Yoga
FAQ
Q: Do
I need to be flexible in order to do
yoga?
A: No, yoga is much more than flexibility or being able to
get into the craziest posture. The subtleties of yoga are
the most important elements of practice. If you can
breathe, you can do yoga.
Q: Why should I
do yoga?
A: Yoga is different from most other workouts as it
addresses focused concentration and meditation which
improves your mental and emotional well-being. Yoga is also
a wonderful form of self-care that is designed to gently
bend, stretch and twist your spine. Spinal health and
proper alignment is required for good overall health. It is
most beneficial to have a spine that is able to move
freely-hence allowing your bodily systems to perform at
their best.
Q: I am new to
yoga. Can I start with any of your classes?
A: Yes, I work
with all levels in all of my classes and it is not uncommon
for people new to yoga to come to my Primary Series class.
Class sizes are small enough that I can give personalized
attention, no matter what your experience
level.
Q: How often should I practice?
A: As often as you can and want to. Traditional Ashtanga
practices 6-days/week taking new moon, full moon and
Saturdays off. While this may not be practical for you,
simply doing yoga one time per week is certainly very
benificial. I recommend when you are starting out, practice
at least one time/week and work up to practicing 2-3
times/week.
Q: How long does
it take to "progress" in yoga?
A: The beauty of yoga is there is no race, no goals, no
where to go to but here. Everyone learns yoga at different
levels and stages. You may find while starting out in this
practice that you are pretty tight (which is very common
especially for those who play sports or run.) Then after
coming for a while, you start to notice that you can now
actually touch your toes! You gain some momentum, and then-
nothing changes for a while as you plateau. And then again,
one day you will do another posture you have never done
before. I try to encourage people to accept wherever they
are in their yoga process rather than constantly judging
their practices as good or bad. Yoga is really about being
wherever you are and accepting wherever that may be.
Q: Why do we
chant in the beginning of class?
A: Chanting is an excellent way to become centered on the
mat and to separate yourself from the outside world, the
"to-do" lists and stress. Chanting is very good for your
lungs as it requires deep breaths. It is also part of a
5,000 year old tradition. In my opinion, it is a beautiful
way to begin the practice.
Q: Is yoga a
religion?
A: No, but it can enhance your spiritual practice if you
have one.
Weekly Qigong Classes FAQ
Read
below for some answers to commonly asked questions
about what to expect in a weekly Qigong
class:
Q:
What do you do in a Qigong class? We
will practice Spring Forest Qigong-developed by Master
Chunyi Lin. Beginning with gentle exercises and
closing with a guided meditation which can either be done
seated on the floor or laying down. A: Qigong is not
like yoga-there is no workout. Qigong is meditative
and gentle. Coming together once a week to practice
will offer a set time each week to gather in a group
setting. The energy can be very healing in such a
group setting as I am sure most of you have experienced
with Yoga. The weekly class will also hopefully
inspire a regular home practice as well.
Consistency is key when you practice meditation and
other art forms which their main goal is to quite the
mind. Wear comfortable clothes-bring a pillow/blanket
and your yoga mat if you wish.
Q: Do I need to
take the Qigong Workshop before attending the weekly
classes?
A: No-everyone is
welcome whether you have taken the workshop or not. There
is benefit to attending the workshop as you would
understand the background and principles of Spring Forest
Qigong.
Q: What is the
cost?
A: Same as the
cost for Yoga. (You may use your class-pack or $18
drop-in)
Q: Who can
attend?
A: Anyone
interested in quieting the mind and clearing energy
blockages. Qigong works to lubricate joints, calm the
nervous system and promote a inner feeling of
peace.