Advanced Practice Donation class

This class is for teachers and advanced practitioners to develop a sharpness for the following week.  A strong working knowledge of alignment for all classes of postures is required.  Together we’ll aspire to cultivate poses of the yogi warriors within — come play the edge with us!  Suggested donation and incentives for yoga teacher and yoga students in training.

 

African Drumming

The class is a beginner friendly class for those who want to learn the basics of hand drumming. The focus of the class is West African Jambi. Extra drums will always be available.

 

All Levels:

Open to everyone.  The emphasis of this class is on refining and building endurance and introducing intermediate poses such as Surya Namaskar, standing poses, backbends, hip openers, forward bends and meditation.

 

also described as:

 

A practice designed to meet the playful side of all students. Strong emphasis of alignment and technique with a flow to keep the pace invigorating.

 

Anusara Yoga

Anusara (a-nu-sar-a), means “flowing with Grace,” “going with the flow,” “following your heart”.

 

Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara Yoga® is a powerful Hatha yoga system that unifies a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic Goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment™. 

 

Anusara's remarkable popularity is due in large part to its uplifting philosophy, epitomized by a "celebration of the heart," that looks for the good in all people and all things.  Consequently, students of all levels of ability and yoga experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations, and talents.  This life-affirming vision sets the basis for a yoga system in which the harmony and joy of a tightly knit community is exulted.  Not only is Anusara an elegant system of alignment principles and non-dual philosophy, but it is also a wonderful community of highly trained teachers and fun-loving students.  This community feels like it has the tightness of a family, yet the looseness of a merry band of bohemian artists.

 

As a community, Anusara is well networked and organized, yet there is a strong emphasis on creative freedom and individuality.  Anusara is held together by everyone's implicit alliance to the spiritual principles of Anusara philosophy, such as celebrating beauty in all its diversity, truthfulness, and honoring the creative freedom of the Divine in all beings.  Everyone is aligned with the truth that Grace plays the key role in the successful flow of their practice, classes, and the community itself.  Without a rigid dogma, the system is open to continual change and restructuring.  Self-examination, discovery, and receptivity to new ideas are foundational to this dynamic system.  Individual creativity and investigation are always encouraged within the bounds of basic alignment principles and philosophic precepts of Anusara Yoga.  Anusara grows with harmony and integrity through the combined vision of our Anusara Yoga teachers to unveil the innate goodness, worthiness, and supreme nature of each student and every being.

 

Anusara Invocation

Sanskrit Language Mantra:

 

Namah Shivaya Gurave

Saccidananda Murtaye

Nisprapancaya Shantaya

Niralambaya Tejase

 

Translation:

An English Translation:

 

I offer myself to the Light, who is the True Teacher within and without

Who assumes the forms of Reality, Consciousness and Bliss,

Who is never absent and full of Peace,

Independent in Existence, the Light of Illumination.

 

*Classes can be taught with or without the Invocation.

 

Basics (and/or Intro to Yoga):

You'll focus on strengthening foundational postures and continue your awareness of breath, while building more confidence in your practice.

 

also described as:

 

A foundational course designed to teach beginners and students from other styles of yoga a universal way to safely practice and focus on alignment.

Come and experience the joyful, uplifting practice of Yoga.  In this entry-level class (and/or workshop) you will experience how the principles of alignment can elevate your body, mind and spirit.  The class will perform a variety of poses; a great place to start.

 

Basics/All Levels Yoga

Is for all levels of ability, beginner to intermediate.  Gently guided practice for every part of the body, stretching and toning the muscles and joints, the spine and entire skeletal system.  Varying intensity with focused breathing to leave you feeling strong, calm and refreshed.  By releasing physical stiffness and mental tension, you'll unwind into bliss ready for the day.

 

Body Mechanics

A gentle/therapy based class. Great for those challenged with sports injury, arthritis, tendonitis, low back pain, or tee much stress. Props will be furnished.      

 

Chair Yoga

A gentle and stress-free class designed to open joints & strengthen muscles.  You’ll feel great!  Good for all levels of yoga experience.  Chair Yoga is done while sitting in any chair and delivers guided, healthful body work through breathing, stretching and relaxing exercises.  Practicing these techniques, one becomes both energized in body and peaceful of mind.  "Yoga in Chairs is a wonderful way for people with physical limitations to experience the relaxation and increased flexibility that yoga brings.  Many health benefits are seen with regular yoga practice, and now everyone can participate, even if they cannot get onto a floor mat" Dr. Jane Murray, M.D.  This gentle form of Yoga works the joints and muscles to increase flexibility, strength, balance, and circulation.  It goes beyond typical exercises in that it encourages quiet reflection, proper breathing, and better posture.  The benefits of this program are remarkable.  Students report reduced blood pressure, faster recovery from injury or surgery, better sleep, increased mobility, improved posture and some students have even gained height.

