Strong Fluid Movement

This is a flow yoga practice based on the Vijnana style of practice.
Slowly and dynamically we move through a sequence that challenges our focus, strength and balance. We prepare for movement with pieces from the tensegrity series and steady the mind through breath awareness. Practiced over time one develops resilience in body and mind, becoming strong and supple from the inside out. Breath is our guide as we tread lightly across the mat. A physical metaphor for moving gracefully through life.
 

Suggested props: mat, 2 wooden dowels, tensegrity block, yoga block

Tensegrity Series

A practice to tone and train the myofascial web.

Fascia or connective tissue is ubiquitous, covering every part of us; joints, ligaments, tendons are various densities of fascia. Fascia covers our muscles and holds our bones in place. It is a net which surrounds every part of the body; we are literally held together from the inside through our fascial web. The amazing thing about fascia is that it is incredibly adaptable; changing to whatever type of movement you give it. The tensegrity series "trains" the fascia to be more viscous, tones it to be more elastic and strengthens it to be more resilient. These movements keep the fascia juicy by allowing them to glide. The gliding motions rehydrate the tissues and liberate adhesions or “stickiness” so that we can move more freely. Hydrated tissues are healthy tissues and they feel good. Joints don’t need to feel achy or stiff. Improving fascial tone not only improves movement, it supports overall health because our  fascial web is our body’s “superhighway”. Move one part and you affect the whole.
 

Suggested props: Tensegrity blocks and ball

Gentle Fluid Movement

This is a gentle flow yoga style of practice.
Moving with ease requires a sense of ourselves both from the outside and inside. 
In this class we explore foundational principles of movement which enhance our proprioception and interoception. Proprioception is a body intelligence, it tells us where we are in space.  Practices that enhance our proprioception is essential to maintaining our confidence is our ability to move well. This class explores principles which enhance our proprioception and interoception. With consistent practice, over time, we develop a clearer map of ourselves in relationship to space. This sets us up for aging well as we become more body intelligent. For all levels of practice.
 

Suggested props: Tensegrity props and yoga block

Release and Restore: Somatic Movement

This is a somatic practice to release chronic tension, improve mobility and regulate our nervous system. Lying on the mat on our back, side and belly, we pandiculate. Pandiculation is something we observe animals doing regularly; It involves gently squeezing a muscle then slowly releasing a muscle and then resting. Since all movement happens from the brain, these small movements allow the brain to sense the muscles and then to release the holding pattern and notice what the release feels like. The brain is all about mapping. By unlocking patterns of chronic tension, we create new neuro-pathways from the source of our pain, the brain. Gentle somatic movement fosters the body’s innate ability to heal itself from the inside out. The results are cumulative. You will discover a renewed trust in your body’s wisdom as you heal yourself.
 

Suggested props: Small folded blanket, bolsters, eye pillow, blanket

Novel Movements

Aging can be defined as being so entrenched in our habits that we stop making new neuro-connections. By doing things the same way we become desensitized. We may think we are getting “weak” but what is happening is the brain is no longer noticing differences. Stimulus comes in but we are not able to notice it. Good research tells us that novel movements wake up our brains. Moving with awareness gets our brain's attention and in doing so begets more possibility for movement. When we play with new movements we are curious and fully engaged. This is how the brain learns and how we continue to grow as we age. We need to keep learning to so the brain can find new neuro-connections. Play is a wonderful way to learn, finding pleasure in moving gets our brain's attention. All that is required is curiosity and an open mind, ready to play. This is a one-hour practice for everyone. No previous experience with yoga or movement is required.
 

Suggested props: chair, mat, dowel, ball