Yoga has been around for thousands of years. Recently, Western Society has
rediscovered it. Yoga is a combination of meditation, breathing exercises,
postures and relaxation. All together, these create a more balanced state
of mind/body/spirit. Some of the many benefits of yoga include: strength,
flexibility, increased energy, stress reduction, peace of mind, focus and fun.
One of the wonderful aspects of yoga is that it starts where you are at this
moment. You don't have to be a human pretzel to begin and you don't have to be
an enlightened saint to be interested. All you need is a willingness to learn
and a desire to enhance your life.
Classes begin with a meditation to wind down and focus, followed by pranayama
(breath work) to develop the lungs and bring in more oxygen. Next, there is one
hour of asanas (yoga poses) which tone muscles and create suppleness in muscles
and joints. Class is concluded with a guided relaxation. There is a deliberate
sequencing of the class to slowly work up to more intense postures and to
slowly wind down from them; keeping in tune with the natural rhythms of the
body prevents injuries.
When attending class, wear comfortable workout clothes that allow freedom of
breath and movement. Please refrain from strong perfumes. Try not to eat at
least one hour before class. And it is best to be barefoot for class.
| 1. |  | What is yoga? | back | | Yoga is a non-religious Eastern discipline originated from India thousands of years ago. There are many aspects of yoga focusing upon the body, mind and spirit to become healthier and more balanced. The most popular form of yoga today is Hatha, which deals with the body- the more physical aspects. | | | 2. | | I've heard of so many types of yoga. What's the difference between them? | back | | The majority of yoga classes you hear about are Hatha based, the physical aspect of yoga. Hatha classes include Astanga, Iyengar, Hot Yoga, Viniyoga, Power Yoga, and Anusara. Each of these has their own focus. Iyengar is very much alignment based. Kundalini focuses quite a bit on the chakras and moving energy. Astanga is dynamic and a bit more aerobic. Sometimes studios can get very protective of their style of teaching. I like to remind people that it all originates from the same yoga thousands of years ago. It is a very personal practice and I tell people just to find an instructor you like and resonate with. It doesn't matter if its Venutian Yoga, if it works, it works! Just be careful of disciplines that are disrespectful of the human body and try to push you past your limits. Your greatest guide and teacher are inside of you. | | | 3. | | What style of yoga do you teach at PRANANDA? | back | | The best way to describe the style of yoga I teach is eclectic Hatha with a strong emphasis on the breath. It's fun and wonderful to be able to contort your body into different positions but its just contortions without the power, magic and prana (life force) of the breath. It is an HONOR for me to be a yoga instructor. I believe it is my job to guide and assist a student and not dictate. You are your own best teacher. You have lived and used your body your entire life. Who am I or any other teacher to say otherwise? I get the very cool privilege to witness the sacred yoga journey of each student in my class. I've made very careful decisions about the instructors at PRANANDA to have them uphold this mission of respecting the body, mind spirit and path of each student. I've had many teachers and taken different trainings ranging from Astanga and Iyengar focused, Forrest Yoga and a smattering of Anusara and Viniyoga. I like to think that I've taken the best from all worlds because some disciplines are much more conducive to certain body types and injuries. | | | 4. | | Can I do yoga while menstruating? | back | | There are many opinions about this. In some disciplines, women don't practice at all. Others say your practice should be limited to cooling postures such as gentle forward bends and hip openers. Keep in mind many older texts were written only by males. Inversions can stop the flow for some women. I've found it all depends on your body and its response. Going up in a headstand for five minutes is not a good idea. Thirty seconds might be fine for you. There are many women who swear by their practice during their flow because it prevents cramping. | | | 5. | | What should I wear to class? | back | | Comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict your breathing or body movements. Layers are also good because certain postures will crank up the prana and can make you quite warm. Bare feet are essential for a safe yoga experience. Bare feet grip the floor and yoga mat more effectively. | | | 6. | | Do I need to bring anything to class? | back | | A water bottle and an open attitude to learn are wonderful things to bring. All other props are supplied- mats, blankets, blocks and straps. | | | 7. | | Can you suggest a good yoga video? | back | | There are hundreds on the market now, all different levels and styles of yoga. We’re obviously partial to ours! You can order the PRANANDA Hip Opening Yoga DVD on this website (see homepage). There are three levels to grow with your practice. Stay tuned for our next DVD by 2009. You can also go to your local library and check out many yoga videos or New Renaissance in NW Portland and rent them. | | | 8. | | Where can I buy yoga props? | back | | Right here at PRANANDA… We have jute or colorful biodegradable yoga mats, yoga mat tote bags, wool blankets, straps (cotton or hemp), blocks (cork or foam) and exercise balls. There is also incense, yoga CDs, DVDs, sweatshirts, T-shirts, yoga literature and more available for sale at the studio. | |
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