Evening Yoga

Yoga is a mind-body practice that involves meditation, movement and breathing techniques to promote health and wellbeing.

Yoga can help develop self-awareness while improving flexibility, balance and reducing stress. In these 60-minute yoga classes, you will be guided through a variety of postures and movements (standing, sitting, and lying) with options for utilising breath and sound techniques. Classes will be focused on alignment of body while developing and maintaining mindful attention. Although the entire class may be seen as a movement meditation, 5 minutes at the beginning and end of class will be dedicated to sitting/lying meditation and guided relaxation.

No prior knowledge of yoga is needed, and you are welcome to adjust any positions to suit your unique needs. 

Course Breakdown

Each week, we’ll move through postures designed to move the spine in all directions, play with a little bit of balancing, and strengthen the body.  We’ll also be exploring the traditions of yoga and how they can help us connect to the natural world – including our own natural world.  We will be doing this in a way that promotes mindfulness, awareness and calm.

Week 1. BREATH – We will link breath with movement, and using the breath as a barometer to help us get to know ourselves better.

Week 2. EARTH – We will connect with the earth element, feeling into the feet and finding a sense of groundedness in the postures.

Week 3. WATER – We will connect with the element of water and what flows within and between us, feeling into the hips.

Week 4. FIRE – We will feel into the element of fire (especially in the belly!).  We will integrate core awareness into our movement and notice how this supports stability..

Week 5. AIR – We will connect with the element of air, with a focus on balancing postures.  When we challenge our balance, we build strength and stability and see how the breath and our core can support stability and equanimity even in challenging times.

Week 6. HEART – We will introducing stronger backbends (as appropriate to the group) to feel into how these postures impact our energy and spinal awareness.  We will connect with the energy centre of the heart, and learn about the heart from a yogic perspective.

Week 7. SUN – Exploring solar practices – yogic postures and sequences that support vitality and greater energy.

Week 8. MOON – Exploring lunar practices – yogic postures and sequences that help us to turn inwards and feel a sense of calm.

Week 9. SPACE – Exploring the element of space, which surrounds and infuses all the other elements.  In this session we will consolidate all that has been done during the weeks of this course, with more emphasis on breathing techniques and meditative practices.

This outline provides an overview of what may be covered during the course; however, changes may occur based on various factors and the needs of the class.

Term Dates

Term 1 runs from Monday 3 February to Monday 31 March 

Term 2 runs from Monday 28 April to Monday 30 June 

Term 3 runs from Monday 21 July to Monday 15 September 

Term 4 runs from Monday 13 October to Monday 8 December  

Outcomes

At the end of the course, participants will have tools to connect with their own bodily awareness more deeply.  They will feel more flexible, stronger, and have tools to help them to feel grounded, centred and calm in daily life.  

Materials List

• Yoga Mat
• Blocks
• Blanket
• Bottle of water

Please note: Yoga mats and blocks are also available to borrow from the Centre, but please be sure to clean them after use.