We often have an idyllic perception of how things should be, and that takes us out of relationship with how things are. This disconnect can create more stress as we fight and resist, rather than letting go and finding an openness to what is.
This week’s featured classes will help you manage your expectations so you can cultivate a better relationship with your practice and yourself.
- Reset Your Expectations with Tiffany Cruikshank: This class is about resetting your expectations to change your relationship to your practice and yourself. We’ll use a hearty array of standing poses to prepare for a backbending practice to reframe your expectations. Culminating with viparita dandasana variations and backbend/headstand transitions (but don’t let that scare you away that’s just the last few minutes
- See More Clearly with Elena Brower: Inspired by Erich Schiffman’s talk at the 2011 Ojai Yoga Crib, this meditation is about creating space for “seeing” our children, and OURSELVES, more clearly, for who we are. Release projections, expectations, frustrations and cultivate listening, seeing, and healing.
- Yogi Playground with Taylor Harkness: This flow is about playfully transitioning through the unknown. Out of the box sequencing for a full body flow will remind us to let go of control and expectations. It’s time for recess. Drop your worries and let’s play. Props Needed: Two blocks and a strap.
- Explore Your Expectations with Jo Tastula: The intention for this class is to explore all of the expectations we put on ourselves and particularly our yoga practice. We often have an idyllic perception of how things should be, and that takes us out of relationship with how things are. This disconnect can create more stress as we fight and resist, rather than letting go and finding an openness to what is. This is an easy level 2 flow, so appropriate for strong level 1/2 ers. We break down that baffling side plank variation (vasistasana) and build a little heat and coordination as we flow around the mat in all directions through warrior 2 (virabhadrasana) extended side angle (utthita parsvakonasana) wide legged forward bend (prasarita padottanasana) pose of the war god (skandasana vinyasa) and a few others. There is great learning and growth in not always choosing those things that we like and that we’re good at. This applies to our yoga practice. We finish with sphinx (and pulling one leg in quad stretch) locust (shalabhasana) bow (dhanurasana). With love and savasana.
- Stoke Your Fire with Claudine Lafond: Build strength and tone your entire body with this dynamic class designed to make you sweat. A flowing sequence intended to open up your body, build strength and detoxify your system. Do as much or as little as you can without judgements or expectations. Set the intention of igniting your inner spark. Plenty of handstand options to help you stoke your fire. Props Needed: A block and wall space.
