaken the inner pathways for shakti (divine force) to flow through the entire field of their being. As we bring the techniques of vinyasa to bear throughout our lives, we open similar pathways of transformation, inner and outer-step by step and breath by breath.

Here's a simple description of a vinyasa and how the breath is connected to each movement:

1. Inhale - LIFT your feet and hips off the ground (moving to high plank/high push up)
2. Exhale - 4-Limbed Staff Pose (Chaturanga)
3. Inhale - Cobra or Upward Facing Dog
4. Exhale - Downward Facing Dog

Vinyasa! Now you know. Namaste.

Post Natal Yoga

The focus in a post-natal yoga class is not only to bond with other new mothers, but also to create a supportive, encouraging and non-judgemental environment where babies can thrive in unfamiliar surroudings and connect to each other through yoga asana (postures) pranayama (breathing) and mantras (healing sounds). This is an incredible environment for mothers to bond in a new way with their babies.

New mothers can be plagued with tightness and lack of strength in the lower back and abdominal region as well, stiffness in the shoulders, upper back and chest from nursing.  Overall fatigue and weakness is still prevalent at 6 weeks so it's important to locate an instructor who has the appropriate training in post-natal yoga for a safe practice.  Classes are designed to go deeper into the healing and recovery process for women after delivery. The class focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor, the transverse abdominals, and the lower back as well as providing release to the shoulders, neck and chest.

Benefits of post-natal Yoga:

• Strenghtens the abdominal muscles.
• Helps the uterus to return to it's normal size.
• Releases tension in the shoulders.
• Balances hormonal levels.
• Promotes better and deeper sleep.
• Reduces stress, anxiety and fears of being a new mother.
• Creates a healthy and supported environment.
• Strenghtens the pelvic floor muscles.
• Bonding and connecting with babies.

Common Questions:

Q:  When can I start post-natal yoga?

A:  When you're received the ok from your OBGYN, usually after the 6th week (vaginal birth) or 12th week (cesasean birth).  12 weeks post-partum is generally recommended as mothers are usually more rested and babies have a bit more of a routine.

Q:  What do I need to bring to class?

A:  Your yoga mat, a water bottle, a blanket for baby and small hand toys.  You may wish to bring a baby carrier for some standing poses.

Q:  What age are the babies?

A:  The ages are 6 weeks up to a crawling age.