Yoga settles your mind and centers your soul.
Withdraw your attention from the external world, go within and find quiet and stillness.
Connect with your body and breath, get out of your thoughts, and release tension, leading to deep relaxation.
Ahhhh, Savasana.
Your body, mind, and spirit will come to remember what it feels like to be integrated, whole, and at peace.
What are Santosha Yoga classes like?
A hatha yoga practice to cultivate stillness in your mind.
Scroll down for a list of poses.
“Yoga is quieting the mind into silence”
Traditional yoga has at its core, the purpose of settling your mind to bring you to a deeper awareness of your Self.
When & Where?
Individual Sessions by appointment
Small Group Instruction at Your Location
Who should practice Yoga?
If you have a basic knowledge of asana (postures) and pranayama (such as ujjayi breathing),
you will benefit from the practice of Santosha Yoga,
though no prior knowledge of either is required.
Three things to remember:
1. Follow your breath
2. Set your gaze
3. Play your edge
The class is structured toward a beginner or advanced beginner with freedom for the experienced yogini to maximize her time on the mat.
Poses are linked together with breath (vinyasa).
Ayurvedic Influence on Practice
The asanas (poses) are intended to focus, calm, and lessen Vata imbalance that can arise from over-stimulation of the senses (aka daily life).
The asanas will reduce Pitta imbalance brought about by stress and an intense, demanding lifestyle or occupation.
To build heat in the body to reduce Kapha dosha, use deep breathing when moving from one pose to the next.
Your Instructor
I am a Nurse Practitioner, health coach, and Health Care Educator. I hold certificates in Hatha Yoga, and Primordial Sound Meditation Instruction, and am a student of Ayurveda.
The Syllabus: Asanas for Santosha Practice
Beginning Standing Yoga Poses
Vrksasana (tree)
Ardha Chandrasana (half moon)
Virabhadrasana II (warrior II)
Utthita Parsvakonasana (side angle)
Trikonasana (triangle)
Prasarita Padottanasana (wide angle fwd bend)
Utkatasana (fierce or chair)
Poses for Salutation to the Sun
Samasthiti (equal standing)
Uttanasana (forward fold)
Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana (runners lunge)
Chattarunga Dandasana (plank)
Astangasana (eight-limb pose)
Salamba Bhujanasana (supported backbend or sphinx)
Adho Mukha Svanasana (mountain or downward dog)
Beginning Seated Yoga Poses
Baddha konasana (bound angle)
Upavistha konasana (seated wide angle fwd bend)
Marichyasana (seated twist)
Setu bandha sarvangasana (bridge)
Matsyasana (fish)
Savasana (relaxation pose)
Intermediate Asanas (modifications available)
Parsvottanasana (intense side stretch)
Parivrtta Trikonasana (revolved triangle)
Parivritta Janu Sirsasana (side bend, revolved head to knee)
Salamba Sarvangasana (supported shoulder stand)
Ekapada Raja Kapotasana (royal pigeon)
Padasthila Janurasana (double pigeon)
These asanas (poses) are examples to give the learner an overview of what to expect in a typical class.
Not all poses are done in every class; a flow of sun salutation variations with several standing and seated poses are offered.
Every individual is gently guided to select the poses that provide the most benefit according to their structure and flexibility.
The intention of asana is to discharge stress and tension while promoting a quiet, centered mind.
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like an individual session. Working with an instructor one-on-one provides an opportunity to learn the basic concepts and cues found in any group yoga setting.
An individual session may serve to increase your confidence in exploring the abundant variety of yoga classes offered in our Prescott community!