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Donna Rao Alignment Based Yoga - Iyengar Yoga
Attention to alignment in yoga is much more than making a list of points to remember while performing
poses. It is about developing a body awareness that reaches into all aspects of life. –BKS Iyengar
"Donna is the consumate teacher- she teaches you how to do the poses from beginning to end with lots of personal attention. She has an amazing memory of each individual's needs. I now feel I can do my own practice at home. I have become stronger and more flexible" PW
"Donna's classes have become an important part of my week. Donna shares her humour, interesting philosophical and health information, and I feel she is totally focused on us. I really appreciate using props for many of the poses because I get the benefit from the pose I normally would not be able to do.
Over the last 4 years, under Donnas’ watchful eyes, I have strengthened my injured shoulders, neck and arms without pain or added injury. Needless to say I no longer experience the same level of daily pain!
Thank you Donna for a fulfilling experience!" Leslie age 53, Activity Coordinator, Hiking, cross country skiing
"Donna's classes are inspiring and a delight. She is a thoughtful and kind teacher.
Since taking Donna's classes I feel balanced, freer from joint pain.
I want to go every day!" Beverly- retired but active!
Donna Rao has been studying yoga since 1983, inspired by the healing benefits for the body and mind.
Donna is a Certified Internationally recognized Iyengar Teacher, and has been teaching since 1993.
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Her background in counselling, teaching, and her long time meditation practice has added to her ability to understand many facets of life.
She lives in Enderby B.C. in the north Okanagan with her husband Natale and dog Miss Lucy
What distinguishes Iyengar Yoga from other styles of yoga?
The Iyengar method of Yoga may be said to define itself as different from other styles of Yoga by 3 key elements, namely technique, sequence and timing:
Technique means that in practice one learns ever finer adjustments in the alignment of how one performs one's asana and pranayama.
Sequence refers to the sequences in which asana (poses) and pranayama are practiced. For example, by varying which postures are practiced after which, the mental and emotional effects of the practice can be intensified in a manner not otherwise possible in order to bring about changes to the whole being including ones spiritual evolution.
Timing refers to the length of time spent in postures or pranayama. Postures cannot be done swiftly or without awareness. It takes time to move into a posture and become stable. When this has been achieved then one remains stably for some time to intensify the depth of the posture and so extract its benefit. Otherwise the potential effects and benefits remain small compared to what is possible. If you'd like to read more, see link below....
Benefits of Yoga
Everyone can benefit from practicing yoga. Yoga can be used to:
· manage stress
· prepare for childbirth
· recover from injuries
· improve health and fitness
· give one a philosophical perspective of life
· bring tranquillity and mental strength
· experience a form of physical exercise
· improve your strength, flexibility, stamina and balance
· feel an increased sense of well being and vitality
· exercise the inner organs
· improve circulation
· improve joint action
· overcome symptoms of an imbalanced life style
· alleviate headaches, stiff necks, lower backache, insomnia and digestive disorders
· harness one's energy bringing vitality to everyday activities
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From a psychological viewpoint, yoga sharpens the intellect and concentration.
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It steadies the emotions and encourages a caring concern for others.
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Above all, it gives hope.
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The practice of breathing techniques calms the mind.
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Its philosophy gives life a balanced perspective.
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In the realm of the spiritual, yoga brings awareness and the ability to be still.
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Through meditation, inner peace is experienced.
Thus yoga is a practical philosophy involving every aspect of a person's being.
It teaches the evolution of the individual through the development of self-discipline and self-awareness. With the practice of yoga, an athlete can become a better athlete, a teacher a better teacher, an accountant a better accountant.
One of B K S Iyengar's students, the violinist Yehudi Menuhin, acknowledged his teacher, not as his best yoga teacher but as his best violin teacher. "Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul, create the symphony of life."
Class Description
The focus in Donna's classes is:
· strength with stability
· flexibility with mobility
· balance and relaxation
Yoga has the potential to bring all aspects of our lives, physical, emotional and mental into alignment with our essence.
Gentle Class is for those needing a gentler approach due to specific conditions and are unable to attend a regular class. Tuesday 4:30......Wednesday 10:30
Level 1 is for beginning Yoga students and students new to the Iyengar method. It lays the foundation for this work and teaches inner focus. Thursday 10:30
Level 2 is for those who have 1 year of experience in the Iyengar method and are starting a personal practice. Tuesday 8:30......Thursday 8:30
Level 2/3 continues from level 2. Students who have been in level 1 and 2 for more than a year are encouraged to come to this class. Tuesday 6:15
Flow-Level 2 Moving smoothly with the Breath. Thursday 4:45
Meditation - Stress Reduction
30 minute lunchtime session to help release stress and bring you back to a calm, centred place
Rest and Relax Workshops
A 2 hour session focusing on poses that enchance the relaxation response. Most poses are held for longer periods of time, using a variety of props to aid the process.
Class Schedule
Tuesday 8.30 level 2
Tuesday 4.30 Gentle
Tuesday 6.15 Level 2/3
Wednesday 10.30 Gentle
Thursday 8.30 Level 2
Thursday 10.30 Level 1
Thursday 4.45 Flow
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