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celina lotus ASHTANGA
The Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga is a vigorous, set-sequence of traditional yoga poses coordinated with the flow of Ujjayi breath. This traditional practice founded by Patthabi Jois of Mysore, India is effective in building internal heat, strength, stamina, focus and clarity of mind. In this class, the traditional Full Primary Ashtanga Sequence will be taught along with modifications to suit individual needs. The 90 minute practice includes asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), drishti (steady gaze), and mantra or chanting. Brief discussion of the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga will conclude the class. The room will be heated to ensure optimum benefit. Click this link for more information: ashtanga yoga

 

IYENGAR
Iyengar-style classes will include poses to represent the various ways the body moves in asana or posture practice: standing and balancing poses, hip openers, forward and backbends, twists and inversions. Classes will either represent a well-rounded practice with poses to reflect all aspects of movement, or focus on a particular pose or theme.

The class will begin in a centering pose, either sitting or in a supported supine position with attention to the breath and drawing attention inward (Pratyahara). Sitting and prone poses will focus on opening and warming the spine in all directions, and preparing the body for more active poses. Standing poses will include strengthening and balancing poses, as well as one or more vinyasas (stringing together poses in a flow.) Active asana practice will be followed by more floor poses to continue stretching and cooling down the body, followed by the all-important Savasana (Corpse Pose), and a short, seated meditation. At all times, there will be breath awareness, coordinating breath with movement, and particular attention to extension and expansion through proper alignment. Precise directions will be given describing actions to hold a pose, as well as to move in and out of the pose safely.

What distinguishes Iyengar yoga is its use of props (blankets, bolsters, blocks, straps, chairs, the wall, sandbags, partners) to approximate and provide modifications to the poses, thereby making yoga accessible to all individuals, regardless of ability or physical challenges. In this class, modifications will be offered when necessary. The spiritual component of Susan's class will thread in the Yamas (wise characteristics) and Niyamas (codes of living soulfully), as well as Pranayama (breathing techniques). The use of the Sanskrit word for a pose will be used as well as the English. B.K.S. Iyengar, who introduced yoga to the western world, suggests that the intelligence of the body is in the heart. Susan invites her students to mindfully, compassionately extend and expand their own yoga practice both on and off the mat, by listening to and following the heart.

Photo of Celina McMichael by Trent Bell