Low Key Yoga

Core Work.

Most people groan about practicing yoga poses and sequences involving the core. Those are the muscles around the abdomen area, back and pelvis. However, core strength is crucial for overall health. It helps immensely with stability, balance, flexibility and coordination. It also plays a vital role in maintaining good posture and spine alignment.

By practicing yoga, we learn to build strength in these muscles and have a more solid foundation. If our core is weak, other muscles compensate and we may end up with sprains, pulled muscles and an aching back.

All the walking, twisting, bending and lifting movements throughout the day are supported by core muscles. A strong core is a prevention tool which helps us avoid injury.

Join us this week on the mat as we incorporate core strength building in our practice.

This week our yoga classes are focusing on Self Compassion. Often we get caught up in our heads and become our own best self critic. If we observe our thoughts and emotions without judgement, we can create a healthy mindset of Self Compassion. Only then can we truly offer compassion to others.

The fifth and last Yama in our study of the Eight Limbs of Yoga is APARIGRAHA.

It means LETTING GO and learning how to practice TRUE NON-ATTACHMENT.

Sejah Shah suggests practicing these things to begin a mind shift:
- Be clear on wants and how they differ from needs.
- Appreciate what you have, but let go of the fear of losing it.
- Be watchful of accumulating just for the sake of having.
- Declutter, give away or toss out things you do not use or need anymore. Take time to declutter the mind as well.
- Be present, rather than living in your regrets about the past or your dreams for the future.
- Forgive and let go.

“Go with the rhythm of life, and enjoy the ebb and flow of the moment. Take only what you need. Love with all of your heart. But know that the only constant factor in life is change and to experience life to the fullest, we need to stay present. Let go. Breath.”

We continue our focus on the 8 Limbs of Yoga. This week we will explore the 2nd Yama which is Satya ~ Truthfulness. In our busy, fast paced world, it’s very easy to lose sight of who we really are, and lose touch with our True selves.

Satya teaches about Truthfulness in our thoughts, words and actions. What do our thoughts say? What words do we speak, to ourselves and others? How do we act toward ourselves and others? It challenges us to turn inward. To observe and respect our strengths AND limitations.

Hope to see you on the mat this week.

"Life often demands that we spend all day shifting gears, racing places in 5th gear. Let out the clutch, find neutral and coast." ~ Amy Wainright
Join us for yoga this week where we can embrace the gifts of yoga and then take them with us off the mat. We can learn to at least downshift our pace as we face each day, and hopefully coast for awhile.

"The yoga pose is not the goal. Becoming flexible is not the goal. Standing on your hands is not the goal. The goal is Serenity. Balance. Truly finding peace in your own skin. ~ Rachel Brathen
Join us this week as we practice our yoga skills and reach toward serenity, balance and peace.

STILLNESS.
Thich Nhat Hanh quotes that "Stillness is the foundation of understanding and insight." However, trying to find moments of stillness amidst a busy day can be a challenge. Yoga teaches us ways to create moments of stillness so we can better deal with problems, disappointments, fears, and emotions.
Join us for class this week as we explore developing concepts of stillness to use throughout our day.

Lower Back Aches Getting You Down?
Join us this week as we smartly practice poses and sequences to help improve lower back and spine health. While back pain can be a burden, it is also a gentle reminder to prioritize self care taking. Attending a yoga class is a great way to start doing just that.
Hope to see you on the mat this week.