EXPLORE OUR CLASSES
Yosemite Yoga + Wellness is a collective of teachers who have different styles + expertise. This studio provides various types of yoga and wellness classes all targeted to do different things. What is your style + what is your preference? Read the descriptions below to get an understanding of the best class for you.
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All of our classes are ALL LEVELS, therapeutic based aimed to help your health and wellness on a physical mental, energetic, spiritual and emotional level. We know health is every human's birthright + we know that there is a style of yoga or wellness module that can help each person. Our studio is all inclusive and beginner friendly. All are welcome + no experience is needed. We also offer online options for some of our classes so you can practice from any place!
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The teachers will provide modifications and you can move or sit or receive as you wish to meet your mind, energy and body’s needs. Yosemite Yoga + Wellness is a safe, nonjudgement place that knows that yoga + wellness is more than just exercise: it is an outlet for complete health and well being teaching you to connect with and balance your mind, body and soul.
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Important to know about the studio: Just as life is ever changing + the seasons change here in the Yosemite area, living in alignment with change + nature is really important for our health. As a result to this, we have created a space that is consistent for you yet honors change. For this reason, we are always adding new + creative health + wellness experiences to our schedule both offering live classes in studio and online. Aside from our regular schedule, we will offer some of our signature classes as the times feels right! Things from Cacao Circles to Tarot Meditation Classes to Yoga for your Brain or Breathing with the Beatles classes along with Yoga for Rock Climbers, Outdoor Hiking + Yoga classes, Dark Side of the Moon Yoga, Full Moon Reiki Healing or a Bob Marley inspired Vinyasa classs, you never what we will offer. Shawna + John are always creating new classes to hold space for you + expand your health + wellness in a powerful (and fun) way. Check our schedule weekly to see what special classes we are offering + stay connected on our email list. You never know what the season will bring.
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Restorative Yoga
Peaceful | Calm | Rejuvenated | Restored | Relaxed | Chill
This calming + restoring mindful moving yoga class will leave you feeling peaceful, relaxed and calm. The practice is gentle, focused at restoring the body, bringing relaxation and peace to the mind and soothing the emotions. We will move simply and gently, slowly restoring the body. Movements will be mindful and focus on releasing the tension and stress that is built up in the body. Students should come to this class to [try] to relax [we know it can be hard for some of us] and feel less stressed. This is a Gentle Hatha Yoga class.
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There is a plethora of research supporting the effects of yoga. Some benefits you can experience in this class are: ​
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Releases tension
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Reduces anxiety
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Brings mental clarity
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Reduces pain
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Slower aging process
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Overall increase in health and happiness
Vinyasa Yoga
Energizing| Focused | Flowing| Alert| Movement | Flexible
This energizing movement based yoga class will wake you up leaving you feeling focused, alert and more flexible in your day ahead. You will move + breathe to energize the body. We will get the blood flowing, while strengthening the muscles and releasing tension. You can expect movement and flow in this class. This is a Vinyasa Yoga class.
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There is a plethora of research supporting the effects of yoga. Some benefits you can experience in this class are:
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Increases body strength
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Enhances emotional intelligence
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Strengths the mind
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Relieves back + neck pain
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Clears the mind
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Improves energy
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Helps metabolism
Cacoa + Yin
Sweet| Yummy | Relaxing| Happy| Sacred| Calming
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We like to call this class chocolate covered yoga! What is more magical than chocolate and yoga? They are a perfect pair and we are excited to share it with you. Yin Yoga is a restorative style of yoga that focuses on holding seated, prone or supine poses for at least 3 minutes. This class focuses on deeply stretching the body, sitting with the self and surrendering. It is an excellent style of yoga for healing chronic issues in the hip and back and also teaches you to let go and be patient.
Cacao is a heart opening, yummy, sacred drink. It connects us to ourselves and others and when combing it with Yin Yoga is a very special practice. Science has proven cacao provides:
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Serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylethylamine which bring feelings of wellbeing and happiness, and may help alleviate depression providing a combination that will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated.
