What is Yoga?  Yoga comes from the Sanskrit origin of ‘Yuj’:
Samyoge- union
Samyaman- control
Samadhau- integration.

Yoga comes from India and was practiced by the sages to prepare themselves for enlightenment. Now many people in the West are being attracted to Yoga not necessarily looking for enlightenment, but trying to improve their quality of life and to help them maintain their bodies and minds for their very busy lives, recover from injuries and prepare their bodies for retirement years. There are many studies being done to show the benefits of Yoga for our health. It’s proven to help reduce weight, increase flexibility and strength as well as reduce stress. It’s a tool that people of all ages are using to help improve their concentration, memory and energy. It also helps you create body awareness, begin to form healthy habits and begin to connect with your higher Self.

As I study Pantanjali’s 8 limb path of Yoga I will be honored to pass on my knowledge to others.  My goal for each class of mine is that you will leave the class feeling straighter and with more Prana (life force) than when you came.

Yoga space by the pool! Classes starting again in late January!

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Below are the descriptions and prices for Svastha traditional Yoga classes and Aqua Yoga class!

Asana Yoga: Asana Yoga will lead you in different positions to help increase your flexibility, strengthen your body, straighten your posture, release energy blocks, balance chakras and your mind. I will be offering Hatha (Sequence of Asanas, changing depending on the theme of the class), Vinyasa (Asanas in a flowing sequence) and Ashtanga-Primary Series (The same sequence every class, using Uddayi breathe). During these 90 minutes classes we will always start with Mantra and Pranayam (Breathing techniques), continue on with Asanas and finish our class in Savasana or meditation pose.
I am wanting to begin instructing Yoga classes based on the purpose of overall health and well-being for my student- keeping in mind their Vikrutis (Doshic Imbalances).

Pranayama Yoga: Pranayama will help you clear your mind, release negative thoughts and to purify your body of toxins.  I can guide you in certain breathing techniques such as:
Anulom Vilom Pranayam
Nadi Shodan Pranayam
Kapalbhati
Chandrabhedan Pranayam
Suryabhedan
Uddayi Pranayam
Sheetali Pranayam
Sheetkari Pranayam
Bhastrika Pranayam
Bhramari Pranayam
Murcha Pranayam
Plavino Pranayam

(Videos explanations showing different techniques coming soon).

Meditation Class: I am not a master of meditation. But I am someone who is practicing daily and appreciate the benefits. I enjoy going to different yoga events and learning different techniques that can be helpful in meditation. During my time in Indian as well as in my Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practices over the past 3 years. I had great experiences with different meditations that I learned at my Yoga Course as well as an ashram that I stayed at. There are many different ways that work for people to meditate. There are a few meditations that I normally follow including  “Ho Sum”, listening and singing to Sanskrit Mantras and Listening to singing bowls. But if you would be interested in exploring meditation while you are here- I would be more than happy to arrange a meditation group or classes.

Aqua Yoga: Is a mixture of fun and focus. We will focus on our breath and alignment, while practicing certain asanas, while also doing certain cardio exercise. During the 60 minute class you will have stretched and connected with your entire body, while enjoying playing in a great pool overlooking the beautiful, ocean water Laguna! I will be happy to come to your pool and give you and your friends a class!

My Journey with Yoga:

To overly simplify Yoga, I will say that it’s a lifestyle that helps one to quiet the “monkey mind”, strengthen the body, increase flexibility, cure aliments of the mind and body and prepare oneself for enlightenment.  Easy right?
Well depends- there are MANY types of YOGAS. There are the traditional Indian Yogas such as  Astang Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Laya Yoga, Japa Yoga, Kunalini Yoga, Raj Yoga, Gyaan Yoga, Natya Yoga, Purna Yoga and Mantra Yoga.

And there are the Modern Yogas such as Ariel Yoga, Ananda Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyassa Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Power Yoga…etc (I will explain what all of these are in another post.)

There is an 8 limb path to really become a true Yogi. But, not everyone wants to become a Yogi. Some people just want to become more flexible and strong… so then I would recommend coming to ASANA class. (Commonly known as Yoga class). However, what’s happening is… people are coming to Yoga just for fitness and to see what all the hype is…and they are connecting with themselves and their breath, and they are quieting their minds and they are creating an awareness … they are connecting to something. They begin coming to more yoga classes and learning other paths of Yoga, because it feels good.

