Yoga with Melissa Dr. Melissa West

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This Yin Yoga class designed for Winter Rejuvenation is practiced entirely at the wall. As we descend into winter and water element season this practice focuses on the kidney and bladder meridians.



This yin yoga class focuses on winter rejuvenation by encouraging introspection and replenishment. We delve into the essence of the winter season, exploring its connection to the water element and the organs associated with this time - the kidneys and bladder.



In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concept of jing, emphasizes the importance of preserving our life force. This class explores several ways of focusing on smart energy use to nurture our well-being.



Yin yoga is one of the best practices we can offer our bodies in winter to replenish our kidneys (our internal batteries).



Legs Up the Wall Yin Yoga Winter Rejuvenation Yin Yoga Sequence

Legs up the Wall

Keyhole

Broken Wing

Dangling

Dragon

Squat

Legs up the Wall

Props Needed: Wall, Blanket



Reading: ― John O'Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings

Hatha Yoga to Cultivate Gratitude | Yoga Sutra 2.30 Ahimsa | YWM 675

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This full body hatha yoga class is focused on cultivating gratitude through the practice of ahimsa as outlined in Yoga Sutra 2.30 translated by Nischala Joy Devi in The Secret Power of Yoga.



In this 60 minute full body hatha yoga class for yoga, we delve into gratitude through the lens of reverence, love and compassion for all beings. We explore the depths of our True Nature as we embrace the principle of Ahimsa. This allows us to embrace a sense of interconnection with all living beings.



Through this full body hatha yoga class we uncover our innate capacity for reverence that resides within each one of us allowing us to connect with the spiritual vitality present in every living being.



The yoga postures in this class focus on heart opening to heighten your sensitivity to the spirit that flows through all life forms. Together, we will rediscover the beauty of the present moment and reawaken our natural state of reverence.



2.30 Yama, reflection of our true nature is experienced through:

Ahimsa: reverence, love, compassion for all

2.35 Embracing reverence and love for all (ahimsa) we experience oneness



Hatha Yoga to Cultivate Gratitude | Yoga Sutra 2.30 Ahimsa Sequence



Supported Fish Pose

Bridge

Reclined Twist

Side Bend

Cobra

Half Bow

Cat Pose

Gate Pose

Downdog

Tadasana

Dancer

Wide Legged Standing Forward Fold

Seated Twist

Supported Fish Pose



Poem: Lost by David Wagoner



Props Needed: Bolster

Attune to Autumn Energy Restorative Yoga | YWM 674 



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There is a dissonance between the overactive demands of our external world and the inner peace of our True Nature. In this restorative class, we slow down, allowing our awareness to settle within the present moment, reconnecting with the boundless and limitless energy that resides within us.



As nature transitions into a period of internal alchemy, we align our practice with the rhythms of the season, embracing the call for inner reflection and replenishment. Acknowledging the perpetual overactivity of our lives, our restorative yoga practice offers us the significance of dynamic stillness. Here, in this peaceful state of awareness, we allow our energy to renew and replenish, preparing ourselves for the nurturing hibernation of the upcoming winter. Join us in this restorative yoga practice as we gather our energy and embrace the seasonal rhythms of autumn.



Gathering Energy in Autumn Seasons Restorative Yoga Sequence 

Legs Up the Wall 

Restorative Locust 

Restorative Child’s 

Restorative Shoulder Stand

Savasana 

Poem: Fall Song by Mary Oliver 



Props Needed: Wall, 2 blocks, bolster, eye pillow, blanket 

This Yin Yoga practice is designed to release your painful and aching neck and shoulder tension. In one hour yin yoga class, we'll focus on gentle yin yoga stretches and poses that target the connective tissues responsible for neck and shoulder pain.



Several of the yin yoga poses are chosen to open up the chest and shoulders. Opening your chest, helps in improving shoulder mechanics and reducing strain on the neck and shoulders caused by muscular imbalances.



I have also sequences in yin yoga poses that strengthen the scapular stabilizers, including the Serratus Anterior and Lower Trapezius. This will aid in stabilizing the shoulder blades and promoting better posture.



Yin yoga poses will stretch the shoulders, upper back, and between the shoulder blades. We will also focus on gentle decompression of the neck and upper back which can also alleviate neck pain and discomfort.



Throughout the practice, we will to focus on your breath and the principles of yin. I will encourage you to use props like blocks, chairs, and bolsters for extra support and comfort. Listen to your body and make adjustments as needed to ensure a supported and beneficial practice.



By the end of this Yin Yoga session, you'll experience increased flexibility, improved posture, and a sense of release from neck and shoulder pain.



Yin Yoga to Release Painful, Aching Neck & Shoulders Sequence:

Supported Fish

Sphinx

Child’s Pose

Broken Wing Pose

Heart Melting Pose

Thread the Needle

Reverse Prayer

Supported Fish Pose

Props Needed: 2 blocks



Poem: On a Day When Stillness Seems Possible by Rosemerry Whatola Trommer

This is an Empowered Beginner Yin Yoga class for full-body vitality! In this Yin Yoga class for beiginners, we will explore the transformative power of yin to create bring balanc to the deeper connective tissues of your body.



Yin yoga targets the yin tissues of the body, such as ligaments, bones, and joints. Unlike yang styles that focus on warming and stretching the muscles, yin yoga applies gentle pressure for extended periods, stimulating the deep connective tissues to grow stronger and more flexible.



In this yin yoga class, we will gently pressurize the tissues to strengthen your ligaments nad joints to increase your mobility as you age.



Additionally we will begin to explore some of the organs and meridians of yin yoga to empower your vitality. Overall we are focusing on connecting with yin qualities of yielding and allowing in a world of constant activity and achievement.



I will introduce you to the four principles of yin: finding an appropriate edge, softening, and being still, allowing the tissues to be gently stressed and nurtured.



This yin yoga class is designed especially for beginners with 3 minute holds. Modifications and Alternatives will be given.



Empowered Beginner Yin Yoga: Full Body Stretch for Vitality Sequence

Butterfly

Sphinx

Seal

Child’s Pose

Figure Four

Happy Baby

Dragonfly

Half Shoelace

Savasana

Props Needed: 2 blocks, bolster, yoga strap, folded blanket



Poem: Yin by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

This Yoga Nidra meditation for immune support will offer you profound healing and rejuvenation. Deep rest is the cornerstone of physical, mental, and emotional well-being, allowing your body to heal at its core. During this meditation, you will nurture your parasympathetic nervous system, lymphatic system, thymus, tonsils and spleen, enabling them to carry out their natural immune functions. This guided practice is especially beneficial during times of illness, discomfort, or emotional exhaustion, unlocking your body's innate healing potential.



Within this Yoga Nidra meditation, you will breathe and body scan through your cells, tissues, and organs, promoting the flow of vital energy along your body's pathways. By opening your awareness to various areas within, you'll activate your body's intrinsic healing power. This enhanced flow of energy empowers your body's innate capacity for healing, offering profound support for your immune system.