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Theobromine: This compound may improve cognitive function and focus
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Flavanols: These may relax arteries, increase blood flow to the brain, and improve cognitive function
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Magnesium: This may help with muscle tension, anxiety, electrolyte balance, and energy metabolism
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Potassium: This may help maintain normal blood pressure
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Zinc: This may help maintain strong blood vesse
Yoga Nidra: Stress Relase
Deep Sleep| Still| Deep Stretch| Meditative|
Yoga Nidra is a powerful meditation technique that is often referred to as "yogic sleep". It is said that practicing Yoga Nidra for just 30 minutes can be as restorative as getting 3 to 4 hours of sleep. This deep relaxation helps to calm the nervous system, leading to less stress and better health. During the practice, you will be asked to focus on your breath, bodily sensations, emotions, and thoughts. Participants usually enjoy a relaxing and comfortable position while following the teacher's voice as they are led through a series of relaxation exercises and visualizations.
Slow Flow for Flexibility
Relaxing| Slow| Deep Stretch| Fleviblitiy|
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? Or perhaps you just want to unwind after a busy day? Whatever the case may be, our Slow Flow Yoga class is the ideal way to find some much-needed relaxation and balance in your life. During the class, you'll learn some gentle, flowing movements that will help you connect with your breath, improve flexibility, and find peace in the present moment.
Pranayama + Breathwork
Breathe| Connect |Relax | Get present | Get centered
Breath is an extremely important part of life + these classes will honor expanding you lungs + expanding your breath ability. The breath is connected to the mind so breathwork is also mind work. Here at the studio we are excited to offer various types of breathwork classes. Come sit or lay and learn to breathe or experiment with different breathing classes to strengthen the body + lungs while relaxing the mind. From here you will feel grounded + centered. Look out for all styles of breathwork classes including Breathwork for Peace, Breathwork for Mental Health, Breathwork with the Beatles, Transformational(c) Breath and more.
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There is a plethora of research supporting the effects of breathwork. Some benefits you can experience in this class are: ​
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Brings mental clarity
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Reduces pain
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Slows the aging process
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Overall increase in health
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Reduces stress
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Improves balance
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Brings clarity
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Balances energy
Candlelight Yoga
Peaceful| Zen| Calming |Relaxing | Stress-Release |
Our favorite night time class, where we set up lots of candles to let the dim flame of a natural candle set the space for relaxing. We also set up a star projector for a dreamy, twilight feel. This relaxing and slow moving yoga class will help you unwind after your day. The perfect class to help you transition to calm for a restful night's sleep.
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There is a plethora of research supporting the effects of yoga. Some benefits you can experience in this class are:
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Increased strength and flexibility
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Releases tension + chronic pain
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Fights stress, anxiety + anger
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Improves sleep
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Relieves pain
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Clears the mind
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Brings peace of mind
Yoga for Hikers and Rock Climbers
Flexiblity| Mental Clarity| Conditioning|
There is a way to condition the body to allow it to perform better and that is through providing counterbalances to the activities we love to do. This special class is dedicated to all the hikers and rock climbers in the area. It is a non-intimidating yoga class that helps stretch the body and bring flexibility to make you a stronger and smarter rock climber and/or hiker.
Music Inspired + Themed Yoga Classes
Balancing| Playful |Fun | Stress-Release |
Creativity is the seed of life! Music is very healing! We are excited to periodically offer special music inspired yoga classes like 80's Hair Band Yoga, Relaxing Yoga with the Beatles, Dark Side of the Moon Yoga, Reggea Vinyasa, Emo-Yoga for Emotional Release, Yoga with the Doors, Michael Jackson Tribute Yoga, Prince + Yoga and more! Let's move our body while we connect with the artist works of musicians throughout the decades and let's also have some fun!
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There is a plethora of research supporting the effects of yoga. Some benefits you can experience in this class are:
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Increases strength and flexibility
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Helps with the aging process
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Makes the body feel light + balanced
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Brings happiness + confidence
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Reduces stress
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Improves overall health + energy
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Brings playfulness + happiness
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Inspires you
Plant Bath
Educational |Contemplative | Spiritual| Meditative
This is an essential oil meditation where you will be given one or various essential oils to experience. We will breathe with the oils and then meditate with them. The plant kingdom is wise and essential oils are strong teachers who provide the wisdom of the plant’s DNA. They bring lessons of peace, happiness and health. They meet us where we are at. Take this class to learn about plants, essential oils and aromatherapy and also to relax, expand your practice with meditation and tap into your spirituality.
