Gentle Yoga + Guided Meditation
Slow and gentle movements with guided meditation to promote rest and relaxation. The room is slightly warmer than ambient temp.
Classes begin with slow paced movements to warm up the body and end with an extended period of relaxation which includes a guided meditation. Practices will be oriented towards rest and relaxation, as we let go of the day and transition towards sleep. Guided meditation is simply "meditation with the help of a guide". It’s one of the easiest ways to enter into a state of deep relaxation and inner stillness, and it’s one of the most powerful ways to eliminate stress and bring about positive personal changes.
A gentle class usually includes more warm up movements and the postures are often held for longer times. Modifications are offered to help people of all fitness levels enjoy the benefits of yoga without putting themselves at risk for injury. There is a strong emphasis on stretching, seated poses and low-impact movements in these classes.
Gentle yoga, with its emphasis on breathing and quiet reflection, allows us to come away feeling flexible in our bodies, relaxed in our minds, and calmed in our nervous systems. Gentler practices often provide rewards of mental, physiological and spiritual rejuvenation, without having to endure the sweat and tears first.
Gentle yoga can be practiced by just about anyone, regardless of age or physical condition. It is especially great for people with injuries, pain, mobility, or health issues. A gentle yoga practice is a great choice for anyone who is afraid they are not flexible or fit enough to do yoga.
For some people, the thought of a gentle yoga class seems boring or not physically or mentally advantageous. Let us assure you, when you choose a gentle, yinyasa, yin or a slow + stretchy class, your body will benefit in myriad ways. A gentler style of yoga calms the nervous system so that the parasympathetic nervous system can be engaged. This encourages better digestion, a decrease in stress levels, and an enhanced ability to relax and heal. These classes are perfect for people who have trouble falling asleep at night, are constantly running through their to-do lists on their lunch breaks, or whose bodies feel tight and restless.
If you are a Vinyasa junkie who is dubious about trying a gentler practice, know that you don’t have to throw away your sweat sessions altogether. Incorporating a gentle, stretchy, or yin practice just once a week will help you maintain balance in your body, avoid yoga burnout and get to know your body and mind in different ways. And think of it this way: if you’re really resistant to practicing gentle yoga, there may be some valuable lessons to be learned there. If you’ve limited yourself to one type of yoga, consider going beyond that limitation and opening up to a new, slower form of practice.
