Yoga is a
vast tradition and a grounded basis for living.
The practices of Yoga are a means by which change can
come about in life. Yoga is union of body mind and spirit
so that we may come to know our true Self. This union
allows us to awaken to each action in every moment.
This is accomplished through Sadhana (spiritual
practices) that leads us to awaken to our consciousness.
Always consult your health practitioner before
undertaking any
physical activity.
Yoga can be physically
demanding.
Do not eat at least two hours before a class.
Some liquids (i.e., coffee, tea, and
other
stimulants) are best left out of your
system before class. Pay attention to how your
body
responds and adjust
your eating and drinking schedule accordingly. It is best not
to eat for
at least 20 minutes after class.
Drink plenty of good, clean water.
Hydrate
yourself before, not
during, class. Drink
several glasses of
pure, clean
water
following each class or session. Drink
at least
eight
glasses of water a
day to flush out toxins.
Wear comfortable clothes with bare feet.
Contact and awareness in the feet are a
very important part of the practice.
It
is also helpful to be able to see the position of your
knee clearly.
It is especially important to be on time and to
not leave early.
Classes are one and
one half hours in length
including chanting, breathing
practices, meditation, and a
structured series of postures (asanas). If you
need to leave early, please let me know at
the beginning of class and we will
allow
time for
savasana (corpse pose) before you leave.
Please do not wear perfumed body or hair
products.
Yoga classes heat up the body causing perfumes to
become very strong
and offensive to others. Ideally, one would shower
before class.
Notify me in advance of any chronic physical
problems,
recent surgeries, injuries, pregnancy, or any medications you
are
taking.
A
modified practice is recommended for women during their moon time
(menstruation).
Creating and maintaining heat in the body
allows the muscles to
work more
effectively in the postures and prevents injuries. The
room will be kept warm but air circulation and ventilation are also important.
Please
let me know if the room feels too hot,
cold, or stuffy during the class.
Do Not Over Do It!
Pushing
too far in a pose or doing too much in one class may cause
injury and set your practice
back, not forward. Your practice will vary
from one day to another depending on how you
are feeling. Pay
attention and follow your breath
and your feelings rather than
your expectations. It is most important to keep
breathing. Be patient,
listen, and learn from
your body. This is when healing and
change takes
place.
