Balance Yoga and Healing

Ashtanga Yoga is the system of Yoga taught by the beloved late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India. This method of Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing internal heat and a cleansing& purifying sweat that detoxifies the muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm, focused mind.

Mysore is an ancient and authentic way of learning and practicing the Ashtanga yoga method.  This method is extremely practical and has proven to be exquisitely effective for decades.  Through regular practice, one cultivates a strong, healthy body and a calm, steady mind.  Ashtanga Yoga is comprised of a number of specific set sequences that serve the purpose of providing structure and discipline to the initially scattered mind.  With the help of the teacher in the room, you will slowly begin to memorize & execute these sequences one posture at a time which allows one to build the necessary foundation of strength, flexibility, and concentration required to progress safely along the path of yoga.  The Mysore Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga system is essentially a moving meditation which slowly infiltrates one’s life beyond the mat and into one’s daily experience of life.  There is a very special and magical energy of community and connectedness that is felt amongst the students who are moving through and sharing this sacred practice experience together.

Commonly Asked Questions:

How is Practicing An Authentic Form Of Yoga That Comes From India Different From A “Western Created” Vinyasa Practice?

Because it was developed by ancient yoga masters, there is a deep wisdom and integrity within this ancient lineage that has now been experienced and highly valued by tens of thousands of yoga practitioners around the world.

Do I Need To Know The Ashtanga Yoga Series Of Postures Before I Join A Mysore Program?

Absolutely not! In fact, it’s ideal to come in as a total beginner to yoga and let the highly educated and experienced teacher in the room guide you step by step, safely and effectively meeting your individual needs. The prospect of taking responsibility for your own Ashtanga yoga practice rather than being led by a teacher can seem scary and uncomfortable to many new yoga students so it is no wonder that beginners often assume that Mysore classes must be for more advanced students.

What Is The Purpose Of The Mysore Ashtanga Class?

In truth, you will learn more about your yoga practice in a month of attending a Mysore style class than a year of only attending Led Ashtanga classes.  Mysore allows you to move at your own pace and only practice the number of postures that is appropriate for you that particular day.  Each student’s practice is completely individualized taking into consideration one’s age, health, and current physical state.

 What Is The Purpose Of The Led Ashtanga Class?
The Led Ashtanga Class is a very important part of the Mysore Ashtanga Program in that it’s purpose is to maintain & reinforce the correct sequence of postures and one’s understanding of the vinyasa system.

How Does It Work?

We ask that all interested students first come in and observe 1 or 2 Mysore Ashtanga Classes for at least 30 minutes. If you decide you’d like to learn this method, a one month, 3 day per week commitment is required which consists of 2 Mysore classes and either 1 Led class or the Ashtanga For Everyone Class on Saturday mornings. (Which is ideal for beginners because it moves at a slower pace.)

A good portion of half of the Primary Series will be taught in this class, giving much attention to detail; proper form, alignment, breath, and bandhas (subtle energy locks) as well as a solid understanding and focus of the therapeutic aspect of this sequence of postures(Yoga Chikitsa). Sun salutations, most of the standing postures, a handful of seated postures and all of the Closing Sequence postures (Backbends & Inversions) will be covered. Most appropriate for students with some minor yoga experience, however, all are welcome.

This class is for all levels of Ashtanga practitioners, except for those who are brand new to this style of yoga. The instructor’s intention is to flow through the entire Primary Series which will take 1 hour and 45 minutes and consists of many postures, some being quite “advanced”. However, if the majority of the class is less experienced, the instructor will only cover the first half of the Primary Series. For those who are less experienced, there are two options: observe the unfamiliar asanas and/or modify the postures. Over time and with consistent practice, the student will be more comfortable and able to do the entire Primary Series in an uninterrupted, rhythmic, and meditative flow. This class is meant to challenge but not to overwhelm. Come, do your best, and experience the meditative flow!

Almost every week new scientific studies are coming out showing the benefits of meditation on our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Meditation is one of the principles of yoga and the two practices support each other.

