Ashtanga Fusion Yoga Class Description

This class will include both Traditional Asthanga classes and Vinyasa classes, varying by week. See below for descriptions of both the Traditional Ashtanga Yoga Class and Vinyasa Yoga Class.

Traditional Ashtanga Yoga Class Description

Ashtanga Yoga classes are taught according to the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. This method of Yoga uses the breath to flow through a sequence of standing, seated and closing postures, with each asana preparing the practitioner for the next. Vinyasas (breath with movement) are used to link one posture to the next, producing internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies the body. Bandhas (energy locks) and drishti (gaze) are also employed to help lighten the body and focus the mind. Eventually one learns to effectively combine the breath, bandhas, drishti and vinyasa (movement through the asanas) to unite Body, Mind, Soul and Spirit.

I teach these classes as they are being taught in India today. Opening and closing mantras are chanted at every class (some Sanskrit counting). These classes will give the student a really good foundation of the basics of the Ashtanga practice... the breath, bandhas and drishti as well as the vinyasa flow that has made the Ashtanga yoga discipline so popular.

These classes are appropriate for all levels, though be prepared for a more athletic physical discipline. Everyone is welcome whether or not you have had experience with Ashtanga Yoga (though some experience with yoga generally is helpful).

Vinyasa Yoga Class Description (sometimes called Power Yoga)

Vinyasa Flow yoga flows the same as an Ashtanga class but the students get to experience a variety of other poses not usually practice in the traditional primary series. Breath, Bandhas and Drishti are still emphasized and Vinyasas are practiced throughout the class to flow from one sequence of poses to another.

Some previous yoga experience is recommended but not required.

Hatha Yoga Class Description

Hatha yoga classes are suitable for every level and are appropriate for people new to yoga. Breath and flow are emphasized and used to move from one sequence of poses to another. Class pace is relaxed with variations and modifications of the poses throughout.

Meditation Class Description

Guided Meditations are an excellent way to begin a meditation practice. Many people become frustrated with "Eastern meditation" styles because they tend to focus on emptying the mind and freeing oneself from thought, which can be a very difficult task, especially for beginners. Guided meditation, on the other hand, takes the practitioner on a journey which the mind can follow with ease. Meditation classes are for those wishing to journey beyond the boundaries of the physical world to explore the other subtle energy bodies... or those just needing to relax and de-stress. Mediation can help one learn more about oneself and one's path in life as well as relaxing, healing and uniting the body, mind, soul and spirit.

Drop-In Meditation Class Description

These drop-in classes are founded in my usual guided meditation style, but other methods and techniques are also explored... as we travel beyond the boundaries of ordinary consciousness.

Some of the themes and/or techniques that may be explored include:

• Introduction to visualization
• Discovering Sacred Time and Space
• Connecting with the Divine Within
• Sound vibrations
• Colour energies
• Elemental energies

I look forward to being your guide on this journey!

For other meditation class options please see Meditation Classes.

Private Classes

I am also available to teach private classes.The cost is $50 for a 60 minute class at your home or $75 (this price includes the price of renting Epic Yoga Studio) for a 60 minute class at Epic Yoga in Maple Ridge. Please contact me if you have any questions or if you are interested in either private or semi-private (small group) classes.

Sadhana

Sadhana = 'means to realization' or 'spiritual practice'. All my classes are taught as Sadhana with an emphasis on the spiritual nature of the yoga. Yoga is too often divorced from its spiritual background and I hope to encourage students to delve deeper into their practice sharing mantras, mudras, philosophy and throughout all of my classes.

My Yoga Bio

I began my yoga practice in 1999. My first introduction to yoga was Ashtanga Yoga taught by Mike Dennison and Fiona Stang of City Yoga. These Ashtanga Yoga classes were taught according to the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. I immediately fell in love with the style, structure and philosophy of the traditional Ashtanga system. After many years of practicing Ashtanga with a variety of teachers, I was inspired to teach the traditional system of Ashtanga to others. Therefore, I returned to my original teacher, Fiona Stang (one of only eight people in Canada authorized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois) and husband Julian Deck to study. I have a strong personal practice and I am very passionate about the Ashtanga Yoga system. I teach my classes as they are being taught in India today. Opening and closing mantras are chanted at every class as well as some Sanskrit counting. I have a great interest in spirituality, both Western and Eastern, and being a very spiritual person, I find that yoga is extremely effective in achieving the body, mind, soul and spirit connection. I truly believe that Yoga is more than just the poses, it is a sacred practice for the whole being.

I teach anywhere from a complete beginner Ashtanga class through to the full Primary Series in Ashtanga.