What if I could feel a little bit more space in my body? And, feel the strength of my body with more easefulness? (Yoga)

What if my breathing felt plentiful and free? (Prāṇāyāma)

What if my breath could feel like a powerful tool to navigate the different experiences of my nervous system?

What if the practice of Yoga could help me with my meditation? (Dhāraṇā)

What if a specific type of meditation could suit me? What if meditation can be accessible to me?

What if I could learn the art of deep relaxation? And connect deeper with my inner Self? (Yoganidrā)

What if I could feel more clarity, fluidity, resilience, vitality, equanimity, and intuition, all elements of the Art of Physical Wellbeing?

Each service will receive an assessment wherein we discuss your personal goals, experience, and what will best fit you.  We will practice together in the season, and you will also receive specific instructions for home practice.  

Yoga choices:

Hatha Yoga (beginners, intermediate), Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Slow Flow, Trauma-informed Yoga and Stress Management based-Yoga.

Props and set-up: if you do not have any Yoga props, we can find items around the house to use as props.

Meditation choices:

Mindfulness-based, guided, pranic healing, witnessing, japa (mantram), metta (loving-kindness), visualization, tratrak (gazing), kinhin (walking), elemental, breath awareness, affirmation-based, contemplation (self-inquiry), chakra, centering prayer, embodiment (body scan, sensory), manifestation-focused, MB-EAT, Vipassana (insight), Zazen (present moment+breath).

Pranayama choices:

Dirgha Svasam, Kapalabhati, Breath of Fire, Nadi Suddhi and Nadi Sodhana, Sheetali, Ujjayi, Bhramari, Bhastrika, Kumbhaka and more.

Yoga Nidra choices:

Moving through all the layers of the self (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) can be done in 20minutes or 45minutes, depending on the depth and desired outcome.  

YOGA
The Practice of Hatha Yoga is to learn how to meet your body with possible poses that support you where you are and where you want to go with your strength and flexibility. Ultimately, Yoga emphasizes Sthira sukhamāsanam which means that a posture should be steady and comfortable.

The benefits of Yoga can feel immeasurable. Yet, the Hatha Pradipika reminds us that “Health begets happiness and inspires one to further one's knowledge of the world and of the Self.” And that Hatha Yoga is the integral connection between health, happiness, and personal growth. It suggests that true health involves balance and harmony across various bodily systems (respiratory, circulatory, digestive, etc.) as well as peace of mind. Yoga, with its focus on willpower and perseverance, is seen as a path that cultivates these qualities and leads to self-liberation.

Asanas, or yoga postures, are not merely physical exercises but have broader biochemical, psycho-physiological, and psycho-spiritual effects. The practice of asanas enhances blood circulation, balances hormones, stimulates the nervous system, and aids in toxin elimination, thereby promoting overall physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

MEDITATION
Meditation provides numerous physical and mental health benefits by alleviating both psychological and physical stress. It can help lower blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, and respiratory rate, improving heart function and reducing oxygen consumption. Meditation also decreases stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, as well as metabolic factors such as lactic acid and stomach acid. Mentally, it helps reduce anxiety, tension, sleep problems, and emotional dysregulation while decreasing reliance on distractions and substances. It can stimulate brain areas responsible for enhancing positive feelings. It can boost creativity, energy, and productivity, and strengthen personal identity, Ultimately, meditation encourages a self-care mindset and cultivates inner peace and self-empowerment.

PRANAYAMA
Breathing operates as both a voluntary and involuntary process, influencing physical and behavioral responses. This dual nature impacts stress reduction and mitigates its physiological and behavioral effects, such as stress hormones, high blood pressure, headaches, stress eating, and sleep disturbances. Breath acts as a bridge between the mind and body, and through Prāṇāyāma, one can replenish the prāṇā (life force energy) that may be depleted. By regulating the three components of breath—external, internal, and steady retention—Prāṇāyāma establishes consistent breathing patterns, breaking cycles of emotional and mental blockages.

The practice of breath control addresses the mind's constant stream of thoughts, unveiling greater clarity. This leads to profound benefits, including the release of energy trapped in unconscious mental patterns, which in turn promotes creativity and joy. Ancient yogis observed that animals with slower breath rates often enjoy longer lifespans, highlighting the importance of slow, controlled breathing for enhancing human longevity. As outlined in the Hatha Pradipika, proper Prāṇāyāma practice can help overcome both physical and mental ailments, guiding practitioners toward a healthier, more balanced life.

YOGA NIDRA
Yoga philosophy and modern psychology recognize three primary types of tension that contribute to the challenges of contemporary life. Yoga nidra, a guided relaxation practice, systematically helps release these tensions.

1. Muscular Tensions – Originating from the body, nervous system, and hormonal imbalances, these tensions can be effectively alleviated through deep physical relaxation in yoga nidra.

2. Emotional Tensions – Rooted in internal conflicts such as love versus fear or success versus failure, these tensions persist because emotions are often suppressed. Unlike regular sleep, yoga nidra facilitates the release of deep-seated emotions, promoting emotional balance.

3. Mental Tensions – Resulting from excessive mental activity and accumulated past experiences, these tensions manifest as stress, anxiety, or erratic behavior. Through yoga nidra, one can access the subconscious mind, release mental burdens, and restore inner peace.

By incorporating yoga nidra into daily life, individuals can achieve profound relaxation, emotional stability, and mental clarity, fostering overall well-being. Yoga Nidra is not just a practice of rest but a gateway to inner transformation, unlocking hidden potential and fostering deep mental and emotional renewal.

-Adapted from Swami Satyananda