Shadow Yoga is a Hatha Yoga based system founded by Shandor Remete. The term "Shadow' is a direct reference to certain esoteric texts that Remete has been influenced by. Shadow Yoga incorporates rhythmic breathing, bandhas (energy ties), and the use of marmas (vital energy points) to release blockages in the physical, mental and emotional planes of existence. Specific warms ups and the three standing dynamic prelude forms are taught as a way to better prepare the body for the deeper aspects of the Hatha Yoga practice.  The preludes consists of non-traditional poses that strengthen and open the feet, legs and core allowing greater flexibility in the spine and hips, emphasized through stance work, spiraling movements and squatting to prepare the integrity of the structure from the ground up. Ultimately, like Hatha Yoga, Shadow Yoga is a healing practice meant to prepare one for meditation and to align with ones souls purpose. 

Mandy has permission by the Shadow Yoga School to teach Shadow Yoga.

The alignment of movement and breath transforms asanas into a dynamic, thoughtfully sequenced flow.  How we transition from shape to shape, and by extension, moment to moment, determines the experience we have of all things. Through the alignment of breath and movement we practice the linkage of the mind to the presence of the breath and the body.

In this class we will explore a grounding, well-rounded practice rooted in the intention to feel our connection with the earth and the heavens. A predominantly slow-flow style class, we will ground into the breath and the bodymind with asana, pranayama, and meditation, infusing restoration into the fabric of movement and stillness. These classes are offered on a sliding scale, $7-14.

"So first we need to recognize that the Hatha tradition isn't carved in stone; over it's thousand-year run, it went through any number of changes, just as all of us do as we grow older" (Richard Rosen, Original Yoga)

Can our asana practices inform the way we move our bodies off the mat, and outside of the studio? Can we treat functional movement patterns with a similar regard as the shapes we often describe as being as old as time? This class will explore the way we, in varying degrees, experience embodiment, gravity, and levity; each instructor bringing to the class their own particular curiosity and pace.

Much of our yogic asana practice can be described as Yang. Yang practices are a bit more active, and have the potential to create fire and energy. While the benefits of Yang practice are varied and dynamic, the Yin practice invites in a deeper sense of receptivity. Props are used to support the body so the student can completely relax into a pose, and postures are held longer so the body may surrender and soften more deeply. Similar to our Yang practice, the student focuses on the breath in allowance of the felt sense to supersede the busy mind with a deeper connection to the body, inviting a calm for the central nervous system. Yin invites the mind and body to receive stillness.

Kundalini Yoga is an advanced technology designed to help individual's experience their infinite potential. This technology precisely and consciously combines breath, mudra, eye-focus, mantra, body locks, and postures to balance the glandular system, strengthen the nervous system, expand lung capacity, and purifiy the blood. Astrology is a remarkable tool for understanding cycles, patterns, and energy in the collective. Kundalini and Astrology pair beautifully together, working in the energetic realm to guide and harness the energy of the moment. Inspired by the astrological forecast for the week, the class will consist of a pranayam breathing warm up, a Kriya (set of exercises) a deep relaxation and a meditation, often with mantra and song. This practice safely awakens the Kundalini life force and creativity within each human being while expertly working on both physical vitality and the expansion of consciousness.  Come balance your physical and energetic body as you come deeper into union with the celestial bodies!