Yoga
Hatha YogaWhat is Hatha Yoga?
Hatha yoga came out of Tantra which viewed the body as a microcosm of the universe. The two component syllables ‘ha’ and ‘tha’ are often explained as meaning sun and moon and the corresponding polarities of right and left, male and female, active and receptive, light and dark, hot and cold and so on. The word hatha literally means ‘forceful’. This is in reference to the amount of effort required to balance and unite the opposing solar and lunar forces.
The word yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning "to bind, attach, yoke, or join". It involves integration of the body, mind and spirit. It is a tradition of spiritual discipline comprising different approaches to self-realization or enlightenment.
Benefits of Yoga
There are many benefits of practicing yoga regularly. The one most often reported by my students over the years is they find it is very helpful for stress management.
Other reported benefits include:
- gentle way to ease back into exercise after injury
- increased flexibility
- increased strength
- smoother breathing
- mood stabilization
- greater awareness of body sensations, thoughts and emotions
- mental clarity
- sense of spiritual connection
Class Descriptions
The approach is slow, safe and gentle. I am adept at teaching the newcomer and making yoga accessible for people of all levels. Classes are comprised of poses, breath work, relaxation and meditation. Group classes are small and intimate, usually around 14 people, so you will receive plenty of individual attention.
Classes are progressive. Attending a session gives you a chance to experience the cumulative effects of regular practice and explore how your practice evolves from week to week. If you prefer you can attend on a drop-in basis.
Beginner
Suitable for new and returning students, you will learn foundational yoga practices using a slow and gentle approach. Sessions are cumulative beginning with basic postures gradually preparing the body for more strenuous positions. Considerations are made for those who have chronic conditions, are pregnant or are in post-operative rehabilitation. Classes will help you manage stress, improve flexibility and increase strength.Intermediate
Suitable for experienced yoga practitioners, classes focus on the integration of breath with a wide range of poses including inverted positions. Develop abdominal support, posture and balance while you improve concentration, flexibility and self-awareness.Partner Yoga
Come explore yoga in connection with another. Practice two-person and assisted poses by pairing up with a friend, spouse, family member or classmate. Partner yoga enhances awareness, develops communication skills and helps to deepen the stretch. It is also a lot of fun! Some yoga experience preferred but not essential. No partner required to sign up.Register
2024 Winter
Beginner - Tuesdays 5:45 to 7:15 pm
Winter Set 1
Winter Set 2
Intermediate - Tuesdays 7:30 to 9:00 pm
Winter Set 1
Winter Set 2
1 Kingsway at Main Street in Vancouver
604.257.3080