Yoga Class Descriptions

 

Vini Yoga is a style of yoga made available in the West by T.K.V. Desikachar. Whether you are a beginner or a more seasoned yoga practitioner, you are welcome to attend class. Each person is encouraged to practice in a way that is suitable to that person's present state of health and mind. The idea is to bring out the best in each practitioner, taking into account their condition, their potential, as well as their motivation and goals. This yoga style often involves repetition of simple movements, one at a time, with the breath. Some poses are held in a more static way, while focusing on breathing and staying close to sensations and inner experience. The class starts low to the ground, with gentle movements, moving toward more energetic standing poses, and ending with savasana, or relaxation. Emphasis is placed on cultivating the right balance of effort and ease throughout the practice. Deep relaxation at the end is a key feature, as this is an important preparation for meditation. Beautiful poems that relate to yogic themes are a part of the class experience, and often Yoga Sutras and the Upanishads are included. Students are encouraged to work privately with Cybèle from time to time, in order to address more precisely their particular concerns, issues, and goals.

 

Yin/Yang Yoga provides the benefits of a balanced practice of Yin and Yang styles of yoga. The first half hour to 45 minutes is spent in the Yin style of long-held passive poses, which open the body to more flexibility and chi flow through the subtle energy channels. At the same time, this practice invites and cultivates a more contemplative, non-reactive quality of mind. Following the Yin practice comes a more active, dynamic, Yang style of Yoga, which strengthens and invigorates the body and mind. Yoga texts and poetry frequently contribute to the atmosphere and themes of each class. 

 

 

Free Online Tuesday Morning Guided Meditation
Originally a Sunday evening online meditation practice that began during the pandemic, this Guided Meditation has shifted to Tuesday mornings. The purpose is to give you a taste of meditation that will inspire you. Meditation has a whole host of physiological and psychological benefits. When it's done in a way that works for you, it can make you feel both more relaxed--about everything!--while also giving you more energy and stamina for your outer life. It's a wonderful practice to bring into your life, and it's never too late to start. While simple, it is not always easy to do on your own. Verbal cues provide the guidance. We'll also be practicing in community, which will be an added support.

 

The room opens at 7:40: please arrive a few minutes early so that we can start together, right at 7:45, with minimal disruptions. Please also plan to arrive in silence. We'll have a few minutes at the end for questions. Also, it is very likely that you will be most comfortable sitting in a chair, so unless you are an experienced meditator or you are a young person with young knees, please sit on a chair that gives your back good support. You are invited to join us for this time of sitting and then segue into Vini Yoga class (at 8:30), or you can just drop in for the meditation without the class. This is a FREE offering. Pass the word along!

 

Private Consultation
Traditionally, yoga was always taught one-on-one, not in classes. Meeting with Cybèle for a private session allows us to together look more closely at your practice, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or more seasoned student. It’s a great thing to do periodically so that your practice is skillful and effective for you. Tailored to your needs and goals, you will learn which poses are most beneficial for you and why; which might be better to avoid or minimize; how to adapt certain postures and movements; and how to stay inspired in your practice.