Or maybe you really like meditation but not exercising… I would recommend you still to practice some light Hatha Yoga daily, practice Asanas for shorter periods of time or maybe find a Yin Yoga class, because this will help you prepare your body for longer meditations. But you after some light stretching, you can find your relaxation through different meditation techniques.

Tonight one of my friends from my YTT posted a great picture that I will share here that shows the 8 paths of Pantanjali’s Yoga nicely. (Thanks Timila!Namaste!) 

Maybe you just like the idea of breath class (Pranayama), that’s cool- learning new breathing techniques and practicing deep and profound breaths will no doubt help you in many ways.  I have a sneaking suspicious though, after sometime you may try some of the other 8 limbs of Yoga too- because as we begin to connect with ourselves and the source… we begin to see a new truth.

Well- that’s what happened to me anyways.

I took my 200hr teacher training in Rishikesh India in November 2014 to focus on Yoga. Everyday we had a schedule that started at 6am and went until 8pm. Kriyas, Pranayama, Ashtanga Yoga, Philosophy, Personal Practice and Study, Hatha Yoga, Anatomy, Meditation. We ate a Sattvic diet and I arrived to every class on time and with enthusiasm. After my yoga course- I put myself to the test as I stayed in Yoga for two more months continuing these practices and taking other Yoga classes and courses.
In 2014 I spent 6 months studying Yoga and Reiki in India, as well as being introduced to Ayurveda for my first time. 

I had the opportunity to take workshops, courses and classes in the south and north of India. I would love to go back and continue studying, but although I will return one day to India… I feel that the teachers that I had the opportunity to learn from have gave me valuable tools and building blocks to build a strong practice wherever I am. I am able to practice the ancient techniques and practices as well as continue my study here in Mexico. There are also many good teachers here and I also bought insightful books while traveling in India that I have yet to read. Everyday I am learning something new.

As I profound my practice- I would be honored to share what I have learned and to guide your practice in a Doshic sensitive fashion. My focus is about having you create a positive experience for yourself. Gently taking the time for yourself to breathe, to stretch, focus and surrender. By the end of our class together- my goal is that you feel like you were able to lay in Savasana (corpse pose) a little bit straighter, a little bit lighter, a little bit more relaxed- than when you first arrived to your mat. I would like to connect with you during our class- but for me the most important thing- is that you connect with yourself. We are all unique and different. But from my understanding, their are asanas for everyone… and by beginning to practice Yoga today…you are preparing yourself for Yoga tomorrow.

It’s important to really listen to your body during your practice… it does not matter what anyone else is doing on their mat. The reason you came for Yoga practice is to connect and help yourself.  It’s important to try and calm our ego and critical minds and enjoy the experience of our breath and bodies moving together, of working on balance, strength and flexibility. The goal is not to have the perfect formation the first class- but to have an open heart and mind and to try the best you can- while listening to your body and your teacher.

My experience is that I am thinner, stronger and more flexible today than I have ever been… I may not be able to do all the asanas in the advance pose- or hold my leg above my head- but what I am doing…I am doing it with the intention of being the strongest and most flexible that I can be- today. I am growing and my awareness is expanding.
Also- since I have been practicing asanas with the mindfulness of my Prakruti- I have really been feeling the effects of Yoga.

I am studying and learning which poses, help for certain symptoms or injuries and which are not recommended for certain symptoms or injuries. As I study this, I will make tutorials to help cement the information into my head and manifest out of my lips. I think if I can make a video on it, It will help me formulate the information to share it in person.
They say- if you can teach it to someone else- then you know it. And I want to know it.

Also- because I am very serious about becoming a well educated Yoga teacher, if you would like to send me an e-mail about your condition, I would gladly do research about which asanas are best for you.

This would especially be useful for a private class.

I just finished my  Western Human Anatomy and Physiology course from a wonderful Ayurveda teacher. I studied Western terminologies, but with the Ayurveda connection. I learned a lot in this class- but I also learned how much more I really need to learn about our human vehicles.

Any questions? Send me an e-mail.

Disclaimer: I only know what I know.
I don’t have a medical background or sports therapist background. If you have previous injuries or certain diseases, I may not have ALL the answers for what asanas are best for you, but I will try my best and be honest with you and will mindfully help guide you to a Doshic pacifying practice.