Learn how to relax and release tight, contracted muscles and improve motor function through a combination of yoga postures, meditative somatic movement, and the use of "pandiculation." (*)  This combined technique stimulates the brain and nervous system to release chronic muscle tension so that the brain can take back voluntary control of otherwise involuntarily contracted muscles. 

While our brain and central nervous system controls our muscles and movement, it can also keep our bodies tight and contracted due to accidents, injuries, repetitive tasks, or on-going stress.  If we sit at a computer all day long, our muscles learn to stay contracted only to a certain length in order to be ready to hold that same position again the next day.  In other words, our muscles habituate to whatever it is we do repeatedly, and certain muscles become set, by the brain, at a certain length and get "stuck" on.  Through neuromuscular re-patterning, students learn to re-educate their muscles to relieve habitual postural tensions and maladaptive movement habits while setting healthy, supportive muscle tone and joint function.  

This unique, meditative floor-based class gives priority to the internal experience and perception of movement, rather than in the external perfection of a pose.  Somatic Yoga is for everyone - including those with chronic pain (especially in the shoulders, back, and hips), those with limited range-of-motion who want to move more efficiently and freely, those who are recovering from trauma or an injury and are seeking to prevent future problems, as well as experienced yogis who are suffering from chronic instability, injury, pain or just want a more meditative practice.  Designed to be a safe and effective way to utilize our ability to self-heal, self-correct, and ultimately gain self-mastery while quieting the mind.  (Based on Eleanor Criswell's Somatic Yoga & Thomas Hanna Somatics, and draws heavily from biofeedback research literature for actual effects of the practice..)

 (*)  Pandiculation refers to the act of stretching (often when yawning), usually done upon waking. It is done instinctively by humans and animals alike as a way of waking up the brain's sensory-motor cortex to prepare the body and the brain for normal sensing and moving.   It results in a feeling of relaxation and increased energy.  

Slow, rich, and satisfying.  We know that sometimes a traditional flow class is just too fast.  For this class, we slow the flow down while giving extra emphasis to developing core strength, and then wraps-it-up with a long 10-15 minute savasana, and 5-10 minutes of meditation.  Perfect for those who like slower movement but with a bit more challenge than our Yoga Basics classes, as well as those who are looking to move toward a traditional flow class. 

Other New Classes

Senior / Boomer Yoga

with Carol  

Fridays at 11:00-12:15  (classes have started)

Karma Yoga

with Carol / Lindsey

Saturdays 4:00-5:15 pm  (classes have started). 

Reach new heights!  Success in arm balances and inversions comes one-third from strength, one-third from flexibility, and one-third is from understanding the mechanics of the pose.   During this intensive, we'll explore how to approach arm balances and inversions with patience, intelligence, and compassion.   Building core strength will also be emphasized.  Practicing arm balances and inversions safely and consciously leads to confidence, equanimity, and personal freedom that can be taken off the mat and into your daily life.  More >>  

with Lori McCormick

Starts January 1

Register Early - Only 5 Spots Left!

This special yoga intensive will begin with a Flow practice to warm the body... we'll move into twisting poses to cleanse and purify the organs... finishing with restorative poses to relax the body and prepare the mind and heart for deeper work. This combination is specifically designed to stimulate and purify the internal organs, increase respiration and circulation, improve digestion, and is an effective way to detoxify and renew the body.

In addition to detoxifying our bodies through a Flow practice, we'll work to cleanse our mind, heart, and spirit through the use of meditation and reflection - starting a new year with an expanded heart, an opened mind, and a lightened spirit.  More >>