ashtanga vinyasa yoga
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is a set sequence of poses linked together with the breath. By linking dynamic postures, rhythmic breathing and internal energy locks, heat is created to burn toxins and purify the body while also enhancing concentration. The emphasis of the practice is on the breath. It has been called “sloppy yoga” because of the idea that “form follows function”. In other words, initially it doesn't matter how the postures look on the outside, it is the steadiness of the breath and mind that form the practice. Practicing with the idea of "ahimsa" or “nonviolence”, we do not force the body to “get” the pose, rather the benefit comes from regulating the breath, approaching poses mindfully, and moving beyond the bodies blockages with intelligence.
FYI: There may be hands-on adjustments/assists by the instructor so let us know ahead of time if you have any injuries or do not want any assists. Traditionally the practice is not performed during full moon and new moon. Women are advised not to do a vigorous practice during the heaviest day of their menstrual cycle.
ashtanga basics
The basics are taught in a 6 week consecutive course and walk-ins as well as advanced students are welcome anytime. “Less is more” is our philosophy in the beginning of the ashtanga practice. This dynamic practice challenges you on many levels. Learn the basics of the breath, the sun salutations, a standing sequence and a closing sequence which provide you with a foundation to begin a personal practice. You may build on that foundation as you increase your stamina, concentration, and learn to regulate your breath.
ashtanga yoga... beyond the basics
Get into the flow! After learning the foundation of the practice, give these classes a try. The pace is steady and mindful. Begin to learn the Primary series of ashtanga yoga. Known as "yoga chiktsa" or "yoga therapy", in its entirety, the primary series is a 90 minute practice. To increase the benefits of the practice one begins to memorize it and practice at home.
modified or 1/2 primary builds on what you learn in level 1 (ashtanga basics) and includes more postures. We may break down some of the poses and determine appropriate modifications for your body.
primary series or second series is a 90 minute class with less verbal cues. Depending on the experience of the student, Second Series is modified and introduces the much-needed back bending sequence. For all classes modifications and assists are offered and you may practice at your own pace.
yoga Rx (formerly big yoga for bigger bodies)
do you know anyone who has wanted to try yoga, but hesitates because of size, age, health status or fitness level? this class is specifically designed for people who have a limited range of movement or discomfort, or have injury or health problem that keeps them from doing a general yoga class. treat yourself to a compassionate, welcoming and supportive environment where you can move and breathe with more ease. this class is taught by Iyengar certified instructor dale hails, ma, e-ryt-500. with 30 years of yoga teaching experience dale provides an evidence based approach to teaching students with a variety of health challenges.
corporate workshops and classes
The instructors design corporate classes and seminars to suit the needs of the business and its employees.
gentle yoga
This class is suitable for people with some yoga experience who wish to build their practice. Students do not necessarily need to be injury-free or in great shape to take this class, but they should have enough awareness to modify a pose when their body calls for it. We will explore more challenging poses, often with longer holds, as we continue to focus on the integration of movement and breath. Students will learn how to use the body's energy flow to build strength, stamina, and flexibility.
hatha yoga (gentle/basic, I & II)
This is a good start to your yoga experience. Hatha yoga actually includes all the physical styles of yoga; it is a branch of the yoga tree, not a style. We offer this as a class to introduce new students to various breathing exercises and postures that begin to open the body and generate energy, focus and balance within the body's systems. Hatha I & II we will hold postures a bit longer and challenge the body to open more deeply into the poses. These classes will include basic pranayama (breathing exercises).
individual instruction / private session
Individual instruction is the way yoga was originally taught. For the beginner or someone with specific injuries or health concerns it is very beneficial to have the one on one attention and guidance. After practicing for awhile it is beneficial to do and occasional private to refine your practice; it gives you an opportunity to ask questions and learn how to deepen into poses that have been troublesome or challenging. You may choose to do one or a series of individual classes. For more details please call or email. 717-975-9642 or info@justplainyoga.com.
just plain meditation
Meditation is the greatest adventure you will ever undertake and it is extemely simple. This may not be immediately obvious given the way that meditation is usually taught. Nor is it necessary to shave your head and wear orange robes to meditate. just plain meditation strips out the complexity, cultural and religious artifacts and returns meditation to its transformative core.
The great secret of meditative practice is that it is all about the focusing of the mind. Not attempting to “still” the mind or to “be here now” or to “relax”. The even deeper secret of meditation is that all three of those things (and much more) happen spontaneously in the presence of the focused mind.
In just plain meditation we learn the simplest and most direct form of focusing, figure out how to apply that to each individual person and then we meditate. While great respect and honor are held for the old meditative traditions and paths, these classes are taught free of jargon and in plain English.
All meditators using any practice are welcome to join us! We are building community here and sitting in meditation with others is a powerful experience. All paths are honored and respected but guidance and suggestions will be given to anyone desiring to deepen their practice.
just plain meditation beginner series
A 6 week training
In this class, over a period of 6 weeks, we will explore a very simple meditation technique. We will find the proper way to apply it to each individual’s practice. We will explore what meditation does through short meditations followed by discussion. We will experience and contrast individual silent sitting meditations with guided meditation. By the end of the 6 weeks you will have a confident base with which to build your own practice at home or to step into a full just plain meditation class.
just plain meditation
An ongoing class open to anyone.
