Yoga is the oldest self-improvement system in the world. It originated in India thousands of years ago as a way to revitalize the body, mind and spirit and to ease the path to enlightenment.

Although it is more than physical activity most North Americans think of yoga as exercise. As a physical exercise it is a non-competitive way to move the body, a way to create a positive body image and to increase flexibility and strength. The asanas or postures work the whole person. They increase the flexibility of the muscles and joints; stretch the spine; tone the internal organs, nerves and glands; and release stress and other blocks held within the body. Yoga practice also includes Pranayama or Yoga breathing with an understanding of how Prana or the life force moves through the body. Mindful breathing and other focusing aids during asana practice and meditation help instill the powerful benefit of yoga.

Yoga is more than a good stretch. With the practice of Yoga day-to-day life becomes easier;energy increases and at the same time the busy-ness of the mind eases.

According to Patanjali, considered to be the father of Yoga, there are eight limbs to complete Yoga practice with the physical aspect being the third limb. In his Yoga Sutras, the eight limbs are not laid out as a ladder one step leading to the next. They are more like the limbs of a strong oak tree, intertwined and always reaching.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga are:

Yamas - the five moral restraints of yoga: a. Ahimsa - non-violence b. Satya - truth c. Asteya - non-stealing d. Aparigraha - non-greediness e. Brahmacharya - moderation - watching what you give your energy to.

Niyamas - the five observances of yoga: a. Saucha - purity b. Santosa - contentment c. Tapas - purification d. Svadhyaya - self-study e. Ishvara Pranidhana - surrender to the infinite reservoir of universal knowledge; devotion to a higher being.

Asana - posture practice
Pranayama - breath
Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses; turning inward
Dharana - concentration; mindfulness
Dhyana - meditation
Samadhi - bliss; contemplation

The word Ohm derives from the Sanskrit language, and signifies that even during the quietest times of the day, there is never absolute silence.  There is always an undercurrent of sound that resembles that of a soft breeze or the ocean in the distance. This under current has been call the "Ohm Sound," which helps us to feel our connectedness to our environment and all that exists in the world.  Repeating the Ohm sound brings peace and serenity to the mind.  By helping us time in to an ever-present vibration, it cultivates a feeling of oneness with our surroundings.  It symbolizes unfolding or expansion. 

OM is the supreme and most sacred syllable, consisting in Sanskrit of the three sounds (a), (u), and (m), representing various fundamental triads and believed to be the spoken essence of the universe. It is uttered as a mantra and in affirmations and blessings.

There is harmony, peace and bliss in this simple but deeply philosophical sound. By vibrating the sacred syllable Om, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Ultimate Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the highest state of "stateless" eternity, states the Bhagavad Gita

The word Om (aum) derives from the Sanskrit. The Om is the primordial sound by which the earth was created- a similar concept to the Greek Logos. It symbolizes unfolding or expansion- when pronounced, it begins in the lungs, and ends on the lips.

The symbol representing Om is called the omkar, and has four parts, representing the four states of human awareness:

The ordinary waking, or material state:

The state of deep sleep:

The dream state:

Absolute conscience, or the awakened state:

Yoga by its very nature is challenging, yet it is not a contest or a race. Doing yoga correctly means paying attention to your breath and your body on the inside. You'll benefit from class by your effort no matter how flexible or strong you are or aren't. Don't worry about what the person next to you is doing. As long as you are feeling the posture, and you can maintain a smooth breath, you are practicing correctly.
Please don't push yourself too hard, especially in the beginning. Your yoga practice should not cause you pain. Yoga is a lifelong practice, and there is no need to be in a rush. This practice encourages you to begin slowly, practice regularly, breathe deeply, pay attention and build on the small, gradual changes you observe as you progress. We recommend that you practice three times a week in order to see some change and benefit.

In some classes, especially the Astanga and flow classes, the instructors will adjust you by touching you appropriately and gently guiding you to the proper position. If you have an objection to being touched, please let us know before class.

Each class will end with 5-15 minutes of relaxation in Savasana pose. If you need to leave class early for any reason, please do so before we begin Savasana so as not to disturb others. We do not advise that you skip Savasana except when the situation cannot be avoided.

Most importantly, we want you to have fun!

Please do not wear perfumes or scented lotions to class. Avoid heavy use of garlic or strong spices as these will permeate the class upon the use of the deep breathing and prespiration. 

Wear clothes that you can easily move in but that aren’t too baggy. Bare feet are preferred.

Each class begins with a physical, information and mental warm-up so please arrive at least ten minutes prior to class to get settled before the warm-up.

It is best to practice yoga on an empty stomach. Please do not eat for 2-3 hours before class. 

Please come to class well-hydrated, and drink plenty of water after class.

Please do not bring cell phones or pagers to class.

Please let your instructor know if you have any injuries or if you are pregnant.

Feel free to ask questions at any time, especially if you do not understand something.

Please bring an open mind and a positive spirit. Be prepared to sweat.
If you need to leave early, please let the instructor know. Also if something comes up and you have to drop out of the session, let the instructor know. 

Most importantly, have fun!