No matter what our yoga goals are or what “level” we are at, it is important that we are always on the lookout for opportunities to go deeper into our practice. Going deeper doesn’t necessarily mean forcing our bodies into advanced poses, but rather, being able to expand on our abilities to get the the most out of our practice.
Taking our yoga to the next level not only keeps our practice fresh and alive, but it will help us connect more with our most intuitive selves and will help us break through those body/mind barriers. And one of the most beautiful things about yoga is that it can never truly be mastered – there is always room for growth, improvement and the opportunity to go deeper.
Looking for new ways to move more deeply into your practice? This week’s featured classes will help you do just that. Also, our very own Tias Little shares his insights into how to enrich and deepen your yoga practice.
- Sneak Into a Deep Practice with Stephanie Snyder: This is my go to sequence when part of my mind wants a full-on practice and the other part of my mind wants to lay around the house! We will start from the ground up and let the practice slowly build in intesity. Beginning with an earthy floor practice and easing our way up to standing flow, headstand, and Urdhva Dhanurasana. Its a foxy flow that will sneak you into a deep practice. Hope you love it.
- Deep Flexion/Extension of the Frontal Hip with Tias Little: This class begins with a guided “check-in” to settle the prana and connect to the Great Silence and the Vastness within. The asana sequence creates elasticity in the frontal hip joint. The sequence involves slow but powerfully deep work. Through twists, front extensions and backward movements we stretch the front leg leading into the chakras along the spine. Suggested Props: Bolster, Blanket, Strap (with loop in it), Block.
- Deep Practice to Get Grounded with Felicia Tomasko: This deceptively simple, yet profoundly deep practice allows us to get grounded. This restorative class interweaves the teachings of Ayurveda throughout to help us to feel connected to the earth and find our sense of walking grounded, focused and with ease. According to Ayurveda, the energetic quality of the vata dosha is characterized by air, space and movement. It is increased by the constant movement in our lives and the antidote is to get grounded–which is what we are doing here. We begin with stretches of the feet, move into squats, and then utilize the strap and props for an experience that allows us to feel grounded and walk with ease the rest of the day. Props needed: Blanket, Bolster, Block, Strap.
- Deep Body Reset with David Harshada Wagner: An extended meditation connecting to and soothing the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems of the physical body.
- Free Your Hamstrings for Deeper Poses with Sianna Sherman: This one-hour practice will help free up your hamstrings for safe passage into deep openings. The sequence is a methodical and grounded practice that progresses from standing poses, to supine and seated asanas, with a grand finale in full splits, Hanumanasana.
- Access a Deep Meditative State with Kia Miller: Lungs, Magnetic Field and Deep Meditation. This series of exercises are all done seated, and can even be done in a chair. They are designed to expand your lung capacity, stimulate your circulatory system, and balance your electromagnetic field. The theme of Pratyahara, is used, a focusing of your senses inward. Experience moments of pure awareness between the poses as you are gently invited to access a state of calm and meditation (dharana, dhyana, samadhi). This is an excellent preparation for beginners who need to learn how to access a deep meditative state.
