Introduction to Breath
Watch a baby breathe. Observe the fluid expansion and contraction of the ribs and abdomen. You’ll see a lot of movement. As we age, injuries and tension can restrict the free and easy movement that is our birthright. Healthy breathing patterns increase relaxation, massage and tone the internal organs and leave us with a sense of well being. This workshop will teach physical postures that help strengthen and relax the muscles of respiration, inviting a more complete breath. You’ll learn some basic anatomy and have the opportunity to explore your personal internal geography. We’ll experiment with simple breathing exercises that can be used to affect mood, whether you need to calm anxiety or shake yourself out of lethargy. This workshop is appropriate for all levels. Beginning students will benefit from the relaxation and practical applications of what we learn. More advanced students will get a good foundation for beginning a personal pranayama practice.
Yoga for Equestrians:
Get in Shape for the Season
Both riding and yoga are ancient disciplines of balance and harmony. While the physical activity is quite different, the goals of harmonious movement and focused mind are shared. In the quiet and relative stillness of our yoga practice, we come to know ourselves, our physical and mental habits, and we learn methods to bring these qualities into effective balance. In the forward flow of riding, we learn to let go in order to remain balanced (mentally and physically) moment to moment.
We can use yoga off the horse to develop the physical strength and organization to be a more balanced rider. This workshop will focus on specific yoga postures to address common rider problems. You will learn asanas (poses) to stretch the legs and hips to allow you to balance on your seat without undue gripping of the thighs or knees. We will practice poses designed to help stabilize the core body, and we’ll work to strengthen the upper back so that arms and hands can be relaxed and yielding.
Like riding, yoga strengthening always occurs in a context of balance making it an ideal cross training activity. Join us for this exciting afternoon. You will come away with a basic sequence that can be practiced regularly at home and a clearer understanding of how human and horse work together to move with grace and balance.
All levels are welcome to join this workshop. Instruction will be adjusted to accommodate individual student’s level and needs.
Class size is limited. Register early to guarantee a spot.
spring workshops
Beginning Meditation
Why meditate? Why take the time to sit quietly when our lives are so busy and there is so much to do? The ancient yogis teach that the acts of meditation (samyama in Sanskrit) are necessary for the full development of the individual.
Join us for an uplifting afternoon as we explore the actions and benefits of meditation. We’ll discuss how meditation fits in to the 8 limbs of yoga as well as its physical and mental benefits. The workshop will begin with stretching to energize the body. Then we’ll practice specific techniques for physical relaxation and focusing the mind. This workshop is appropriate for all levels.
Spring Tonic – Twists and Backbends
The human body quickens with spring as all life does. We are ready and eager for fresher foods and more activity. This workshop is designed to stretch and balance the big muscles of the body so that they are ready for the greater physical demands of longer days and more outdoor activities. You will learn how to cleanse and refresh the internal organs through deep twists and gentle back arching postures.
This workshop is appropriate for all levels. Sequences will be modified to accommodate varying abilities. Observing how different levels approach sequences can be helpful in guiding the development of your own personal practice. Join us for some personal spring cleaning; greet the new season at the top of your game!
