What is Yoga? What makes
it special and different from simply stretching?
Yoga means "to yoke" or "union" of mind, body and
spirit. The intention of practicing Yoga is to return to a feeling state
of balance and wholeness. Establishing our physical alignment allows for
space in the body and enhances body awareness. We learn to undo our habits
and begin to move through life with more awareness. Additional benefits
are increased flexibility, balance and strength.
As we move on the mat, initially we focus on
what goes where; the physical placement of our body. As we grow in
our practice, we feel the space between the bones, within the muscles
and the breath. The space, expansion and calm continue to
grow. The more we practice, the more we seek to create the
experience on the mat into our everyday lives.
Yoga has a meditative quality of single focus
and calm. The only expectation of the practice is to grow more
attuned; a time to be fully present. The focus is inward and on
the breath. Our breath teaches us when to take a pose deeper and
when to back it up. We are our most important teacher and tuning
in helps us learn about ourselves in all aspects of our life.
I often tell my students that when I practice Yoga, it
is the only time in my day that I am fully present. There are no to-do
lists, dilemmas or agendas. My mind is still and focused. In this
day and age of busy-ness and hurry, that quality feels absolutely unique and
divine.
Every student has their own unique response to the
practice. Ultimately, this question will have an answer that fits you.
What to expect before, during and after
classes (every teacher has her/his own recommendations)?
Eating/Drinking
- No big meals at least 2 hours prior
to class
- Be well hydrated prior to class
- Feel free to bring water but I recommend
small sips only as too much water can give you an
uncomfortable, sloshy feeling in your belly and pull the heat from
the extremities!
Clothing
- Wear clothing that is comfortable but also
clings so it doesn't go in the opposite direction of your movement!
- If you wear shorts, you might like to wear
cycling shorts underneath to minimize feeling self-conscious in our
various positions!
Mat & Props
- You'll probably prefer to have your own
yoga mat
- Bare feet are best as you can slip in
socks - not safe!
-
www.YogaAccessories.com
is a wonderful resource for props and mats - especially if you'd
like a longer mat
- Available props in Blue Valley Rec classes
are blocks, straps, blankets, bolsters, eye pillows, and foam mats
(many students like to place these under their yoga mats).
Safety
- YOU are your most important teacher -
honor where you need to be! :)
- Let me know of any concerns that you have
about any particular injuries, etc.
- It is much better to make slow, consistent
progress than try to make quick gains and be immobile!
A typical class includes
- A seated warm-up that focuses on breath
awareness and opening the joints
- Posture and body alignment awareness
- Standing positions that help improve
balance, strength and flexibility
- Additional postures that are seated or on
your belly
- Completing the practice on your back and
moving into final relaxation - many students want to begin class
here! :)
- It is very common to get teary during
final relaxation as we have opened up the body and completely
surrendered to the sense of openness and freedom.
- During class you should feel like you are
working at your "edge" but never to the point of pain
- Have appropriate props available at your
mat (I'll announce specific ones at the beginning of class)
- Anytime you need a rest, take child's pose
or any other resting position
- You should feel really, really good after
class.
- The next day or two after class, you may
feel awareness in places that you didn't know existed but you should
not feel any pain.
Missed Classes and Make-ups
specific to the Blue Valley Rec!
- I typically teach 6 classes a week at the BVRC;
Sundays 4:00 - 5:00 pm, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10-11:00 am
(time changing to 9:15 - 10:15 am Fall 2010) and Monday/Thursdays
from 6:15-7:15 pm, feel free to make-up any missed classes
within
the session that you are enrolled (no missed classes can be carried
over from previous or toward future sessions). After that we start fresh with
the next session.
- Our first couple of weeks are the best
attended so we may be squeezed in a little bit. There are typically
30 students enrolled in the evening classes and between 15-19 in the
mornings and Sunday afternoon. After that there is usually more space. I attribute this
to everyone's busy schedule instead of thinking I'm scaring you all
away! I hope that's the case! ;)
Class Etiquette
- If you are running late, please don't
worry. Be safe and come to class anyway. You are always welcome. The
only down side is that you'll probably be in the front row right
across from me! :)
- Cell phones turned off are much
appreciated :)
Inclement Weather/No Class Dates
- Classes are RARELY cancelled at the BVRC
and it is independent of the school district. If a class is
cancelled, then information will be posted on their website
www.BlueValleyRec.org/weather
with as much notice as possible. I will also send out an e-mail. You
will be contacted by BVRC regarding any financial considerations.
- Classes at Valley View United Methodist
Church are cancelled if the Shawnee Mission School District cancels
class
- We do not have classes on National
Holidays when the centers are closed as well as the major Jewish
Holidays. :) I send out all "No Class Dates" in my monthly
E-newsletters and try very hard to remind everyone during prior
classes. :)
E-mails from me
- I send out a monthly E-newsletter with all
kinds of yoga related information including a sequence that you can
do in between classes. It is typically sent at the beginning of the
month
- E-mailing is the easiest way for me to
relay information to you but I never want to be intrusive so please
feel free to opt out at anytime.
- Please let me know if you'd like to be
added to my E-mail
List
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