Yoga Classes at Garden Street

Anusara Yoga is a style of Hatha Yoga  which integrates the art of internal energetic movement with precise principles of  alignment. This yoga emphasizes clarity of intention and alignment of body and mind with the intelligence of the Heart.  Anusara teaches both the physical and philosophical aspects of yoga, linking the great lineage and tradition of yoga with down to earth practical instruction in how to practice Yoga in a way that will create greater brightness of mind, vibrancy of body and openness of heart.

Student  Liability Release and Information
Please fill out the form indicated below prior to coming to your first yoga class. Forms are also available at the studio. For  a copy of the form Click Here

Studio Temperature: Anusara works to build Tejas (inner radiance) and Tapas,  (heat of transformation). Anusara Yoga does not generally employ hot studio temperatures.  All the same, students do often get quite warm when practicing.  This is considered a benefit to the practice.  The studio temperature is set to be 72-74 but cannot be precisely controlled as the heating system is that wonderful, generous old steam radiator type of heat.  Temperatures will  occasionally range from 68-78.  If you easily become overheated, ask the teacher to help you set up in a spot in the studio that is further from the radiators.   

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
(Scroll down to find 'Practice Notes for Beginners' and 'Yoga Etiquette and Good Practices')

ABC (ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS CLASS)

An introduction & orientation to Yoga. Learn the basics prior to entering Level I or All-Levels Class. This class is designed for beginners that either prefer or require a slow steady experience around learning the basics of Anusara Yoga. These classes are designed for students that either prefer or require a slow steady experience around the   basics of Anusara Yoga.  Excellent experience for those of us a little older, stiffer, or bound up!

LEVEL I:  Beginners.  Build a strong foundation in Yoga.  Emphasis on building flexibility and stamina in the body, and cultivating the inner qualities of discipline, focus and open-heartedness.

LEVLE I/II & LEVEL II:  Deepening work on the asanas with emphasis on beginning backbends and inversions, and on  ability to maintain attention and intention throughout the practice.

ALL LEVELS: Detailed alignment and modifications offered to make this class a delightfully strong practice that is both safe and appropriately challenging for all levels of student from beginner to advanced.

CORE, BANDHA & PRANAYAMA - Level III: Strengthen the physical and energetic (pranic) core using pranayama, bandha and core strengthening asana.  This is a 30 minute class designed to be taken in tandem with the All Levels Class which follows it.

LEVEL III:  Intermediate.  Minimum 2 years Yoga experience.  Playful and serious deepening into more advanced poses. Cultivation of steadiness and vitality of breath and mind even while performing challenging asanas. Must be able to perform full backbend with straight arms and handstand at the wall. Prospective students must contact Karen before attending this class.

MEDITATION:  Meditation Class focus is on assisting the student in beginning or deepening their meditation practice.  Information presented in class will encompass helping the student structure and maintain a practice, manage common meditation problems/issues, focus on developing attention and awareness, as well as, learn about the benefits of meditation from recent neurobiological research.  Each session will include a guided meditation and time for individual meditation focus.  A 'meditation journal' will be encouraged to enable the student to track his/her progress and identify questions that may be addressed in class.  

DANA - Meditation instruction is traditionally paid for by Dana or 'donation'  Dana, a Sanskrit and Pali word, means   generosity or 'giving' and is the practice of cultivating generosity of spirit. Ultimately, the practice culminates in 'Perfection of Giving' (dana-paramita) characterized by unconditional generosity.

INTENSIVES & “SUMMER MORNINGS”

(Not currently scheduled) Three weeks of guided practice.  A wonderful way to invigorate your practice and establish it as a daily habit. Appropriate for students with some yoga background - not for Absolute Beginners! Establish yourself in the regular practice of Yoga!

CHILDREN’S YOGA  (not currently offered):- ages 4 - 9

TEEN YOGA - ages 13 - 17

THERAPEUTIC AND GENTLE YOGA – This class is designed to serve students who have special therapeutic needs such as injury or debilitation, or who simply need a very gentle, slow and assisted approach to Yoga.   Appropriate for anyone who can manage one flight of stairs (the studio is on the second floor). This class is instructed by Karen Sprute-Francovich who has extensive training in Yoga Therapy.   

Practice Notes for Beginners (Click Here)

Yoga Etiquette and Good Practices

Before Class

•   Arrive a few minutes before class begins.  If you must arrive late please wait quietly at the back until the class finishes the centering practice, which happens at the beginning of each class.

•   Please bring your own mat to class. Although there are a limited number of loaner mats available, it is a good idea to practice using your own personal mat for both sanitary and energetic reasons.

•   Inform your teacher of any injuries or concerns you may have.

•   Be aware of good hygiene to avoid offending your fellow yoga students.  No strong perfumes, please.

•   Unless you have a special need, please turn off all cell-phones and pagers before class begins.

During Class

•   Leave your competitive nature at home.  Honor your inner voice and your edge.

•   In keeping with the yogic principle of 'Saucha' (clarity, purity) set your mats out in an even and orderly fashion and avoid 'camping out', i.e. having jackets, bags, etc. clustered around you.  This helps to maintain clarity of alignment in the room, which in turn helps to create clarity and alignment in the body and mind.

•   Keep your awareness on your breath and your practice.  Guide your focus inward.  Avoid looking around too much.  Avoid too much chatting with other students.

•   Have a light heart and a good time.  Laugh at your teacher's jokes even if they are not funny.

•   Leave time for a good Savasana (relaxation pose) at the end of class.  If you have to leave early, take your own Savasana before you go.  Do not leave during the class Savasana so as not to disturb this time of stillness.

After Class

•   Please return all props neatly where they came from.  Take time to re-fold blankets neatly, if necessary.

•   Move slowly and with awareness to maintain the vibrancy and stillness you have gained during class.

•   Smile and offer the fruits of your practice outward to all you encounter.