The Power of “GENTLE” Yoga
ALL YOGA should be “GENTLE”.
Gentle does not necessarily mean “EASY”
In the path of yoga, giving proper training and discipline, one progresses with time. With continuous practice, not only the body but also the mind as well as the nervous system become stronger.
Once we strengthen the “tangible” aspects of our bodies, then, and only then, the practice of yoga can become more intense, however, ALWAYS GENTLE. Gentle means that one listens to one’s body and approaches the asanas gradually, as if “asking the body for permission” and never imposing. Being gentle is powerful and is the sure way to ongoing progress. One can achieve a very difficult and advanced pose in a “gentle” way.
The fact is that the word “asana”, literally from the Sanskrit, translates as “comfortable pose”, which means that ALL yoga poses, no matter how hard they may initially seem, eventually with practice, they become comfortable. (If you’ve practiced yoga long enough, you know exactly what I mean.)
It is important to know that more than 5000 years ago, the complexity of yoga poses was intended to be transformative, restorative, and healing as preparation to deeper practices – some of which are stillness, and meditation.
However, nowadays, yoga has become a “trend”, a “sport”, and a competition. Who can do the hardest pose? Who can do the most complex inversions? How can I create the most sweat possible?
Therefore, people approach it at as a physical challenge exerting and pushing themselves in order to “get it right”, entering into it with the “no pain -no gain” state of mind – many times hurting their bodies in the process.
On the other hand, many individuals find the so-called beginning practices of yoga too advanced for them so they don’t find the courage to ever begin, and if they do, they get discouraged, scared off, and pretty soon they quit.
Also, our lifestyles demand that we spend a lot of time in a sitting position (in front of a screen) –weakening the skeleton and muscular systems.
Conversely, from a sedentary sitting position, we stand up directly into walking and running (in the case of those who practice sports) –causing a strong high impact to the cold and weak back muscles and its nerve endings. These are the main reasons why people suffer from back muscle spasms, herniated disks, lower back pain, and other sorts of injuries.
Further, demands related to finances, work, relationships, and other situations, constantly challenge our sense of well-being. Our lives are loaded with stressors. Over time, continued strain on your body from routine stress may contribute to serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses, as well as mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
In response, VeroYoga is now offering a “gentle” program that is all inclusive and accessible to everyone. Gentle yoga classes attempt to meet yoga students “where they are”.
This is a style of yoga for people who don’t have the flexibility, coordination, and strength which photos of yoga poses typically portray.
This is a program that I’ve opened by popular demand as an essential complement to a rigorous athletic training, as a great antidote to stress, as well as for those who are looking to restore physical health, to achieve emotional stability, and to regain energetic balance.
In Gentle VeroYoga classes, we move the spinal column to its four different directions to re-align the spine and to develop strength and flexibility to the back muscles structure.
We hold poses; we breathe deeply, and transition slowly through the sequence, to achieve a state of freedom from muscle stiffness and mental burdens.
The sequence is designed to reach deep into the finest fibers of the body, promoting blood circulation, oxygenation, and motion to areas that are otherwise, stagnant and dormant. All the organs of the body receive a soft and yet firm compression which stimulates their function and activates the secretion of healthy body fluids. Moreover, because the movements are non-repetitive and involve the whole body, the different centers in the brain and its glands also receive oxygenation and stimulation. I could go on and on because the list of benefits of GENTLE yoga is endless.
These classes are safe, effective, compassionate, in a non-competitive environment that is welcoming to all.
Gentle VeroYoga is intended to be restorative and to support those who need to address muscle tension, stress, injuries, anxiety, insomnia, as well as any other condition. These classes will provide healing and a profound sense of relaxation, benefiting your whole well-being.
CLASS SCHEDULE: Tuesday and Thursday
CLASS TIME: 8:30 – 10:00am
LOCATION: Community Center Village of Key Biscayne
10 Village Green Way
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
MORE INFORMATION: 305-365-5483
Stretch and tone the body, improve agility and balance, and draw the focus inward to calm the mind. You will leave these VeroYoga classes feeling renovated, alert and relaxed.
