Natarajasana in the New Hampshire woods
Anne Ondrey is a Registered Yoga Teacher certified at the 200-hour level with the Yoga Alliance. She studied with Jan Hauenstein’s T.R.Y. 4 Life Teacher Certification School in Cleveland. She teaches a variety of yoga classes in Lake and Geauga County. She has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh with a Certification in Gerontology and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University.
Asanas, Pranayama (breath control), and Meditation provide clarity and direction in an often overly hectic and chaotic world. By listening to your inner guide you will find your path towards balance and stillness.
Yoga postures or asanas were developed centuries ago to relieve the stiffness of meditating sages. By observing the movements of animals and connecting to the beauty of nature, they developed a pattern of movement tied to the breath that is subtle and profound. Yoga postures connect us with our true selves and bring us boundless contentment.In the U.S., there are many different forms of yoga in practice (www.yogajournal.com/newtoyoga/165.cfm). Classes offered through The Yoga Path are designated as basic Hatha yoga, including elements of Iyengar, Power Yoga and Anusara.
“Yoga is a way of moving into stillness to experience the truth of who you are.”
- Erich Schiffmann
Breathing goes on by itself – or by our design. When you’re upset or scared, think about what happens to your breath. It becomes short and quick. Anyone who’s ever suffered from an anxiety attack knows how rapid and shallow the breath becomes, making us feel light headed and dizzy.Our physical and emotional well-being is strongly connected to our breath. The breath has been called the link between the body and the mind. This study of the breath is called Pranayama and it is one of the eight limbs of yoga. By increasing our awareness of our breath and learning different breathing practices, we can lower our blood pressure, increase our energy and develop new opportunities for personal and holistic growth.All classes begin with a Pranayama practice to draw us into a mindful and aware approach to movement, which is always connected to the breath.
"Controlling the breath is a prerequisite to controlling the mind and the body.”
- Swami Rama
Most of us think of meditation as a practice reserved for austere monks perched on a windy peak. But incorporating simple and basic meditation practices into our lives can greatly increase our ability to focus. All classes end with a basic session of yoga nidra or yogic sleep providing deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
Photographs by Thomas Ondrey
