Yoga & You
Can anyone do yoga?
Yes! If you can breathe, you can do yoga. Conscious breathing is the foundation of all yoga. Yoga poses can be practiced from a chair, lying on your back or stomach, leaning against a wall for support and, of course, standing. Yoga is fitted to your body and abilities, not the other way around.
Yoga is not a sport, so you don’t have to be an athlete to participate. You will not be competing, with others or with yourself. The freedom of yoga is to be who you are, where you are, right now.
In yoga, practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes possible. Therefore we do not say “I Can’t” do something. We may say “Not today” if we are limited, this way we always leave room for the possible.
What will the class be like?
The classes are nurturing with a non-judgmental atmosphere. Every thing is designed to soothe away the stresses of your environment so you can feel grounded and centered. The lights are low and the chime of a brass bowl invites you release all thoughts and just rest. Therapeautic essential oils provide the aroma of relaxation while the gentle notes of a flute wash over you. You are invited to let go of everything outside of class, of competition, expectations, and judgments. This is your time to relax, renew, and reconnect. Think of it as your oasis of peace.
These Christ Centered classes all include the reading of a scripture or other reflective text to set the spiritual atmosphere. Background music is sometimes included to enhance the atmosphere.
It is our joy to guide you through the poses.There are gentle warm-up postures to begin slowly moving through a series or flow it is sometimes called. We are here to create a comforting environment and to help you increase your awareness of your spirit, mind and body. It is your responsibility to listen to the voice of your body. You set your own pace and intensity. You allow the opening of your heart and mind. The most important thing to remember is: Yoga should never hurt. In yoga we do not force our bodies, we relax and allow the pose to unfold. Sometimes we do move to our “edge” to discover things about our range of movement, flexibility, strengths or balance. We begin where we are.
I’ve tried yoga and I didn’t like it.
It may take several classes before you begin to feel the difference in your body. It certainly takes a few classes to become familiar with the movements and poses. We suggest you commit to 4 classes to give it a try. Also, it is important that you find a teacher with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to talk to your teacher about any concerns or limitations you have. We are happy to answer any questions and to guide you in any way we can.
I’ve heard yoga hurts.
Yoga is never supposed to hurt. Some of the poses may be new to you and feel different. Different is good, Pain is bad. You go at your own pace, do what feels good and you will not hurt yourself. The poses are easily tailored to your particular level.
What if I am not flexible?
Start slowly, go only as far into a pose as you can. Every class will take you farther. Accept where you are right now. You will get all the benefits of yoga no matter where you start.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move, but keeps you modestly covered. Loose or baggy tops or shorts will ride up or gap open during some poses and are not a good choice. Foot wear is not a concern; we will be barefooted to build strength in our feet.
What should I bring?
A yoga mat, a towel, a bottle of water, and an open mind.
What if I’m pregnant?
Yoga during pregnancy and after childbirth is wonderful, but it would be better to be in a separate pre-/post-natal yoga class.
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