ABOUT ZENYASA® Introduction Zenyasa® is a completely unique style of yoga that was created by Jason R. Brown. Each class includes breathing practices. a joint-warming series, unique sun salutation sequences, a carefully designed class theme that addresses specific muscle groups and meridian pathways, deep relaxation, and few minutes of seated meditation. The class themes are organized within a five-element model, and are systematically alternated to ensure a well-balanced practice that both strengthens and stretches every major muscle group in the body. A Typical Class Sequence Zenyasa® classes have a relatively set structure at the beginning and end, but vary greatly in the middle depending upon the five-element class theme. A typical class sequence consists of: Gassho and/or Chanting Practice GASSHO PRACTICE
The word gassho literally means "to place the two palms together,” and can be thought of as a gesture that encourages gratitude, helps gather the mind, unifies polarities (such as left and right, passive and dominant, etc.), and expresses the interconnection of all beings. During the gassho practice, the class maintains the gassho mudra while the teacher leads a series of four bows to express gratitude and respect toward i) the practice space, ii) the sangha (community), iii) the teacher, and iv) all beings OPENING CHANTS
Some teachers may lead the class through a classic opening chant from the yoga tradition, which is meant to help cultivate a spirit of harmony and goodwill before the teachings of yoga begin Breathing and/or Reading/Discussion: Immediately following the gassho or chanting practice, the teacher might lead the class through breathing exercises, or share a reading that in some way relates to the monthly theme (i.e., yoga philosophy, Buddhist philosophy, 5-Element theory, mindfulness in daily living, etc.) Opening the Gates: Next we’ll practice a series of joint-mobilization exercises called “opening the gates,” which is meant to warm up the joints, increase the amount of synovial fluid within each joint, and encourage the flow of blood and Qi throughout the body. This practice can be done from a supine or standing position Grasshopper vinyasa and Sun Salutation vinyasa: Flowing, breath-centered sequences meant to warm up the body (a vinyasa is a series of movements that are coordinated with ujjayi breathing); in the Level 1 & 2 classes, we practice Step-Back sun salutations; in the Level 2/3 and Level 3 classes, we add optional “jump-back” sun salutations A 5-Element Theme: There are five main class themes in Zenyasa®, which are named according to the Taoist model of the five elements: i) Earth, ii) Metal, iii) Water, iv) Wood and v) Fire. The postures and exercises practiced in each element are inspired by the energetic nature of the element, as well as the location of the meridians associated with each element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). By practicing all five elements on a rotating basis, all of the major muscles in the body are both strengthened and stretched on a regular basis, and the flow of Qi is encouraged through every major meridian pathway Savasana: After the movement practice we relax in a supine position and meditate on the breath. During this time, the instructor might also choose to share a short reading related to monthly theme (if they didn’t already share something at the beginning of class) Seated Meditation: After the relaxation, we spend about five minutes practicing mindfulness meditation on the breath Closing Chants: Classes conclude with the chanting of OM. In the Buddhist tradition, OM can be thought of as a unifying sound that reminds us of the interconnection we share with each other and with all beings For More Information About Zenyasa® To deepen your understanding and appreciation for the practice, we recommend that you read through the following information when you are able to: The 3 Pillars The 5 Element Class Themes How to Sit The Breathing Exercises Shamatha Meditation Instructors.html5_Elements.htmlThree_Pillars.html5_Elements.htmlSteady_Seat.htmlBreathing.htmlMeditation.htmlshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1shapeimage_1_link_2shapeimage_1_link_3shapeimage_1_link_4shapeimage_1_link_5shapeimage_1_link_6

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DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING Click on the following links to deepen your understanding and experience of Zenyasa® Yoga: The 3 Pillars The 5 Elements Steady, Comfortable Seat Breathing Exercises Meditation Three_Pillars.html5_Elements.htmlSteady_Seat.htmlBreathing.htmlMeditation.htmlshapeimage_5_link_0shapeimage_5_link_1shapeimage_5_link_2shapeimage_5_link_3shapeimage_5_link_4
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