Yoga Session Overview and Formats

Yoga Session Overview Private Individual Yoga Sessions Private Yoga Sessions for Couples or Small Groups Group Classes

Yoga Session Overview

The blending of Yogic techniques and tools will depend upon the interests and comfort levels of the individual or group involved and will be chosen to help meet the goals and intentions of that person or group. Not all sessions will include everything, but here is a list of basic elements that sessions can include:

Prayer
This can be formal prayer of your own choosing, the singing or reciting of a Sanskrit prayer, or it can be simply setting an intention for your practice. The purpose in any form is to set the tone and intention of the Yoga session.

Chanting
Chanting calms and focuses the mind. It also helps purify the mind and creates positive within the mental field. In this way chanting acts in a way that is similar to an affirmation. Various Sanskrit Mantras can be use for different effects and intentions.

Asana (Yogic Postures)
Asana is the first thing that most people think of when someone says they practice Yoga. These are the physical positions or postures which relax, open and purify the body. The focus of awareness, intention to relax and the integration of the practice with the breath distinguish Yoga Asana practice from "stretching" as a part of aerobic exercise.

Pranayama (Yogic Breathing)
These are breathing techniques that purify and balance the energy pathways of the body. As the practices advance, techniques are used to learn control over the energy (prana) itself. Pranayama is an important tool that uses awareness of breath as a conscious bridge between Body and Mind.

Meditation
Meditation is the practice of stilling the mind and reflecting up the nature of experience and the Mind itself. Learning to meditate involves various stages of relaxation and learning to slow down the activities of the mind.

Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra means "Yogic Sleep" and is a practice involving guided meditation and a systematic relaxation of the body so as to induce deep and complete relaxation while maintaining full awareness.

Tantra Practices
I may also offer various practices from the Tantric schools to help individual students progress in a needed area or to explore and experience an area of specific interest. This may include a specific ritual to be used, practices based upon Tantra Kundalini Yoga or Tantra Kriya Yoga, or a simple practice which can be integrated into daily life.

Yoga Education
For those interested, I can also share information about various philosophies and paths including Tantra, Advaita Vedanta, Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion), Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge), and Karma Yoga (Path of Action or Service).

Private Individual Yoga Sessions

There are many reasons to have a private individual session:

• Prefer privacy
• You have unique needs and interests
• Prefer individual attention and guidance
• You have a schedule which makes other options difficult
• Prefer Practicing in your own home

The Individual Session is for someone who has special scheduling needs or who just prefers a more individualized and customized program.

In a Private Individual Session, we focus on specific interests and goals. It can be used to fine tune elements of your Yoga Practice, or to get techniques which may not be available in most Yoga Classes.

It is excellent also for practitioners at any level who are looking for tools and techniques to deepen a personal practice, or a deeper understanding of the philosophies underlying Yogic Practice.

Private Yoga Sessions for Couples or Small Groups

There are many reasons for Private Small Group Sessions:

• Prefer privacy
• You have unique needs and interests
• Prefer individual attention and guidance
• You have a schedule which makes other options difficult
• Prefer Practicing in your own home
• Prefer to share yoga with friends and family

This is a great way to privately share an experience with those you care about. For a couple it is an excellent way to develop a deeper personal connection while at the same time improving their health and reducing stress.

It is also a great way for a small group of likeminded friends to share a common practice and interested which will help deepen the group's bond as well as providing the positive benefits of Yoga Practice.

Even for a larger group of up to 10 people, it allows for your group to select the participants, be it friends, family, neighbors or co-workers. You choose the people to share your growth and life changes with. These people will help encourage and motivate each other and, they will also be there to help you celebrate the positive changes that occur through your regular Yoga practice together.

Group Classes

There are many reasons to attend open Group Classes:

• Receive support and motivation from the group
• Connect with like minded people
• Make New friends
• Find an important reason for personal time
• Learn from Others

Weekly Yoga Class Schedule

Due to limited class size and an intimate setting, you must pre-register for each individual class date.

Select a class below and click "Register Now!" to check class dates and availablity.

Unless otherwise indicated, all classes will be held at Jeff's Home Studio in Avondale Estates and are $15 per class.

Click on the Class Name or scroll down the page to read the class description

A class for Men who wish to explore traditional Hatha yoga in an environment which supports and nurtures positive body image. Clothing is removed towards the beginning of the class with awareness given towards freeing the participants of the masks and limitations that we sometimes feel are needed in our daily lives.

The class then moves through traditional Hatha Yoga postures which strengthen and gently open the body while at the same time deepening relaxation and Self awareness. Each man is given space to honor, experience and deeply heal his own body and mind through this practice.

It is asked that you have some basic knowledge of yoga to participate. Please bring your own Yoga Mat and a towel to class.

This is a traditional Hatha Yoga practice which is open to anyone, male or female. It is structured for people new to yoga, allowing more time for demonstration and feedback.

The class is a balanced practice of strengthing and gentle stretching with focus on awareness of breath and body sensations. An introduction to chanting and pranayama are included in the class.

The pace and difficulty of the class will increase as the participants become more experienced.

Please bring your own Yoga Mat and a towel.