Tarot + Oracle Meditation
Alignining| Reflective|Contemplative | Meditative |
This special meditation experience taps into the use of oracle and tarot cards to help inspire and clarify what we are feeling or what we want insight on. The tarot is said to be the pages of the book of our life and when we choose a card we are turning to a specific page of life. Oracle Cards are said to be artistic and clear channeled messages with words or explanations that help guide us to our questions. We will use these cards by picking one of each with an intention in mind and then meditate to gain clarity to the answers we seek. Why do this? It expands our thinking, provides clarity and insight and teaches you to trust yourself and something bigger than yourself. From here, you will have better health and peace of mind.
Gong Meditation
Brain Balancing| Spiritual | Cell Restoring| Meditative |
Get rocked in this powerful meditative experience: you will be led through a meditation with the sound of various powerful gongs. The vibration from these healing tools work quickly to slow the brainwaves down to a relaxing state. You will leave feeling harmonized, balanced, and connected. Gongs are said to release negative energy and leave you cleansed, restored and balance. All you need to do is lay down and receive.
BASIC STUDIO PROTOCOL
Each studio runs differently; here are the answer to your questions on how our space runs.
Are beginners welcome?
Yes! We are a super beginner friendly studio, you do not need any experience + our teachers are here to help you. Ask us any questions at any time. You have to start sometime, so why not today?
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What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes that you can move around in. We do not wear shoes in the studio or on the yoga mat and there is a place to store them when you come to the studio.
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What should I bring?
A yoga mat + water. + any porps if you use them. If you do not have a yoga mat or props we have them to borrow or purchase at the studio. We also have a great retail shop to shop around before or after class.
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What time should I arrive + what do I do?
5-15 minutes before class. Doors lock 5 minutes after class starts so be mindful of your time. When you enter, take off your shoes + store your belongings. Check yourself in at the Ipad at the front of the room. There will be a friendly staff member to guide you if you have questions. Remember, we do not offer walk ins and so you must sign up for classes ahead of time.
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How do I sign up for classes ahead of time?
Please go to the daily class schedule, sign in to your profile with the email you have purchased classes with (or create a new profile if you do not have one) and sign up for a class.
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Do I need to preregister for a class or can I just show up?
You must preregister for a class: walk ins are not allowed and you have to sign p online ahead of time to reserve your spot.
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What is the parking situation like?
We have a parking lot right in front of the studio.
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Is this purchase nonrefundable?
Sorry, there are no refunds + sales are nontransferable.
Classic Hatha Yoga
Strong | Confident | Flexible | Limber | Movement | Fun
In this more active class, your body will be instructed to move in ways to help nurture both strength and flexibility. You will move and strengthen all of your muscles: largely focusing on legs, core, and arms while also helping the body to gain dexterity and flexibility releasing tension that may be held in the muscles ligaments and joints throughout the body helping all areas of the body and specifically focusing on the neck, shoulders, the back, hips, and knees. This is a Vinyasa-Hatha Yoga Fusion class focused on strength, movement and heart opening.
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There is a plethora of research supporting the effects of yoga. Some benefits you can experience in this class are:
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Increases strength and flexibility
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Reduces stress
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Reduce depression
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Improves the immune system
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Improves balance
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Improves heart health
Power Vinyasa
Strength| Sweat | Challenge| Power| Detox| Confidence
This is the Kick-Your-Butt-Yoga class that will leave you feeling challenged, strong, and probably sweaty. Although we are not a heated studio, we will get the body moving building internal heat that will leave you feeling detoxed and lighter. This class will test your endurance, build your strength and help you find your power. You will strengthen mentally, physically, and emotionally. This is a Vinyasa Yoga class.
