Adult Classes weave together an eclectic mix of yogic styles. Teachers are varied and offer students the building blocks of Yoga based on Iyengar and Anusara principles. All systems of the body are toned with the exploration of breath, sun salutations, standing postures, twists, forward and backward bends, inversions, restorative postures and meditation. Classes may incorporate gently flowing vinyasa (linking the breath with movement), asana exploration using anatomy, geometry and physiology of a posture, or expansion of awareness as systems, organs, glands and other physical aspects of our being are embodied. The process of bringing the conscious into our body teaches us to listen and respect the wisdom our bodies have to offer us. All levels of experience are welcome.
Dharma
Maha Sadhana Workshop - The One Eternal Practice---Held the 1st Saturday
Monthly
The Great Divine Complete Eternal
Practices as taught to Yogi Brian by his guru Sri Dharma Mittra. This session
begins with the spiritual purification discourses conveying the ancient
teaching into our modern lives. It continues with in-depth, long and challenging
Shiva Namaskara posture practice, including healing deep relaxation and
a meditation practice.
The program concludes with Yogi Brian's joyous Devotional Dharma Asana Satsang
Jam. Personal attention and helpful hints are given throughout the session
as well as direction toward the real true goal of Yoga.
For Intermediate through Advanced Yogis.
Dharma
Yoga
A challenging and dynamic vinyasa flow that purifies the physical, mental
and blissful bodies. Deep relaxation, focused breathing and a short-guided
meditation are a part of every class. Personal attention and modifications
included, all are welcome. Strength, tranquility and balance redefined.
Prana Yoga
is a way of accessing the experience of your life force energy, the Prana.
Experience an increase on your energy levels while having fun practicing
Hatha postures that combine breath work and vocalization of Chakra sounds.
You will feel energized while connecting the seven main chakras or energy
centers through which the Prana flows.You will learn approximately 20 postures,
several breathing Pranayama techniques, the 14 sounds that correspond to
the chakras and invigorate relaxation methods.
Embodied Classes explore all aspects of the body, mind and spirit using somatic experience, anatomy, breathwork, visualization, discussion, postures, nutrition, pictures, and stories. As we become more fully aware, we grow and expand in body and mind, allowing for radiant health to emerge. Beginners welcome.
Basic (beginner) Classes offer those new to Yoga an opportunity to explore postures and breath in a slower paced environment.
The Ananda Children’s Yoga Program offers the child ages five through teen years an opportunity to explore movement, breath and focus. Through the practice of awareness of their bodies in motion and in stillness, children and teens will gain valuable insight for both on and off the mat.
The Ananda Center is focused on creating a safe and caring environment for children as they are introduced to postures (asanas), breath (pranayama), relaxation techniques, anatomy (where are our organs, glands, muscles and bones and what do they do for us), somatic experience (what does it feel like), and games and stories aimed at enhancing a deeper sense of themselves. Questions? Contact Anne at 203-273-8364 or ananda(at)sportsgig(dot)com
Teen Yoga brings balance, strength and flexibility to the young adult. In addition, we practice the art of grounding and breathwork while learning the importance of a quiet and focused mind. Please see above for additional information or call Anne at 273-8364.
Power
Vinyasa for Athletes
Athletes are led through a combination of dynamic movements that are designed
to lengthen and strengthen muscles, creating muscular balance and improve
mind-body connection.
Simply Me- Special Children's classes offered at Ananda or your location:
Prenatal Yoga offers women in the 2nd trimester and later stages of pregnancy a loving and empowering practice focused on the connection with Self and baby. Movement, breathwork, visualization and vocal toning will help encourage a strong bond between mother and baby while helping to relieve stress and enhance awareness and concentration. Prenatal yoga enhances relaxation, strength, flexibility and circulation aiding in the natural ability to give birth.
Mommy & Me classes are for Mommy (or caregiver) and baby (or toddler) from one to five years of age. Playful interactive exploration of movement, breath, and song that encourages confidence and creativity.
