The Yoga Center of Palo Alto

When the body is open, the heart is open

Larry Hatlett - Ardha Matsyendrasana

Meditation

	Yoga & Meditation (Classical Yoga)

	Ongoing class beginning May 2007 Tuesdays at 5:45 PM This course will take you to the next level in your yoga practice. Be prepared to change the way you relate to the world around you.

	Each class will include:: 1. 30-40 minutes of asanas for energy and hip flexibility. 2. 5-10 minutes of pranayama (breath control). 3. 5-10 minutes of pratyhara (disciplining ones reaction to sensory input). 4. 5-10 minutes of dharana (concentration). 5. 5-10 minutes of dhyana (awareness meditation).

	Each week we will explore different techniques in each of the five sections. Regular attendance is encouraged but drop-ins are accepted. At least one year of yoga practice is required for admittance

Pranayama is the bridge from the asanas to the meditative practices of yoga. The variety of breathing practices are both energizing and inward looking.

Pratyhara teaches us about our reactive mind. We learn to discipline the mind to not react to every little thing. Reactions such as judgment, envy and anger lose their power.

Dharana is what many call meditation. It is concentrating on something to learn how to calm the mind. Watching repetitive simple thoughts, sounds or the breath may be used.

Dhyana is meditation. This is not concentration, but rather simple, pure awareness. This is an effortless state concerned with self-understanding, peace of mind and happiness.