Yoga

Yoga is not a religion, a cult or a belief system. At the root of yoga is self-inquiry. Everything we do, whether it’s a yoga pose, a meditation, a mantra or breath work, has the purpose of encouraging us to connect to our bodies and our life experience in a more meaningful way. For example, understanding the balance of effort and release in your yoga practice requires constant attention and sensitivity and has profound meaning in our everyday lives as a meditation on balancing stress and relaxation. Experiencing true relaxation is a deeply rewarding experience. And understanding how to move into extremely challenging poses effortlessly, with a calm mind and steady breath, is invaluable to us all in our busy lives. 

There are so many benefits of doing yoga. Yoga can help you:

• improve and maintain the health of muscles, joints and organs
• keep your mind healthy
• get a better night’s sleep
• improve performance and prevent injuries in sports
• speed recovery from training
• prevent conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and auto-immune disorders
• slow down the negative effects of an office job
• and increase your sense of happiness and well being.

It’s a practice that is both physical exercise, helping improve toning, stamina, posture, strength, balance and flexibility, as well as a discipline that helps you de-stress, relax, feel healthier and more energetic.

Yoga’s origins come from a deeply-felt drive for self understanding, physical and emotional release and total well being. It’s much more than the physical experience of a yoga pose. It digs deep into the reality of who you are, what you want and why you are here. As you spend more time doing yoga, you will likely dig deeper into the layers that make up who you are as a person. Yoga helps you let go of old patterns, feel more open and happy and connect with friends, family and your world in a more meaningful way.

Group yoga classes are great, but a private teacher deepens your practice in surprising ways. Whether new to the yoga game, needing rehabilitation from an injury, or just wanting to take your practice deeper, engaging with an instructor one-on-one can provide you with foundations and fundamentals often missed in a group setting.   Classes are tailored to you, to your level, and to what your specific goals are.  Classes can be many styles from Vinyassa to Power to Yin.   Alignment and breathwork are reviewed and adjustments made through vocal and physical assists.  

Private sessions are an excellent way for a beginner to become comfortable in their flow.   The first session is usually a getting to know you session mixed in with learning your body and physical needs.

We talk about injuries, tightness, and lifestyle. There’s an open dialogue, where we talk about your goals.  The sessions start with slow movement to ascertain where you’re at in your fitness and yoga practice.  We often use modified forms of the Sun Salutation to get a feel for the basic movements of yoga and learn about alignment and connecting the breath with movement. By the end of the first session the path is clearer for your practice and you need.

I have a wide variety of tools to share with you to suit your needs. Sessions usually include movement, but are open to include energy balancing techniques, guided meditations, conversation, bodywork and more. It's important to me that the process remains fluid so that we can find what feels more useful for you. 

There’s safety in private yoga instruction.   All your injuries and special needs are addressed in each pose. You can also build a new practice much faster than in a group setting  due to the focused training you’re receiving. You develop a relationship your teacher, and each class is fine-tuned to your needs. It’s pretty wonderful. 

Classes are 60 minutes in length on person or via skype.   

Investment: $60

I offer group classes as well as workshops.  My passion is slow and deep movement coupled with meditation.   Workshops include Yoga Nidra, Candlelight Yin and Meditation along with Yoga for Trauma and Recovery.  

Your soul is your best friend. Treat it with care, nurture it with growth, feed it with love.

– Ashourina Yalda