What is Yoga?
LIFE IS YOGA, YOGA IS LIFE…BE YOGA.
Yoga is the science of becoming the master of your mind, body and spirit. It is a scientific holistic system of practices that bring all aspects of Self into harmony. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj,’ meaning to join, yoke and harness. In other words, it is the process of recognizing the individual self’s highest potential and wholeness.
The journey of living yoga presents healthy lifestyle practices, as it is the path to realizing the true Self. The study and practice of Astanga yoga, meaning the eight-limb path, helps the student to release attachments thereby eliminating suffering caused by identification with the ego and its desires and fears.
Yoga uses the body to explore deeper aspects of the self but does not stop at the level of the physical poses (asana). It is most effective incorporating breathwork, study and observance of its universal teachings, and meditation to further bring about greater awareness. These combined, yoga breaks us away from the cycle of life, helping us to transform our circular thought and behavior patterns. Thus, we are empowered to create more peaceful and compassionate paths for healing and growth.
When practiced with devotion, yoga is not something one does, rather, who one becomes.
What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga therapy is the application of yoga practices such as breathwork and holding poses to heal physical and mental health conditions. While the practice of yoga in general aims to cultivate the body and mind connection and indeed has therapeutic effects, yoga therapy sessions are specific to an individual’s wellness needs and goals. Christine often combines a variety of treatment modalities while working with her yoga therapy clients.
Clients are led into releasing emotional trauma stored in the body and mind and over time find themselves lighter and better able to respond to stressors as well as feel more in control of their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Clients are of course encouraged to continue self-care in between sessions to promote ongoing healing and overall well-being.
Whether you are completely new to yoga or have been practicing for years, we invite you to change your life through yoga. Join us!
Live, Love & Yoga: A Practical Wellness Program For Daily Living
Immerse yourself, heal and be empowered; mind, body and spirit.
What Is Meditation?
LIFE IS MEDITATION, MEDITATION IS LIFE…BE MEDITATION.
Meditation is the solution to EVERYTHING.
During the practice, we aim to develop a single-pointed focus, quite the opposite of our over-scheduled, multitasking lifestyles. Complete stillness of mind and body is the goal. The practitioner works to detach from thoughts, sensations and emotions. Continually returning to the focus, training the mind and body to quiet. In so doing, the practitioner begins to experience increasing stillness in all areas of life.
Benefits Of Meditation & Meditating Together
- As we become steady in meditation we earn the gift of mastery. In finding mastery of mind and body, we find mastery in our lives. The process leads to the realization, we are not our thoughts, bodies nor emotions. We come to grow closer to the true Self.
- Meditation reduces stress, controls anxiety, enhances self-awareness, promotes emotional health, a more compassionate connection to our bodies, improves sleep, heightens concentration, and so much more.
- Meditating in a community is beneficial for motivation thereby helping to inspire a habit of practicing. Creating meaningful connections to like-minded people brings about more healing and opportunity for feedback and discussion. Moreover, meditating together creates a butterfly (ripple) effect of intention shared among the group, into our lives and beyond. Everything in the universe carries a living vibration. When we come together these vibrations magnify.
What is different about guided meditation?
Guided meditations are led for the purposes of discovery, self-inquiry, relaxation and stress management. Though helpful, this is just the very beginning stages of learning to meditate. Many do not understand the true power of meditation comes through the devotional practice of complete stillness and silence.
Looking for a group meditation class? Join us! Learn meditation and pranayama. Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:45 AM, beginning March 19th.
What Is Pranayama?
LIFE IS PRANAYAMA, PRANAYAMA IS LIFE…BE PRANAYAMA.
It is said, if we can control our breath, we can control everything. Pranayama, put simply, is the practice of controlling the breath. Pranayama is the combination of two words: ‘Prana’ meaning vital life force energy, and ‘-ayama’ meaning control and expansion. There are numerous techniques of breath control regulation, lighting the way to a return to the present moment. It consists of learning how to manipulate and harness respiration thereby expanding our vital life force energy.
As stagnant and blocked energy is the root of dis-ease in the body, pranayama moves energy cultivating balance and overall wellness. The prana travels along thousands of pathways called ‘nadis’ which are channels in our bodies that meet at energetic centers called ‘chakras.’ Through certain techniques we can learn to send the prana and lock it into areas of the body to magnify our healing.
What are the benefits of pranayama?
The benefits of pranayama are undeniable and bountiful. It strengthens lung capacity, empowering and oxygenating our organs and blood supply, improves sleep, reduces stress levels and fatigue, increases energy and focus, brings clarity of mind, and reinforces our willpower. Pranayama aids in the nourishment of inner and outer health.