A Hatha class that works with subtle body practices to bring more space and awareness to the body, this class features movement, breath and visualization practices. This class opens with a chakra meditation. To learn more about each of the seven chakras and the themes associated with each, read the Chakra Guide. May we create more space in body and mind so that life flows through us with more ease. We are conduits of energy.
As you move through class, ask yourself: what kind of energy do I want to share/express?
Style: Hatha
Duration: 33-minutes
Level: open-levels
Props: 2 blocks
Focus: breath, visualization
Location: Lila Familia Production Studio, Vancouver, BC
Music: Morning Opener Yoga Spotify Playlist
Opening Chakra Meditation
Come to a seat on your mat and close your eyes.
Place your props as you like in Sukasana (easy sitting pose).
Chakra Visualization
Bring your awareness to the base of the pelvis and image a light that travels from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. The spine, aka Sushumna, is where the main seven energy points (chakras) are located.
The chakras are a part of the subtle body and gateway to better health and longevity. Chakra means ‘spinning wheel’ and represents an energy center where our subtle, Pranic body converges with the physical body.
As you sit and breathe, practice holding your inner eye/awareness at each of the chakras: Muladhara, Svhadisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha, Ajna, Sahasrara.
You can bring some gentle spinal undulations through the spine as you breathe up and down Sushumna, lighting up each chakra.
Movement + Pranayama
In Sukasana (easy sitting pose), extend your hands overhead in Venus Mudra. Breathe up to your side, waist to your fingers and thumbs. Stay here for several breaths.
As you breathe with your arms overhead, ground by rooting the sits bone into the earth, imagine that you are drawing energy upwards from the earth into your spine, through the body, and allow the energy to move up and out from the crown of the head and fingertips.
Balasana (child’s pose)
Adho Mukha Svanasana (down dog)
Uttanasana (forward fold) variations
Roll up to stand with bent knees
Tadasana (mountain pose) with hands stacked over the heart
Prostration Namaskars
Uttanasana (forward fold) at the back of the mat
Tadasana (mountain pose) variation with hands stacked over your heart
Prostration Namaskars (sun salutations) from Shiva Rea from the back of the mat.
Prostration Namaskars are among the oldest namaskars, and they act as an offering.
Try to keep your eyes closed as you move to feel your body and breath.
Take three cycles, hold each pose for 2-3 breathes:
Tadasana (mountain pose) with hands stacked at the heart
Uttanasana (forward fold)
Prostration on the belly
Balasana (child’s pose)
Uttanasana (forward fold) at the back of your mat
Roll up to stand
Tadasana (mountain pose)
Cooling Poses
Jathara Parivartanasana (reclined spinal twist)
Savasana (corpse pose).