Yoga is so much more than the Asana Practices we see in most Westernized deliveries of Yoga! At Sacred, I focus on the more Spiritual aspect where Yoga is a way inward for deep healing practice rather than a sweat session!
So what do I offer in terms of Yoga? My offering is a Yin and Restorative based Spiritual Practice. My approach to all my practices is "Heal thy mind, Heal thy body."
When you think of Yin and Restorative Yoga you may think these are the "easy" classes - however"Yoga is not a work-out, it is a work-in. And this is the point of Spiritual Practice; to open up our hearts and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are,' - Rolf Gates.
The point of these practices is to work on ourselves, to come home to ourselves and touch the darkest part of us with the lightest parts. To do our Shadow Work so we don't always feel like we're in the shadows. Holding Sacred space for you as you do that inner healing and self discovery, thats what we do at Sacred.
My Two Signature Classes:
R&R - Reiki and Restorative: Where Reiki Energy and Restorative Yoga Marry to create the ultimate Yoga experience! This class will combine my two loves - Sacred rest and Divine Universal Energy - doesn't that sound dreamy?
So why R&R? - Yoga assist's the Reiki Energy Flow -Reiki helps us to have a deeper understanding of Energy flow in our bodies - Yoga Asana can open the Energy channels in our bodies aligning our Chakras - Reiki cleanses them (team work makes the dream work ya'll) -Energy that is moved using Yoga and Reiki helps us clear stagnant energy and blockages in our bodies -Helps to "balance" the "imbalanced" -Reiki Energy is a great way to stimulate Healing within our bodies ( on multiple levels ) -Balance of the Physical and Emotional -Activates our Energy bodies which is often times overlooked in a busy "Go Go" world - Helps you Step into you Power with a focus on being Trauma informed - Its an Energy Medicine - nuff' said
Despite being overwhelmed with life - This practice invites you to practice radical rest and radical self-care in a world that wants us to be overstimulated, tired and Over-worked!
What does a class look like? - Picture comfy clothes, blankets, bolsters, Eye masks, Flower Essences, Low Lightening, Meditation,Soft music, Reiki Energy and Meaningful and restful Poses. It will surely leave you in a state of Bliss - Emotions may happen - Which is also a beautiful form of Release! Everything that goes into my sessions are intentional and meaningful.
Y&R - Yin and Release Yin Yoga is a great way to stretch out the Connective Tissue. What is stored in our Connective Tissues??? Emotions. I could really just stop there right?
The Name of this Signature Session really does spell it out - Do the Yin --> Get the Emotional Release!!!!!!
I'm a firm believe that when we carry "Dis-ease" in the body...... I'm sure you can imagine what "Dis-ease" will in turn create.
Yin Yoga creates a space. Space for Trauma release, Stagnant Energy, Emotions that need to be brought to the surface.
One of the hardest things about Yin Yoga is sitting with ourselves and holding that space for what bubbles up, but hard work is often important work. This Session is about exploring the inner self and discovering what needs to be seen, heard and felt.
What does a class look like? With the assistance of Bolsters, Blocks, blankets and Yoga Straps we will stretch the connective tissues and fascia. We will hold space and be in inquiry about what reveals its self. At Sacred creating a safeTrauma informed space is top priority, their will never be a time you will be "pushed" to go deeper, reveal what you do not what shown, be touched or addressed unless YOU want these things - Each class will look and feel different - This practice is YOUR practice, I will simply be your Yoga Space holder. Journalling is encouraged at the end.
In the end each practice and each session will be different depending on WHO is in the space with me. Yoga in any form is a personal practice which means only YOU know what will come of a session - I will do my best to up hold my promise of being a safe and sacred space where you are free to do your Self Discovery and healing your way.
What is the Difference between Yin and Restorative? With Yin Yoga we focus on stretching the connective tissues so you can strengthen and lengthen them. Restorative yoga is a more relaxing and meditative practice that is heavily prop focused (blocks, straps, sandbags, bolsters, blankets) This allows the mind, body and Soul space to release tension and induce a meditative and relaxing space. This style works to release deep tension without an active stretch. In Yin Yoga is an active stretch in your connective tissues to increase strength and flexibility, improve joint mobility, improve posture, and release trauma or Emotions that lay stagnant in your body.
Do I need Props? It's a great idea to have some props on hand ( especially for Restorative) although it's not alway necessary. I do recommend at least having some blankets and yoga blocks. (This is for both Yin & Restorative)
How long do we hold Poses? In Yin most poses are held for 3-5 minutes ( although some of the more advanced practices invite poses for up to 20 minutes - Don't worry its not something you HAVE to do) Where as Restorative Yoga poses are held for 5-20 minutes (remember these are relaxing poses - No stress will be placed on the body) In my Personal Session with Clients we tend to hold less poses - for longer periods of time to really engage in the radical relaxation - Less interruptions from me allow you to have a better connection.
What if I have concerns about my health? Always consult with your health care provider.... the Goal is never to feel pain or hurt yourself in this practice!
Benefits of Yin Yoga: - Calms the Mind - Reduces Stress and Anxiety - Increases Flexibility - Balances your CHI, PRANA -Works with the body Meridians (TCM) - Releases facia and improves your join mobility - Releases Stored and stagnant Emotions and energy.
Benefits of Restorative Yoga: - Stills a busy mind -Deep relaxation -Improves Immune and Nervous System -Gives you the Space to Heal - Releases Tension - Emotional Release - Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System
Both Yin and Restorative are great practices that teach us how to sit with and observe uncomfortable emotions, thoughts and sensations that may come to the surface during practice. THIS is why it's the focus of my Yoga teachings, when we are given the space to sit with ourselves, only then can we truly get to know who we are and what needs to be healed or addressed! Yoga is about inner work, the work only YOU can do, my classes will never force you to address the things you aren't ready to address, its just the safe space you need to do your own self discovery.