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What is Yoga?: A 3-minute video excerpt from the audio CD yoga practice
"Simple Flow Yoga" as led by Wendy Gilliland, e-RYT, with original music by
Lamont Gilliland, RYT. Photography by Wendy, Lamont & Caitlyn Gilliland.
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Note: This segment is when Wendy gently brings the listener
out of the quiet, restful part of the practice.
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I came to Yoga seeking relief from my IBS. I began practicing yoga at SAY and
not only did I find relief for my suffering, I entered a whole new world of
relaxation and meditation that I could not believe possible for a woman in her
50's who's career and family have taken up most of her life, leaving little
time for herself. After my first class of Gentle Flow Yoga I was hooked. I
never knew I could find such calm, relaxation and solace.
~ Maxine, Johnson City, Tennessee
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The word “Yoga” is an ancient Sanskrit term meaning “to yoke or join”. Simply
put, Yoga is a practice of reconnecting our mind, body, and spirit. Although we
will be practicing Hatha Yoga – the physical practice of moving the body and
connecting with breath – Yoga is much more than just a physical practice.
Yoga is not a religion. Your practice will not
interfere with your current belief systems. It can, however, strengthen your
current beliefs, as it helps us focus and quiet the mind.
Yoga is not a competitive sport. Each time you come to your mat, you will be
feeling differently in your own body. Do not compare yourself with others or
even with yourself. Each body is different. Be where you need to be in each
and every pose .
You should never feel pain. If you do, please come out of the pose completely
or back off just a bit to where you are no longer feeling pain. Discomfort and
pain are two different things. We will be stretching the body in ways that it
may not be used to, so some level of discomfort is expected, but never, ever
pain. Listen to your body from moment to moment.
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Classes at SAY are very heart-centered. We believe that the essence of yoga
begins at our heart - giving and receiving, without expectations or judgment.
You will find a welcoming, accepting environment here. A place where you can
release the burdens of the day and just be.
Some students choose to come into class and sit quietly. Others will chat
softly with each other, as SAY is a very social place, where you will get to
know people from so many various backgrounds with so much to share. Try to use
the restroom before class begins, so you can focus on your practice. If you
need to go during class, please do, as it will distract from your practice.
wendy and Lamont have both been through significant training and are certified
instructors. Feel free to discuss any concerns or questions you may have
regarding your yoga practice with them.
We do not do physical adjustments during a class, as we feel it is most helpful
to give verbal cues and allow our students to find their individual place of
comfort from pose to pose. Focus is more on individual alignment needs, rather
than a specific form that everyone should try to aspire to, as each of us is
different from moment to moment. In more restorative classes, the instructor
will often do gentle adjustments during savasana, the final resting pose, that
will help students relax. If you prefer not to be touched, simply take a pebble
from the basket on the table and place at the front of your mat.
Props are available to help make your practice more comfortable. Instructors
will tell you if you specifically need something for class. Otherwise, feel
free to use anything that will help you in your practice. Please place the
items back when you are done with class.
Filtered water is available for our students. To be more environmentally
friendly, we provide glasses rather than disposable cups. They are washed
between classes. To be helpful, we ask that students try to bring a reusable
bottle filled with water from home. We also have hot tea available for after
class. Feel free to bring your own mug, so you can carry it out with you.
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Dave Roberts,
retired minister
&
Physics professor
shares his
experience
at SAY.
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Some terms you will want to be familiar with as you practice...
Sacrum: located at the very base of your spine, our goal is to allow
your sacrum to release comfortably toward the floor in reclining poses to
release tension and stress.
Sitz bones: (technically called the Ischial Tuberosity – part of your
pelvic girdle): often referred to as “sit bones”, these are located on the
backside of your hips when you are seated. Instructors will recommend that you
pull the flesh away from your sit bones to make you more comfortable in seated
poses and to allow your body to fold more fully forward.
Sanskrit: the ancient language of India, poses in yoga have Sanskrit
names. Most poses end in “asana” which means to sit with ease. Yet another
reminder to listen to your body.
Savasana: the Sanskrit name for the final pose of a yoga practice.
Meaning “corpse pose” it is the most relaxed pose of the practice and intended
to let the body and mind absorb what you have done.
Namaste’: usually said at the end of a practice, it is an
acknowledgement of the class and teacher – a way of expressing gratitude for
the time we have shared together. Students usually say “namaste’” in reply to
the teacher, but it is not required.
Most importantly, bring a smile! Yoga is a wonderful way to reconnect with our
bodies. Enjoy this process and remember to BREATHE .
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