Shanti Yoga Shala Class Descriptions
Mysore
The term “Mysore style” refers to the way the Ashtanga Yoga Method was taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the city of Mysore, India. The Ashtanga yoga system follows a therapeutic and progressive sequence of asanas. This established traditional sequence is practiced every day. Each student is encouraged to memorize this sequence and develop a personal practice.
In Mysore style class each student is taught individually. In other words, he or she is given a one-on-one lesson within the group setting. The student is taught progressively according to his or her individual needs. For this reason, each student is encouraged to make a month-by-month commitment. Ashtanga yoga is an exact and detailed science that is learned over the course of several years.
In this special class, you learn to take individual responsibility for your yoga practice and develop a deeply trusting relationship with your teacher. It is one of the best ways that the more advanced asanas or postures can be learned safely, with proper skill and dedication. By committing yourself fully to one yoga style, one teaching method and a regular practice, you open the door to deeper levels of your body, mind and spirit. In this space between the teacher and the student, learning happens.
We request that new students without a regular ashtanga practice (having the primary or part of the primary series memorized) commit to at least one month.
*Within the tradition of Mysore practice there will be no Mysore class held on Moondays.
Led Ashtanga Primary Series
When you’re ready for the full Ashtanga experience, this is the class for you. In a fast-paced, dynamic sequence that opens new dimensions of the mind-body-breathe connection, you will begin to move into a direct experience of the flow of the practice. With careful emphasis on the traditional Vinyasa method, this class presents the full Ashtanga Yoga Primary series. It is taught only by people who are qualified and will keep the integrity and purity of the practice. Prior yoga experience and proficiency or a high level of athletic conditioning recommended. Be prepared to sweat.
Led Half Primary Series
Led Half Primary Series class is an effective way to introduce people to Ashtanga yoga. This class is designed to make new students feel comfortable, so if you don’t have any yoga experience you will be FINE, but it is also a challenging practice for students with all levels of yoga experience.
The poses of Ashtanga yoga are meant to be memorized and practiced consistently to achieve a healthier, stronger, disease-free body and mind. This class is a manageable way in which to learn, practice, and eventually memorize most of the first series of Ashtanga yoga. it will help the practitioner build strength and flexibility, as well as develop an understanding of what yoga is beyond the physical practice. Additionally, this is a GREAT way build a foundation for Mysore practice. Half Primary will practice Surya Namaskar A & B, Standing poses, primary series up to Navasana, and finishing sequence.
Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga
If you’re new to Ashtanga Yoga, even if you have some experience with other Yoga tradition it is a good idea to start here. Our highly qualified teacher will guide step-by-step into the Ashtanga Yoga practice beginning with Sun-Salutes, Standing poses and the beginning of the Primary Series. You will gain much-needed information about the special yogic breathing system, proper bodily alignment and the spiritual tradition of the yoga. You will get a chance to ask lots of questions and build a relationship to the practice and yourself.
Jivamutki Vinyasa Yoga All Levels
Whether you’re a beginner, deciphering the difference between a halasana (plough pose) and sirshasana (headstand) or an advanced yogi, the Open class encompasses all levels. You work at your own pace, following the teacher’s constant guidance. A typical Open class consists of flowing vinyasa sequences partnered with Sanskrit chanting, traditional Vedic and contemporary teachings and commentary, breath awareness, meditation, hands-on alignment, and relaxation. We do sitting, standing, and inverted postures, and suggest challenging variations for more advanced students. Exuberant, eclectic music plays an integral role; in a typical Open class you might practice to a shifting soundtrack of ragas, global trance, Bob Dylan, the chanting of Krishna Das, Miles Davis, Gregorian chants, and Dido.
Jivamukti Vinyasa Yoga for Busy People
Transform yourself in just an hour! Enjoy a fullfilling daily yoga practice no matter what your busy schedule is like. Experience a hot, physical Jivamutki practice with meditation and deep relaxation all in just an hour. These classes are emotionally stabilizing as well as challenging, stimulating, and energizing. These classes are appropriate for all levels of yoga practitioner.
Jivamukti Vinyasa Yoga Basics Course
If you’re a beginner struggling with downward dog or a more advanced student perfecting your shoulder stand, give the Basics course a try. Take advantage of a more intimate environment and focus on the fundamentals. Each week of the month features a concentration: standing poses, forward bends, back bends, and finally, combinations and inversons. This course is ideally suited to guide Beginner’s through the initial journey into yoga. This is a perfect way for you to start yoga in a relaxed, comfortable and nurturing environment.
Students can sign up for a 4 week intensive which allows them to work with the same teacher every week. SIGN UP NOW NEXT COURSE STARTS September 25th!
4 week intensive $50, take unlimited additional classes for the 4 weeks for only $60 more!
Vin Yoga and Meditation
Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat, and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles. Yin Yoga generally targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine, and is suitable for all levels of students. Coming into a pose in a consciously slow yin way and staying for many minutes at a time helps us go into deeper corridors, stimulating the meridian system and connective tissue, similar to the practice of shiatsu and acupressure. The combination of Yin Yoga + Mediation is the perfect opportunity to experience how softening your mental state allows the body to soften, surrender, and redistribute energy in a harmonious way.
Prenatal Yoga
In this Prenatal Yoga class you will learn safe stretching and strength-building prenatal yoga exercises to help increase energy and stamina. You’ll also develop concentration for labor and delivery. Includes modifications for each trimester.
Tai Chi
Golden Breath Tai Chi was designed to be practiced by all individuals regardless of physical limitations. The principle behind Golden Breath is that the distribution and flow of “chi” (or universal life force energy) throughout the body will be improved by coordinating certain physical movements with the breath flow. When these slow, fluid movements synchronize the breath and the body, the chi levels and the chi flow are adjusted in a way that is optimum for each practitioner to restore health, release emotional burdens, and refresh his or her outlook on life.
Donation Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa means to link movement with breath and intention… join us for this fun, vigorous and challenging class with a exciting soundtrack taught in a flow-style, inter-linking poses through a series of movements. All levels of Yogis welcome!
This class is a pay what you wish donation class, we suggest a donation of $10 but understand that yoga can be pricey and we want to offer it to those who can’t always swing the drop-in or class card cost. Each class will be taught by one of our teachers on staff allowing you to experience may different types of teaching style.
Kids Yoga
Kids Yoga classes are as they sound, Yoga just for your kids. They and are taught in a playful manner blending asana, yoga music, yoga games, and meditations into an inspiring and replenishing yoga class for your little ones.
New to Ashtanga, Jivamukti or Yoga in general? Email info@shantiyogashala or call 215.932.9642 to set up a complimentary personal consultation to figure out where YOUR best place to begin is.