Yoga
Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Taught by Gerilyn Grassi of Candle Light Yoga
Classes are on-going and are taught on a general level by a certified instructor in the Classical Hatha Yoga Tradition.
Yoga is a 5,000 year old technique for spiritual development. Yoga is a sanskrit word meaning "union", thus its' goal is the unification of mind-body-soul.
Yoga is not a religion, but a scientific methodology of the experience and integration of mind-body-soul. Yoga is a toolbox for spiritual, mental, and physical health and well-being.
Hatha yoga attains the integration of mind- body-soul through a balanced practice of astanga, the eight limbs of yoga. These eight limbs are:
- Yama - observances to others
- Niyamas - self purification
- Asana - physical postures
- Pranayama - breath/energy mastery
- Pratyahara - inner focus
- Dharna - concentration
- Dhyana - meditation
- Samadhi - absorption
The integration of these practices produces feelings of bliss, ecstasy, well being, inner peace, and self worth.
Wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat and blanket.
Yoga Mats are available for purchase at the Dojo.
Benefits of Yoga
- Relaxation. Yoga exercises, such as gentle stretching, breathing, meditation and guided relaxation release body tension and calm the nervous system and emotions.
- Concentration. Focus, attention and concentration are promoted by a yoga practice of mindful movement and body awareness. The practice of balancing postures, in particular, builds concentration.
- Toning. Holding yoga postures creates isometric exercise which tones every part of the body, including the internal organs.
- Healing. Yoga gently massages the glands, organs and endocrine system. Circulation is stimulated, thereby releasing toxins from the body.
- Flexibility. Yoga postures gently stretch the muscles in the body, increasing the flexibility and lengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- Nourishing. Slow, gentle movements with deep breathing energize the body rather than tire it. This, in combination with the yoga benefit of relaxation and healing, allows renewal and nourishment of the body-mind-spirit.