Yoga

A series of postures held in silence, and breathing exercises that relax, stretch and add strength and flexibility to the body while calming the mind.

All sessions held in the Healing Arts Building.
Hatha and Gentle Yoga led by Janet Darmour-Paul

Hatha – Hatha yoga is not a specific type of yoga, but rather encompasses all of the asana, physical posture systems. Like all Sanskrit words, “hatha” has many meanings, including “force” or “effort” as well as “sun/moon” (“ha” – sun + “tha” – moon); that is, the archetypal uniting and resolution of opposites. In the context of modern asana practice, the general term hatha has come to be used in the specific, describing a more classic approach, a one-pose-at-a-time style class, with focus on alignment, anatomy, body mechanics, and mindfulness. This is in contrast to other vinyasa, or flowing styles. The focus on alignment and structural precision has been pioneered and realized by B.K.S. Iyengar, author of Light on Yoga and one of men – all students of a guru named Krishnamacharya – who are largely considered responsible for popularizing modern yoga practice over the course of the 20th century.

Whether used in general or specific terms, hatha yoga is a process of accessing the mind via the body. The body is the container, the mind its liquid contents. While other systems of exercise can actually encourage a greater chasm between body and mind (ever notice the prevalence of ear buds, magazines, and televisions at the gym?), hatha yoga is a science of integration, the body and mind – container and contents – taking various shapes simultaneously, synergistically. This whittles away at the sloth and inertia natural to the body and boils off the agitation and over-stimulation inherent to the mind. What remains is the clear, calm quietude of their resolution.

In this class, expect an emphasis on simplicity, repetition, and ease, a pursuit of effortlessness even as we work out the body’s kinks. Relaxation is paramount as we make a full circuit of the body’s range of motion with standing postures, twists, backbends, forward folds, and hip openers. No experience required.

Gentle – Gentle yoga is performed with the heart beating at a calm rate. A large segment of the class is done lying on the floor. Proper breathing is combined with stretching the muscles, followed by relaxation. The many poses and postures in yoga teach you to become aware of tension and how to release if from the body. It is ideal for a person recovering from an illness or desiring to manage pain. This fluid, gentle yoga helps to calm as well as revitalize the body and mind.