ONLINE CLASSES

Introduction to (Chair) Yoga

Mondays, January 27-March 17, 6:30pm-7:30pm EST. (8 classes)

Teacher: Sasha Sigel

In the West, many of us think of yoga solely as a movement practice. In reality, it’s an eightfold path which provides guidance on how to live a purposeful life. This path was written down by a sage named Patanjali, through a text called The Yoga Sutras. Although the world looks different from how it did 2,000 years ago, these practices can still offer us incredible support and guidance.

This 8 week series revolves around seated asana as we gently explore movement, breath, and meditation. There will be plenty of time to adapt asana (postures) to fit your body exactly as it is. Let this be an invitation to build intimacy with your body and your inner world. 

• Week 1: Yama- Social/outward ethics  

• Week 2: Niyama- Personal/inward ethics  

• Week 3: Asana- Postures  

• Week 4: Pranayama- Energy management, breath  

• Week 5: Pratyahara- Withdrawal of the senses 

• Week 6: Dharana- One pointed focus  

• Week 7: Dhyana- Meditative absorption  

• Week 8: Samadhi- Bliss, enlightenment

Learn how to integrate the aspects of yoga into your daily life. Explore specific practices to help us embody the different limbs of yoga. We’ll mediate, breathe, and reflect as a community.

This practice is well suited for those who use mobility devices or have limited range of motion. It’s also suited for those who generally practice on the mat, but want to try a new approach to yoga. There will be occasional options for standing asana that use your chair for stability and balance, but seated variations will always be offered. You may join live or practice via recordings in your own time.

Beginner friendly and trauma informed. Open to all, whether or not you are a trauma survivor.

Grounding for Growth

Wednesdays, March 5-April 9, 6:30pm-7:30pm EST. (6 classes)

Teacher: Susan Raposo

During the timeframe of this 6-week series, the season will be transitioning from winter to spring.  Spring represents a time for living beings to find an opportunity for growth and new beginnings, ourselves included.  

After first creating a grounded and deeply rooted foundation, we may then feel more at ease while making individually appropriate shifts and changes.  One way in which we’ll experiment with this is exploring a sense of self-awareness and noticing what, if anything, the body is feeling.  We will also acknowledge that shifts, no matter how small, take effort.  You will be provided with the opportunity to experiment with challenges (modifications provided) to see how moving in new ways may feel. 

Along the way, we will also introduce a key philosophical yoga principle, “sthira sukham asanam”, found in chapter 2 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (an ancient text on the theory and practices of yoga).  This line can be roughly translated to mean “steadiness (sthira) and ease (sukham) in posture (asana)”.  Together we will explore how the shapes made with the body may have a sense of both effort/strength (sthira) and comfort/ease (sukham) as we investigate how these two halves can simultaneously balance and support each other.

Classes will be slow flow based, allowing time for listening, exploration and investigation.  They will take place virtually on Zoom. Participants are welcome to turn their video off if that makes them more comfortable.

*This class will be recorded, with the spotlight on Susan.  If you are unable to attend live, replays will be available for 7 days.  If you want the recording, please make sure to click the box that allows us to email you.

Tiered pricing is available.  Please pay what is appropriate for you right now.  Anyone who is interested in a scholarship for free classes, please email us directly.  No one will be turned away for an inability to pay

No experience necessary. All are welcome.