$90 or 6 class credits for 6-week series.

Gentle yoga is a slower-paced practice that incorporates postures in reclined (back and side), seated, and standing positions.

Each class follows the same general path. We start in a reclined (or seated) position for a centering meditation, and then ease into reclined and seated warm-up movements. We then transition to standing for several flow sequences that incorporate mobility, balance, and strength. To cool down, we come back to seated/reclined for somatic movements and end our practice with Savasana. Throughout the entire practice, there are variations and options provided to encourage everyone to participate in a way that is accessible and comfortable for them.

Gentle yoga embraces not only the sense of being physically gentle with the movements, pace, and poses of our practice, but it also invites us to be gentle with our thoughts, expectations, and self-judgements. It means that when we come to our mats, we treat ourselves with compassion and acceptance, so that we can move mindfully in a way that creates ease in our bodies and minds.

Somatics is a practice of slow, intentional movements that focus on relaxation and release of tension from the body. In many ways, somatic movement is an exercise for your brain. A lot of everyday movements are automatic – for example, you don’t have to think about how to walk up a set of stairs, your brain and body already know what to do. In somatic practice, you intentionally slow down movements and focus in on the internal sensations of that movement. Specifically, what muscles/parts of the body must activate to cause that movement and what does the sensation of releasing and relaxing those muscles feel like? Being curious and intentional with movements encourages you to build connection not only with how the movement is initiated and activated, but also with how your body relaxes and releases tension when the movement is completed. This relaxation part is what your brain often forgets about as you go about everyday life, which can lead to chronic muscle tension. Through the slow, intentional movements of somatic practice, you are re-teaching your brain how to release that tension, which can result in a profound sense of relaxation in the body and mind.

All abilities welcome, but please reach out to the teacher beforehand to discuss any limitations or if you aren't sure if this class is for you.