Raven Yoga Shala

 

 

 

YOGAPOLITAN   A class dedicated to the student with a busy schedule…those needing time from the work, shopping or a break from the children.  Yogapolitan meets Monday thru Thursday at noon for about 1 hour.  The pace of the class will vary from day to day with  time for rest at the end of each session.  Modifications are always presented to the practitioner if needed.  This class is for the moderate beginner thru the advanced student.  A perfect class for a student to advance their confidence, strength and agility.

ASHTANGA QUEST  More than the predictable Vinyasa flow class, this class will excite the student with a challenging mix of poses from the 1st thru 4th Ashtanga series.   Enjoy this energetic class with modifications or rest when necessary.  By moving frequently thru this specialized class, the student will develop strength and confidence to further his personal exploration of Ashtanga yoga.  The poses are coordinated with the breath and linked with a sun salutation-like sequence to build strength, endurance and mental focus.  This class gives us a chance to explore esoteric poses. Advanced class, primary series practice requirement, expect a serious workout! 

PRIMARY SERIES The full primary or intermediate series of Ashtanga yoga.  This is a guided class and modifications are presented so seasoned practitioners and newer students alike can enjoy learning and exploring the 1st series. However, it is not suitable for beginners; students should be proficient with sun salutations as well as the closing sequence.  There are many poses in the series whose full expressions requires years of effort for most practitioners.  The ASHTANGA  student learns to explore his body form the inside where the movemnts are manifested.  this practice is a moving mediations.  99% PRACTICE  1% THEORY 

ORGANIC VINYASA  Here you will find intelligent yoga sequencing. Vinyasa Yoga with NO Boundaries.  A great workout and peaceful break from your busy day with dynamic and unique movement.  Organic Vinyasa follows the breath, the teachers connection to the class and weaving postures together.  Never the same class, since there is no systematized method of teaching, prepare for the element of surprise as postures range from challenging and powerful to subtle and poetic.  Required primary and 2nd series practice or ADVANCE permission from the teacher ( you will need a strong yoga practice, no exceptions).

MYSORE STYLE PRACTICE The most intimate, personal and developed way of practicing yoga is also the most traditional, time-honored and historic method. In this special class, you learn to take individual responsibility for your yoga practice and develop a deep trusting relationship with your teacher. It is perhaps the only way that the more advanced asanas or postures can be learned safely, with proper skill and dedication. By committing yourself fully to one yoga style, one teaching method and a regular practice, you open the door to deeper levels of your body, mind and spirit.
In the space between the teacher and the student, learning happens. In the Mysore style method of practice, you have the unique opportunity to experience this level.  This self practice or ‘mysore’ style empowers the student. A student left to their own devices will usually plateau and slack off. Only the super dedicated or disciplined avoid this. But typically the ‘mysore’ style is self practice with the teacher present, adjusting when needed, advising as necessary, and advancing to the next asana when ready. With this the student graduates from being dependent on the commands of the teacher to now working within under the watchful eye of the teacher.
Mysore first-timers: Registration ends at 5:30 pm, please arrive before that.
No Mysore classes on New and Full moon.50 - 50  A delightful mix of the first 2 series - about 1/2 primary and 1/2 second series.  Student must be confident with the primary series-standing and closing sequences are a must.  Most of the focus in this class is the 2nd series.  None of the primary, standing or closing is led verbal.  If any questions inquire before coming to class.    

OPEN STUDIO   Do the practice of your choice for the length of time you choose/no instruction.  Please honor the code of a silent studio while others are practicing.

SHANTI CHILDRENS YOGA  In the 45 minute class we will explore facets of yoga which familiarize the child with a beginning yoga practice they can then carry througout their life.  The asana will bring awareness of the body and increasse muscular coordintaion, maintain flexibility, good health and calm the mind.  During a yoga class the kids stretch, jump. twist, balance and bend, learn to be flexible and be upsidedown and rest.  We foster an atmosphere on non-competitiveness and self acceptance on and off the mat.  Kids pay attention to how their bodies move finding it fun to try different poses that help develop focus and self awareness. Ages 5-10   

ESSENTIAL ASHTANGA  This class will allow students to develop movement with their breath. The class will move through transitions with one breath and deepen each posture with the traditional 5 breaths..  It is common for students to try and ‘perfect’ a pose by using several breathes to get to their deepest expression and then holding the asana. Students will move into an asana with one breath and use the following five breaths to deepen the asana.  Through dedication to a focused yoga practice of movement with breath, the student can find progress on the yoga path and avoid frustration or injury.  “I don’t believe there is a perfect yoga pose, just greater and greater dedication to ones practice…and then the gift comes“.  Jodee

 

SHAKTI VINYASA  This Shakti class will be a brisk vinyasa class, the asana will be called but there will be a minimum of verbal instruction as to how to do various postures.  A comprehensive yoga class that will both transform and invigorate your daily pracitce, while at the same time grounding and leading the student inward on an exploration of the deeper spiritual aspects of the self.  Students must know sun salutations, basic asana and be comfortable with the inversions:  headstands-handstands, backbends and assorted arm balances.

Shakti is a Sanskrit word meaning the sacred, creative, transformational energy in all of us.  Shakti is responsible for creation and change within us and our universe.