Published on November 2, 2014
Deep hips and shoulders, lots of upper body strengthening, core strengthening, and fun with arm balances. Twists you might not expect, and time to get upside down, all around the theme of letting go of our attachment to a picture in our heads of “how things should be”, and instead, practicing on opening to things as they are.
By Ally Hamilton on Nov 19, 2024
We open with a short (7 minute) talk about yoga philosophy including the Yama and Niyama, in particular ahimsa, satya, svadhyaya, and the concept of non-attachment. Also the very human experience of being attached to loved ones and their well-being. Then we head into a flow that targets the hips, shoulders and hamstrings. We have some deep core strengthening, and opportunities to play with tripod headstand variations and arm balances including firefly and bhujapidasana. We close the practice with alternate nostril breathing so you walk away from your mat feeling calm and balanced. Love to all xx
By Ally Hamilton on Nov 1, 2024
This practice opens with a short (4 minute) talk about attachment and non-attachment, the sandwich generation, loss, grief, change - and how cultivating curiosity is the best and easiest way to move through it all (which doesn't mean it's easy, just easier). We then move into a dancing warrior flow that targets hip and shoulder opening, standing balance, core strength, backbends, deep stretching, and inversions. Try to stay curious about what you're feeling as you move from shape to shape, and let your deep breath be the foundation. Quick note - we are replacing a mixer, but I went ahead and filmed without it. I know the sound is a little echo-y, but I don't think it will be distracting. Love to all as we navigate whatever losses come our way x
By Ally Hamilton on Oct 18, 2024
Hello friends! This is a calming, grounding yin practice with breath-work. If you're dealing with anxiety, racing thoughts, insomnia, or just generally feel like your nervous system needs a reboot, join me. This is a great evening practice, but you can use it anytime you want a deep stretch, especially for the hips and hamstrings - though the shoulders get some love here, too. Yin yoga is about long holds - really allowing the muscles, fascia and tissue around the joints to release - and when you add deep, conscious breath along with curiosity about sensation, you have something extra potent and special. 2 blocks may be very helpful. This is not a heat-building practice, so please listen to your body and don't force anything. Enjoy x
By Angela Kukhahn on Oct 5, 2024
Hi yogis! This is a quick, energizing, thorough flow targeting hip, hamstring and inner-thigh opening. You can also count on shoulder opening and deep core engagement as we go. Enjoy! Great for mornings, or any time you want something short, sweet and deep! You may benefit from having 2 blocks and a strap handy if you need them!
By Ally Hamilton on Oct 5, 2024
I filmed this for you on a day when I am a little depleted. I've been fighting something for a few days and wanted to give you a practice for days like this, too! This is a slow, mindful practice with long holds and deep, conscious breath. We open the hips, hamstrings and shoulders. There is s standing sequence and some standing balance, and lots of nice, juicy stretching on the floor. This is great as an evening practice after a long day, for anytime you're feeling anxious, it's a sweet practice when you're on your cycle, but it's also great for any time you need something nurturing, grounding, and deep. You may want a block or two, and you may benefit from a strap. Enjoy, yogis.
By Ally Hamilton on Sep 17, 2024
Hello from the Practice Garden! Why haven't we been filming out here lately?! I don't know, but this was beautiful. This is an hour-long flow that targets hamstring and shoulder opening with a lot of love for the hips and core, and includes fun arm balances like crow pose, bhujapidasana and firefly pose, and a tripod headstand with lotus legs if you're in the mood. The pace is steady, this is not a 4-alarm fire, but rather a nice, heat-building pace with time for conscious breath and long holds. Enjoy, yogis!@blocks may be helpful but aren't strictly necessary unless you need to "lift the floor up"! You might want a strap for cow-face pose if your shoulders require patience and care.
By Courtney Harms on Sep 3, 2024
A full body yoga flow including lots of twists and balancing postures. This sequence encourages us to be in the here and now with the breath and the moment, helping us to pick our battles more wisely.
By Angela Kukhahn on Aug 28, 2024
Hello yogis! This is a short flow, but it's very sweet and very thorough! We're going to work on hamstring and inner thigh flexibility, but we're also going to open the shoulders, upper back and hips, and play with visvamitrasana or the building blocks to get you on your way! Please grab two blocks and a strap, and let's play!
By Ally Hamilton on Aug 23, 2024
If you're looking for a fun, let's get right to it flow with a focus on core strength, hip opening, and some fun hip and core centered arm balances, look no further :) We play with koundinyasana 2 and eight angle pose, and I break them down so everyone has a way to approach. Part of every arm balance and inversion is core strength and upper body strength, but you also have to understand the relationship between counter-balance and your center of gravity. Ready to play, sweat, breathe and feel great in 44 minutes? LFG!!
By Ally Hamilton on Aug 5, 2024
Sometimes it's a struggle to get to your mat and you can almost talk yourself out of it, but 9 times out of 10 if you just start moving, you'll be so happy you did! This is a flow for those days - days when you aren't sure you have the energy but know you'll feel better if you do your yoga! This is an all-over, feel-good flow where we open the shoulders, hips and hamstrings, fire up the core, play with side plank and tripod headstand - both with advanced variations if you're ready- and always with reminders to breathe deeply. You'll end up in a sweet savasana thanking yourself for practicing! Ready? LFG!! You may want a block, you may not need one :)
Ally Hamilton