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There is a plethora of research supporting the effects of yoga. Some benefits you can experience in this class are:
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Makes the body flexible
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Releases tension
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Reduces anxiety
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Brings mental clarity
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Reduces pain
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Slower aging process
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Increase quality of life
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Builds a strong core
Yin Yoga
Slow | Still| Deep Stretch| Meditative| Restorative |Calm
This is an amazing class that combines yoga + sound healing to leave you feeling relaxed, calm and balanced. You will be led through various yin yoga poses while also experiencing sound healing to balance the mind and body.
Yin Yoga is a restorative style of yoga that focuses on holding seated, prone or supine poses for at least 3 minutes. This class focuses on deeply stretching the body, sitting with the self and surrendering. It is an excellent style of yoga for healing chronic issues in the hip and back and also teaches you to let go and be patient.
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There is a plethora of research supporting the effects of yoga. Some benefits you can experience in this class are:
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Increases patience
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Releases tension
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Reduces pain
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Slower aging process
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Reduces depression + anxiety
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Manages weight
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Eases arthritis pain
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Helps back + neck + hip pain
All Levels Yoga
Flexible| Balance | Deep Stretch| Healthy| Relaxing
Yoga can be intimidating for some people. It is life changing and important for our health and wellness: this class focuses on making yoga not intimidating but easy to follow and understand. This is an accessible class, great for beginners and those new to yoga and also wonderful for those who have a regular practice. We will move through the poses in a way that meets the body's needs. We will release tension and make the body feel balanced. The teacher will tap into the energy class to create a class that makes you feel good. You will leave with the feeling of "I feel so much better; I needed that!"
Deep Stretching + Relaxation
Therapeutic Deep Stretch| Meditative| Restorative |Calm
This 50 minute class gives the body a deep stretch to release sore muscles, stiffness and pain in the body and also provides stress relief and relaxation to help you feel calm and centered. No experience needed. Your mind and body will thank you.
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There is a plethora of research supporting the effects of relaxation + stretching the body. 90% of illnesses are caused by stress + 77% of people experience stress in their lives. This class helps release that stress. Some other benefits you can experience in this class are:
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Releases tension
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Reduces pain
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Eases arthritis pain
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Helps back + neck + hip pain
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Calms the mind
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De-stresses
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Brings balance
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Relaxes the nervous system
"Om" my goodness Meditation
Vibrational Sound Healing| Peace |Meditation
What would happen if you aum-ed for 20 minutes straight? In this class, you will see! Aum (or “Om”) is said to be the sound of the universe, the sound of all things. It is said that when you make the sound of "om" every part of yourself becomes aligned. From here, magic happens…so let’s make some magic together, ok? Or should I say, “Om-k?” Bring a meditation cushion or yoga mat.
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Neuro-Aerobics (Yoga for Your Brain)
Mental Focus| Mental Clarity| Mental Strength|
Alzheimer's Research Foundation has deemed yoga and meditation one of the best things you can do to improve cognitive function. Did you also know there are various kriyas and exercises specific to brain health? This special class will literally get you thinking in new ways + get your brain firing. Come to stretch your brain.
Benefits include:
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Preventative medicine for mental disorders + Alzheimer’s or dementia
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Improves cognitive function
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Increases memory
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Reduces stress
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Improves overall brain health
Outdoor Yoga + Hiking
Nature| Fun| Adventure|Health | Community
We live in one of the most beautiful places! We are taking the yoga outdoors in this special yoga + hiking experience. We will tell you where to meet + we experience a walking meditation, beautiful hike, and a yoga class in nature together.
Community Reiki
Chakra Balancing |Contemplative | Energy Clearing |
This powerful community Reiki session allows you to be immersed in high vibes: you will get an initial session within a large group session and also feel the powerful energy of the group. Here you will receive Reiki with Energy Work, Sound Healing, Aromatherapy, Crystal Therapy + leave with an energy prescription or oracle card message. The session is done in a group but your healing session is individual. You should leave feeling balanced and centered. Reiki helps release old patterns, restore energy levels, balance physical, emotional, mental, + spiritual health. Please bring your own mat, blankets, cushions, eye pillows or pillows (anything you want to get comfortable!), crystals/any items you want to blessed by Reiki in your session.
