Beginners Yoga Course Sivananda Tradition

Step-by-step instruction in the practice of Yoga Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises) and Relaxation. Sivananda Yoga is a traditional practice, where yoga postures are held still while focusing on the breath. The practice is meditative, it balances the physical and energy systems, and prepares one for meditation. 8 sessions. Donation: $100 Pre-registration Required. Course Starts January 8, 2017 Sundays 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Yoga is a complete system, as it is designed to balance body, energy and mind, it offers tools for coping in a balanced, stress-free way with life, it shows us ways of understanding ourselves deeply, and it helps us find our center. With a little effort and regular practice, one receives many benefits.This 8-session course includes both practice of yogic techniques and an introduction to meditation practice. Each class consists of one and a half hours of yoga Asana (postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises), relaxation, and meditation theory and practice, guidance in establishing and deepening one's personal yoga and meditation practice, as well as introduction to various aspects of yoga philosophy and their application in our daily lives. Donation: $100 Pre-registration Required. Course starts January 11, 2017, Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:00 PM

The Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Krishna, who represents our higher nature, the teacher, or God, and Arjuna, an individual like you or me. The discussion takes place on the battlefield, when a large war between cousins is about to start. The battlefield symbolizes our inner struggles as well as the battle of daily life. Arjuna has great difficulties in facing his elders, relatives, and friends in the battle, just as we have a hard time shaking off old habits that have become very near and dear to us, even though they cause us havoc! Krishna leads Arjuna step-by-step through the various aspects of yoga philosophy, giving him tools and encouragement to boldly face the battle, i.e. face the world and himself.

One may have very little, but still have a glorious life experience due to the internal mindset he or she has created. The real quality of living is in our internal world. Therefore, yogis strongly suggest that we practice "mind culture".There are many simple techniques that can set us on our way to creating a positive outlook rooted in healthy thought-habits. During this course, we will explore the nature of the mind and discuss creative techniques for cultivating a positive attitude towards life and for creating a beautiful internal environment. Donation: $80 Pre-registration Required. Course Starts January 11, 2017,Wednesdays, 8:00 - 9:15 PM

Retreat days are a wonderful opportunity for retreating from our daily activities and lives and immersing ourselves in reflective practices. The programs are designed to refresh body and mind and lend inspiration to our spirit. During the program we engage in various aspects of yoga and Vedantic theory and practices - asana, pranayama, relaxation, mantra chanting, positive thinking, meditation and Self-inquiry, the latter being the subtlest and most important, the others prepare the spiritual aspirant for inquiry. In each retreat day, a chosen theme is focused on in order to delve deeper into our understanding of the topic, immerse ourselves in its practice, and gain insight into its application in daily life. Sunday January 15, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM