Yoga for Stressful Times

This is a series that began as a practice for me in this difficult political climate. I am drawn more and more to small classes that can support us with community, connections and yoga asana.

Classes are a combination of active and passive poses, along with time for relaxation and meditation. The combination of breath, movement and mindful attention will provide a way to cope with difficult situations.

Progression and sequences of poses will build skill and understanding, from pose to pose, and class to class. This precision in action emphasizes correct alignment of the body within poses,  building strength and stamina, balance and flexibility, and a renewed sense of well being. Eastern/Western views of physical and subtle support, can enhance sequencing of props and poses to heal and balance.

Anxiety, Depression and Grief are discussed, and how to integrate yoga  as a tool to help. These tools can become lifesavers of self care and survival.

More information is available on this page HERE

Stress Kills!

The Cleveland Clinic says:

Stress that continues without relief can lead to distress – a negative stress reaction. Distress can disturb the body’s internal balance or equilibrium, leading to physical symptoms such as headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, sexual dysfunction,  problems sleeping and emotional problems. These include depression, panic attacks, or other forms of anxiety and worry. Research suggests  stress can bring on or worsen symptoms or diseases.

New Classes
@Yoga Bloom WEST

Additional  San Francisco locations
&
Online option available in March

Yoga as Self Care

This series is available as series and individual classes. The depth of this program is widened by the classes that you take, and developing a home practice.

Sundays Apr 30
Sundays May 7, 14

Modifications for individual students will be provided with yoga props, to allow investigation for all bodies. We will  learn to rest deeply, releasing the body and drawing the mind towards a joyous quiescence within.

Yoga for Stressful Times

Yoga for Stressful Times – 90mins
Dates


Strong Legs, Stable Mind

Standing Poses for Hamstrings & Legs – Standing poses form the basis of yoga practice to develop stability, flexibility, lightness and balance. They strengthen the legs, and create a foundation of the feet, allowing us  to extend from that base. The poses build strength in the pelvic and shoulder girdles, creating a structure of support for the spinal column. Learn tips and techniques to help you develop a lifetime of practice, and modifications for ageless practice.

Moving Forward

Seated Poses for Knee, Ankle & Feet – Seated poses stretch muscles of the spine and legs, which help release tension and increase flexibility. They strengthen and tone core muscles of the back and abdomen, and create freedom in the pelvic area to help prevent strain on the lower back. We will explore a variety of poses including twists, core strengtheners and forward folds to tone abdominal muscles, lower back, oblique and upper thighs.

Changing the View

Inversions can be seen as the epitome and centerpiece of yoga asana. They offer physiological benefits of working against gravity and the freedom of changing the relationship of body bearing weight. Inversions help to increase blood flow and circulation, calm the nervous system, and relieve stress. They can enhance mental clarity and emotional stability. The body upside down changes directional blood flow, which boosts major body systems including circulatory, respiratory, nervous and glandular, and gives a rest to the heart. Headstand and shoulderstand will be taught in this session.

Supporting the Heart

Shoulder Openers & Backbends – Physically, backbends open the hips, strengthen and stretch the legs and lower back muscles. They tone, lengthen, and increase blood flow around the spine and diaphragm, which helps boost energy, relieve tension in muscles and release natural endorphins and hormones. Backbends offer a profound exploration of our selves within a physical experience integrating the body with the mind, senses, and breath. Freedom of movement in the shoulders expands the ribcage and improves  respiratory function. B.K.S. Iyengar recommended backbends for depression and as a holistic alternative for heart patients and ischemia.

Finding Sanctuary

Forward Folds – Forward folding poses help to provide a feeling of sanctuary and support, which calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. They promote total exhalation of air from the lungs by compressing the chest which helps to calm down the mind. Forward bends open up the back body, lengthens and strengthens hamstrings, inner legs, spinal muscles, ankles and knees. The asanas mimic the shape of the body in the womb (primary curve), providing a physiologically nurturing support, which aids in working with anxiety and grief.

Wringing the Waste

Twists – Twisting poses develop flexibility in the spine, increase circulation and help to cleanse internal organs. They work to compress the internal organs and glands of the torso, forcing out metabolic-waste. B.K.S. Iyengar, describes twists as a “squeeze-and-soak” action, similar to wringing out a wet towel. The organs are compressed during a twist, pushing out toxins, which allows fresh blood to carry oxygen to heal and rejuvenate the body. Twists  can give us an instant energy lift and decompress the vertebrae in a safe healthy way. They work to reduce stress and anxiety by quieting the “monkey mind”, and bringing attention into the present which slows and calms the mind.

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky.
Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh