Yoga FAQs

A: The word Yoga means “yoke”, combining the body, mind and spirit through breath and meditation.

Today, people are turning to yoga for many reasons.  Those reasons range from managing one’s stress to preventative health measures, healing the body from addictions, or perhaps simply because it is “trendy”.  For some, it has been prescribed as therapy for an ailment or injury, or it is the means to achieving a desired physique, “the yoga body”. The truth of the matter is, yoga can and does serve many, if not all, of those reasons, but the real purpose of this practice is far from just physical.  Physical strength and flexibility will be developed, but the ultimate purpose of yoga is the inner journey, unique to each practitioner. A good teacher will indeed be an important factor, and practicing in a group will provide an support system, but eventually you will arrive at a place where you, and only you, can take yourself deeper practicing in a class or alone. That is the point when you will discover what yoga is for you.

Once you discover yoga, you will not only feel better physically and mentally than ever before, but you will feel empowered by presence and inner strength which will bring you back home to yourself time and again.

A: Some of the benefits of practicing yoga are:

• Create body strength and stamina
• Increase total flexibility
• Reduces daily stress and anxiety through breath and meditation
• Learn the art of relaxation
• Improve general health, mentally, physically and spiritually
• Aids in rehabilitation and healing/preventing injuries

There are three major components to Hatha Yoga, each with its own unique benefits:

Pranayama:

Breath Control increases circulation, brings more oxygen to the brain, reduces stress and anxiety, enlarges lung capacity and lung tissue becomes more elastic and surrounding muscles more flexible.

Asanas: (postures)

When practiced in conjunction with the breath, yoga postures can tone the body, release tension and tightness, increase flexibility, strength and balance.

Meditation:

Practicing daily meditation will quiet the mind and can reduce anxiety, stress levels, cholesterol levels, chronic pain, blood pressure and enhance all aspects of your well being.

A: No. Yoga is a science to attain peace, enlightenment and liberation. Any person of any faith or religion can practice yoga. Practicing yoga does not conflict with any religious beliefs, it can be an extention of your personal faith and\or part of your fitness routine. Yoga transcends religion.

A:

• Try not to eat a heavy meal 2-3 hours before class.  If you are hungry try a light snack like fruit or raw vegetables.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows mobility and reduced distraction.
• Bring a yoga mat or you can rent one for $1.00. We also have great quality mats  for sale in various price ranges.
• No cell phones allowed in the studio space. Please leave them in your car.
• Please remove your shoes and leave belongings on the shelves provided before entering the studio space.
• If you are new, just show up to class 15 minutes early and register.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after class.
• Listen to your body and let go of expectations or judgment of yourself or of your body, know your physical limitations and accept and honor them with grace.  Yoga is about loving, accepting and being comfortable in your body.
• Be present and enter the studio with a mindful attitude, it will increase the benefits of your yoga practice.  Do your best to leave worries outside the door and use this hour to turn inward and invest in yourself.
• Clear the mind and keep your focus on the breath and the inner changes during Asanas, Pranayana and Meditation.  When the mind wanders, let the attention come back to the breath.
• Be patient.  Yoga, like life, is a journey, not a destination.  For each person, the experience is unique as each of our bodies, minds and spirits are unique.
• Ask questions.  We are here as resources to help and serve you, the student.  If you have any doubts or needs before, during or after class, please ask.

A: Private instruction is highly valuable for the beginner to the advanced yoga student. These consultations allow the session to be catered to the needs of the particular student and allow the student to work on his or her personal goals.

Private instruction is especially recommended for the beginner, serious practitioner, any student with specific health concerns, back or joint pain, therapeutic pain management applications, or the student who wants a more rapid advancement in their personal yoga practice. Private instruction is especially advantageous to prepare for or in conjunction with group classes. Call Meghan to make an appointment 809-4444.

Private yoga session fees with owner/instructor Meghan Donnelly:
70 minute session at the studio: $75.00 or 6 Sessions for $420.00
24 hours cancellation notice required. Thank you

A: Yoga can be practiced by anyone at anytime, however special modifications and variations are necessary for individual health needs. It is important that you advise your instructor prior to class of any conditions you have that may require special consideration during a group yoga class. He or she will show you modifications and give you instructions on what you can and should not do in a yoga class.

Yoga instructors often make physical adjustments to students throughout class to correct alignment, assist with balance, or challenge them to discover a deeper expression of the pose. It is very important to communicate with your teacher if you have any injuries that he/she needs to take into consideration when adjusting you. If you are not comfortable being adjusted in class, talk to your instructor before or after class and they will be happy to respect your wishes.

Yoga is also extremely beneficial during pregnancy, and the modifications will vary by trimester. There will be some postures that will need to be modified in your practice, and your teacher can easily show you more suitable and comfortable substitute postures as your body changes throughout the 9 months.

There are many, many types of yoga and it is important to find the style that is right for you. It is important to remember to listen to your own body as you are your own best teacher.

A: Our busy and chaotic lives hinder us from taking time out to experience each breath and live in the present moment. Many of us have lost the ability to feel things, and we look to others for clarification and purpose when the answers are deep inside of ourselves. We are each a part of our divine maker and creation itself, and when we accept that connection, we have begun upon the path of enlightenment.

Yoga allows us to experience connection and self-realization. Once that connection is established, the source is accessible at any time to find the answers that we may be searching for. Through practicing yoga, you will also become more conscious of your behavior in the world, and how the behavior of things outside yourself can affect you. You learn that you can go out into the world and affect others in a number of positive ways. We are each born with unlimited potential and a deep inner knowledge of what is right and what is true. Yoga is essentially the practice of refining ourselves holistically and specifically for this purpose. Yoga is the practice of disciplining the mind, body, and spirit to optimum capacity. It is the practice of mindfulness, compassion, grace, and love through all actions. If you are seeking enlightenment and bliss, for yourself and to share with others, we invite you to explore the magnitude of this philosophy so that you can come to learn, along with us, how to better your life with its many teachings.

NAMASTE I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of love, of peace, of light, and of truth. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, We are One.