Sivananda Yoga Today classes are bursting...
Our philosophy is to embrace and BE the concept of Be in Awe. During the 1 1/2 hour sessions, there is mostly restful quiet and sometimes roaring laughter. We are in a flow and we go with the flow. At the conclusion of class we can find ourselves in interesting discussion, conversation, updates -- or compassionate listening.
Our classes are meditative in nature and designed to enable a mini-detox, while stimulating, stretching and energizing all muscle groups, organs, and systems. In our practice we flow in harmony, create balance within the body and increase vitality. By holding poses comfortably-- effortlessly, while inhaling deeply and then completely emptying the lungs -- all organs are massaged, releasing toxins, tension and tightness. The inhalation activates a deep listening and inner connection and the exhalation is the response -- a release which relaxes and makes way for fresh, inspired creation. One of our mottos is "go deeper still."
Sivananda teachers feel a direct connection with our teachers, founders Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnu Devenanda, embodying their teachings and wisdom in each class.
Explore more:
Our Sivananda Flow
Class opens with a sacred mantra om and a prayer (usually sung in sanskrit)
Deep relaxation
During deep relaxation, a physical softening of our bodies takes place, as does a sense of distancing and detachment from our problems and worries.
The art of deep complete relaxation is one of the safest and most effective ways to manage stress, relieve pain, regain and maintain health and attain peace of mind. As our stress level decreases through the practice of relaxation, our digestion improves, productivity increases, and we then experience an all-pervasive sense of health and peace. Many have reported that their sleep became deeper and less interrupted. The calmness of the body then leads to the calmness of the mind. The more relaxed -- the more benefits. To fully and deeply relax the body and mind, they must temporarily be relieved of their duties. All the muscles in the body must be allowed to let go, knowing that the body will be totally supported. The mind is also given this time to let go and relax. Not the time to think of what needs to be done; instead the body and mind are given a vacation.
Warm up
Our warm up includes single and double leg lift stretches, eye exercises, neck rolls and Sun Salutations -- a gorgeous series of movement that warms, wakes and activates an all-body stretch and tone. Sun Salutations allow the body to stretch both forward and backward. If done consciously, the body and all of its systems benefit by the intentional stretches.
Asana
The poses consist of 12 positions -- each bringing benefit to the whole of your system while targeting the instinctive, intuitive and insightful realms of your body and -- and specific organs. For example, in the positions that require twisting, the kidneys are massaged, squeezing out any stagnant blood, invigorating the circulatory system. Some poses are inverted, increasing oxygen to the brain, some are forward bending, some are backward bending, some involve a twist of the spine, and some require balancing. All require focused concentration on full yogic breathing.
We hold poses and relax to allow time for the subtle energy that runs through the body to be strengthened. This energy runs through the physical body like a river and carries energy to the entire body and mind, following the pathways or meridians used in acupuncture. The postures are designed to move the energy through these same pathways by various bending and stretching movements. We allow time for rest in between the poses; it is during this time that all the benefits are activated.
We conclude with a group Om and prayer.
Namaste
A Welcoming Community
For some, coming to the first yoga class, or a new yoga class, feels daunting -- really scary. But by joining our Be in Awe culture you'll be:
Adding years to your life, while nurturing important relationships
Improving the quality of day to day life
Learning tools that enhance life at home and work
Linking to the Sivananda network -- a global organization with dozens of spectacular ashrams around the world
Linking to BEinawe.com
Discovering for yourself, first hand, what all the yoga buzz is about -- doing so in a beautiful jungle-like setting
