YOGA
BENEFITS OF YOGA
Hatha Yoga classes are designed with physical exercises (asana), breath work (pranayama), and meditation that aim to bring calmness to the body, the mind, and the spirit. Yoga postures bring strength to the weak areas as well as flexibility and softness to the tighter places. Emphasis is on safe, precise alignment and breath work.
After yoga many feel that problems such as tiredness, back pain, nausea, sciatica, and headaches are eased and that they have slept better, feel more peaceful, and are more in touch with their emotions and their bodies.
On a personal level, after I practice yoga, I feel myself to be more connected to the world around me; to be a more patient mother, wife, and daughter; to feel like I am able to tolerate who I really am.
Yoga for Better Digestion
When the holidays are over — how will you feel? Have you been pacing yourself or did you eat too many latkes, pies and/or cookies? If you have excellent eating habits — good for YOU! Whether you do or not — the most important thing is if you are already going to eat — just enjoy what you are eating (no guilt!) and of course, get on your mat! In this class we will work on the core, stimulate our organs, and renew them with fresh prana. This class will include the practice of Agni Sara! As always try to refrain from eating before class for at least 2 hours (ideally 3, but if you must have a snack, which I understand, have a light one).
Classes available upon request.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga classes are designed with physical exercises (asana), breath work (pranayama), and meditation that aim to bring calmness to the body, the mind, and the spirit. Yoga postures bring strength to the weak areas as well as flexibility and softness to the tighter places. Emphasis is on safe, precise alignment and breath work. Come prepared to have some fun too. All levels are welcome!
Classes available upon request only for private or semi-private work.
REQUEST A CLASS
To request a specific workshop on location, for a special event or otherwise, a private or a semi-private yoga class, please contact Raya with details of your request.
PRAISE
Raya… I so very much enjoyed your hatha yoga and yoga for digestion class. I especially liked it when you said that we were digesting more than just food. It really struck a cord when the next day I had to face an intense personal situation. It really helped me to get through it with love, respect and peace. Namaste and hugs!
I just had to tell you this… I came home and just for fun showed [my husband] the pose that we (Wow!) did in class tonight… and then as a counter-movement I did a forward bend and (OMG… WOW!) I went right down and touched my toes… knees straight! …never would have believed I could do that, and while I may not be able to do it again tomorrow, I now know it can be done. Thanks for an awesome class tonight!
You’re quite an inspiration, Raya! I think your upbeat attitude, positive reinforcement about how we’re doing, and what yoga is doing for us, makes coming to class more worthwhile. You also give us a lot of great information about health-related topics. You really have a “zest for life” and we all need to feel good with all of life’s challenges and our place in the world! Thank you for continuing to be here for us…
I just want to tell you how much I have enjoyed your [Mom and Baby] classes! You do a wonderful job and you provide lots of good information on yoga, massage, and general baby health. Thank you so much!!!
I attended your prenatal yoga classes during Sept and Oct, I truly feel that it played a significant role in the successful delivery of my first child. The techniques and practices that you shared with us were so very useful and helpful, it truly made things easier. So I thank you so very much!
Just a wonderful class, Raya. So thoughtful and upbeat and inspiring. Very hard, but you know that is my preference. I will be sore tomorrow I’m sure, but I will know why. You were so inspiring tonight. I tried to think of a better word so I didn’t repeat myself, but the right word is INSPIRING. I think we all felt it. What a gift you are.
Abby is a precocious 3 year old and absolutely loved your class! She has since talked about yoga at home and when visiting me. She doesn’t quite say the names of the positions accurately but she remembers and practices many of them. You are a great children’s instructor! Thank you.