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Gentle/Basics: For those new to yoga, and for those who prefer a slower paced, gentler practice. Basic posture alignment and flow with mindful breathing are taught. All Levels: For experienced yoga students as well as beginners in good physical condition. An exploration of classical yoga poses and gentle to moderately paced yoga vinyasas, or flows. Suggestions are offered to support students in modifying the level of challenge, and students will be encouraged to work within individual capacities. Moderate: For experienced yoga students in good physical condition, who are ready to challenge themselves and expand their flexibility, strength, and stamina. More advanced postures and breathing techniques will be offered. Vigorous: For strong, active intermediate and advanced students who are comfortable with moderate classes and are ready for a more demanding practice. Students will be invited to hold advanced stretching and strengthening poses and vinyasa flows will be dynamic and challenging. Vinyasa: A flowing style of yoga in which postures are practiced in sequences, synchronized with the breath,with one pose leading into the next. Most Yoga Great Barrington classes include some Vinyasa yoga, while classes labeled “Vinyasa” will flow more consistently and vigorously throughout. Anusara Yoga: An integrated approach to hatha yoga developed by John Friend in which the art of the human spirit blends with the science of biomechanics. This system integrates the celebration of the heart, principles of alignment and balanced energetic action in the practice of asana. Family Yoga: Loosely structured with a warm up, a few challenging poses, play and relaxation. Interactive poses and child’s play are encouraged. Yoga is experienced as a process for life, in and outside of the yoga studio. Some days a yoga practice may be sitting still and breathing. Mindfulness Meditation: Drawing on the work of Thich Nhat Hanh and Vipassana meditation, practice sitting and walking meditation, working with a simple conscious breath. Beginners welcome. Restorative Yoga: Features classic yoga postures that are passively supported by props such as blankets and bolsters, which allow the postures to be held for longer periods. Key organs and glands are bathed with revitalizing blood and the nervous system is deeply soothed, dismantling chronic tension and improving immune function. Students at all levels can safely practice restorative yoga. Sivananda Yoga founded by Swami Vishnu-devananda (1927-1993). He was first inspired upon reading a pamphlet by Swami Sivananda which included the words: "An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory." Swami Vishnu developed Sivananda Yoga as a 5-point system: 1. proper exercise (asanas), 2. proper breathing (pranayana), 3. proper relaxation (savasana), 4. proper diet (vegetarian), 5. positive thinking & meditation (vedanta & dhyana). For more information, visit www.sivananda.org. |
