Yoga & Meditation

This class will combine the benefits of yoga and meditation. There will be a focus on warm-ups and yoga postures that will help to improve a seated meditation practice.

An emphasis on physical endurance and mindfulness of the breath will be taught.

Compared to other classes at Sunrise Yoga Studio, such as Ashtanga yoga, Flow yoga and Kripalu yoga, this class will focus more on moon salutations and agni kriya (a heat generating sequence) to warm up the body, instead of sun salutations. Also, a number of hip openers, chest openers, and gentle core strengthening will be taught in this class. In addition, you will be offered a variety of physical assists that will help you soften and feel grounded in your postures.

This class will start with 10 minutes of seated meditation, followed by a 45 minute asana practice, then closing with 10 minutes of seated meditation. The seated meditation will be the Shamatha technique (open eyes with focus on the breath).

Beginning and closing the class with sitting will give the student an idea of how their body & mind feels before and after an asana practice. Mindfulness will be encouraged throughout this practice, and the Shamatha technique will be demonstrated before each sitting, if required (especially for those who have not received meditation instruction, or would like a refresher).