“Vini” means to start from where you are, and gradually, intelligently, progress toward your goals at your own pace. This tradition teaches that Your yoga, is Your experience of working with Your Body and Mind toward your goals of health and well-being based on the general principles and guidelines of asana (postures), pranayama (breath), and dhyana (a gathering in of awareness/the capacity to be present/meditation).
You will not be forced into any “ideal” posture but encouraged to strengthen and release at your own pace. This make this yoga highly adaptable: Viniyoga is used with Olympic athletes in Europe to give them that last “edge”; for times of change and transition such as pregnancy, illness or accident recovery; and to assist with progress toward life goals as diverse as stress reduction, weight loss, increase in fitness and flexibility, experience of greater inner peace, and re-alignment with life purpose.
In general classes, you may find students of all sizes, shapes and levels of physical ability. In specialized classes, you may find great variation within the commonality. “Yoga” as only the mastery of a set of postures is a North American perversion of this hugely practical art. Yoga is not what you look like. It is the sum of your mastery of the tools and techniques whose purpose is to make it easier and easier to become more and more… Your Self!
***Click here for more information about the Viniyoga tradition.
At the end of each class, you will take home a practice sheet that reminds you of what you did in class and how to breath it – a tool that allows you to begin doing something for yourself each day, adapted to your unique schedule and current life situation, if you so choose.
All classes are progressive, that is over the weeks of your session, you will gradually increase your knowledge of postures, breath techniques, relaxation and meditation methods, and yoga as Life Philosophy with practical, everyday applications.
Practices are original. This tradition does not rely on generic (often trademarked) sequences which may or may not suit their application. Viniyoga teachers receive extensive training in constructing appropriate practice sessions for particular clients, needs, and context.
That’s why this tradition does not lend its self to drop-ins, unless you're coming from out of town and know what you're doing! The goal of the weekly class is to send you home with more knowledge and techniques that you can begin integrating for you. A Viniyoga teacher’s job is to make you more and more independent, and able to take care of your self any time any where, whether or not s/he is there…
Yoga Basics:
Learn to move with your own breath as your guide to adapting your yoga for you. A balanced practice of posture, breathwork, relaxation & meditation & philosophy. Expand your knowledge of yoga’s applications in daily life as you progress. Increase flexibility, strength, energy, release tension, Re-centre. The class is progressive, that is we will apply what you learn each week to develop your practice and understanding further each week. At the end of the Beginner Session, you will have learned: 25+ Basic Postures; 4 Core Breath Techniques; the mechanics of the “relaxation/repair response; practical, everyday ways this ancient philosophy can provide solutions to our modern life challenges. This is an excellent choice for those seeking positive lifestyle changes like getting back into shape, losing weight, recovering from physical challenges, or learning how to reduce stress.
Intermediate:
A theme-based progressive session which explores some aspect of the vast yoga tradition in depth: body, mind and spirit. The theme changes each session, as on-going students deepen their own understanding of the philosophical tradition and the practice. Continue to learn more about the postures, breath technique, relaxation/meditation methods based on the sessional theme. Home practices provided.
The class is suitable for anyone with a Yoga Basics introduction. I will be introducing an "advanced" layer to the practices for those who have been working on their individual practices for some time. For those who have completed their 200 hour teacher/advanced training, this class counts as 12.5 hours continuing education credits towards 500 hour certification.
NOTE: The following four courses: Restorative, Out of Shape/Overweight, and Autoimmune Support, may not be offered all terms. They are variations on Yoga Basics which is a good alternative or you may like to begin with a few private sessions developed for your unique needs- both good starting places whatever your challenges and goals!
