Comprehensive Fundamentals Training In The Practice Of Yoga
This is a great opportunity for those who are complete beginners to prepare to enter a mixed level yoga class. These are also great
classes for those getting back to yoga after an extended absence or those wanting to deepen their understanding of the basic
principles of alignment and anatomy in their current practice. This is also a great way for students with manageable physical issues* to
experience classes dedicated to the basics and a more easily accessible yoga practice.
*Please contact teacher to determine manageability of physical injuries or issues. .
Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 am
July 10- July 31, 2010
$80 for four weeks series
Herb McDonald is one of the most experienced yoga teachers in New Mexico. He established Wellspring Yoga 24 years ago and has been teaching Iyengar Yoga for over 35 years. This approach of alignment-based yoga has influenced many varied styles of yoga and has contributed to the popularity of yoga worldwide. The creative use of props, attention to proper physical alignment and emphasis on balancing stability and strength with movement and flexibility characterize a style of yoga that minimizes potential for injury and create balance in mind and body. Herb brings a dedication to practicing and teaching that makes his classes fertile ground for the growth of other teachers. This class is appropriate for novice to experienced teachers and those seasoned yogis wishing to deepen their personal practice.
These asana classes will be taught in a format that will allow for personal and group exploration of the deeper aspects of asana and the 8 limbs of Yoga. Herb shares his unique perspective and vast knowledge of yoga with humor and openness.
Saturdays, 2:45-4:15 pm
June 12- July 24, 2010 (This class will not meet on July 3rd)
$90 for six weeks series
Yoga Nidra translates as yogic or conscious sleep. This refers to the state of deep relaxation that is achieved through a variety of yogic guided practices. Settling into a relaxing reclining position, after a few gentle stretching poses, you will be led thru guided meditations and breathing practices. Lying still for most of the class, we’ll also practice rotation of body awareness, which stimulates different parts of the brain, helping to strengthen the mind body connection. Practicing these techniques takes one to the same state as experienced in deep sleep, the delta state. This is the most restful state and helps to harmonize the hemispheres of the brain and the two aspects of the nervous system. It is believed that one hour of effective Yoga Nidra is equivalent to 3-4 hours of sleep.
There are many benefits to be enjoyed from practicing Yoga Nidra. It is helpful in coping with ailments such as asthma, insomnia, hypertension, digestive disorders, depression, pain and migraines. Its practice is very effective in stress management and has a soothing effect on the mind, helping us to achieve a deep psychological and physiological relaxation. The vital energy of the body stops leaking through the negative emotions of anxiety, stress and worry. These types of meditative relaxation techniques can significantly improve our efficiency, memory, mental resolve and enthusiasm for life.
Yoga experience is helpful but the class is suitable for all who can comfortably lie still for 30-40 minutes in a supported reclining position.
Sunday mornings, 8:45 - 10:15 am
July 11 to August 15, 2010.
$90 for six weeks ($18 drop-in rate)
Pranayama is one of the most beneficial practices of Yoga. This practice works with the breath in somewhat exaggerated depth and rhythms, in the hopes that when we return to our normal breath, it will naturally be deeper, slower and smoother. These qualities of the breath help to lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate and take us to a level of the nervous system that induces calm and steadiness. Pranayama is a time-tested method for building Prana, the life force of our bodies. We will touch on the use of the Bandhas (energetic locks) that help us to retain this energy. Seated Pranayama will be introduced.
Saturday mornings, 8:00 - 9:00 am
June 19 to July 31, 2010 (no class July 3)
$90 for six weeks ($18 drop-in rate)
In this Yoga class students will practice Yoga in a manner that is slow paced, gentle and supported. All postures will be practiced either seated in a chair or using the support of the chair while standing. Modifications and alternative poses will be offered as needed. Students will be encouraged to respect the limits of their bodies, while exploring individual means of expansion within those limits. Simple and safe methods of increasing both flexibility and strength will be offered. The use of Yoga props such as blankets, bolsters and straps will further support us in the deeply relaxing Restorative Yoga poses. Students will be encouraged to create a short personal Chair Yoga Routine to serve their individual needs and that could be practiced at home.
