About Yoga

Yoga means "union." It is the union or pulling together of your mind, body and spirit. To practice yoga is more than moving on a mat. It is incorporating the yogic ideas in your every day living. The work you do on the mat reminds you to persevere and be flexible or "roll" with the "bumps on the road of life." When we think of yoga, we think of the physical postures or asanas*. But yoga actually includes:

Yamas--wise characteristics -- "Things NOT to Do"

Niyamas--rules or laws -- "Things TO Do"

Asanas--physical postures

Pranayama--breathing exercises

Pratyahara--controlling incoming information, withdrawal of five senses

Dharana--first step, focusing and growing awareness of inner self

Dhyana--more advanced, devotion, meditation on the Divine

Samadhi--most advanced, togetherness with the Divine

During a practice, yoga should not "hurt" but rather "hurt so good!" The work you do varies from one day to the next, and you should not measure your performance. You appreciate where you are and what you can do in the present moment. We work hard through the physical postures so your monkey mind can settle and allow the opportunity for rest, relaxation and renewal.

Yoga works with any faith belief system. I have found that yogic principles align with my beliefs as a Christian. These techniques also reflect the strategies I teach to students as a counselor on how to manage conflict and challenges and interacting in safe, respectful ways with others.