According to the sage Patanjali, Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. Yoga is a disciplined study: an art; a science; a therapy. Yoga is an encompassing devotion that nurtures the mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects of the person as well as one that affects every system of the physical body.
Iyengar Yoga, originated by BKS Iyengar (1918-2014), is known for two main ideas: use of props; precision of instruction.
BKS Iyengar was the first practitioner-teacher to address the fact that each person has a certain range of flexibility, and that if a student’s body cannot perform the classic pose unassisted, the student does not receive the full benefit of the pose. BKS introduced props to aid the student’s understanding and execution of the pose (a block, for example, to make the floor higher for the down hand in Uttitha Trikonasana—triangle pose).
The careful use of props as directed by an Iyengar yoga instructor means that the practice of asana (postures; control of the physical body, the third limb of the study of yoga) is available to every person, regardless of ability, weight, age, or flexibility. Props are used for greater understanding of each pose, with the intent that over time and if appropriate, the student will be able to perform the pose with less and less assistance.
Iyengar yoga is also characterized by very precise instruction. When we learn in this method, we stay in the poses for longer, and we attend to specific actions in the pose so that we come to understand the pose with intelligence. For instance, some points of instruction in Virabhadrasana II (warrior II pose) might be: “Press the outer back foot down and lift the inner back thigh. Maintain those actions as you lift both sides of the torso evenly to make the torso vertical like Tadasana.”
This precise instruction has many benefits. Here are three of them:
The study of Iyengar yoga brings discipline, freedom, and joy—in body, mind, soul, and breath—to those who practice it.
For more information on Iyengar yoga, visit www.iynaus.org.
I have practiced Iyengar yoga since 1994, I began teaching in 2000, and I have passed four levels of rigorous assessment to hold currently the level of Junior Intermediate II. To improve the art and science of my teaching, I work with Dean and Rebecca Lerner regularly, and I visit the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India every two years.
All classes are held at White Lotus Wellness Center Annex, 8607 Rhode Island Ave., College Park, MD
The White Lotus Annex is a beige house with green trim diagonal to and across the side street from the original White Lotus building, at corner of Roanoke; enter from side door
| Day | Time | Level | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays | 4:30-6:00 p.m. | Mixed Levels | Apr 9, 16, 23, 30 May 7, 14, 21, 28 Jun 4, 11 |
| Mondays | 6:15-7:45 p.m. | Intro then Level I | Apr 9, 16, 23, 30 May 7, 14, 21, 28 Jun 4, 11 |
| Tuesdays | 10-11:30 a.m. | Level I | Apr 10, 17, 24, 30 May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Jun 5, 12 |
| Wednesdays | 6:00-7:00 p.m. | Mobility 5 week session) | TBD, likely Wednesdays in May: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 |
| Thursdays | 9:30-11 a.m. | 60+ and friends | Apr 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24 Jun 7, 14 |
| Thursdays | 6:15-7:45 p.m. | Level I | Apr 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24 Jun 7, 14 |
| Thursdays | 8-9:30 p.m. | Level II | Apr 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24 Jun 7, 14 |
NB: For the first four weeks, the Monday 6:15 class will be an introductory level class (see bold face dates), then will become a Level I class on May 7. Continuing students are welcome to the introductory class.
4 week intro series $52; 10 week session $150, paid in advance buys 11 classes. All others pay what you can: $16-18 per class suggested. Payment is accepted in cash or check made out to Anna Rain.
This session ends Thursday, June 14.No credit will be carried over to the the next session.
Please see me if you need assistance paying for classes.
Inspire and deepen your home practice! Private instruction—in your home, at your convenience, with focus on your goals: $90 an hour (plus $20/hr travel time over 15 minutes). Group instruction (up to 4 people) is $120 for 90 minutes.