General Info
Classes involve physical postures (asana) usually connected with a flow of movement (vinyasa) breathwork (pranayama), and some meditation exercises. Yoga is the union of the mind, body and spirit. The first transformation you will experience is usually of the physical body becoming a fine tuned instrument. This is just the beginning of the results of hatha yoga. As time goes on, the unfolding of your practice to a deeper level than just the physical is what you will find sets yoga apart from other exercise. Since yoga is experiential, to say what you will experience and when you will experience it is not possible, nor would you want to know; the fun is in the discovery.
What to bring:
You will want a yoga mat, and it is helpful to bring a towel and blanket, but not essential. I can loan you a mat the first few times you come to class. Eventually you will want to have your own mat, which you can buy from me or any sporting good store or places like Target. I also have straps and blocks for my students to borrow when needed, and you can bring your own if you like.For your own peace of mind, cell phones should be be turned off for class. Come prepared to enjoy yourself, smile, and laugh. The emphasis is on happiness. Comfortable clothing should be worn, but keep in mind that you may also like to wear a shirt that you can tuck in or that is tighter to your body. We do our poses in bare feet to reduce slipping on our mats. If you want to keep your socks on, just be extra careful through your poses. It is beneficial to refrain from eating at least an hour and a half before class, and to keep the meal light and healthy…reflecting what you want to feel inside!
Health concerns:
Discuss with your health care provider before embarking on a yoga commitment or other physical exercise. Also, discuss with your yoga teacher your situation. Be ready to welcome modifications in a pose for your body. Be honest with yourself and never competitive. Bring with you a sense of playfulness and acceptance with your body; enjoy the process as you learn your individual practice."If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete." - Jack Kornfield