Teaching Style and Focus
Main emphasis of the practice is on developing sensitivity and awareness of how the mind-body-breath interacting systems works. Various instruments and techniques are used to achieve it. Chanting and pranayama start the class followed by variations of Sun Salutations.
In the first book about asanas Hatha Yoga Pradipika written in 15th century, special attention is given to inversions. B.K.S. Iyengar also says that headstand is the king of the asanas and shoulder stand is the queen. Therefore, inversions are given in each class and taught with detailed instructions and precision. Alignment in postures is a key point and helps to develop more strength and flexibility without injuries, while providing proper use of muscle, ligaments, and tendon with improved flow of energy. Use of props helps beginners to come into the pose correctly, easily, and to receive effects sooner.
Pranayama and Meditation Workshop
"Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God."
Krishnamacharya
In these series of classes Elena will focus on the Pranayama practice, art and science of the rhythmical control of the Breath. She will also give you a short overview of the central concepts of yoga philosophy, history of yoga, key yoga practices, and yoga anatomy.
Main emphasis of our yoga practice is on developing sensitivity and awareness of how the mind-body-breath interacting systems works. Pranayma is one of the instruments that are used to achieve it.
In the very early scriptures, such as Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (100BCE-400 CE) and Hatha Yoga Pradipika (1400 CE) pranayma (control over the energies of the body) is mentioned as an important step that prepares a yoga practitioner for the main practice, Samadhi (meditation).
Elena will introduce and teach you various pranayama techniques, establishing strong foundation, for further you can safely and properly develop your own practice. You will get direct experience of how breath can affect your state of being, quieting your mind and transforming your energy into inner joy. Each class will start from chanting and short meditation and finish with discussion and reflection on the experiences.