What IS yoga?

Yoga often brings to mind pictures of people contorting themselves in various positions with serene looks on their faces.  Or, maybe it looks like something from P90X where all you do is repetitive movements in order to build muscles.  The truth is, both can be yoga and neither can be yoga.  A yoga practice in its most basic form is combining three elements; breathe, meditation, and movement (postures).  It’s the combination of these three elements that makes a practice yoga.

Benefits of Yoga

There are numerous studies performed on the effectiveness of yoga for a number of ailments, mental and physical. We are not  doctors nor are we physical therapists. However, more and more people, including doctors, are prescribing yoga for their patients. Here are a few ways that yoga can help you.
  • Stress management
  • Depression
  • Recovery from trauma
  • Muscle strengthening 
  • Weight loss
  • Back/neck pain
  • Tiredness
  • Anxiety
  • Anger issues
  • Sleeplessness
  • Eating Disorders
  • Self-care

Our Yoga practice

The word yoga means “to yoke” or “to link”. When we practice together we are linking together. For this reason, it is important for to know who your yoga instructor is and how do they practice. We encourage you to ask your yoga instructor their philosophy of practice. We desire to create an atmosphere of healing, following trauma-informed practices in all classes. Therefore, yoga is a form that can be used by anyone of any faith or no faith. I invite anyone from any belief system to practice with us without fear.  Our hope is that the yoga space at The Journey International is a place of restoration and peace for all people.

Expectations for class

Our desire is that class is a safe space for all people to connect with their core being. Because this is a safe space, you are in control of what you think about during meditation time and which postures you choose to perform. It doesn’t matter if you have never taken a yoga class before, our goal is to assist you in moving from where you are today to where you will be tomorrow.

Selecting a class

At The Journey International there are different class options for you. Below is a description of our standard classes. The most up to date information may be found on our Facebook page. Please schedule yourself for a class by contacting us through  Facebook, or email. Maximum class size is 8 people.

Core Flow/Active

This yoga class for men and women is more aerobic in nature although there is still a focus on connecting with your body, mind, and spirit. The instructor invites healthy challenges during the practice time and you decide whether or not you want to meet that challenge or give your body additional grace.

mindful flow

In a mindful flow class you can expect to move slowly and mindfully through postures as you strengthen muscles. This class can be for beginners or for those who have been practicing for a while. The basic movements will allow you to create space in your body and mind as you build endurance.