Schedule and Class Offerings

classes

Hanuman Festival, 2017 Photo Credit: Bryan Lopez

“For those who have an intense urge for Spirit and wisdom, it sits near them, waiting.” ~ Patanjali, The Yoga Sutras

Slowburn

By shifting the focus inward, students develop a heightened sensitivity and deeper awareness. This practice involves a slower-paced, grounded flow that emphasizes linking breath with movement.

Vinyasa (Flow)

This moderately heated (90°), energetic, athletic vinyasa flow class is rooted in Hatha postures and creatively sequenced to build strength, flexibility, joint mobility, balance, and endurance. Emphasizing the connection between breath and movement, students are guided through a unique series of flowing postures. Since no two classes are alike, expect the unexpected!

Hatha

A set of intentional and dynamic practices aimed at achieving harmony and balance in the mind, body, and spirit. Often referred to as “the forceful path,” this approach to yoga includes the practice of physical postures and breathing techniques.

Hatha/Yin

Class begins with a series of physical postures that emphasize alignment and breathwork. This dynamic and muscular (yang) practice focuses on lengthening and contracting your muscles. Transitions are slower-paced, with longer holds to challenge your strength and flexibility while enhancing your focus and awareness.

The second half of the class complements the first, providing a balanced practice. The grounded postures of Yin target the deeper tissues of the body—ligaments, tendons, joints, fascia, and energetic layers. The longer holds stretch and lengthen these deeper tissues, with an emphasis on breathwork and observation.

Ashtanga (Short Form)

A highly physical and athletic practice comprising a systematic set of asanas. It channels energy through the body using ujjayi pranayama (breath), engages bandhas (locks), and focuses on specific points using drishti (gaze).

Fundamentals

Fundamentals is an ideal class for beginners or those re-entering their yoga journey. Students are carefully led through fundamental postures and sequences with detailed instruction on alignment, muscle engagement, breath control, and energy utilization. The slower pace enables thorough guidance, providing ample opportunity for questions and addressing individual needs.

Yoga Life Center, Mokena, IL

  • Tuesdays, 6:00 pm (60 min.)

Yin

This asana practice complements the “yang” or “active” yoga, focusing on stillness and flexibility through prolonged holding of poses. The yin practice encourages spending 3-15 minutes in each posture, promoting deep stretching and relaxation. Regular yin practice strengthens and lengthens muscles and their supporting tissues—ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Suitable for all levels.

Rituals (Workshop)

This is a new offering with the intention of embedding more of the rituals of the ancient yogic practice. The class begins with an opening chant of intention for both student and teacher, followed by a dharma talk that includes an introduction to one of the many Hindu deities. This deity will serve as the focus of all subsequent aspects of each class, including:

  • Elements, Vayu, Chakra, 8-limbs, Kosha, and Mantra
  • Pranayama practice with the corresponding mudra
  • Intentional movement and flow
  • Chinese Meridian work and Yin postures
  • Meditation with closing mantra.