 

(Optimism) Chair Yoga:

A unique yoga style that adapts yoga positions and poses through creative use of a standard chair to welcome physical rehabilitations, wise and youthful audiences, and the novice. The chair replaces the yoga mat and becomes an extension of the body. The student is able to warm up the body safely and perform yoga poses with more support and stability. Poses are done seated on the chair or the chair is used for support during standing poses, forward and backward bends, side extensions, balancing, and leg and arm stretches. Chair Yoga is suitable for all ages, fitness levels and physical conditions.

 

Community Dedication All Levels Yoga:

An all levels yoga class to benefit our spiritual and Seattle community. A percent of the proceeds go to local AIDS, homelessness, high risk youths, animal welfare, and environmental causes. Practice together and experience the joy of yoga and the satisfaction of giving. Connect with your body, nurture your spirit and make a difference. No experience necessary. Please be able to get up and down on the floor very easily.

 

Deeksha

“Oneness Deeksha” is the transfer of divine energy to shift your consciousness into your natural state of oneness, becoming fully awake in the present moment. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, designed to empower you on your unique path of growth.

 

Elements:

Expand your body awareness and stamina.  A class for students ready for more intensity.  You’ll hold more complex poses for longer periods of time.  We’ll explore the philosophy as it relates to the poses.

 

Elements II

This class will deepen your practice, your understanding, and your experience of what it is to be alive. You can expect to regularly kick up into a handstand, and perform backbends.

 

Faithful Morning Yoga:

We start our day quietly, opening the mind with 5-10 minutes of meditation. Working with concentration on core strength and body alignment, this all levels practice will focus on asanas with sun salutations. Bringing both breath and movement into balanced energy, we are assured a grounded and focused day. Please be able to get up and down on the floor very easily.

 

Flow:

An intermediate class that includes standing poses, linked together with Chaturanga, up-dog/cobra, down-dog, forward and backward bends.  It is a great workout as well as a lot of fun.  It is recommended that you take Basics before attending this class.

 

also described as:

 

Moving meditation. A gentle flow of traditional and not so traditional poses.

 

Flow/Core

Improve core strength and flexibility with mat work. A strong emphasis on improving abdomen side-body and back muscles.

 

also described as:

 

a flowing mixture of mind-body movements which combines the restoring and invigorating aspects of yoga postures, breath and concentration with challenging core strengthening principles based on the Pilates method. Together, these flowing and artful forms of movement help the individual to increase strength, flexibility, balance, awareness and ease for mind, body and spirit. Class includes meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), asana (physical postures) and core exercises, and ends with a gentle and rejuvenating relaxation session. Open to all levels.

 

Devotional Gentle Evening Yoga Flow:

An exploration of basic yoga poses and how to connect them through attention to breathing, alignment and mindfulness.  Therapeutic in nature, you will learn techniques to help you gain flexibility, while immersing yourself in a relaxing class that moves at a perfectly slower pace - allowing ample time to enjoy each pose.  Expect lots of deep stretching & lingering floor poses.  Meditation and relaxation techniques will also be introduced, perfect for stress relief and overall well being.  All levels welcome.

 

(Gentle/Candlelight/Slow-motion) Flow:

Gentle Flow is an slower class that includes standing poses, linked together with Chaturanga, up-dog/cobra, down-dog, forward and backward bends.  It is a gentle, smooth, and quite flow and is quite peaceful.

 

also described as:

 

Also, flow combines classic yoga postures with vinyasas (a flowing sequence of poses) with breath.  The result is an incredible body/mind workout.  Excellent for those who are looking for better body strength, tone and definition combined with stress reduction and total relaxation.

 

FUNdamentals

 

 

 

A class to demystify “Yoga” and bring familiarity to the next class you take. A slower pace designed to teach the foundation of breathing and essential yoga poses while offering time for questions.  A perfect preparation for all classes.

 

Gentle Yoga

A gentle/therapy based class. Great for those challenged with sports injury, arthritis, tendonitis, low back pain, or tee much stress. Props will be furnished.

