Living Tradition Yoga

Summer 2011 Session begins July 11

Put your well-being first!  This 8-Week session of classes is divided into 3 distinct levels to enable us to guide both newcomers and advanced students alike through a clear, systematic progression of lessons.  Some of the benefits of participating in an ongoing study of yoga are:

• strength
• flexibility
• endurance
• mental clarity and peace
• (most importantly) an unshakable sense of well-being and joy.

For deeper explorations and transformation, the session features several special, 2-hour “Target Classes” focusing on topics both practical and esoteric, with subjects ranging from protecting and vitalizing  important areas of the body (such as the low back), to transforming and redefining how we think about fitness, to the poignant and rewarding process of Developing a Personal Yoga Practice.  We also have a target class exploring what B.K.S. Iyengar calls “the hub of yoga”–the practice of pranayama or meditative breathing techniques.  Finally, our session is punctuated by three fun, challenging, and powerful workshops in which we share our insights gained by our studies with senior Iyengar teachers and explore the method in greater depth.

Click here to download and view our course description, class schedule and registration form: 2011 Summer Schedule of Classes

Level 1: This is both for students new to yoga and for those wishing to deepen their understanding of the fundamentals of alignment, the use of props, basic concepts of sequencing, and the philosophy of yoga. This class emphasizes standing postures, basic seated postures, twists, and beginning inversions such as Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulder stand). (Several sessions are recommended before moving on to Level 2)

Level 2: This class is recommended for students who are well practiced in Level 1 postures—especially the standing postures and Salamba Sarvangasana–and who wish to deepen their understanding of the practice.  Sirsasana (headstand), backbends, and other intermediate postures are introduced at this level.  Students at this level are also encouraged to develop a regular personal practice.

Level 3: At least one year of practice (including one, 8-week-or-more Level 2 session) required. Students must be able to hold 5-minute Sirsasana (headstand) and Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulder stand), push up into Urdhva Dhanurasana (full back arch) and go into Adho Mukha Vrksasana (handstand) (at the wall) without assistance. Students are also expected to have an established personal practice.

Restorative/ Gentle: A slower-paced class designed to provide deep rest to the physiology focusing on the fundamentals of posture and breathing.  A variety of props are skillfully used to allow to student to hold the pose virtually effortlessly.  This class is accessible for students of all levels.