• Slow yoga builds resilience and our capacity to feel and sense into the body (interoception). Research suggests that poor interoception is associated with chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and depression.

• Slow, mindful yoga promotes neuroplasticity, changing the brain in ways to help self-regulate the nervous system, increase empathy and feelings of connectedness, and a positive attitude.

• Slow yoga reduces inflammation which is associated with: chronic pain, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases.

• Slow, mindful yoga activates the relaxation response which helps to reduce inflammation and this can benefit many other functions such as respiration, cardiovascular health, mental health, addiction recovery, chronic pain, and sleep. It cultivates a stronger sense of peace.

You don’t ever have to miss a class. If you can't make it to class, you can request the recorded class, a complimentary 7 day recording to take in your own time and space.

• Recorded classes are offered to all registered. Sometimes there are interruptions, unforeseen circumstances, or connection issues and often (I'm told :-) and love to hear this) you have enjoyed something in the practice or it felt good in your body and you'd like to re-create it. This benefit is something new. Recordings were previously only extended to those who missed the live class. Now you can enjoy taking the class a second time (or more) for 7 days. So now you can practice, practice, and practice!

• Each and every class has unique content and sequences. Classes are theme-based and wrap in yogic teachings, practical concepts, spirituality, and the management of anxiety. In addition we often use easily accessible props to enhance our practices.

• All classes are based on the principles of anatomy, neuroscience, symmetry, spinal mechanics, and balance of movement and asana (postures).

• All classes offer both asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing practices). Most other yoga classes are asana alone.

• All classes end in meditation. Most other yoga class options are asana alone. The benefits of meditation are endless. Thus, this will never change!

A. I'm certified in Hatha yoga through the Integral Yoga lineage. It is a classical style of yoga that originated in India through Swami Sivananda and Swami Satchidananda. The longer I've practiced, learned about, and taught these poses, the more accessible they have become. Because every body is different, one form of the pose may not be right for every body so I offer various versions of the poses. In addition, two of my current teachers are schooled in the Viniyoga tradition which is more therapeutic, so much of my teaching leans in this direction.

A. While we're taught a specific class and sequence of poses, I know that I wouldn't be able to teach the same class every time. So if you're looking for sameness, this is not the class for you. Being a creative, right-brained type, I switch up every class, however, there are certain elements of each class that remain the same and they are: deep yogic breathing (Dirga Swasam), eye movements (Netra Vyayamam),  and Yoga Nidra (Deep Relaxation, Yogic Sleep). Even meditation is switched up to expose students to different ways of meditating. I do teach one class that essentially stays the same and that is Therapeutic Yoga for Healthy Joints (YFA). This class is a 90 minute healing modality.

A. See above! Each and every class is unique. I have even been known to switch up class just prior to the start of class and even during class if it makes sense. Because each class is unique and I don't have a photographic memory (unfortunately, or fortunately), I keep an instructor notebook nearby that helps guide the practice. Could I teach without it? Absolutely. But, classes and themes are better organized and thus communicated with it as a tool.

A. As an individual teacher versus a yoga studio, I need to allot time for program administration and class content, structure, and sequencing. With this in mind, there are currently two series classes: one mat and one chair. Both are virtual with an in person option. In addition, I teach Yoga for Healthy Joints (YFA/Healing Yoga) one Saturday per month. Yoga for Healthy Joints is a healing, joint-freeing series class that cleanses and hydrates the joints. About every quarter, I teach Yoga for Osteoporosis (yoga with weights). Occasionally, I'll offer a pop-up class or make up class. As a service (Seva), I also teach other classes. Please go to Offerings on my website for current classes.

A. Absolutely. Yoga is not about being flexible. Yoga is not even necessarily about movement or asana (postures). You can take an entire class seated on the mat or the chair and imagine yourself doing the movement. Studies have shown neurologically that the body benefits just as much. Yoga is more than movement or postures. It's a deep, spiritual journey through the self and to the self. In every class, your body (and your breath) is the teacher. I am the guide. Anything that doesn't serve you or your body in the practice, you're encouraged to skip or change. Additional options and adaptations of an asana (posture) can be discussed after class or outside of class in a one on one private session.

A. I currently teach all virtual classes on a tablet as well as a large television screen for visibility. If you're not sure whether you are doing the pose the way it is intended, please ask, feel free to hang out after class to show me how you do the pose or we could Zoom privately. I'm happy to spend pre or post class time helping with postures or movements or if more time is needed we can schedule a mutually convenient, private session to cover the specifics.

A. Sensation can mean many things and it's great that you've noticed! Sensation could mean that a particular part of the body that has been asleep or dormant for a while, because it hasn't been moved, has been activated. A sensation can also be muscles, ligaments, tendons getting accustomed to moving in a particular way or holding a pose. Something to continue to be aware of. A sensation can also be a symptom of something physical happening in the body, so it's good to notice this, decide if it's something you need to just watch or something to consult with a medical professional about. There should never be pain in a yoga practice, so if it is pain you're feeling, congratulations for noticing! Then, please back off from what you're doing and come into a resting pose (like savasana, balasana, tadasana, or advasana-see the Sanskrit translation section on this site). Then consult your medical professional. A good resting pose in a chair class is a seated tadasana (mountain pose).

A. Most of the time I'll indicate what props you'll need when I send the class link. Please pay attention to this as it can impact your practice. For the Tuesday Chair series, I recommend having a yoga block, a strap, and a tennis ball or other soft-ish ball. I also recommend an extra chair nearby. For the Friday class, I recommend two blocks, a yoga bolster or cushions, a strap, a few blankets, and an extra chair. In addition, I often have the props needed for class in a prominent position before class begins, so you'll see what we'll need right away.

A. I try to use all verbal cueing rather than making any hands-on adjustments with anyone in an in-person class. In an in person class I will ask your permission prior to helping you with a pose. In a virtual class, I will not say any names. Many years ago, I was embarrassed in a class and never forgot it, so I generally mention suggestions out loud to the entire group and 99.9% of the time, that person knows I am talking directly to them. I'm also happy to take time before or after class to help with alignment.

A. The short answer is yes, you can always invite a guest to either practice with you in your space or to practice in their own space. Every class attendee needs to register online for class (even a drop in; one class) and pay the class fee.

This means that even if they're in your space and sharing your device, they still need to register and pay for class.