 

Groundwork

Learn the fundamental poses, biomechanical alignment, and basic philosophical concepts of yoga. A beginning level class preparing you for Elements.

 

Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is a holistic yogic path, including moral disciplines, physical exercises (e.g., asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breath control), and meditation. The word Hatha is a compound of the words Ha and Tha meaning sun and moon and refers to the principal energy channels in the body that when fully engaged assist in developing a meditative state to relaxation.

 

Introduction to Yoga

Perfect for any beginner. A true basics class, offering a fun approach to learning the basic poses, alignment, and philosophy of yoga.

 
Kabbalah Yoga
Experience this very unique opportunity to experience an age-old tradition.  This class will combine the ancient practice of Hatha yoga with the mystical shapes & meanings of the Hebrew alphabet.  Uplift your well-being & bring down the light with this special practice

Midday Yoga - Re-energize!

A lunchtime retreat from the desk, computer and clients. Give yourself (____) minutes to unwind, rejuvenate, refresh your mind and body. You can de-stress as you re-energize over your lunch break so that you can be at your best after lunch. Get to class and back to work in just over an hour. This mini escape from the day allows you to feel energized all afternoon while everyone else in your office encounters their afternoon slump. For members: order your lunch before class begins from one of our local partners. Your healthy meal can be waiting for you at the reception desk after class.  You can experience the great rewards of relaxation and new found focus and balance through Yoga and not go back to your office hungry.

 

Pilates

A series of safe floor exercises based on the Pilates method. These include correct spine and pelvis alignment, breathing, concentration, core strength/flexibility and relaxation through efficient muscle usage.  Open to all levels.

 

Restorative:

The developments of Restorative Yoga and its poses are credited to Judith Lasater, PhD and B.K.S Iyengar.  One can research and discover Iyengar's early teaching experience showed him how pain or injury can result from a student straining in a yoga pose.  He experimented with props, modifying poses until the student could practice without strain.  Iyengar also explored how these modified poses could help people recover from illness or injury.  It is because of his creativity that the restorative poses in this book-most of which have been developed or directly inspired by him-are such powerful tools to reduce stress and restore health.

 

Lasater refers to Restorative Yoga poses as active relaxation.  By supporting the body with props, one can alternately stimulate and relax the body to move toward balance.  Some poses have an overall benefit.  Others target an individual part, such as the lungs or heart.  All create specific physiological responses which are beneficial to health and can reduce the effects of stress-related disease.

 

In general, restorative poses are for those times when one feels weak, fatigued, or stressed from your daily activities.  They are especially beneficial for the times before, during, and after major life events: death of a loved one, change of job or residence, marriage, divorce, major holidays, and vacations.  In addition, restorative yoga can practice the poses when ill, or recovering from illness or injury.

 

also described as:

 

A therapy promoting natural healing.  Growing older, our body shrinks and the spaces between the body tissues and the skeletal joints decrease.  The regular practice of yoga stretches and strengthens the different muscle groups and creates space in the body.  This type of yoga has a unique place in the search for better health because it offers a practical technique for experiencing unity and harmony of every aspect of our being.  All poses are supported with props to facilitate deep relaxation.

 

also described as:

 

A slower paced class for people with ongoing health concerns or who have been inactive for a while.  Pregnant and menopausal women are welcome and will have personalized instructions.

 

also described as:

 

A great balance for the body, mind and soul.  One can learn how to do poses and hold them in a way that refreshes and restores your entire system.  The teacher practices with the students, guiding and helping students learn the poses they include: supine poses, inversions, and techniques that open the upper back and shoulders.  Also includes pranayama (breathing) and meditation.

 

also described as:

 

A branch of Hatha yoga specifically designed to restore vitality during fatigue, stress or illness.  A variety of props are used to let muscles completely relax in the various yoga asanas.  Restorative yoga is also active because while the body is inclined, draped, twisted and stretched into different positions, internal organs are exercised and circulation of blood and lymph increases.  Restorative yoga calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, improves digestion and enhances overall immunity.

 

also described as:

 

Restful poses, supported with props and held for long periods of time. Start out with a few minutes of gentle movement before settling into a restorative pose or practice. A little stretching will warm the muscles and create space in the body to prepare it for relaxation. Movement will also give your body a chance to shed its restlessness and busy-ness before settling into a place of stillness.

 

also described as:

 

Relax and rejuvenate with the use of props for support. Longer holds with focus on the breath and alignment to support personal growth. All Levels.

