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"Streams of nectar flow from the ocean of the heart" ~ Rig Veda
Classes at Rasa Center are generally Hatha or Vinyasa Flow, with emphasis on combining breath with movement, and building endurance, flexibility, strength and concentration.
Students should recognize and respect their physical practice and boundaries to prevent injuries. Please participate in the classes appropriate for your level, at any given day. If you do have any injuries, please notify your teacher prior to starting class.
To find the right class and teacher for your practice, please review our class descriptions, in conjunction with the assigned levels and teacher biographies, in order to find a good fit. Also, please feel free to ask one of our front desk yoga consultants, who would be happy to discuss the various styles, forms and expressions found in Rasa classes.
CLASS TYPES
Gentle
This calming practice will stretch the body gradually. Emphasizing awareness of the breath, postures are practiced at a slower pace with attention to alignment and detail. This class is appropriate for pregnancy, beginners or seniors.
Essentials
Great for those interested in cultivatating healthy alignment of postures (asanas), learning the correct use of props and creating a deep connection to breath. Focuses on the fundamental poses of yoga, with a more vigor than the Gentle class and less than a Flow level 2 class.
Flow
Develop awareness of the physical and energetic body by dynamically sequencing breath and movement; building endurance, flexibility, strength, concentration and grace. (may also be called, Vital Flow, Soma Flow, Ecstatic Flow, depending on teacher)
Level 1 - Beginning - This class is perfect for those who are new to yoga!
Learn yogic forms of breathing, basic postures (asanas), and alignment techniques
in a safe and supportive environment.
Level 2 - Intermediate - For students who have a feel for the basics but are
ready to explore their edge, building strength, stamina, and grace.
Level 3 - Intermediate/Advanced - Designed for the playful and developed yogi.
Break old habits and dive into your own creative expression as the navigating source
of your practice. May include self guided practice or freeform movement.
All Levels - Assumes that student has had at least 5-10 Level 1 flow classes, and
is aware of what modifications and options are appropriate for each individual. The class
provides various options for all levels.
Wake-Up! and Wake-up Flow - this early morning class is the perfect way to set the right tone for the day. Wake-up Flow is an all-levels flow class that will link breath to movement, flowing through sequences to revitalize and rejuvenate.
R & R Yoga - Rejuvenate & Restore through a gentle yoga class that emphasizes calming the nervous system and restoring your much needed prana/energy/lifeforce through restorative poses and other methods such as meditation, yoga nidra, and therapeutics. This is a great way to end the week and start the weekend off more fully, clearly and more aligned with your blissful self. For Ashland travelers, it's cheaper than a massage and a lovely way to decompress and ready yourself for plays, dining and fun!
Pilates - This class offers something for everyone, whether you want to improve your sports performance, stretch tight muscles or find new ways to challenge your mind and body. It's a great complement to a regular yoga practice, strengthening your core and furthering body awareness. Improve your coordination, core control, standing alignment and balance. There are many different movement phrases, which are performed seated or while lying down on your back, side or front. Emphasis is on precise alignment, breathing and efficient sequencing of movement. (will return end of Summer 2011)
Community - Class cost is half price.
Yin - Yin Yoga is a deeply meditative practice where postures are held longer and deeper to lubricate and strengthen the connective tissues and joints of the body, the areas that may be susceptible to injury, particularly as we age.
Tai Chi - Originally created as an internal martial art, today millions of people around the world practice Tai Chi Chuan for its manifold health benefits: the slow, coordinated movements harmonize the human energy system with the natural frequencies of the Earth, improving blood and energy circulation, strengthening the immune system, and calming the mind. The student will enjoy learning the challenging Tai Chi Chuan form step-by-step, in a safe, relaxing, non-judgmental environment.
Chi Kung - This Chi Kung class incorporates a combination of standing movements and sitting meditation. This form comes out of the Jin Jing Gong lineage and focuses on cultivating a connection with the Natural elements, clearing and replenishing energy in the body, as well as building strength and stamina. It is ideal for healing back and neck problems, addresses issues in the joints, offers potent stress relief, improves breathing and assists in lowering blood pressure, among other things. It is a very simple but deeply rewarding form. While it can be moderately rigorous, it is possible to benefit from performing the exercises from a seated position. This makes it ideal for all levels of physical strength and endurance.
Meditation - You'll find this 45 minute class at the end of the week an essential part of your wellbeing. The class incorporates techniques such as deep breathing and visualization. It is a process and journey of quieting our busy minds so that we may see and approach life more clearly. Meditation is a powerful tool for healing and liberating ourselves, making way for self-observation and self-transformation that benefits all who come into contact with us, including our own selves. (currently on hiatus)
Yoga For Cancer Patients and Survivors - This specially designed class is offered to our community on the path to wellness and healing. Relax the body, still the mind and connect with your spiritual self through breathing, visualizations and gentle movements. This practice will help to restore physical function, reverse the negative effects of stress and improve sleep. This class is suitable for any auto-immune disease or condition. Family members always welcome. (currently on hiatus)
Zumba - a fun and energetic fitness class done to a fusion of Latin and International music. Anyone can do it, but prepare to sweat and get your groove on! You won't stop grinning while you do the Tango, Merengue, Salsa, and a host of other great dances. Come check it out!!
