class descriptions


hannah is waiting for you...
class descriptions (series have a beginning and an end date and you have to register beforehand, ongoing classes are continuing, no registration required)

• blisyoga - all of todd's classes are based on the fundamental tenets of BLIS Yoga - BLIS Yoga is a blend of Laya (energy), Hatha (physical), Nada (sound), Bhakti (devotional) and Jnana (knowledge) Yoga. Unlike many forms of yoga taught today, the focus is on learning to work with your body and to listen to your body. Uncovering and tuning into that innate balance that is your essence, your wholeness. One of the fundamental tenants of this style of yoga states that balance is the natural order of things, including our body. In other words, our body is actually our ally. This runs counter to what our culture has taught most of us to hold as a truth, namely that in order to succeed one must apply effort, especially when it comes to our bodies - and the more effort one applies, the better. In contrast, this practice starts with centering, with balance. - back to schedule of classes- more on blisyoga

• come-unity circle -3rd sunday - ongoing A chance to come together.. a splace for those in the circle to connect... a way to always be able to simply step into the circle... come unity... a place to show up, a place to be, to share, and to receive. The nature of the group has shifted over time... from one where we practiced asana in various forms, and movement, and sound... and has evolved into a splace to come together to share... typically there is a thread (or several) that run through any particular meeting... it's a time to reconnect with peole we may not see often; people kinda do their thing and stretch and move while others talk and share... it's quite organic and casual.. no real set agenda, and sometimes there is a request or a consensus to explore a particular thing and so I (Todd)or someone else will lead the group into and through some sort of a thing... I see this as a time to explore perhaps extended parameters of your practice, and try on new things, as well as a time to work with others..in a co-creative way - which has a unique appeal for me, and seems to be integral in the energy now being introduced to the planet, and an important part of our healing... your presence (presents) make(s) a difference. - back to schedule of classes

• deep stretch - ongoing - A class for those students that are looking to relax, stretch, breathe and do a more yin type of yoga. Most of the class involves floor poses, and the focus is on allowing the muscles to release, as well as encouraging our minds to be still. Beginners welcome. If you have injuries or mobility challenges call ahead. A short meditation ends the class. - back to schedule of classes

• eNerGy class - seasonal - pre-registration required - This is a form of laya or energy yoga. This class designed for those who have taken the basic intro to eNerGy workshop series (more on intro series) a place to come together and to practice those skills you learned. Class content will be determined by those who are present. For questions call Todd (971) 506.6699 - back to schedule of classes

• easy does it - ongoing - This is a class where we slow things down, use more props and focus on the fundamentals....like breathing...balance and stretching, all without effort! at least that's the intent. This class is suited for seniors, as well as those with injuries or mobility challenges. You will get stronger, more flexible, balance more easily....but this is not a quick fix. The important thing is gentle persistence, learning to just float down the river, without swimming or treading water. - back to schedule of classes

•intro to eNerGy class series - seasonal - pre-registration required - This is a form of laya or energy yoga. This is a 9-10 hour series designed for those who are interested in exploring how energy works, how to get grounded, focus your energy, work with boundaries, and be introduced to some of your innate abilities which give you greater access to more of your potential and innate abilities. more - back to schedule of classes