Family Yoga (5+ years) introduces the entire family to basic Yoga postures and breathwork. Classes are combined with fun and energy, posture and breath and silence so that each of us feels a sense of Self and interconnectedness to one another.
Restorative Yoga utilizes reclining fully supported postures to allow the body and mind to relax and open. This practice gives structure for healing through non-effort. The sequences can be beneficial for stress-reduction, high blood pressure and hormone imbalances or to simply give the mind an opportunity to stop doing and to find that ease than can underlie all activity.
Active Restorative is a profoundly restorative, yet challenging and active, practice whereby the student is blindfolded with head fully supported. A series of inverted (head below heart) postures are held for 5+ minutes. Not appropriate for beginners although modifications can be made.
Community Outreach educates the public in areas of nutrition and yoga to help youngsters learn the importance these practices have in the health of our bodies and mind. Please contact Anne at 273-8364 if you are interested in our participation.
George Washington Carver Community Center "Kids In The Kitchen" 2007 Junior League Event
Science Fair at New Canaan Country School 2006
Chakrasambara Buddhist Center Classes on Wednesday evenings. click here for info
Vipassana Meditation Classes are based on the Buddhist teachings of Insight meditation (Vipassana). These teachings are universal and can be of great benefit to help us uncover our innate wisdom and compassion, and develop skillful ways to work with difficulties, challenges and opportunities. Check schedule for dates. Inquiries to ananda@sportsgig.com or just come!
Yoga Nidra : A guided visualization technique performed on the back or in a chair that allows the student to feel deep peace and relaxation. It is said to be more restfull than standard sleep. It is as if at some point you DROP or FALL or EMPTY into the STATE of DEEP SLEEP, much like you would normally do at bedtime (when not Dreaming). However, this time, you fell all the way THROUGH the Dreaming state, and came to rest in the DEEP SLEEP state, though, paradoxically, you remained aware and alert. This is the level UNDERNEATH both the WAKING and DREAMING states, and all of the thoughts and impressions that go along with those two states. Now you are in the STATE of CONSCIOUS DEEP SLEEP. This state is the state of YOGA NIDRA (Yoga Nidra refers to a state of consciousness, not just the methods that lead you there). Nidra means sleep (not Dreaming), and Yoga means union, where all of those other thoughts and impressions have receded back into the unified field from which they arose (by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati)
Becoming One - Meditation & Intuition with Avis Baum. Classes assist one in accessing their inner voice. This work is done through breath, sound, intuition, meditation, movement and discusssion. The class is intended to open, clear, heal, balance and center with the purpose of living life to its fullest and in the flow. Each week there will be sound and breath exercises that aid in clearing and balancing our heart, body, mind and soul. We will have exercises on how to access your intuition and discuss what intuition is and what it feels and looks like. There will be a discussion period in a sacred circle, and although some of the queries or comments are made by one individual they almost always apply to the group and are often the most "enlightening" part of the class. Class is where we learn to be in the present moment and where we can access everything we need in divine timing. This is often followed by playing with oracle card decks, which is always inspiring. The lessons and tools learned are then applied to outside life. This class is a sanctuary, a sacred place for all in need of nurturing and guidance during their process of self and spiritual transformation. If there is time, a short movement portion with music follows that helps shift old patterns stuck in the body allowing for the flow to be restored. There will be a guided meditation, where we will relax, breathe, heal, renew and restore followed by visualizations that carry energy, information and messages followed by silent meditation. The goal of the class is to achieve clarity, stillness, peace, purpose, balance, health, harmony, love and gratidue. These qualities will filter into our lives outside the classroom to achieve a state of "Being" or becoming "One" as the teacher and master within is awakened and begins to co-create Heaven on Earth. Privates available, please call Avis at 203-847-0644 or e-mail avis@avisbaum.com