basic cycle classes

Our Basic Cycle classes take place in a four-week sequence, repeating every month. Students may begin at any point during the cycle, and will become familiar with the fundamental principles of the Bhava Vinyasa yoga practice by going through the entire series.

All Bhava Basic Cycle classes are one and a half hours long. Ujjayi breathing is emphasized in all four weeks, as a tool for focus and steadiness.

Weekly Sequence

• Week One - standing poses, establishing our grounding so that we may steadily extend ourselves.
• Week Two - forward bending, learning to keep our heart centers open as we fold into ourselves.
• Week Three - backward bending, learning to engage our whole bodies in this courageous practice.
• Week Four - Sun Salutations and a variety of Inversions, using the Ujjayi breath and the Bandhas to aid in overcoming fear, and learning to enjoy seeing things from a different (upside-down) perspective. If Week Four has two sessions (as sometimes happens depending on calendar dates), a moderate Bhava Vinyasa class may be taught, depending on the experience of students in class.

Bhava Basic Cycle classes offer a moderate way to build both flexibility and strength, to safely explore and experience stamina and focus, and to move toward a happy balance of effort and grace. The Bhava Basic Cycle offers a strong foundation in Bhava Vinyasa Yoga and in yoga asana in general. Throughout the fundamental practices covered, attention is given to precision in alignment and to the individual needs of students.

Many wise teachers tell stories about great yogis who attained enlightenment from long, dedicated and subtle practice of one simple pose; and it’s true that there is much to learn from the basics! Students may repeat the cycle until they feel ready to try other classes, and may return to the Basic Cycle at any time to refine their practice. A core of poses will be taught every month; while additional appropriate poses will be included in each class for a bit of spice. These foundational practices are the root of the journey toward experiencing a happier, healthier, more-integrated way of being.