About the different weekly classes

Class levels

• General - these classes are accessible to most people, with an emphasis on not pushing and adjusting your practice to suit your capacity.

• Intermediate - experience and current regular practice needed before joining this class

• all times AEST

Light and Strong

Monday class 7-7.45am 45min, general

This class is short with an emphasis on a balanced range of asana with a focus on building strength in the body. Pranayama is incrementally developed from week to week so there is room to build capacity in a systematic way. Developing lightness and strength applies to both asana and pranayama. After incrementally developing the degree of difficulty in these classes, current classes have returned to being relatively simple and accessible. There is no meditation at the end of this class, however, there is an open ending to the class that enables you to continue on to a self guided meditation if this is appropriate for your schedule.

Pranayama and Meditation

Monday 6-6.25pm, 25min, general

One of the goals is to provide a base through pranayama to settle body and mind, helping release the stresses of the day. The short meditation that follows is usually deeper and more effective as a result. Some experience in pranayama and meditation is helpful; however, there is accommodation for a range of skill and experience levels. For example, if sitting still cross-legged is a challenge, you are welcome to sit on a meditation stool or a straight backed chair.

Qualities of Yoga

Tuesday 6-7.15pm, 1hr 15min, intermediate

The asanas in this class are a little more advanced than our other classes and include more classic asana and surya namaskara. Pranayama is systematically developed throughout the year and there is a longer meditation. The "Qualities" in the title refers to the emphasis on awareness of a yogic quality throughout the class.

Village Wednesday

Wednesday 6-7.15pm, 1hr 15min, general

The asanas in this class are relatively straightforward for those familiar with the Satyananda Yoga style. There is an emphasis on systematic development within each class and from class to class over the course of the year. There is a generous amount of time spent on asana and lying pranayama in this class followed by a short yoga nidra to conclude.

Meditative Thursday

Thursday 7-8am, 1hr, general

The "Meditative" in the title of this class refers to the approach in the whole class, including asana, pranayama and meditation. There is an emphasis on creating a heightened sense of awareness. The asanas are relatively gentle and familiar with the Satyananda Yoga style. Sitting pranayama is incrementally developed throughout the year. Meditation is a feature of this class. One aim is to support sadhana with a mix of asana, pranayama and meditation with an emphasis on working towards a steady inner balance by the end of the class.

Chanting

Thursday 6.30-7pm, 25-30min, general

Half hour of chanting. The aim is to include a mix of familiar mantras often included in personal sadhana as well introduce something new each term, such as a bhajan, and we often finish with a kirtan.

Yoga Nidra

Sunday 12-12.30pm, 25-30min, general

This lying down relaxation practice is a cornerstone of the Satyananda Yoga tradition. This year, within the tradition there is a focus on recognising the significance of this practice. This year we have featured yoga nidra in our blog and if you look through you will find many posts on key aspects of yoga nidra. This class is included in both Community Sundays and Community Membership options. A great option for unwinding on the weekend.

Sublime Sunday

Sunday 5-6.15pm, 1hr 15min, general

This class is an evolution of our Simple Sunday classes which ran each week for several years. This class includes a good progression of pawanmuktasana 1 2 and 3 with a range of other asanas. There is a focus on pranayama, and will include with a yoga nidra, and/or a short meditation. The time, late afternoon in Australia and morning in Europe, is designed to fit in with other commitments you may have on Sundays, and, with yoga nidra, has the potential to bring a seed of yoga into each weekend and nurture it over time.