Winter Class Schedule, Jan. 13 - April 3, 2009

Class: Gentle Yoga

Description: This class will focus on stress relief and energy restoration. Standing, seated and inverted poses will be modified and practiced with repetition to ease the joints, build body strength and develop awareness of breath-body-mind connections. Pranayama will be practiced as well as extended relaxation and guided meditation (up to 30 minutes). Ideal class for the overburdened, overscheduled, undernourished, sleep deprived and injured -- i.e., everyone!

When: Tuesdays, 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. -- Jan. 13, Jan. 20, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24, March 31

Where: 7729 Schelhorn Road, Alexandria, VA 22306

Class: Hatha Yoga Fundamentals

Description: Emphasis is on healthy physiologic movement and yoga alignment principles. Students are instructed in the use of props, such as blocks, straps, blankets and sandbags, and breathing technique. Vinyasa (a sequence of poses linked by the breath) and pranayama (breath control) are introduced and therapeutics discussed. Focus is on the so-called 30 essential poses – for example, Trikonasana (“Triangle”), Prasaritta Padottanasana (“Standing Wide-Angle Forward Bend”), etc. Each class concludes with a 15-minute guided meditation/relaxation period. Great for those new to yoga or out of practice.

When: Wednesdays, 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. – Jan. 14, Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18, Feb. 25, March 4, March 11, March 18, March 25, April 1

Where: 7729 Schelhorn Road, Alexandria, VA 22306

Class: Hatha Yoga Practice, All Levels

Description: Teaching based on the Krishnamacharya/Iyengar/ViniYoga traditions, designed to develop strength and vitality in the body as well as equanimity in the mind. Pranayama and inversions (e.g., shoulderstand and headstand) are practiced. Poses are adapted to each student as needed, and each class concludes with a 15-minute guided meditation/relaxation period.

When: Fridays, 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. – Jan. 16, Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27, March 6, March 13, March 20, April 3

Where: Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church, in the Chapel, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, VA 22307

Essential Gear: yoga mat, comfortably form-fitting “workout” clothing

Please inquire if you’d like an eco-friendly natural rubber mat – check out jadeyoga.com -- or any additional props, like yoga blankets. I am happy to take group orders for gear as a sort of “yoga co-op” because I can order wholesale and I like to enable your practice. I don’t mark up and we split the shipping.

Reservations: Please let me know if you plan to attend on Tuesday and/or Wednesday. I need a head count for those classes due to space constraints. No worries re: Friday, since the chapel at MVUC is a lovely, roomy space.

Fees: $15 drop-in; $150 for 12 classes; $230 for a 12-week unlimited pass – cash or check payable to “Mary Richards”

Class Cancellation: If Fairfax County public schools have delayed opening or closure due to weather, there will be no yoga class. Makeups will be scheduled as needed.

May all beings be peaceful.

May all beings be happy.

May all beings be safe.

May all beings be free.

May all beings awaken to the light of their own true nature.