This class will consist of a 15 minute teaching, a 45 minute silent sit on either a chair or on a cushion, and a 15 minute guided meditation to end the class.
The teachings will usually be experiential and designed to illustrate what is actually happening in meditation. Having an understanding of your experience can greatly speed your progress and help you to avoid pitfalls. But mostly meditation is about doing it for yourself. Sitting silently in a group for 45 minutes is extraordinarily powerful and all by itself can speed up the results of your practice.
just plain meditation for the DRIVEN
An ongoing class open to anyone.
Are you the kind of person who has mastered the use of the will to get what you want? This may be enjoyable for you or you may find it extremely stressful. You may have heard about meditation but think that it’s about isolating yourself and becoming less involved with the world in which you want to live. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In this class we will take the skills that you have already developed – drive and, perhaps, discipline – and fully apply them to the most simple of all meditation techniques in a way that you most likely have never encountered before. We will use effort and intensity to allow stillness and relaxation to happen spontaneously. We will identify what is happening when we use the will in meditation and how meditative practice is actually no different than what happens in day to day life.
Meditating in this way can radically speed up the process of clearing the debris from your mind and will help you better get the things that you want in a way that is comfortable and enjoyable rather than stressful and torturous.
This method of meditation requires a degree of courage and a willingness to fully experience unpleasant emotions and sensations in order for them to release. If you are driven you already have this skill!
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iyengar yoga
Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of living yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, author of the classic yoga treatise Light on Yoga. His daughter, Geeta, and 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 2400 years old. B.K.S. Iyengar’s intense practice and over 65 years of teaching have produced significant innovations in the teaching of this art, among the most noteworthy are:
A complete approach to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual transformation, bringing the practitioner to physical health and vitality, mental clarity and wisdom, and emotional serenity and poise.
Emphasis on standing poses to develop strength, stamina, concentration and body alignment.
A safe, orderly, systematic progression of poses to develop the student’s ability both within a class and from class to class.
Use of props, such as blankets, blocks and straps, to facilitate learning and adjust poses to an individual’s needs.
Highly developed teaching methodology including the precise use of language, demonstration and teaching of specific point of action in a pose, individual correction and adjustment of students.
Ways to use yoga to ease various ailments and stress.
Complete integration of the yoga philosophy with the practice asana.
kripalu yoga
Strengthen your body and quiet your mind. Experience a gentle, humorous, and knowledgeable teaching style that combines an extended posture flow with in-depth explorations of individual asanas. All levels are welcome.
kundalini yoga
A dynamic blend of posture, movement, breath, sound, meditation and relaxation. It uses the wisdom of the breath and the power of mantra to shape consciousness. Through meditation you can calm the mind and become aware of what is real and important to you. These ancient techniques were designed by the yogis to work fast and effectively. Besides being a great physical workout, it helps balance the nervous and glandular systems to help you deal with the stress of our information society and find the calm in the center of the storm. Modern brain imaging shows amazing, immediate results from some Kundalini meditations: http://www.alzheimersprevention.org/research.htm
mysore
Ultimately in ashtanga yoga practice, you are the teacher. It is a process of liberation and in a Mysore style class or Private session the teacher gives assists and supports you in your journey to develop your own home practice.
prenatal yoga
Practicing Yoga during pregnancy is a lovely way to keep your body healthy as you deepen your connection with your growing baby. Prenatal classes offer a combination of safe, easy to follow stretches and strengthening movements that support the empowered experiences of pregnancy, labor and birth. The classes are specifically designed to prepare your body for a positive birth experience. You will explore and move with the rhythmic flow of fluids within your body and enhance your awareness of the space that you are creating for your baby. A strong emphasis is placed on relaxation and restorative yoga, as well as visualizations and breathing practices that can be cultivated to support a healthy baby, mother, labor and birth. You can begin this class at anytime during your healthy pregnancy. This class is appropriate for first-time yoga students through the more experienced.
open vinyasa yoga
Get into the flow! This Vinyasa yoga is a linking of the breath with movement in a flowing sequence of postures. This class combines poses from the ashtanga vinyasa sequences and power vinyasa yoga as well as other traditions. A great class for students in good health with some yoga experience - beginners may try this class if they are in good health with no physical limitations. Prepare to sweat and challenge your body. Each class will vary in sequence and challenge. Give it a try!
rasa vinyasa yoga
Rasa is the transforming "taste" that brings us inner satisfaction. Within yoga, rasa is our "inner juice" associated with longevity, joy, devotion and flexibility. Without rasa, our yoga and life experiences become dry, rigid, habitual and mundane. The divine nectar of rasa restores our essence and enhances our satisfaction in being fully alive. Rasa Vinyasa is a fluid, modern and energetic approach to embodying yoga flow. It connects us to the source of our creativity to cultivate gratitude and to remember the blessings of our lives through our yoga practice. Liberate that which binds you, identify your strength and illuminate your radiance - GET JUICED!
yoga trance dance
A
high energy movement meditation to liberate your life force! Move, breathe and flow with the pulse of life and the rhythms of great music. No dance or yoga experience needed, just a sense of fun. Wear clothes that are very comfortable, but not too baggy. This is based on the teaching of Shiva Rea guided by a certified instructor.
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