Vinyasa practice at the Bellinter House, County Meath, Ireland.
“I sought out an instructor who blended inner strength with a gentle beautiful flow, and I was honored to find that practice with Christine.”
VINYASA
Vinyasa is commonly referred to as Flow Yoga; it is a practice that seamlessly links breath and movement. The term Vinyasa is derived from the Sanskrit "nyasa": to place and "vi": in a certain way, which implies that each movement is mindful and grounded in stability and conscious presence.
Vinyasa could be described as mindfulness in motion as each posture is connected to the next using conscious breathing. Flow sequences, such as Sun Salutations, can steadily increase in intensity through repetition and longer holding of postures. Not two classes are alike, as the flows can vary, but the steadiness of mind is the constant component. Vinyasa practice can be quite vigorous and dynamic and generate heat, as we move in and out of the poses, but it can be practiced as a gentler slower flowing practice.
“Christine’s classes are the perfect distillation of asanas, mindful breathing, sacred music, thoughtful quotations and uplifting affirmations. She offers modifications and support to insure that each person receives maximum benefits from poses.”
“Christine’s classes are physically and mentally satisfying and deeply spiritual.”
Yin Yoga at the Bellinter House, County Meath, Ireland.
“When I started Christine’s Yin class, I had no idea of its benefits. Eventually I noticed that I gained patience in my daily life and my overall flexibility increased. This is the beauty of her Yin Yoga class.”
YIN YOGA
Yin Yoga is often called "yoga for the joints, not the muscles." It consists of deep long-held floor postures that seek to stretch, stimulate and create fluidity in the deep connective tissues (fascia, tendons and ligaments.)
A Yin practice increases flexibility and range of motion, as well as mindfulness. It encourages a healthy flow of life force. A deeper experience unfolds in body, heart and mind. It is a deeply meditative yet dynamic Taoist practice of yoga and a great complement to Western styles of yoga which focus more on movement.
“I suffer from Pelvic Floor Syndrome which causes excruciating debilitating pain. After taking Christine’s Yin Yoga class, my pelvis felt as if it was floating on a cloud. Yin has become a daily part of my self-care routine and I have made it my mission to recommend Yin Yoga to anyone suffering from PFS. ”
Maman practicing her chair yoga on her 80th birthday Caraibbean Cruise.
Chair Yoga Friday class at Garden of Zen, Grafton, Virginia.
Yoga at Bellinter House, County Meath, Ireland.
CHAIR YOGA
Chair Yoga is one of the fastest growing types of yoga. It makes yoga accessible to everyone: people with limited mobility, senior citizens, as well as practitioners recovering from injuries or surgeries.
While seated on chairs, students can do versions of twists, hip stretches, forward bends and back bends. The chair replaces the yoga mat and becomes an extension of their body allowing them to work the joints and muscles to increase flexibility, strength, balance, circulation and well-being.
It goes beyond typical exercises in that it encourages quite reflection, proper breathing and reduction of stress. The benefits of this practice are remarkable. Students report reduced blood pressure, faster recovery from injury or surgery, better sleep, increased mobility and improved posture.
“Chair Yoga has helped me to keep moving. I am 94 years old and need all the balance I can get.”
“I am 76 years old which proves there is no age limit on yoga and have been taking Christine’s Chair class for 3 1/2 years and enjoy every minute of it. Christine’s class has a flow which helps with the moves. My strength, balance, breathing and relaxation are so much better.”
“Christine’s Chair Yoga class is very relaxing and customized for all levels of strength and mobility with modified strength exercises.”
“It improves my golf swing and balance.”
YOGA FUNDAMENTALS
If you would like a better understanding of the breathing, asanas and concepts of yoga, if you are wondering "Am I doing this right?" this class is for you.
Recommended for both beginners and experienced yogis, this class includes a review of basic principles and yoga poses with a focus on breath and alignment. You will have the opportunity for hands-on adjustments, questions and answers at the end of class.
“This is a great class for everyone. Experienced or novice, everyone will gain new knowledge from this class. You will gain confidence in your practice.”