Ashtanga with Marcos
mixed levels
tuesdays & Thursdays 7:00 am; Saturdays 8:00 AM
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois created the Ashtanga Yoga method to guide practitioners through a specific sequence of postures, applying Bhanda (energy locks), Dristhi (focused gaze), and Ujjayi Pranayama (“victorious breath” or “oceanic breath”) to generate flexibility and strength, heal the body, and develop focused concentration and awareness. Practitioners respect a precise number of Vinyasa between each asana (posture), focusing on the traditional Sanskrit count to integrate each asana with the breath. Learning how to coordinate properly each inhalation and exhalation with every aspect of the sequence--entering, staying, and leaving each posture--comprises an integral element of the practice. Rooted in ahimsa (nonviolence), Marcos takes a therapeutic approach in leading Ashtanga classes, respecting practitioners’ limits and emphasizing the practice’s healing benefits and transformational alchemy.
hatha with Metzi
mixed levels
tuesdays & Fridays 9:45 am
Hatha Yoga fosters mind-body integration and awareness. While Hatha is less fiery than Vinyasa or Ashtanga, be prepared for more dynamic movement than Yin with some challenges in strength training. Emphasizing proper alignment and connection with the breath, we have space to get to know the body in each posture, and to train the mind and nervous system to recognize and appreciate an inner state of calm. Metzi introduces special pranayama techniques, and her skillful gentle hands-on adjustments offer incredible guidance for how postures may align and progress. Please communicate with Metzi if you prefer to opt-out from hands-on adjustments, but if your our open to them, she has a therapeutic touch.
Inspired by the teachings of BKS Iyengar, Restorative Yoga explores the therapeutic aspect of asanas, using props to assist and support us to relax deeply into the postures with an emphasis on alignment. Without exerting ourselves or engaging in physical efforts, we receive the benefits of passive stretching in a nourishing restful state. These gentle, slow-moving classes help stress to melt away, encourage deep rest and healing, and provide a beautiful compliment to more athletic activities.
Vanessa Da Silva
Vanessa began exploring Yoga eight years ago, mainly for medical reasons, but she quickly developed a dedicated relationship with the practice, and Yoga became her way of life. Vanessa loves to help others to see their true self through Yoga practice, as Yoga diminishes worries, encouraging peace, strength, and comfort in the mind and body. She loves to see how Yoga uplifts her students, creating a positive outlook that helps them to feel more content and to transform their lives in beautiful ways. Fascinated by each individual's healing process, over the years Vanessa has explored and studied many complementary systems including Reiki, Body Therapy, Ayurveda Therapy, and Meditation, and she incorporates her knowledge of these modalities to support her students' transformation processes.
Vanessa began her formal Yoga training in 2013 with Indira Kalmbach, director of Pavones Yoga Center in Costa Rica, fulfilling RYT 200 hours Multidimensional Yoga Teacher Training, and completing RYT 500 hours with supplementary courses in Art of Flow and Integrative Healing Yoga Therapy. The following year, Vanessa traveled to Mysore, India, birthplace of the Ashtanga Yoga System. She studied with Sri B.N.S. Iyengar, disciple of Sri Krishnamacharya, who is considered to be the father of modern Yoga, and fulfilled a Yoga Teacher Training in the Ashtanga Vinyasa Tradition. Ever since then, she has returned to India to study with Ajay Kumar, direct disciple of B.N.S. Iyengar, to deepen and strengthen her personal practice, and to continue study in the Ashtanga Method, concluding a two-month Teacher Training course in Mysore-Style Ashtanga Vinyasa in 2017. Vanessa has developed a great interest and respect for the Mysore-Style method and has dedicated herself to share this beautiful Ashtanga Yoga tradition. In 2018 she began full-time Yoga Philosophy study with Mr. Sudheera, Sanskrit scholar from Mysore, and has completed third-level Patanjali Yoga Sutras and Baghavad Gita classical studies and chanting.
SATURDAY MAY 4TH, 2019
PART 1: Primary
7:00 - 7:10 Welcome
7:10 - 7:30 Sound Meditation
7:30 - 9:30 Primary Mysore-Style Yoga
Break 9:30 - 10:00
PART 2: Philosophy
10:00 - 11:00 Yoga Philosophy
11:00 - 11:30 Satsang
PART 1: Primary
7:00 - 7:10 Welcome
7:10 - 7:30 Sound Meditation
7:30 - 9:30 Primary Mysore-Style Yoga
Break 9:30 - 10:00
PART 2: Philosophy
10:00 - 11:00 Yoga Philosophy
11:00 - 11:30 Satsang
This workshop is open to all levels and split in two sections: Primary and Philosophy. You may choose to attend either section on its own ($20 each) or join Vanessa for the full workshop ($35).
Part 1: Primary
The morning begins with twenty minutes of Sound Meditation--Omkara chanting the sound of Om, the first mantra in a traditional meditation practice, and Bija Mantras to activate the energy of each Chakra to purify the mind and body. This uplifting sound meditation will calm and center students to prepare to flow through Mysore-Style Primary Series. In Mysore-Style students practice at their own pace the portion of the sequence appropriate to their personal practice. The practice is done peacefully in silence as Vanessa guides the students individually by physical adjustments or verbal instruction. Cards outlining the series are available for reference for those who do not have the sequence fully memorized. This amazing method following a fixed sequence encourages focus on the subtle energy of each posture allowing the prana to flow at ease, as less emphasis goes toward the physical performance of the asana.
