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YOGA
Yoga means "union". It is truly an awakening of the health and wholeness in each of us, becoming One in body, mind, heart, and spirit. We become more aware of this experience of union through the yoga practice.
Hatha yoga specifically approaches this state of union
through the body. Through the practice of physical poses, breathwork,
meditation,
and
relaxation, you'll become more flexible, stronger, and peaceful
within. You'll feel more energy and yet be less reactive to life's challenges.
Stress is
released. The inner blocks to becoming your greatest potential
are
revealed through the practice. You'll see how you can
release those blocks, and bring
forth new possibilities in body and mind.
Each class balances development of flexibility with
increasing physical strength— you may be surprised how much muscle
tone can be developed
with a well-rounded yoga practice!
You'll also notice improvements with back problems, balance, ability
of the mind to focus, digestion, quality of sleep, and many other
physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
Connie’s classes often integrate philosophical and spiritual
concepts of yoga to assist in deepening your experience
on all levels.
Be sure to have an empty stomach, bare feet, and clothing appropriate
for moving comfortably in all directions.
STYLES
OF YOGA
Connie has an eclectic style
that integrates principles
from several different styles
of yoga. The main styles
she is influenced by are:
Iyengar—Healthy
alignment in each pose is
the focus for this style,
to maximize the physical
and energetic benefits.
Props are often used to
individualize the poses
according to each student’s
unique physiology and special
physical conditions.
Vinyasa—Emphasis
is placed on the breath
and coordinating flowing
movement with the inhalations
and exhalations. Poses are
linked together in particular
and sometimes original sequences,
creating a dance-like feeling
of the practice, making
each class unique. This
has a foundation in many
of the sequences from the
Ashtanga Vinyasa style of
practice.
Shadow Style—developed
by Shandor Remete, this
style is influenced by the
Iyengar and Ashtanga systems,
but also integrates practices
from martial arts and knowledge
of Ayurveda, the healing
science of India. Practices
include different “forms”,
or specific sequences designed
to open energy channels,
to cultivate coordination,
focus, and balance, and
to deeply release and strengthen
muscles and joints.
Restorative—Popularized
in America by Judith Lasater
and founded in the Iyengar
tradition, this is a very
passive, relaxing, calming
practice. The body is supported
by various props in order
to release as completely
as possible. This is excellent
for recovery from illness
or injury, for deepening
meditation, and for anytime
that the body is feeling
fatigued or the mind stressed.
Yin—Similar
in some respects to Restorative,
this is also a passive practice,
but the body is generally
not supported by props.
Instead, it is allowed to
remain in poses for extended
periods in order to open
the deeper fascia, or connective
tissues, in the body. This
can be both challenging
and relaxing.
Public classes can be joined
at any time, and private
instruction is available
in Palo Alto and Menlo Park.
(see Public
Class Schedule)
Check back for updates,
changes, and new classes!
YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
Connie teaches as part of yoga teacher training programs in various
parts of the bay area. See About Connie for further information.
Connie Habash, MA,
has been teaching Hatha
Yoga since 1993. She has
a passion for integrating
the philosophical and psychological
aspects of the yogic tradition
into the practice of the
poses. Throughout the classes,
she assists you in cultivating
more awareness, self-acceptance,
confidence, and inner peace
as you let go the distractions
of the mind and become more
fully present within yourself.
Connie is the facilitator
of the Namaste Yoga Circle
on YahooGroups.com. (see
About
Connie for more information)