Intentional yoga

Classes are designed to get the most results with the least amount of time. We do not focus on fancy new transitions or complicated and lengthy flows (like Laughing Lotus in NYC). We focus more on immediately effective poses, not flexing our creative prowess. You will see many of the same sequences and flows time after time because repetition breeds mastery and that flow is likely super effective.

Handstands and deep backbends are fun. Mastery over the body is fun. Childlike play can come to life when we challenge ourselves to do funny and ridiculous things, like standing on our head. Daily growth and seeing ourselves accomplish things we couldn’t do before is great. However poses for poses sake is not our MO. At no time is a handstand ‘better’ than a child’s pose. The question is: what best serves you at this moment? Similarly, do not feel like you have to diminish your practice in fear that others will think you’re showing off. Center your practice on you. Others will say what they say, but in “success or failure, remain steadfast.” - mini quote from the Bhagavad Gita.

We do not believe in the dogma of yoga, or sticking to tradition just for tradition’s sake. This does not mean we do not honor the lineage of yoga: please see our resources on yoga’s theory and practice- however we DO NOT place the GURU above our own inner knowing. All resources are take it or leave it. YOU are your best teacher. This is the best way to avoid teacher/ student power plays, inappropriate sexuality, and other guru-worship dynamic in yoga culture.

This is a foundational attitude of yoga and meditation: non- judgmental awareness. Our normal consciousness constantly categorizes whether something is beneficial, harmful or neutral to you. If someone compliments you or says something that benefits you, you perk up, feeling great. When someone disagrees with or takes away from you, you feel horrible. And when something doesn’t apply to you, you don’t care. This constant categorization measures your external world against your ego all the time. It’s exhausting. To protect your peace, you must learn how to be in the present moment without categorizing. AKA when I say “chair pose” instead of internally complaining about doing a pose you hate, just be in the present moment. And when I say it’s time for pigeon, you can keep a small smile to yourself, but it doesn’t need to be a huge relief. Even temperedness is what we try to cultivate.