Yoga with shawn
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga classes as taught by me consist of progressive flowing sequences built around a unifying theme, as well as static poses focusing on proper alignment. At the beginning levels of practice the instructions offered are basic principles of functional integrity. Unlike most yoga classes that encourage pushing and working to “your edge”, I use specific instructions on lengthening, broadening and softening the various body parts to minimize strong sensations. The instructions are stated as an invitation to honest and kind self-inquiry, and can become a meditation in movement. My easy-going presence and calming voice encourage students to draw their attention inward while gently building strength, mobility, balance, and awareness.
Yoga is ideally an opportunity to integrate body, mind and spirit. Trusting the natural intelligence of the body, I offer simple but powerful instruction to recalibrate the body and mind through repetetive systematic movements based on traditional yoga postures, layering and sequencing instruction in a way that is accessible to all. While each class may focus on one area in particular, all of the muscles of the body are integrated so that the movements prepare students to arrive naturally in comfortable and stable stillness. Each class contains a few moments of deep stillness toward the end of the session, where body and mind are in harmony with spirit.
I have been trained at the Iyengar Yoga Institute, in The Integral Yoga Method, and most recently ion The Dynamic Yoga Training Method. My personal exploration on the mat as well as teaching others for more than 30 years has led me to trust my body, and my voice’s ability to guide others on their own journey in movement and in stillness.
group classes
Classes start with a brief mindfulness meditation. This is a time for centering and becoming aware of what is actually happening in the bodymind in the present moment. Usually the focus of the meditation is on the breath and/or a guided body-scan, although I use other techniques as students become more proficient in their practice. The meditation is followed by postures and sequences including sun salutations, moon salutations, standing postures, forward bends, backbends, inversions, rotations, and balancing postures. Classes end with restorative poses, deep relaxation, and finally conclude with a short, seated meditation. In my classes, props such as blankets, belts, blocks and bolsters are used to assist in achieving correct alignment and ease in the postures, with the intention of minimizing the risk of injury and strain to the joints of the body. When students present conditions such as old injuries, disabilities, or other special considerations that limit their ability to participate, I am usually able to offer alternative poses, or I invite the student to rest until that posture or sequence ends.
Currently I am teaching at Southwest YMCA in Saratoga, Central YMCA in San Jose, and the JCC in Los Gatos
Private classes
Private classes give participants the chance to have sessions that is specifically tailored to their particular areas of interest, as well as adapting to any challenges that are particular to his or her body-mind. I teach privately in my client’s home, or in my home, or at another location. Call or email me for more information.