KUNDALINI

Kundalini Yoga is a yoga of awareness and transformation. It encourages us to break free of our self-limiting habits and experience our own radiance, which we can then share with the world. Class begins with 'tuning in' by chanting, followed by warm-ups, and the main yoga set, or "Kriya." (A kriya is a complete, intentional set of specific postures, chanting, mudra and pranayama; kriyas have varying lengths and rigorousness. Most times they produce a sweat, and challenge both our bodies and minds. However, these exercises are designed so that all people can experience them, regardless of our level of physical health.) The session finishes with Relaxation, oftentimes with live music, and then a Meditation. We complete the experience with the blessing song (The Long Time Sun Shine Song). “Just as all rivers end up in the ocean, all yoga ends up raising the kundalini. What is kundalini? It is the creative potential of the human being.” -YB Class is taught in English.

 

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YIN

A great way to release the day and enter a calmer mind-state before bed. 

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This is a traditional, meditative yin class. We enter into the session with our muscles cold, so that the deep fascia of the body can be stretched. Postures are held between 3 - 7 minutes (for a total of 5 - 7 postures per session) in order to support the body in releasing deeply. We work with our breath and with the intention that stillness can bring profound relaxation, healing and awareness. This class is appropriate for all levels, and can be adapted for the person with physical limitations. Live music/sound healing may be played. Sometimes there will be a meditation with or without mantra at the end of class after relaxation. Class is taught in English.

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CIRCULAR BREATHING

This breathing practice involves a deep and full inhalation through the nose and an immediate exhalation through nose or mouth, then immediate inhalation again, without pause between inhalation and exhalation. This can be done during a yoga practice to increase oxygen flow and circulation within the body and the nadis (energy channels), or as a practice by itself. When doing it as a practice by itself, we use the circular breathing technique for at least two minutes and up to 5 minutes, and then the breath is held out for 1.5-3 minutes. Directly afterward the suspended out breath, there is a powerful inhale, and the breath is held in for 15-30 seconds. This constitutes one round of breathing. Usually a session consists of 3-6 rounds of breathing, with an increase of time in circular breathing and in the held out-breath in each consecutive round. This process is very similar to the Wim Hof Method of breathing; the only differences being, in this style there is an emphasis on nasal breathing, and the rounds of breathing are longer and deeper. Through these differences, we can experience profound shifts and changes in the physical body as well as in the psyche. The massive increase in oxygen levels in the body and expelling of CO2 from the body allows old cells to die off and be cleared out, and new healthy cells to repair and replenish themselves (congestion and stagnation to release). Usually there is a great increase of energy afterwards, and inflammation decreases significantly in the body. PH levels become alkaline in the body after 3 rounds of breathing. Illness and disease cannot live in an alkaline system. This means if you have chronic illness or acute illness, the body will immediately begin to adjust and clear out these imbalances. One breathing session creates a temporary decrease in acidity and inflammation. To begin to see lasting effects in your health, it must be practiced regularly. This breathing technique also creates increase in energy flow in the body, which means places (for instance chakra centers) where there has been stagnation, which eventually results in physical illness, receive an opportunity for energy to flow again. Often old traumas stored in these parts of the body/energy centers are released through the practice. Emotions can come forward and release. Sometimes the body will cramp up, but it will naturally release as the session continues. What is profound and beautiful about using this technique is the breathing itself is the processing of the trauma. There is no need for thinking or analyzing. A natural state of Presence occurs and the body (energetic and physical) does what it needs to do to come into balance naturally. All we are doing is consciously and dedicatedly breathing so that the body can use all that oxygen to heal and adjust itself.