Meditation is one of the principles of yoga and the two practices support each other. There are many different ways to meditate. Join Tildet to explore them so that you can find the ones that work best for you.

Soon you will experience: Deep relaxation, More energy, Decreased anxiety, Heightened immunity, Pain control, Stress reduction, Self expansion and growth This is a 4week series of classes. The classes are not cumulative. It takes 21 days to learn a new habit and that is exactly what we are doing

**PLEASE NOTE: If you are a beginner you can still sign up for these ongoing classes but you will need to purchase the “Intro to Meditation” Cd from Tildet before you start these classes. Please contact her directly so that you are ‘up to speed’ when you come: growingwithtruth@gmail.com

Mondays: 7:15-8:00pm (Next session starts Monday February 11th, 2013) or Thursdays: 9:45-10:30am (Next session starts Thursday February 7th, 2013)

Fee: $75/4weeks PS: It is not just sitting in silence we will learn and practice

(Early Morning, Morning, Afternoon, & Evening)

The word Vinyasa means breath-synchronized movement. In other words, the teacher will lead you through well-constructed, safe, classical yoga sequences of postures, with a strong emphasis upon proper breathing while moving. This technique is sometimes called Vinyasa Flow, or just Flow because of the smooth and fluid manner in which the postures are linked together. These classes consist of a short philosophical discourse/spiritual teaching, chanting, a strong asana practice, gentle pranayama (breathing practices), and a short meditation. You work at your own pace, following the teacher’s verbal as well as hands-on guidance and asana options will be provided for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. Vinyasa Flow cultivates physical strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, focus, and moreover, establishes a mindful discipline that is supportive in attaining your personal goals off the mat.

TriYoga® is the Art & Science of Yogaflow. Rhythmic pacing, relaxation-in-action, wavelike spinal movements and economy of motion characterize its flowing posture sequences of dynamic and sustained asana. When the practitioner maintains awareness on all aspects of the practice, the movement of body, breath and focus harmonize. This harmony creates greater flow of prana (life-force), making the body a fit instrument for meditation and for life. Visit the website for more information. For more information please go to:
jeanbrowntriyoga.com

A Sivananda Yoga Class is a traditional, slow paced, meditative class that helps encourage proper breathing, flexibility, strength and vitality in the body while calming the mind. Because Yoga is a spiritual system with a physical component, this non-competitive approach helps the practitioner gain much more than just a healthy body. A typical open level class includes pranayama (breathing exercises), warm-ups including Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar), 12 basic asanas (postures) and deep relaxation. The focus is on mastering the basic asanas from which variations are then added to further deepen the practice. The asanas follow an exact order that allows for the systematic movement of every major part of the body in a balanced way that enhances prana or life force energy, keeping the mind quiet and without the need to think beyond each individual pose. Additional variations may also be taught.

Relax, Restore and Renew! The perfect class for a Friday evening after a full week’s work! A handful of gentle asana (postures) are practiced with the help of props such as blankets, blocks, straps, bolsters and eye pillows. Accompanied by relaxing music, candles and the gentle voice of the teacher, sets the tone for an absolutely peaceful and rejuvenating experience! You will surely start your weekend off feeling wonderful.

Gaining physical strength from the yoga asanas, the calming and pain management techniques through the breathing exercises, and the support and friendships found are just some of the gifts experienced from practicing yoga throughout your pregnancy. * Having your doctor’s approval is necessary. “Whereas having my kids is the best thing that I’ve ever done in my life, having my yoga practice is certainly what got me through my pregnancies, labor and deliveries (not to mention my daily life as a mommy!). I am exceptionally blessed, in that during my pregnant days, I was able to spend a LOT of time info sharing with Midwives, doula’s, lactation specialists pre-natal body workers and other yoga teachers to explore and learn the needs of pregnant women.
-Cher Lyman

This is a fun and playful class full of songs, games and stories, all designed to introduce children to yoga. Yoga postures will be introduced and practiced, as well as some easy breathing and relaxation techniques. Kids Yoga (Ages 5-8) Fun! Mindful and Creative! Yoga classes can benefit your child in a number of ways by: developing strong and flexible bodies with an emphasis on balance, coordination and strength; increasing their mental concentration, focus and attention skills; build self-esteem and encourage an inner confidence. Some mind engaging arts/crafts and yoga games will be used as a means of engaging the children creatively.

