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Class Descriptions 
 

If you've never done yoga before, you'll enjoy starting with either
Beginning Ashtanga, All Levels Ashtanga, Mindfulness Yoga or Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation. 

Please call Penny at 590-9800 if you would like to discuss which class is best for you-
there's a place for everyone!


Classes at Saco River Yoga

Ranging in intensity from slow and meditative to vigorous and challenging, you'll receive many physical benefits from our classes, but these are far more than just exercise classes.  These are flowing practices that connect a powerful awareness of breath and inner sensation with movement to cultivate strength, flexibility, and contentment.  Each class includes a complete relaxation, breathwork (pranayama), and meditation. Become light!

Ashtanga Yoga basic level of fitness needed

This class involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures producing internal heat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved flexibility and circulation, a light and strong body, a sense inner awareness and a calm mind.  Options are offered for all poses.


Dharma Vinyasa Yoga basic level of fitness needed

This class first warms and prepares the body with a dynamic flow that focuses on opening hips, spine and chakras and then progresses into longer held meditative poses and practices. 

 

Mindfulness Yoga appropriate for everyone

This slower paced, meditative class weaves physical poses, breath, and inner awareness together to create a deeply calming experience. Observation of thoughts and physical sensation is used as a doorway to a quieter mind.  Includes a deep relaxation, breath work (pranayama) and meditation.  Meaningful and appropriate for everyone regardless of previous experience.


Beginners Ashtanga appropriate for everyone

Students with no prior background or those looking for a refresher are introduced to the fundamentals of yoga and yoga poses (asana).  You'll leave feeling physically and mentally relaxed.  This class is great for those new to yoga or those seeking guidance on alignment in their poses. 


Pranayama & Meditation appropriate for everyone

In the West, when we hear about a yoga class, we tend to automatically picture the practice of physical poses (asana). Physical poses are, however, just one method available to quiet the mind and turn your attention inward.  Instead of practicing physical yoga poses during this class, you will be seated and learning the techniques of  pranayama (breath/energy work) and meditation.  No yoga experience is necessary- everyone is welcome.

 

Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation appropriate for everyone

Yoga Nidra is receiving attention from the medical community, therapists, those seeking more peace in their lives, and those seeking a greater connection with their own spirituality.  Lying down covered in warm blankets, listening to the healing vibrations of our live flutes, keyboards, and singing bowls, we will take you on a journey inward as you set a personal intention specific to your life.  This method has proven effective in aiding healing, stress relief, addictions, feelings of loss, and releasing long-standing behavioral patterns.  This guided meditation leads to complete physical, mental, and emotional relaxation.


Spiritual Book Club appropriate for everyone
Each week you'll read a chapter in a spiritual book then group will join together weekly to talk informally about the ideas that were presented and how they might be applied in daily life.  Participants are welcome to simply listen or participate as they feel comfortable- no pressure.  You may come every week for each chapter or drop in the weeks you can.  You're always welcome to come for the discussion whether or not you've  completed the readings.


Gong Meditation
appropriate for everyone
The gong is an ancient instrument used for thousands of years to promote healing, balance, and intuition. Unlike other instruments, it produces waves of unpredictable combination tones when played that distract our pattern-seeking mind. A Gong Meditation is like a very deep and lasting massage that tunes the physical body and soul to the highest possible resonance while allowing you to totally let go. A healing space opens up beyond the mind’s limitations in which all manner of visionary experience, clearing of embedded emotions, and connection with deep relaxation and peace can manifest. Bring a pillow, mat, or blanket to relax, and experience the primordial sacred sounds of the gongs, singing bowls, and other sound meditation instruments.