Yoga is joining and integrating the mind, body, and spirit into one aligned and cohesive unit. —The Everything Yoga Book
Yoga is a complete science and philosophy that addresses the individual as a whole and how we relate to humanity in creation. Psychotherapeutic yoga combines eastern and western ideologies such as - but not limited to - mantra, mindfulness, meditation, pranayama, chanting, asana, neurobiology, and energetics. With these tools, we use gentle, functional, and restorative yoga to prepare you for connecting your mind, body, breath, and nervous system. The intention is not to limit ourselves to a particular practice, but to gain enough knowledge about ourself to know what works best at any given time.
The Kosha Model
We practice using the Kosha Model which was charted by yogic sages some 3,000 years ago and was written about in the Upanishads. It navigates an inner journey starting from the periphery of the body and moving towards the core of the self. The main pillars of which we practice are Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya, and Anandamaya.
Annamaya
“Made from food”
The physical body, typically where we begin yoga. We take time to get to know your physical body and needs to help it get back to alignment with where a body can be in good harmony - your joints, bones, spine, muscles, and even organs.
Pranamaya
“Made from energy”
The biological processes from breathing to digestion. We try to help you re-organize your systems to become a better functioning, well-oiled network. However, this is not to say we are doctors, we cannot fix biological processes only try to help balance them by allowing movement and breath to work its natural wonders on your own body.
Manomaya
“Made of thought processes”
Our day-to-day awareness, when you’re on auto-pilot. This Involves the mental level that attempts to care for our basic wants and needs. It is responsible for our sensory and motor activities. We can guide you on paths to better attention with greater intention.
Vijnanamaya
“Power of judgment or discernment”
The reflective aspects of our consciousness when we are able to experience more insight into ourselves and the world. We ultimately can land on transforming your own unhelpful unconscious impulses and find alternative ways to experience the world around you.
Anandamaya
“Blissful”
The bliss body is accessible to everyone, this is the deepest part of yourself that has unconditional love and equanimity with life. If you’ve ever been in a yoga class, this can be the feeling you get after a practice, as if everything you’re doing makes sense.
“Yoga is to attain what was previously unattainable.”
“Yoga is the union of the limited self with the cosmic self”
How do I know it’s for me?
Mentally make a checklist of the following that apply to you:
I have a hard time resting
I want more balance in my life
I have a hard time getting out of bed
I want more confidence in myself
I have many thoughts that I can’t quiet
I lack energy most days
I’m not exactly sure what yoga is or how it can help
If you said yes to one or many of these, you are a candidate for psychotherapeutic yoga! If there are other curiosities or questions, please reach out and we can schedule a 15 minute consultation.
Important note: We are not doctors, we cannot fully declare that yoga is a great fit for you, we are only operating out of what we have learned through our trainings. Please consult your medical physician to see if yoga is appropriate for you. Although yoga is for every body, we want to ensure you are capable of handling this physical activity. We leave that decision up to you and your medical doctor.