Come join Katie Feldman as she leads the little yogis through postures that work on balance, strength, mental focus, and patience. Some mind engaging arts and crafts & yoga games will be played as well. You’ll surely see the calm and peace in your child when you pick him/her up after class!

Iyengar Yoga is based on the teachings of the living yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, author of the classic yoga treatise Light on Yoga, who began teaching in Pune, India, in 1936 at the age of 18. Today, at 93, he continues to teach and inspire students all over the world. His daughter, Geeta, and his son, Prashant, are also accomplished teachers and authors of yoga texts. The Iyengar family’s teachings are deeply grounded in the yoga sutras of Patanjali, an ancient summation of the path of yoga considered to be at least 2,500 years old. B.K.S. Iyengar’s intense practice and almost seventy years of teaching have produced significant innovations in the teaching of the art and science of yoga. To learn more about B.K.S Iyengar visit www.bksiyengar.com.

What to expect from this method of yoga.

Qualified and rigorously trained instructors committed to excellence in teaching A safe and systematic progression of yoga postures to develop each student’s ability and skill, both within each class and from class to class Sequencing that develops strength, flexibility, stamina, concentration, and body alignment Individual correction and knowledge of how to adjust postures for common physical problems.

Precise use of language
Demonstration and teaching of specific points to develop understanding and intelligent action
Individual correction and adjustment of students, when necessary
Integration of the yoga philosophy with the practice of asana Incorporation and relevance of practice into daily life Ways to use yoga to ease various ailments and stress Use of props, such as blankets, blocks, and straps, to facilitate learning and adjust yoga postures to individual needs.

Regular practice of yoga can help you face the turmoil of life with steadiness and stability.

-B.K.S. Iyengar

Perfect for beginners, yet steeped with tons of valuable information and a ‘back to the necessary basics’ feel for already practicing yogis. This class combines postures taken with an emphasis on form and alignment, hands on adjustments, breathing techniques, inspiring philosophy & some basic meditation.

Belly dance is an ancient form of Middle Eastern dance that inspires feelings of joy, love, sorrow, and friendliness and today is performed worldwide. My dance program incorporates many aspects of general fitness, Zumba, and of course belly dancing, my workout involves the whole torso, especially the hips, the gluteus muscle & the mid-section of the body. It is a wonderful compliment to any fitness routine, and is ideal for anyone regardless of age or what shape you are in.

THURSDAY NIGHTS 7:15-8:15PM
$20 ONE TIME TRIAL CLASS. 5 & 10 class punch cards available after trial class.

NAJIA BOUABDALLAH – Fitness by Bellydancing
Najia is a professional, Egyptian styled belly dance performer and instructor from Huntington, Long Island, and originally a native of Morocco. She is an often sought after dancer by family, friends, co- workers, local businesses and others to perform at parties, social events, retirement celebrations, anniversaries and the like, where she engages her audiences in the moment with her elegant and graceful dance techniques. Watch as she inspires the crowd with the subtle and exotic movements of a truly masterful technician; doing the shimmy and the Dum Tek, of this majestic art form.

Najia’s twenty plus years of dancing experience is a great advantage for her students. Learning to belly dance from Najia is a not to be missed opportunity for anyone interested in this dance style. Belly dancing takes work and determination like any other physical activity and is a wonderful complement to any fitness program. As a student of Najia you will see the ease in how she achieves that very delicate balance in one’s well being and the passion she imparts to her students so they too can improve and build confidence in their dancing style, their fitness and in their own well being.

So come and feel the delightful and invigorating atmosphere when Najia dances, and share the warmth, its joy and the happiness that she creates with her dance routines.

Visit www.fitnessbybellydancing.com for more info.