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.