Gentle
This slower paced class is designed to be relaxing and calming and is ideal for those who are working with injuries or are unaccustomed to movement as well as older adults and anyone who is new to Yoga. Much of the class is spent on the floor with a focus on restorative poses (using props, we hold positions in a fully supported manner that allows the body to fully relax). This class will help open your hips and chest, relieve back tension, and soothe the nervous system. We learn to use the breath to help manage pain and to connect to the deeper self.
Intro to Yoga
This 7 week course offers an introduction to the fundamentals of Yoga's postures, breathing techniques, philosophy, and meditation. Take this course and begin a Yoga practice that will help you to become strong in mind and body as you cultivate both physical and mental flexibility. Though geared to beginners, this class can still be physically challenging as we explore a full range of movements including abdominal exercises and standing postures.
Intro to Yoga is a seven class series that requires pre-registration. While the class is open to all, please call ahead to discuss any physical limitations you may have as it might be best for you to try the Gentle Yoga class first.
Yoga Basics
This class may not be fast paced as we take time to focus on individual postures, but it can still be challenging both for those who are new to Yoga and for more experienced students want to reacquaint themselves with the fundamentals of their practice. Sun salutations, kriyas (cleansing exercises designed to focus energy and enliven specific chakras), core strengthening exercises, and an exploration of the body's full range of motion are all part of this class. Expect to make many transitions between seated and standing postures.
Mixed Levels
This class is great for advanced beginner and intermediate students, but more experienced Yogis can find a home and a challenge here as well. A basic knowledge of asanas and a relative freedom from physical restrictions are ideal. This class is intended to offer an informed and balanced 1 ½ hour of Yoga in which students are encouraged to move body and mind in new ways and rethink habitual patterns. We stimulate the brain as well as the physical form through the exploration of non-conventional movements. While traditional asanas are important in this class, we also move beyond them to focus on self massage to release tension and consider the importance of self care.
Flow & Ease
An hour of Vinyasa flow balance with 30 minutes of restorative poses.
Vinyasa
Flow through the poses and lose yourself in the movement as this class focuses on sun salutations. You'll feel as if you have accessed all areas of this body by the time you reach final relaxation. Previous familiarity with Yoga is beneficial, but not necessary.
Ashtanga Influenced
Move to the music in this class that is also referred to as "Vinyasa with an Ashtanga flair." The structure of this challenging class will vary from session to session, but it loosely follows the Ashtanga sequence. Be prepared to jump back and jump forward in this challenging class. Previous familiarity with Yoga is beneficial, but not necessary.
Forrest Yoga
Become strong and centered as you connect to your core. This class is held in an 85 degree room and employs heat, vigorous movement, and deep breathing to encourage students to sweat out toxins. Holding postures for longer periods help you flush, oxygenate, and rejuvenate every cell. Forrest Yoga does not require strength or flexibility; it only requires that you bring a willingness to learn how to feel authentically and respond honestly.
Yoga Tune Up®
This 'whole body' longevity fitness system offers a innovative sequence of postures and exercises derived from classical Yoga, calisthenics, and body therapy. Designed to tone, stretch, and strengthen, as well as regenerate and heal damaged or aging muscle fibers, this unique program is focused on keeping you strong, healthy and active. Learn the nuts and bolts of human movement and anatomy in this challenging but accessible practice that's not just for Yogis.
Prenatal Yoga
Nature your mind and body during pregnancy and prepare for delivery and motherhood. This class is open to women of all levels of Yoga experience at any time during pregnancy. These classes are offered on an ongoing basis, but please call to register first.
Yoga Kids
Storytelling, music, and creative arts blend seamlessly with Yoga movement to develop kids’ focus, confidence, strength, flexibility, and self esteem. In this class, traditional Yoga techniques are recreated in playful, simple, and fun ways. Using the Multiple Intelligences Theory of Harvard educator Howard Gardner as a foundation, each pose becomes a springboard for activities that open the doorway to fully integrated learning. The class is open to children ages 8-11yrs. We welcome children on the Autism spectrum and those with special needs.
Mindfulness Meditation
Learn a variety of Mindfulness Meditation practices in this experiential class that teaches effective and pragmatic methods for observing our habits of thought, behavior, emotion, and physiological stress. Through this practice of compassionate self-observation, we begin to release ourselves from our (often negative) habitual modes of living and become skilled at negotiating life's challenges with more adaptability, clarity, focus of attention, and insight.
Please wear comfortable, loose, layered clothing (any movement based practices will be very gentle) and bring a notebook and pen and, if you have a meditation cushion, bring that as well. Pre-registration is required for this four class series, please check the schedule to see when the next course begins. Register at The Living Seed at 845-255-8212. If you have any specific questions, please call Donna at 609.731.7748.
Tai Chi
Experience meditation in motion as you move from posture to posture with awareness and grace. Learn to change your internal landscape so that life becomes a source of constant joy not a succession of endless burdens. This practice enables your body to let go of the past and your mind to slow down and cease its perpetual churning. With its gentle strength, Tai chi moves us closer to feeling more truly alive. Call 845-562-1911 or email chikungguy@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
Qigong
Qigong is an ancient Chinese exercise that cultivates, moves, and balances the internal energies within the body. In this class, students will learn and practice short forms - simple and effective techniques that stimulate circulation, improve balance, and create an overall sense of well being.
Qigong for Seniors
Qigong is series of meditative exercises considered to be the mother system of all martial art forms. Students will explore exercises that combine dynamic and static meditation, breathing techniques, simple body movements, and mental imagery. This class is specifically geared toward seniors and requires no previous experience with Qigong or any other form of movement or meditation.