Moon Classes
Alignining| Reflective|Contemplative | Meditative |
For those that are intuitive or sensitive or those that love and honor the moon, these classes are for you. The moon is a cycle and affects us deeply. It also has a lot to teach us. The various moon classes we offer at the studio give insight to the moon and connect us to it. The new moon is a time of new beginnings and manifesting. The full moon is a time of intuition and trust. From time to time the studio will celebrate the moon at a certain part of its cycle with a special new moon or full moon yoga or energy work class or ceremony or ritual.
Sound Bath
Brain Balancing| Reflective|Restoring| Meditative |
A powerful and deeply healing meditation where you will lay down or sit in meditative posture and experience the deep healing of various sound instruments. It is an orchestra for your cells! Sound healing is said to be the deepest and quickest way to bring profound healing in holistic medicine: your job is just to lay back and let in! Sound instruments played in the meditation include (but are not limited to):gongs, tuning forks, koshi chimes, rain sticks, drums, crystal sound bowls and Tibetan sound bowls. Sound healing heals the cells, reprograms the DNA and re-write stories of the subconscious while calming the mind and body. It releases stress and brings balance to the mind, body and soul.
FAQ
Feel free to ask the teachers or staff any questions at any time, but here are some commonly asked questions for people new to yoga.
I am complete beginner. What class should I go to?
All of our classes are beginner friendly so we suggest reading the list of classes and see what stands out to you. Look at your schedule + see what fits. Trust your gut + try something new. You can always take breaks or skip something if it does not feel right for you. It is not about keepng up or powering through. Our classes are here to help you create healthy boundaries with yourself and listen to your mind and body. They help you to choose to do behaviors that make you feel good. You are always in charge. If you need anything or have any questions, we are here for you. Just call us over!
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I want to relax and calm my mind. What class should I go to?
Yoga for Peace + Relaxation, Candlelight Yoga, Yin Yoga, Sound Healing Meditation + tmeditation classes are perfect for de-stressing and calming your mind.
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I want a work out. What class will be the best for that?
Check out Yoga for Strength + Flexibility, Yoga for Power + Sweat and Yoga for Energy are sweaty and movement based classes!
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What if I cannot do some of the poses?
This is normal for a number of reasons. 90% of students do not do the poses exactly as they are taught and it is fine! Every person's body is different and have different histories. The poses will look differently on everyone. Yoga teaches you to get to know your body + move your body in ways that make it feel good. For this reason, you can do any modification or version of the pose that meets your body where it is: do what you want on the mat that makes you feel good. Feel free to ask the teacher other ways to do the pose, to skip poses, or to do something different. The focus is to HELP your body (not hurt it). The studio is a judgement free zone that encourages you to take care of your unique body by making decisions on how to get to know your best to give it what will nurture it. The teacher will provide modifications + options and all you need to do is call us over and we can help!
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What if I can't keep up with the pace of the class?
You can take breaks or skip things. You can even just go to child's pose, lay on your back for a rest, or sit. We joke that the studio is a place where adults come for "nap time." As long as you are not hurting yourself or distracting others from their practice, all is welcome here.
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What if I am bored?
If you are a person who has a hard time relaxing then you can get bored in a yoga class. A healthy body + mind needs balance, both the yin + yang and fast + slow. Maybe you are not bored but rather learning how to relax and slow down. Yoga, at the end of the day, is a class that teaches you about YOU and who you are and how to take care of you best.
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I am intimidated + nervous. Should I still come?
Yes! Most people are the first time. This is all the more reason to come. It is good to stretch your emotional stuff by putting yourself in situations that are safe and good for you but intimidating. Yoga has been around for thousands of years. Wellness has been around since the beginning of humans. It has stood the test of time for a reason.
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I am tight and not flexible. Should I still come?
Where else would you go? Yoga classes help release tension and help you to become flexible. What better place to be then there? Side note: most people are tight and not flexible, including Shawna, the owner of the studio. That is why it is important to stretch. ​
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I do not know what I am doing. Should I still come?
Yes. You are coming to a CLASS which means we will teach you what to do. ​
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I am not good at yoga. Should I still come?
There are million excuses people make to not do something. It actually takes less energy to just do the thing you are making excuses for. There is no such thing as being good at yoga. It is not a sport or competition. It is hygiene + needed for your body + mind. Most doctors + therapists will recommend it.