Yoga Class Descriptions

Hatha
A balanced combination of sustained poses with attention to basic alignment and therapeutic principals. Mindfulness; observing breath and body (triputi) are an integral part of class. This style of yoga provides a great stretch and strengthens the body.

Hatha Flow
A balanced combination of sustained poses (Hatha) as well as poses flowing in a mindful progression from one to another. Attention is always given to basic alignment & therapeutic principles. Mindfulness; observing breath and body (triputi) are an integral part of class. Classes are balanced with energy, to give you a good physical work-out, and calm, to keep you balanced.

Slow Flow
Similar to Hatha Flow yet suitable for individuals who are challenged by back and/or joint problems or chronic health issues. We will work in our pain-free range of motion.

Restorative Yoga
In restorative yoga, props such as bolsters and blankets are used to fully support the body, allowing it to open slowly and naturally with no effort. Concentration is on the breath, allowing for a deep introspective class which restores energy to the body and calmness to the mind.

Vijnana Yoga Level 2
These classes are suitable for yoga practitioners with at least a year of yoga practice experience, and some familiarity with inversions. We begin the class with sitting, kriyas and pranayama. A specific topic is explored, such as an area of physical anatomy or one of the 7 essential principles, and how this effects the methodology of asanas. We flow through poses to experience the effect of concentrated practice, and we look closely at specific poses and actions in the body.

Infinite Ease
This class is a melding of Yoga and the Alexander Technique. Learn about the simple discovery that elicits the bodies natural tendency towards perfection!

Sunrise Yoga
This is an open class. It begins with a short sitting meditation, pranayama, and stretching, then workshop particular poses. The class continues with a flow sequence, such as sun or moon salutations, Forgiveness Asana Series, or linked standing poses. Then some of the Tensegrity Repair Series, supine poses, sitting poses ending with restorative yoga and savasana.

Yin Yoga
Yin is a therapeutic class that meditative, slow paced, and helps balance an active lifestyle. We will explore long deep stretching to enhance flexibility and joint mobility while encouraging healing and realigning the body’s connective tissues. With deep stretching through the pelvis, hips, low spine and shoulders we will help create spaciousness and stillness in the mind. All levels are encouraged and welcome.

Other Offerings

Kirtan
Kirtan is a part of the Hindu tradition of singing the praises of the divine in its many forms; as such it is an important practice of bhakti (devotional) yoga. The format is typically call-and-response in Sanskrit, but there are also songs from a wide range of spiritual traditions. The Centre is fortunate in having many fine singers and musicians and a strong kirtan following. There is no charge and everyone is welcome to join us (no experience necessary!). We gather at the Centre each Wednesday at 7:30pm, beginning again on March 23rd.

Satsang
Satsang is a gathering at which spiritual seekers sing kirtan and other devotional songs, listen to spiritual readings and meditate together. This is an important part of the Centre schedule attended by 20-60 people each week. We meet at the Centre at 3:30pm every Sunday of the year. On the first Sunday of each month (except January) we also offer a community dinner after satsang.

Arati
Arati is a ceremony of devotional service offered to one’s chosen ideal of God. With the help of sound, forms, rhythms, gestures, flowers, light, incense and offerings, the mind is carried away from its material preoccupation toward a world of divine beauty.

Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is one of the great scriptures of the world and the cornerstone of Indian spirituality. It consists of 700 verses set in the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata, in which Krishna, the teacher, gives a multifaceted teaching on yoga to his friend turned devotee, Arjuna, a warrior of legendary skill. In this dialogue Krishna covers in depth the three main paths of yoga: jnana yoga (the way of knowledge), karma yoga (the path of selfless service), and bhakti yoga (the path of devotion). The Gita was a constant companion for Gandhi who regarded it as a practical handbook for daily living. We have a Gita study group at the Centre that meets weekly during the program season (March through November). See the calendar for times.