 

Satsang & Transformation Circle

 

By discovering your spiritual journey, you will learn to transform yourself through truth and spiritual awakening.  The Satsang & Transformational circle will explore the deeper meaning of yoga and life while learning to enhance your health, relationships and well-being. Awaken your passion purpose and power.

A Satsang and transformation circle is spontaneous and free-flowing just like life. Meditation, yoga kriyas (ancient yogic practices to used to facilitate spiritual awakening) and open discussions will take place.  The beauty and excitement of our transformation circles is that anything can happen and everyone can be openly involved to whatever unfolds. The facilitators will often talk informally on some topic and or, answers questions. We may bring in special guests to play music, sing, chant or dance.  During a traditional Satsang, people laugh, talk, cry, relax and, in the best situation, experience presence and bliss. The aim is to allow you to have a deeper understanding of yourself and to renew your purpose.

 

also described as:

 

Satsang

Refined and Re-inspired by Deva Premal and Miten translated from Sanskrit means “Meeting (Sangha) in truth (Sat)” and it can be enjoyed in so many ways. We have found that a one hour silent meditation which includes music and chanting is a blissful door into our own inner sanctuary. The music and chanting help to deepen the silence, no effort is needed, and Satsang happens by itself.   This meditation was given to us by Osho when he first went into silence, back in the early days. It is a doorway to the Heart, and an opportunity for us to connect with our inner peace.  The idea is that you attend a Satsang as a weekly or monthly gathering.  An invitation of yogin, friends, family, business acquaintances etc. to come together and meet in a way that is beyond the usual social graces.  Creating a sacred space where one can sit silently together is a profound practice.   It transcends social boundaries because there is no need for polite conversation.   It is a time to ‘be with ourselves’ - to give ourselves that extra time that we so easily overlook. Satsang is a great support on our spiritual paths. We come together, in our aloneness, and it brings us closer as friends, because we find ourselves in a sacred space together, without judgement, where all is One. Satsang's can consist of three sections: Music, Words, and Humming. These activities arise from, and disappear into, the silence which all have gathered to enjoy.

 

Seva Yoga,

The Sanskrit word for service. It is our honor to be of service to the local community; aside from the many ways that our students benefit from attending our ongoing classes, being delighted to take part in many programs and events that contribute to the well-being of our friends and neighbors:

also described as:

 

We support the notion that Yoga should be accessible to everyone regardless of their financial situation. This class is taught on donation-basis, donation meaning "the act of giving." At the end of class, there is an offering bowl provided for your donation.

 

Yin Yoga

A yin approach works to promote flexibility in areas often perceived as non-malleable, especially the hips, pelvis, and lower spine.  Intensify your yoga by holding poses longer with deeper stretching.  A great compliment to an active (Yang) practice.

 

also described as:

 

Deep stretches in seated, reclining or kneeling positions, held for 3-10 minutes.  Designed to increase energy flow through the body, improve range of motion, and stimulate healing in the joints.  Meditative, introspective mood with relaxing music.  Come prepared to relax and let go, all levels welcome

 

Vinyasa, Vino & Chocolat'

happy hour yoga! 

A celebration of the finer things in life ... one amazing hour of Michael's signature Yoga class followed by a sampling of succulent organic wines & decadent bites of organic, locally handmade dark chocolates.  The perfect way to wind down the week and begin the weekend.

 

Yoga Express

Better than a cup of coffee! Balance strength and flexibility while waking up to the day! All levels welcome.
 

Yoga for Lunch/Lunch Express/(Core)

Stop in for a delicious combination of breath, movement and stretch in this lunchtime yoga class (with mat work). Tailored to the needs of lunch-hours and beyond ranging from 55 to 75 minutes, your instructor will lead you through a balanced practice, a short recess so those who need to leave can do so, additional strong emphasis on improving abdomen, side-body and back muscles to improve core strenght and flexibility.  Finally, finish up with possible Pranayama (breath exercise) and meditation practice.  This class is suitable for all levels, with plenty of variations and modifications to meet your needs.  Lunch never felt this good.

 

Yoga Mix

An energetic and fun variety workout using various yoga practice components including basic yoga postures, dynamic flow, balances and relaxation. Arm balances might be introduced.  Recommended for all levels, please bring water, towel and a smile.  Start your (time of day) right!

 

 

Namasté or Namaskar 
My divine bows to the divine within you