Class Description
Gentle Yoga
This traditional Hatha Yoga class goes beyond the typical western gym studio yoga class. This class provides the expected exercise and stress reduction that most gym and studio classes offer, however, the richer part of yoga practice typically eliminated by Western yoga classes is returned so that the powerful techniques of breathe (pranayama), concentration (dharana), and meditation (dhyana) enhances physical health and mental acuity to promote emotional balance and spiritual awareness. This class is designed for students who are seeking a powerful method of self-transformation. The postures (asanas) in this class are adapted for individuals who have physical injuries or disabilities as well as students who possess average flexibility and strength.
Yoga for Depression and Anxiety
Emotions are physical, not psychological and act to bridge our bodies and minds. Psychosomatic means that our bodies, mind, and emotions are intimately intertwined. As we alter the awareness of our emotions, we typically alter our physical state. Managing our emotions is now considered a form of disease prevention. If we heal our emotions, we heal our bodies. Yoga is an ancient, practical system for assessing, healing, and integrating the body and mind. Yoga is much more a state of mind than having to touch your toes. Through practices of movement, breathing, and meditation, the student learns to transform negative qualities of the mind into higher states of order and clarity, which promote overall physical and emotional well-being. This class is guided by Pat Simpson, M.S., LCPC RYT500, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with twenty five years of professional practice, and more than five hundred (500) hours of yoga training and is a Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher. Ms. Simpson can consult and collaborate with a student’s mental health care provider to provide a structured therapeutic environment that goes beyond medication and traditional forms of psychotherapy. Individual sessions are available.
Yoga for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD)
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ?
PSTD results from deep emotional wounds from being exposed to a traumatic event that includes:
1. Man-made, deliberate, malicious actions such as:
• War
• Abuse
• Rape
• Riots
• Kidnapping
• Torture
• And more…
2. Accidents, Technological disasters
3. Acts of Nature (natural disasters)
Symptoms of PTSD may include:
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Chronic pain
• Compulsions
• Confusion
• Crisis
• Delusions
• Denial
• Dependence
• Depression
• Grief
• Guilt
• Loneliness
• Negative self-concept
• Obesity
• Obsessions
• Passive Aggressive behavior
• Phobias
• Rape Trauma Syndrome
• Sleep disorders
• Substance Abuse
• Suicidal Behavior or Ideation
• Suspiciousness/Paranoia
• Withdrawn Behavior
Why Yoga for Veterans and People Suffering with PTSD?
Practicing yoga can greatly benefit us both physically and mentally. Yoga can help to condition and heal our bodies, and also promote a sense of calm and peace. Because of this, yoga can prove very beneficial for veterans and victims. Not only can the practice heal the body, it can also help us to deal with the traumas and memories associated with combat and war or trauma.
PTSD, is a condition that many veterans experience. It is an anxiety disorder that can develop following exposure to a terrifying or traumatic event during combat that caused or threatened serious physical harm.
For some sufferers of PTSD, yoga can help. Viniyoga emphasizes stillness and peace, and the practice of asanas, or postures, can help to bring a sense of balance and calm. By practicing asanas, we are encouraged to find peace with our experiences and to release our fears and frustrations. Yoga can be a healing a process that helps us to let go of traumas and the anger we may feel as a result. Ms. Simpson incorporates iRest yoga techniques, endorsed by the Veterans Administration, to help individuals.
While yoga cannot cure PTSD, it can show us how to deal with the symptoms and may even minimize them to some