Satsang refers to a gathering of like-minded seekers engaging in discourse to deepen spiritual understanding and awaken to our true being.  We will sit in a circle so that we may see everyone, and everyone will be encouraged to participate.  Vanessa will open introducing the theme and speaking to how the concepts are described and approached in yogic philosophy, then she will guide the discussion, at times posing questions to the group, and also responding to the thoughts and uncertainties that arise, from her perspective rooted in the wisdom of Ashtanga Yoga.  For those unfamiliar with yoga, these themes are universal spiritual teachings and can be applied with any faith or non-secular life.  In the Yoga Sutras written in the third century BC, Patanjali explains the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga—in Sanskrit ‘astan’ (eight) and ‘anga’ (limb)—as a practical and holistic guide to spiritual growth.  The eight limbs are: Yama (ethics), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (bliss/union).  Our satsang will convene each month to explore new topics, this year dedicated to considering the Yamas and Niyamas, and how these principles guide our everyday life in a broad and comprehensive way such that our practice is present in every experience.  For February we will discuss Satya (truthfulness), another Yama, related to the idea of following your heart.  In Satsang we aim to clarify our own comprehension, and also to create a field of awareness in our group, which will ripple out into the community generating waves of rising vibration.

Some mats, cushions, and chairs are available in the space; please bring what you need to sit comfortably.  As we form our circle each person is invited to place flowers and an item on the center altar to imbue the space with our own intentions and energies, and also so that the item may be charged with the field of consciousness we create as a group in our discourse. Remember to bring flowers and/or a small personal item for the altar, as well as water and a pen and journal if you like.

‘Satsang’, derived from Sanskrit ‘sat’ (truth, reality) and ‘sangha’ (assembly, company, community), refers to a gathering of like-minded seekers engaging in discourse to deepen spiritual understanding and awaken to our true being.  We will sit in a circle, and everyone will be encouraged to participate and speak to the themes and questions we explore.  As we form our circle each person may place an item on a center altar to imbue the space with our intentions and energies, and also so that the item may be charged with the field of consciousness we create as a group.  Vanessa will open introducing the theme and speaking to how the concepts are described and approached in yogic philosophy.  For those unfamiliar with yoga, these themes are universal spiritual teachings and can be applied with any faith or non-secular life.  Then Vanessa will guide the discussion, at times posing questions to the group, and also responding to the thoughts and uncertainties that arise, from her perspective rooted in the wisdom of Ashtanga Yoga.  In the Yoga Sutras written in the third century BC, Patanjali explains the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga—in Sanskrit ‘astan’  (eight) and ‘anga’ (limb)—as a practical and holistic guide to spiritual growth.  The eight limbs are: Yama (ethics), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (bliss or union).  Our first satsang will explore the idea, “Love is the most powerful force in the Universe,“ and will examine how this relates to Ahimsa, one of the five Yamas.  Each month we will consider another Yama or Niyama, how these principles guide our everyday life in a broad and comprehensive way such that our practice is present in every experience.  In satsang we aim to clarify our own comprehension, and also to create a field of awareness in our group, which will ripple out into the community generating waves of rising vibration. 

Some mats, cushions, and chairs are available in the space; please bring what you need to sit comfortably in our circle.  Remember to bring water, a pen and journal if you like, and a small personal item to energize the center altar. 

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Find your flow in this gentle one-hour “Yang to Yin” Vinyasa class that incorporates both power and ease, like water soft and strong.  This class is designed for all levels of practitioner to connect with their inner wisdom and outward grace, and to hone awareness around what’s best for the body. Students will build confidence and broaden understanding around the essential elements of Vinyasa Yoga.  This class will work our strength and balance, and incorporate some targeted core-work, but know that Taylor prioritizes guiding students safely with modifications to dial intensity up or down.  Discover how postures may be modified and sequences might progress to build a feeling of familiarity and fluidity in this supportive environment.

