What to expect in each Mindful Yoga class
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You cannot do yoga. Yoga is your natural state. What you can do are yoga exercises, which may reveal to you where you are resisting your natural state. ~Sharon Gannon
My personal practice of yoga began in 2001
when I experimented with Bikram and Kripalu yoga styles for a number of years.
In 2005, I trained as a yoga teacher at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram (Grass Valley, California)
Between 2005 and 2007, I studied yoga with various teachers in Toronto, Ontario (Moksha Yoga Studio and Yoga Sanctuary) and in 2007-2008, I travelled to India, Nepal, Thailand and Laos to continue my studies in Yoga and Meditation.
Currently I am interested in integration of yoga and meditation practices and Western psychotherapy.
continuous focus on breath (ujaii breathing). Mindfulness of breath is a priority and a main tool of achieving mind-body connection.
warm up of all joints and spine in the beginning of each class to prevent injuries.
gradual increase in the level of difficulty of asanas (yogic postures).
holding asanas for a period of time to allow for muscles and tendons to open and release(emphasis is on opening not forcing).
focus is on joyful effort in pleasure in each asana.
finding inner calm in challenging poses, relaxing all muscles that are not necessary for a particular asana.
resting between asanas, noticing gross and subtle physical and energetic effects.
ending each class with guided relaxation in Savasana (corpse pose) to allow integration to occur.
dedication of merit-practice of mental generosity: sharing positive effects of our practice with others.
Soulstir: Psychotherapy, Counseling, Consulting, Yoga and Meditation in Victoria, BC
Individual Counseling /Psychotherapy /Couples and marriage counselling / Group Counselling
Clinical Consultation to counsellors and clients/ Psychology Students Supervision/
Check my meetup group for current information
March 4-May 13, 2012
(except for May 6)
Sundays 10am-12pm
Heart of the Village Yoga
2186 Oak Bay Avenue
Victoria, BC