Restorative:
for those 50+ and/or needing to slow it down due to accident or illness recovery, or the normal wear and tear of aging. Same programs as above but with more emphasis on individual adaptation and assistance. For more information about 50+ Yoga and Adapted Yoga, click here. If you are unsure whether your level of wellness or mobility is better suited to an adapted class or private consultation (individually-assessed practices for therapeutic purposes), please consult the instructor before the first class. For more information about Yoga Therapy and Private Consultations, click here. (Not offered all terms. Yoga Basics may also be appropriate for you - but please consult Kathryn regarding your specific circumstances.)
Yoga for the Out of Shape or Overweight:
A tongue-in-cheek admission of our starting place, and so what?! We’re all of us “works in progress”, going through this Life at our own pace in our own way. We’ll adapt the basic beginner program to the needs of class members, setting a realistic pace for change, and perhaps learning to be a bit more gentle and compassionate with ourselves, along the way. Kathryn’s pet peeve: some notion we’ve already got to be the “After” picture…! (Like I learned how to play the piano by already knowing how to play the piano?) (Not offered all terms.)
Autoimmune Support:
Autoimmune diseases affect 1 in 9 women and 1 in 12 men, higher than heart disease or cancer rates. Usually, the immune system protects the body from harm but sometimes the body mistakes friend for foe and turns on its own cells & tissues. Autoimmune diseases are poorly understood, chronic & worsening, controlled not cured & medicated at long-term cost to other systems. Autoimmune Diseases include: asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Chrohn’s, colitis, Type1 diabetes, lupus, thyroid & adrenal disorders, chronic fatigue.
- Learn about environmental triggers and the role of stress & lifestyle
- Be guided through body/mind practices to help “re-program” the immune system
- Take home a session of gentle movement, breath & relaxation you can do for yourself.
- (currently offered in private sessions only)
Pre-and Post-natal Yoga Programs:
Spring 2011: Due to changes in my work schedule, I will only be offering privately scheduled Couples Labour Workshops, or one-on-one Yoga for Pregnancy Sessions. Please contact me directly to book a session over the spring and summer.
1. Pregnancy and Labour Preparation: 5 Wednesday evenings of gentle breath and movement for her, PLUS a Saturday afternoon Couple's Labour Workshop for Mom and a partner.
Five Weeks of Gentle Breath and Movement for the Mom-to-be:
Safe, gentle & fun! Based on Pregnancy Yoga and my work as a doula in the labour room, we'll learn the essentials: relaxation/stress reduction, back care, strengthen/prepare, pain control, post-Labour & beyond. This is an opportunity to connect with baby, and share with others. No yoga experience necessary. All sizes, shapes and levels of physical ability and all three trimesters are welcome.
Couple's Labour Workshop, for Mom and her partner (partner, husband, birth coach, friend - all welcome). Winter session workshop: Saturday Feb 12th 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
Here's where we put Mom's learnings from pregnancy yoga to good use as we bring in the partner to learn about breath, relaxation and comfort techniques; the stages of labour and what to expect; and how the Mom and partner can best work together as a team to move as purposefully and productively through labour as possible. Other topics include: How to develop a birth plan, and what to do when your birth plan goes out the window (!) I've been offering this workshop for 10 years in Fredericton and it's always a favorite - often cited by men as the most helpful information they received on how to help the mother conserve energy, support her needs, and provide concrete hands-on assistance.
Notes: Registration for pregnancy yoga limited to 8 - registrations are accepted in the order received.
Pregnancy Yoga and Labour Workshop combined: $170 ($30 savings)
Labour Workshop only: $100 (if space allows)
Private Labour Workshops are also available.
2. YogaBaby:
Learn simple infant massage techniques and a simple stretching/play routine for baby. Each week we'll add to our routine and go a little further. Discover healing movement and energy-balancing breath and relaxation for you. Enjoy fun and connection time with one another and other moms & babies. Babies: 3 weeks to 6 months. No yoga experience necessary for Mom. All sizes and shapes welcome.
***For more information about Yoga for Pregnancy, click here.
***See also: Birth Services including Birth Coaching (Doula) and Prep for Labour for Couples Workshops
