affirmation yoga | Paper Clay Nature

Just imagine—-it hurts a little to get up early, but then you find your way to 1406 S. Negley Avenue and it feels warm and friendly. It’s OK to eat a light snack right before practice because we will start with an extended centering, intention and breathing practice. Then, you will bloom into a creative flow sequence that clears tension and creates clarity in your connection to your deepest truths. Then, we practice a sequence of affirmation yoga that not only stretches the body, but aligns the mind with our highest principles.

Then, you are invited to relax. Really relax.

By 9:30, not only are you ready to face the day, but the whole day stretches before your beautiful, vibrant and calm self.

All classes in December are just $10. Bring friends. If you wish, bring a mug so you can share a cuppa in your post practice glow.

I hope I will see you. This experience can be yours every Saturday. For a bit more philosophy, please join me on Sunday, December 16th and every 3rd Sunday of the month after for Dharma, Breakfast and Brunch from 9:30 to noon. Weekends will never be the same again. You will have a great sense of humor and everyone will be jealous of your new dance moves…..OK, this last part may not be true, but you’ll never know unless you try!

This yoga class for real people just like you is brought to you by Sharon Rudyk of Sharon Rudyk Yoga based in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Sharon is an independent yoga instructor offering mindful yoga and meditation practices, teacher training programs, mindful approaches to pregnancy, childbirth and parenting and classes for all ages and abilities. If you aren’t in Pittsburgh, Sharon would love to come and visit you and also works with long distance clients using SKYPE technology. Call Sharon at your convenience for a free consultation (412) 855-5692 and visit Sharon’s website for more information: http://www.sharonrudykyoga.com.

Saturdays, December 1, 8, 15 and 22
Extended Practices from 8:00 to 9:30 am
Join me for Extended Practice sessions from 8:00-9:30am. Our focus this month will be on affirmation yoga. We will do a full, holistic practice that will be physically, intellectually and spiritually challenging.

What is affirmation yoga?
Each session we will do a sequence of yoga asana (poses) that we will hold for a more extended period of time during which we will repeat to ourselves a specific mantra. These mantras are in English and will help us feel supported through this season. While these affirmations are different from the ones that I am planning on incorporating into my practices in December, they definitely give you an idea of how this works. It is an incredibly powerful practice that strengthens the body while deeply honoring the energy of the asana and encouraging us to truly embody our practices in mind, body and spirit.

Sounds Great, But 8:00 am on Saturdays? Too early!

Is your response, “This sounds great, but it is way too early on a Saturday morning for me!”? I’d like to suggest that you give it a try—–wake early enough to have a warm and nourishing cup of coffee or tea and a light breakfast. Perhaps some yogurt, a piece of fruit and a bit of granola. Grab your mat and come to your practice with an open mind and heart. We start practice with gentle movements that connect body and breath and you will have plenty of time to wake up and be present. Then, we will practice an active sequence of flow yoga designed to increase circulation, improve energy and strengthen the body. Filled with prana we will then engage with our affirmations and embody our practice with noble cause. After pranayama and some delicious stretching, the practice will end with a long relaxation. By 9:30am, your practice will be over and the whole beautiful day will stretch before you with open arms. You will feel MUCH better than you would have had you remained in bed for an extra hour and you will have all the life force that you need to call upon to get through the season with grace.

I Just Don’t Have the Time to Practice Right Now

Overwhelmed with holiday tasks, parties, house cleaning, present wrapping and stress? An hour and a half might seem like a luxury that you just can’t afford in December. I would argue that this is not a luxury. Self-care is a necessity. Taking the time for your practice, especially a restorative and rejuvenating practice like this, is what you need to stay healthy and happy through the season. Enjoy MORE and not less when you invest some time for self-reflection, meditation and keeping your body fit and strong.

See you Saturday, bright and early!

Tag: affirmation yoga

Saturday 8:00am

December: Affirmation Yoga