Advanced Asana- Finishing Inversions: Headstand and Shoulderstand Variations

September 12th, 2-4pm at The People’s Yoga 3016 NE Killingsworth
$12 for members, $15 regular

This 2-hour workshop will begin with a warming vinyasa practice and preparation for inversions after which we will focus in-depth on the mechanics, alignment, modifications and variations for headstand and shoulderstand, and discuss the appropriate practice of inversions and their therapeutic benefits.

Inverted poses are an extremely important group of asanas. Headstand (sirsasana) and shoulderstand (salamba sarvangasana) are considered to be the king and queen of all asanas and the most important of the inverted asanas.

Inversions reverse the energetic and circulatory action on the body, shifting the downward moving orientation of gravity to the head and organs. The benefits of inversions are numerous, including improved circulation, lymphatic drainage, hormonal balance and digestive health. On the emotional and mental levels, inverted asanas turn everything upside-down, offering a new perspective on old patterns of behavior and thinking. Regular practice of inversions generally improves well-being by reducing stress and anxiety and increasing confidence, concentration and stimulating the chakras.
Register online

Finding The Fluid Core

September 19th, 12:30-3pm at The Yoga Space 2857 SE Stark
$45 pre-register, $50 at the door

What is core strength?
Developing core strength is often pursued as an acute and focused hardening or ‘corseting’ around our abdominal centers. While this muscular development can create a certain amount of stability, it can also lead to imbalance in both the muscular and digestive systems creating postural and health disturbances.

In this workshop we will learn the foundations of a healthy core, including dynamic breathing, movement and vitality of the organs, skeletal posture and spinal alignment, and the yogic “bandhas”. We will discuss and explore human developmental patterns that create natural balance and axis points to create strength and stability while maintaining a soft and organic approach to movement.

Students will learn how to move in and out of postures and how to hold postures with a fluid sense of balance, ease and internal support.
Register online

Contact Yoga with Renee Sills and Benjamin Harp

September 25th, 3-6pm at The People’s Yoga 3016 NE Killingsworth
$25/person or sign up with a friend for $40

Yoga is the union of mind and body, through which we discover a healthier way of living and a more peaceful spirit. By practicing with another person, not only can we go deeper into the postures but we become more attuned to our own body while being present with another person. Some poses challenge your balance, strength, and flexibility, others require trust and surrender. Both partners can encourage, assist in proper alignment and offer much needed human contact.

Students will learn techniques on connecting through contact, partner variations in standing, seated postures and inversions. We will cover AcroFUNdamentals such as weight bearing, balancing and group assists. Students will also learn a basic Thai Yoga Massage sequence. No partner is needed to register.
Register Online

Current Teaching Schedule:

The Yoga Space, 2853 SE Stark
Monday 4pm-5:30pm- All levels Vinyasa- Community drop-in $5-$10
Friday 4pm-5:30pm – All levels Vinyasa- Community drop-in $5-$10
Sunday 9-10:30am- Intermediate Vinyasa

Yoga Pearl, 925 NW Davis
Thursday 9am-10:30am- Ashtanga Primary Series
Tuesday, Thursday 2-3pm- All levels Vinyasa, Community Class $8 drop-in

The People’s Yoga,  3016 NE Killingsworth St.
Monday, Tuesday 9:30am-11am- All levels Vinyasa flow
Tuesday, Wednesday 5:30pm-6:45pm – Intermediate Vinyasa Flow
Second Sundays of the month 2-3:30- Advanced Asana (upcoming dates are September 12th, October 10th)
Class Description: Advanced Asana
This 90-minute class will begin with a warming practice of sun salutations and continue into an alignment-based exploration of more “advanced asanas”. Each class will feature a specific asana or asana family (i.e. peacock pose, backbends), we’ll discuss and practice the mechanics of safely and efficiently working towards the final posture. Each class will include preparatory postures and modifications.  Advanced Asana is a good opportunity to learn the alignment and execution of many of the postures that may be incorporated into Vinyasa 2.
This class is suitable to those students who have been practicing for a minimum of 6 months.