SELECTING A CLASS 

Styles of Yoga - what approach do you prefer? Please read on....

Class Level - beginner, returnee, seasoned practitioner...it's all explained below

CONFUSED? Give us a call at 928-940-0996

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IYENGAR YOGA - a progressive approach to learning hatha yoga in which attention is paid to alignment and progressive learning to insure the balanced improvement in strength, balance, flexibility and mental focus. Props are employed to help students go deeper into the poses and prevent strain.  Based on the teachings of Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras - codified over 2500+ yrs. ago.

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BASICS & BEYOND IYENGAR YOGA– basic fundamental asanas (poses) are taught to build a proper foundation for developing a yoga practice. Students learn greater body awareness, a developed focus of attention, and the coordinated use of the breath.  In the Iyengar method, standing poses, which safely establish flexibility, stability, strength and endurance are the primary focus for beginners.  In other styles more of a mix of poses is taught from the beginning. 

          Mondays & Thursdays  11am -12:15 pm  and  Sat. 8:30 - 10:00 am

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INTERMEDIATE IYENGAR YOGA  - here the “staying power” in poses is increased to deepen their organic effect and heighten the mental focus necessary for performing more intense asanas.  In the Iyengar method, Pranayama (breath work) practices are introduced and refined.  With the greater stability in the asanas at this level of practice, the “effortless effort” spreads the consciousness more globally and connects body to mind, mind to spirit to realize the purpose of yoga – to bring the consciousness to a steady one-pointed state.

           Tue. 9 - 10:15 am;     Sat. 9:00 - 10:30 am 

 

STRETCH & STRENGTHENING  - created by Claire-Dee Lim, based in yoga poses, this exercise class begins with 45 minutes of strengthening poses/exercises that prepare for the deepening stretching poses the last 1/2 hour.  For all levels.

           Wednesdays & Fridays 10-11:15 am

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VINYASA FLOW YOGA – ("Vinyasa"  means arranging something in a special way), is one of the most ubiquitous styles in the west.  In vinyasa yoga classes, students coordinate movement with breath to flow from one pose to the next.  This dynamic style is an exploration of the many boundaries of the body and mind.  The poses (standing, seated, twisting, abdominal, inverting) are linked to and through Adho Mukha Svanasana, Downward facing Dog, one of the poses of Surya Namaskar, Sun Salutations. Beyond this, Krishnamacharya, the great yogi of the early 20th century, emphasized vinyasa as an artful approach to living, a way of applying the skill and awareness of yoga to all the rhythms and sequences of life, including self-care, relationships, work, and personal evolution.   Melissa Graves & Maureen (M0) Lord instructors         

   For our Summer Schedule we have 2 unique Flow Styles:

Slow Flow &  Dynamic Flow

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 YIN YOGA  (Yin/Yang Yoga as practiced at OSYC) targets the fascia or connective tissue.  It is slow and static, like traction.  Muscles are relaxed and joints are exercised relieving stiffness and preventing degeneration.  It also stimulates synovial fluid which “oils the joints” and encourages the flow of chi (energy).”  Yin postures are held anywhere from 1 minute to 5 minutes depending on how advanced the student or class is. These postures mostly target the hips and spine. Props are used with the goal of achieving total relaxation as in Restorative Yoga. The Yin/Yang Class at OSYC starts with some Yang (flow) movement to stimulate the chi or life force that flows through all living things.  The practice ends in Pentacle (Savasana -total relaxation). The Yin practice encourages the release of expectations and to go toward stillness!  Yin Classes will meet in the Summer into the Fall. 

           Thursdays 9-10:15 am (SUMMERS ONLY)

 

 CHAIR  YOGA - Rosie Gonzalez will offer Chair Yoga help Seniors and others with health challenges to make daily living easier: strengthen your core; unlock tight hips and shoulders; tone muscles in legs & arms; improve circulation and breathing.   Wednesdays. 10:30 - 11:30 am (SUMMER ONLY) 

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YOGA THERAPEUTICS CLASS  - by appointment only. 

“ heyaṁ duḥkham anāgatam - The pains which are yet to come can and are to be avoided.”

Light on The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (II.16), BKS Iyengar

The purpose of yoga therapeutics as approached in the Iyengar method is to guide the student to the path of yoga for his/her total wellbeing. This class was created for those students who aren’t able to join general yoga classes, or who have health concerns that require yoga therapeutic intervention that can’t be addressed in a general class situation.  Individualized sequences are given to each student to address the student’s physical, physiological, psychological, or emotional issues.  Assistants are available to assist students and to ensure the effects of the poses are being realized.  Though yoga is not a quick fix, progress with the health concern is the goal.  Depending upon the student and their need at the time of practice, the therapeutic approach can include asanas/pranayamas 1) for pain relief (including traction, weights, restoratives) 2) to improve stability and mobility 3) that open the body and energy to affected areas 4) that stretch and strengthen the mind and body.

          Tuesdays 10:30 am - 12 pm 

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MEDITATION HOUR – is a path of inquiry leading one toward self-realization.  While it is typically perceived as sitting stoically with the legs crossed, there are a broad range of approaches and styles to this mysterious and amazing discipline.  As taught at Open Spaces, meditation is a shared group exploration of both eastern and western meditation traditions utilizing the breath, inner visualization, guided imagery and chant among others.  Meditation practice helps develop tranquility, equanimity, compassion and steadiness in the modern world.  Private sessions are available by appointment.

                 Sundays 9 - 10:15 am - ZOOM ONLY

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MEDITATION  IN-STUDIO CLASS – How to Calm a Restless Mind - an open-ended class series designed to increase mental strength, emotional stability and satisfaction in life through ancient and modern meditation practices.  With Ken Hosie.   Thursdays 6 - 7:15 pm - Begin May 8, 2025​

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