• immersion series - seasonal -usually offered as a 3 week format -typically tuesday thru friday A chance to gather and practice four to five mornings per week. space is limited to ten. regularly scheduled am classes are pre-empted by immersion classes. Drop-ins by permission only & if space is available. It doesn't have to be a "process"... though it seems, that for most of us, that's exactly what it is... So we start where we are, with what's familiar. We start with what's familiar so that we can begin to relax, to let go, and to settle into where we are. The trick is to settle into what's familiar, without settling for what's familiar... so feeling what it feels like to settle into, and what it feels like to settle for, is a starting point; and then begin to discern the difference... At first this all seems simply semantic, and very conceptually oriented... very much in the head. And this is by design, because most of us are so much in our heads... so this is where we start (if you're in your head, this is where you'll connect to and from, and this is where these classes will seem to move from for you)... But the the trick is to begin to be curious to feel the difference- the difference between settling into and settling for, the difference between the head and the heart - and you will, because curiosity opens the doors, the possibility... suddenly you're now not quite so certain, and you've changed the quality of your attention, and you are really starting to listen and to feel inwardly, in the moment... and this is the "ticket"... this is the practice...this is the start. And, and as you begin to discern the difference between settling into and settling for, suddenly you begin to notice your habits... all the ways you've settled for, all the ways you've acquiesced, all the ways you compromise yourself, and how you move out of your integrity, how you keep yourself out of balance and how you keep yourself away from experiencing your birthright.. and this is all a natural consequence of being willing to be curious to simply feel the difference of settling into and settling for... So if and when things start to get "uncomfortable" in your life... be grateful! This is the innate capacity of your ability to discern the movement of the Creative Life Force moving through you, as you, and your willingness to feel what is not in alignment with that Movement, and so now the practice begins... having the courage to give yourself permission to tinker with how you're doing what you're doing... to fiddle with it... to feel what's supporting you, and yield into that...being willing to do what you do differently, and even to do different things altogether... maybe even not doing at all sometimes!... This is the nature of what we practice with this thing we call BLIS Yoga... and inevitably (and it's inevitable because it is by design), so inevitably, your life becomes your yoga . And when this happens, you might say that i've done my job! because you'll be an agent for change, and your very beingness, in the "doing" of whatever it may be, will be radiating, and demonstrating another way of being... . more on immersions - back to schedule of classes

• postnatal yoga - series - pre-registration required - Moms and babies are welcome to this class where we focus on "closing" what has been open, and on shortening what has been lengthened. We strengthen the abdominal & pelvic floor muscles, help the uterus reduce. We continue our focus on belly breathing and relaxation, and also on stretching the upper back and shoulders. Babies from birth to crawling stage welcome! more on postnatal yoga - back to schedule of classes

• prenatal yoga - ongoing - This is a class for women at any stage of pregnancy. We practice yoga, breathing (simple, deep belly breathing) and share what's important on any day. Being in community happens naturally when women come together and during pregnancy there is even more of a need to be among other women. Yoga during pregnancy helps us get in touch with our changing body and provides space and time to quiet our mind. We practice asanas (yoga poses) as well as meditation and begin making a connection with the babies in our womb. Even practicing once a week can help alleviate tiredness, back pain, nausea & anxiety, and can prepare us for birthing and mothering. Beginners and experienced yoginis welcome! more on prenatal yoga - back to schedule of classes

• weekend immersion - seasonal - pre-registration required - At the end of summer, the light of day shortens... and we harvest. This is a great time to take pause and to reflect...and find gratitude for all we have received. This immersion will be a time to pause into that still quiet place, and to discern where you've been, and how that got you to where you are... and to then consider the possibility of simply relinquishing whatever still stands in the way of you physically and tangibly expressing your divine design. We'll use sound & energy work, as well as stretching, to unravel, unwind, and generally take the kinks out of the hose so that the energy can more easily move through us as designed... The general format will be a class Friday night, one longish class Saturday - with breaks - and then another class Sunday morning. Classes will be about 2 1/2 hours in length, with an accumulated class time together of about ~10 hours over the weekend. This class will be limited to 5-8 students. Sliding scale typically $135~175 cif you can afford to pay a liitle more it will go into the scholarship fund. mahalo - back to schedule of classes

• women's yoga - ongoing - This class is for women of all ages, but particularly for the over 30 group. As we age, our bodies stiffen and “close down”. Often that happens to our minds as well, and it becomes the way we live our lives. With yoga, we can reverse the aging process and become more open and flexible both in mind and body. Through various poses, we lengthen and stretch our physical body as well as create space & stillness in the mind. A gentle form of standing poses is practiced, as well as various asanas suited to our level and ability. Ends with a 1/2 hr of stretching and relaxation & short meditation. Classes are geared toward beginners and people that desire exercise without exhaustion. If you have specific injuries/mobility challenges please call before attending your first class. - back to schedule of classes
Dobby drinking from the 'fountain of peace' spring 06