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The study of Yoga is traditionally done with a small, dedicated group or one on one with a teacher. This allows for both teacher and student to feel a sense of connection, comfort, and inspiration. Stay tuned for information on small group and one on one yoga instruction as time and space allows.

What Is Yoga?​

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"Yogash citta vritti nirodhah."

Yoga is the cessation of thought waves in the mind.

~Sutra 1.2 from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

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Yoga is an ancient holistic discipline practiced for mental and physical health, self realization, and spiritual enlightenment.

Practices of Yoga include physical poses and movements (asana), breathwork (pranayama), chanting (mantra), meditation (dhyana),

self study (svadyaya), and selfless service (karma yoga), among many others.

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At Breathe, we practice the traditional lineage of Classical Ashtanga Yoga with influences from other teachers and disciplines. 

Original teachings of yoga are drawn from scripture, reference Hindu deities, and have been passed down by living and non-living Gurus. 

The Mount Madonna Center School of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Community Studies, where I completed my 200 hour yoga teacher training, is an intentional community founded by silent Indian Monk, Baba Hari Dass. It is located near the central California coast in the Santa Cruz mountains. It is in the Classical Ashtanga* (eight limbs) and Hatha Yoga lineages - derived from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

*This is not to be confused with the commonly referenced Ashtanga by Patabi Jois - which is a much more modern power flow practice of calculated vigorous postures.

 

The eight limbs of Ashtanga (ashta = eight, anga = limb) Yoga (union) are:

1) Yamas - Ethical Restraints

2) Niyamas - Ethical Observances

3) Asana - Seat, physical postures

4) Pranayama - Breath control and expansion

5) Pratyahara - Sense Withdrawal

6) Dharana - Concentration

7) Dhyana - Continuous focus, Meditation

8) Samadhi - Absorbtion, Oneness, Pure Consciousness

 

I have had many inspiring teachers, life experiences, and studied many disciplines that have influenced me as a person, teacher, and bodywork therapist. I draw from my knowledge of yoga asana, eastern philosophy, western psychology, partner yoga, acrobatics, bodywork, dance, and play.

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Benefits of a Regular Yoga Practice

 

Modern science has proven many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of a regular yoga practice including:

 

- Increases flexibility and range of motion

- Increases muscle strength and tone

- Improves balance

- Improves respiration, energy, vitality

- Helps balance metabolism

- Improves cardiovascular and circulatory health and flow

- Improves posture

- Prevents joint degeneration

- Naturally boosts immunity, draining lymph fluids

- Regulates adrenals

- Mental focus, increasing clarity and productivity

- Addresses issues of fatigue and insomnia

- Produces a sense of calm and peace in the mind

- Increases confidence and self-esteem

- Builds awareness for personal growth and transformation

- Benefits interpersonal relationships

- Assists in value clarification and improves decision making

- Encourages self love and self care

- Turns frowns upside down

 

 

When approached with inquisition, self love, and discipline, the theories and practices of yoga have endless therapeutic potential. In my own experience of yoga, I have grown exponentially more compassionate toward myself and others, learned to prevent and heal patterns of physical and emotional pain, and discovered portals into infinite wisdom and clarity.

 It's important to remember that yoga is a practice with no intended end goal. It is designed to guide you on a path of self discovery, realization, and wholeness. 

~ Kristin *Manjula*

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"If you work on Yoga, Yoga will work on you."

~ Baba Hari Dass

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