There will be an official break 9:30 - 10:00 am; however, not every student will need the full two hours to complete their Mysore-Style practice and may finish part one earlier than 9:30. Please nourish yourself; you may bring snacks to the studio.
Part 2: Philosophy
Vanessa will dedicate the second portion of the morning to Yoga Philosophy. She will delve into subjects including the meaning of the Om symbol and mantra, study of the first three Yoga Sutras, the purpose and meaning of Ashtanga Yoga, and the fundamentals of Ashtanga Yoga practice--Breath, Bandha, Drishti and Vinyasa. The morning will conclude with Satsang as Vanessa answers questions and addresses students' doubts or confusions.
Payment may be made at the studio in advance or at the time of the event. Payments may be made in cash in U.S. Dollars or Costa Rican Colones; the current exchange rate is posted in the studio. At this time we do not accept credit cards; thank you for understanding. Please sign up at the studio, or drop-in on Saturday.
Part 1: Primary
The morning begins with twenty minutes of Sound Meditation--Omkara chanting the sound of Om, the first mantra in a traditional meditation practice, and Bija Mantras to activate the energy of each Chakra to purify the mind and body. This uplifting sound meditation will calm and center students to prepare to flow through Mysore-Style Primary Series. In Mysore-Style students practice at their own pace the portion of the sequence appropriate to their personal practice. The practice is done peacefully in silence as Vanessa guides the students individually by physical adjustments or verbal instruction. Cards outlining the series are available for reference for those who do not have the sequence fully memorized. This amazing method following a fixed sequence encourages focus on the subtle energy of each posture allowing the prana to flow at ease, as less emphasis goes toward the physical performance of the asana.
There will be an official break 9:30 - 10:00 am; however, not every student will need the full two hours to complete their Mysore-Style practice and may finish part one earlier than 9:30. Please nourish yourself; you may bring snacks to the studio.
Part 2: Philosophy
Vanessa will dedicate the second portion of the morning to Yoga Philosophy. She will delve into subjects including the meaning of the Om symbol and mantra, study of the first three Yoga Sutras, the purpose and meaning of Ashtanga Yoga, and the fundamentals of Ashtanga Yoga practice--Breath, Bandha, Drishti and Vinyasa. The morning will conclude with Satsang as Vanessa answers questions and addresses students' doubts or confusions.
Payment may be made at the studio in advance or at the time of the event. Payments may be made in cash in U.S. Dollars or Costa Rican Colones; the current exchange rate is posted in the studio. At this time we do not accept credit cards; thank you for understanding. Please sign up at the studio, or drop-in on Saturday.
Guided Meditation with ANgel
Meditation benefits our health in many ways, especially helping to lower blood pressure and relieve stress or anxiety from our ever-changing world. Angel hopes to share the peace and self-connection that come with practicing meditation and finding inner stillness. Rather than trying to stop our busy minds and silence the noise of constant mental activity, Angel teaches how to disengage from the flow of thoughts, stepping back to become a witness or observer.
Coco Booty Core
Combining Pilates techniques that sculpt the body, creating long, lean muscle mass, with High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to keep up the heart rate, burn fat, and develop fitness, this class offers a challenging, high-intensity, low-impact, full-body workout. We practice barefoot on a yoga mat with a towel over it, and we will not be using the AC! The warm environment encourages the muscles to relax and the body to sweat to boost the metabolism and detoxify. Expect a HIGH ENERGY cardio workout including planks, squats, and burpees, all set to great music. This class is appropriate for all fitness levels, so bring a friend and cheer each other on. We have a lot of fun together while we put in the good work. Please remember to bring water and a large towel; mats are available on lend.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a slow-paced yoga style where postures, or asanas, are held for longer periods of time. Beginners may maintain each posture for 45 seconds or up to two minutes, while more advanced practitioners may stay in one asana for five minutes or more. Yin yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body—the tendons, ligaments, and fascia—to increase circulation in the joints and improve flexibility. This meditative approach to yoga cultivates our awareness of inner silence, and brings to light a universal interconnecting quality.
Vinyasa flow
Flowing and touching each part of the body through movement and intention, each Vinyasa class with Mahela is unique. Breath threads the postures into playful yet mindful flows that encourage strength, flexibility, and detoxification. The practice winds down to a deep savasana to polish our newly sharpened edges into a peaceful, balanced, and invigorated state of being.
Yin Yoga
Through a series of passive floor poses, holding for up to three minutes or longer, we work mainly the lower body – the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, and lower spine. This class focuses on safe and comfortable alignment for deep, slow stretches of the connective tissues. Flexibility is not a prerequisite; you need only an open mind and a willingness to let go.
Hatha Yoga
This class fosters mind-body integration and awareness in a less fiery practice than the Vinyasa style, as you are guided through a series of slow transitions between asanas, or physical postures. Emphasizing proper alignment and connection with the breath, you have space to get to know the body in each posture, and to train the mind and nervous system to recognize and appreciate an inner state of calm.
KIDS YOGA
Yoga comes to life in these fun and creative classes designed to stimulate a young child’s growing curiosity. Exploring playful yoga poses, animated breathing exercises, and imaginative relaxation techniques, Mahela aims to spark each child’s inner yogi. These classes are appropriate for children of all levels and will help to enhance language development, motor coordination, and playful skills, as children move through a balanced sequence of both active poses and centered stillness.