With Sarah Reimer
Wednesdays 10:00 - 11:00 AM
January 7, 14, 21, 28 & beyond

Designed to quiet the mind, soften the body, and reconnect with the breath, this slow flow practice is suitable for all levels and provides a calm and steady reset.  We will begin by taking a few moments to journal, releasing any persistent thoughts or worries, and letting go of the mental clutter we might be carrying.  This will not be a lengthy time to reflect, just a focused pause to acknowledge what’s been occupying our mental space and let it leave through pen to page.  Setting our journals aside, we will center ourselves on the mat and begin with gentle seated postures to warm and ready the body for mindful movement.  Flowing though simple sequences, finding ease in our effort, we will make our way to standing postures to summon our stability, grounding ourselves with presence. Gradually we will wind down to a restful savasana; in stillness our awareness will reside with the breath.  To conclude we will take a brief opportunity to share reflections or questions, making space for support, connection, and community.  

These sessions offer an hour of dynamic Vinyasa Yoga centered around Sun Salutations and standing postures.  These are active sequences applying effort to overcome any inertia, and move our bodies in new ways to regenerate our inner momentum. This class is intended for participants of all levels, and to ensure that all students may practice as appropriate for their particular capacities and limits, Gaëlle will explain variations and offer personalized guidance.  While Gaëlle does incorporate hands-on adjustments, know that these are optional and communicate if you’d prefer not to receive them.  After our time building up our energies and synching our movements with the breath, we will find rest in an extended half-hour savasana.  As we settle into stillness, Gaëlle will play singing bowls, bells, rattles, and other instruments, creating a coherent soundscape to organize our energy field and support the subtle shifts ignited in our practice.  

This practice aims to open the heart and activate the Anahata chakra.  December can be an emotional month, a time to reflect on what we’ve experienced through the year, and year-end celebrations may evoke nostalgia for earlier times.  This is an opportunity to tap into our emotions, embody our feelings, and invite consciousness to reside in the heart-center, allowing an authentic love and receptivity in our relationships.  We will begin with a brief introduction and some minutes chanting and connecting with intention, then we will move into a dynamic vinyasa yoga practice focused on opening the chest though back-bending.  Gaëlle will offer adjustments, so please communicate if you’d prefer not to receive these.  This sequence is intended for all levels, and Gaëlle will offer instruction with variations to make it accessible.  About half our time will be dedicated to our yoga asana, and half to receiving healing sound vibrations as we rest in our heart-awareness, our essential being, processing our practice and allowing any inner shifts to integrate.  

Start the season off right getting into a groove with Vinyasa Flow with Jose Fridays 9:00 - 10:00 am.  There will be no class December 26th, but classes will resume in January.  For yoga this month we have also a Heart Chakra Vinyasa class and Sound Healing from  Gaëlle,  We hope you'll come out for the special events that Raquel has organized with César and Diego to close out the year in an intentional way aligned with love, gratitude, and an open heart for the new year to come.  We'll be making music and dancing at a free community gathering Bonfire Jam on the beach to tap into the energies of the full moon, and we welcome you to take part in two powerful ceremonies.  César will share wisdom from the Andean tradition in an Eagle & Condor Harmonization Ceremony, and Raquel will guide the New Year Soul Celebration to bring forth our inner visions.  Diego will immerse us in healing sound vibrations at the close of each ceremony to help integrate the energetic shifts we experience.

For anyone who needs a break from being in the mind, this Vinyasa Flow practice will bring you back into the body and restore a better mind-body balance.  We begin with a meditation to center ourselves in the space, leaving behind thoughts of our experiences before class or what’s to come after.  By observing the breath we become aware of the physical body, mental body, and emotional body.  After dedicating this time in stillness to return fully to ourselves, we continue our meditation in dynamic movement.  We will focus on grounding into the earth’s energy to support us in moving freely, finding our own flow, and feeling how we can experience relaxation in movement.  The postures and sequences draw on the long tradition of Hatha Yoga and combine contemporary elements of Vinyasa Flow.  To close our practice we return to stillness allowing our bodies to integrate our experience with deep relaxation in Savasana.