For me, yoga started as a physical practice, as a way to assist my body recover from a shoulder surgery.  Through my engagement with the physical practice of yoga asana, I have been introduced to SO much more.

There are many beautiful and studied physical benefits to the journey of yoga. For example, in our upcoming Healthy Backs class (Saturday mornings 9-10:15) we will be examining our own physical body, and how it holds and stores tensions, pain and discomfort; particularly in the back body.

Some of the ways we will address back pain are:

• Allowing the release of tension in the hips.
• Create space in the spine through targeted lengthening of the muscles of the spine.
• Strengthening the muscles of the spine and abdomen.
• Giving ourselves the permission to take our time.
• Discovering the relief as tension dissolves from the body.

Though the relief of back pain can take time, yoga is a beautiful way to compliment other modalities to achieve relief.  This class will be centered on ways to support a healthy spine, it will incorporate all aspects of yoga we hold dear at Verapose Yoga.

In addition to the amazing effects yoga can have on ANY body, yoga can also provide a safe space for us all to connect deeply with ourselves.

As a social worker, specializing in mental health, the ability to quiet the mind of racing thoughts and heightened emotions is at the forefront of my mind when working with individuals both on and off the mat.

In our Soothing Emotions class (Monday evenings 7-8pm) we will explore that which gets in the way of our connection with our stunning true nature!

Through the use of breath and asana (posture) Soothing Emotions will explore topics such as:

• Svādhyāya: self-study: where we look to our places of peace, and areas of holding.
• Balance: finding our own equilibrium
• Permission: acknowledging where we are, and finding the beauty in acceptance.
• Strength: allowing ourselves to connect with the power and grace that we carry with us at all times.
• Surrender: letting go of all that does not serve us, and developing present moment awareness.Soothing Emotions is a passion of mine, and I hope to share with you the peace of mind that yoga has to offer. We all have the ability to find clarity of mind, through an open heart. Come out and let it shine!                                 ~ Katie, MSW, RYT-500, is our resident dog lover. She teaches an incredible, soulful class and can’t wait to see you soon at Verapose!