YOGA
People have asked me how I have been able to show up on my yoga mat and cushion daily for the last 50 years and the answer is simple-I have become a better person both inside and out. I both bow and weep when I think of the power of this practice for bringing the body and mind back into harmony and balance. A treasure not to be missed…
Standing poses– for strength and stability; backbends– for releasing shoulders and opening the heart and lungs; twists– for purifying our internal organs; forward bends for releasing tension in the whole backside of the body and cultivating surrender; inversions– that bring the heart above the head and improve circulation; restorative poses– that have an enormous capacity to heal stress related tension in our body and mind; breathing practices– that allows us to go with the flow of life – practicing opening and letting go. meditation-that offers the time and space to be still and get to know ourselves; relaxation- the nervous systems best friend; And lastly, our the “off the mat practices called the Yamas & Niyamas (resembling the ten commandments and the ten virtues of Buddhism such as non harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, right use of energy, non-hoarding; cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self study, and contemplation….. what’s not to love?
Yoga is for everyone, however choosing the class that fits your own individual bodily needs is important. Posed might need to be modified with walls, chairs, blocks, straps, and bolsters to support each individual bodies strengths and weaknesses- thus providing safety, balance and ease.
I have been blessed in the early days to have studied yoga with many masterful teachers including B.K.S. Iyengar founder of Iyengar Yoga; John Friend founder of Anusara Yoga; and Paul Muller-Ortega Ph.D renowed academic scholar in religious studies. My earlier training and certification was in Iyengar Yoga where I learned precise alignment, dynamism and therapeutic applications of yoga; Decades later I received certification in Anusara Yoga, where I learned Universal Principles of Alignment for the inner and outer body that are in harmony with the Universe and its pulsation.
I respect, honor, and teach a combination of both methods in my classes and also weave inspirational teachings, quotes, poetry and humor into my classes as well. The classes are “seriously playful” ensuring safety .light-heartness, balance and well being.
And it is my great joy to share this precious gift of yoga with all.
Namaste
“It is through your body that you realize you are a spark of divinity.”
Yoga Sangha Summer 2024 (On-Line Classes Only)
Jan is in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia for the summer, and will return for in-person and hybrid classes in the Fall. Thank you for your interest in yoga.
Wednesday Mixed Levels 1+ & 2 5:15pm – 6:30pm
Workshops, Level 1 & Gentle yoga, breathing, meditation, & relaxation classes TBA (*starting again in the Fall of 2024)
Sunday Mixed Levels 1 & 2 9:00am – 10:30am
Private Yoga Asana Classes: A skilled “private eye” is a body’s best friend. Young and old benefit from this one-on-one attention. You body, like a car, is your precious vehicle this lifetime, and therefore needs to be looked at and tuned up to get the most mileage. A private instructor can watch, notice, and guide you to the best posture that suits your own particular bodies strengths and weaknesses. You could be doing yoga for a long time and be unaware of imbalances or asymmetries. And then, the very same thing you are doing to balance and heal may eventually cause pain, weakness or injury. Treat yourself!
Privat Breathing & Meditation Sessions (taking care of ourselves from the inside-out) Sometimes are bodies are in great shape, but our minds are all over the place. The inner practices of yogic breathing, meditation and relaxation help us to connect with our mind and heart, and rediscover our own basic goodness. This creates more harmony and peace in our lives and in the world.
Private Body/Mind/Life Coaching: see the following pages for more information.
Cost Of Private Sessions: Prices vary according to frequency, location and duration. Please contact Jan for more information.
Namaste