Yoga

    Yoga is neither a religion nor a sport. Physical exercise, in the form of asanas (or poses), is part of yoga, but yoga encompasses much more than just physical exercise. Yoga is an ancient system of "proper living" including, but not limited to, the following:

• Exercise (the asanas)
• Breath Control (pranayama)
• Relaxation (savasana)
• Nourishment (the practice of eating mindfully)
• Meditation (dhyana) 

• Stress Relief
• Improvement in strength, endurance, and flexibility
• Improvement in mental focus and clarity
• Strengthening of the immune system
• Reduction in symptoms associated with depression

• Clothing should be loose, comfortable, and layered. You may feel warm during yoga practice, yet may cool off quickly in savasana. Layering works best for these conditions.
• Any meal should be eaten at least two hours before practicing yoga. Your practice will feel more comfortable with a light stomach.
• Practice somewhere between the physical sensations of "hard" and "easy". Yoga should not be painful. Please consult with the instructor if it is painful and you are unsure of the modifications.
• Continue breathing throughout practice. Inhalation and exhalation should be done through the nose. The breath should not be held, nor should it become ragged or strained.
• If/when the mind wanders, gently bring it back without judgment. Continue to practice mindfulness throughout the session.
• Yoga is not a competition - not with another student, the instructor or yourself! Practice kindness to yourself and others.
• If you find yourself feeling strong emotions as you experience different postures, allow these emotions to surface and flow through you. Asanas may release emotions which have long been held in our bodies. Allow the release of these emotions without judgement.
• Practice daily - even if it is with a few simple postures. You will be amazed at the increased feeling of balance in your life even a few postures a day can provide. Take your practice beyond this class.

• Turn off all cell phones and pagers during class.
• If you must leave early, try to leave before savasana pose, so as not to disturb others' relaxation period.
• Questions during class are welcomed - please feel free to direct questions or comments to the instructor at any time during the session. Please keep any casual conversation with another student to a minimum during the session.

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Meditation

• Improvement for asthma sufferers
• Strengthening of the immune system
• Reduction in cardiovascular problems
• Increased blood flow to the heart
• Improvement in diabetes symptoms
• Increased athletic performance
• Reduction in chronic pain
• Lower blood pressure
• Fewer sick days
• Lengthened life span

• Reduced anxiety and fewer phobias
• Reduced stress and reversal of the fight-or-flight reaction
• A sense of inner peace and calm
• An acceleration of the psychotherapeutic process
• Reduced use of prescription medications
• Reduced use of alcohol and other substances
• Greater success in smoking cessation and weight reduction programs
• Improved grades at school
• Stimulation of creativity
• Improved relationships with friends, family, and co-workers
• Reduced feelings of stress while driving

• Increased appreciation of one's surroundings
• Increased feelings of connectivity with the earth and fellow earthly inhabitants
• While in the meditative state, the sense of "I" disappears, leaving in its place a feeling on oneness with the entire universe and all within it.

Nutritional Consultation