WHAT IS YOGA?

The above photo shows students in deep relaxation or savasana; something that we do at the end of each class to help the body and mind assimilate the work done in class. Savasana is on of the most important aspects of a yoga practice.
Yoga literally means to unite or to yoke.  A physical yoga practice supports the mind and body because you learn to move and breathe together and with intention,

Yoga is between 5,000 - 10,000 years old.

Yoga asana (the physical practice) differs from other forms of exercise because each pose works on a specific area of the body.  Not just the muscles and joints but the organs and systems of the body as well.  Yoga naturally supports the body in self regulation which is also known as homeostasis.  Our bodies and minds are constantly working to stay perfectly balanced.  A regular yoga practice (2-5 times per week) has been shown to create good health and vitality in mind, body, and spirit.

Yoga can be practiced by anyone.  The biggest challenge is showing up!  Like any worth while habit, it takes time to create.  

There are 8 limbs of yoga which include some of the other aspects of yoga that we practice such as pranayama (breathing), observing kindness toward ourselves and others (ahimsa; part of yama), one pointed focus (dharana), self study (svadhyaya), and meditation (dhyana) to name a few.   

There are also 6 branches of yoga.  The branches are paths of yoga that an individual can take or observe, they are as follows:
Hatha Yoga - The physical practice to attune the body and mind
Bhakti Yoga - Love, tolerance and acceptance
Raja Yoga - Follows the 8 limbs of yoga
Mantra Yoga - Using sounds, chants, and music in a practice
Karma Yoga - Dedication to selfless acts of kindness
Laya Yoga - Meditation and practice on raising consciousness

What is class like?
You will show up 5-10 minutes early to sign in and settle in on your mat.  Once the class is settled in Jennifer or any other teacher might ask how everyone is feeling.  Please do share if there are any health concerns (this can also be shared privately before class).
Next we move into:
Centering and breathing
Intention setting 
Warm up postures
Core sequence of postures
Cool down postures
Deep relaxation
Meditation (if it's scheduled)
You are guided into, through, and out of each and every aspect of the practice.

Why is Yoga unique at J.O.Y. Wellness?
Yoga at J.O.Y. Wellness is unique in that we have an amazing growing community.  Many yoga studios observe constant silence in the studio and while we do observe silence much of the time we also allow conversation and discussion before class. This builds relationships, connection, community, and compassion toward one another on and off the mat.

Yoga at J.O.Y. Wellness is unique because Journey Om style yoga was created by Jennifer through her own unique healing experience using the practice of yoga and it's many aspects as mentioned above.  Jennifer views it as more of an art than a step by step instructional practice.  "Yoga is a living, breathing, constantly changing practice, that always invites us to learn more about ourselves by building our body awareness, our intuition, our strength and flexibility in mind, body, and spirit therefore creating a sense of calm within, more compassion, and hopefully the desire to bring all of the qualities off the mat and into the world," says Jennifer.