"Yoga" comes from a Sanskrit word meaning to yoke; or union. "It is the true union of our will with the will of God," says B.K.S. Iyengar in Light on Yoga.

A form of hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga emphasizes vigorous standing poses, alignment, and the use of props to access optimal health. B.K.S. Iyengar has systematized asanas (poses) "based on the anatomical structure and function of the body and a sequential progression of movement. It brings a progressive activation of the internal body so that one penetrates through the outer body to the inner one, and again, through the body and the mind to excavate the hidden energy of one's very existence, to reach the source of being, the soul." (from Yoga In ActionPreliminary Course by Geeta S. Iyengar). It is through the practice of asanas that one experiences firsthand all of the eight limbs of yoga, from core philosophical principles such as non-violence and truthfulness...through control of the senses and the breath..through concentration and meditation... samadhi (union with the divine).

Learning to Live in the Natural World

Before beginning this journey inward, we must clarify its nature. There is a frequent misunderstanding of the journey inward or the spiritual path, which suggests to most people a rejection of the natural world, the mundane, the practical, the pleasurable.  On the contrary, to a yogi (or indeed a Taoist master or Zen monk) the path toward spirit lies entirely in the domain of nature.  It is the exploration of nature from the world of appearances, or surface, into the subtlest heart of living matter. Spirituality is not some external goal that one must seek but a part of the divine core of each of us, which we must reveal.  For the yogi, spirit is not separate from the body.  Spirituality, as I have tried to make clear, is not ethereal and outside nature but accessible and palpable in our very own bodies. Indeed the very idea of a spiritual path is a misnomer. After all, how can you move toward something that, like Divinity, is already by definition everywhere? A better image might be that if we tidy and clean our houses enough, we might one day notice that Divinity has been sitting in them all along. We do the same with the sheaths of the body, polishing them until they become a pure window to the divine.

A scientist sets out to conquer nature through knowledge – external nature, external knowledge.  By these means he may split the atom and achieve external power.  A yogi sets out to explore his own internal nature, to penetrate the atom (atma) of being.  He does not gain dominion over wide lands and restless seas, but over his own recalcitrant flesh and febrile mind.  This is the power of compassionate truth. The presence of truth can make us feel naked, but compassion takes all our shame away. It is this inner quest for growth and evolution, or "involution," that is the profound and transformational yogic journey that awaits the seeker after Truth. We begin this involution with what is most tangible, our physical body, and the yogasana practice helps us to understand and learn how to play this magnificent instrument that each of us has been given.

B.K.S. Iyengar,
Light on Life, pages 19 & 20

back to top

ASANA I
An introduction to postures and breathing for beginners & students new to the Iyengar method. Students are expected to attend every session and be willing to begin a home practice.

ASANA I - II
For those who have completed at least eight weeks of Iyengar yoga instructoruction. Home practice expected.

ASANA II-III
For students with six months or more of Iyengar practice. Includes backbends, inversions & restorative poses. Home practice expected.

GENTLE YOGA
For students with structural, organic/hormonal, or emotional needs. Poses are individualized & a home practice is expected.

RESTORATIVE YOGA
For students not yet ready for a vigorous class and needing more than anything, rest & renewal. Uses bolsters & other props to open & support the body.

ASANA I for Seniors or Stiffness
A gentle introduction to Iyengar yoga's core principles, for those whose stiffness or age would assume you'd never endure (or enjoy!) a yoga class. Consult with Jan if you have major health issues.

LOWER BACK BASICS
Learn specific poses and appropriate use of props to lengthen and align the spine.  Requires conversation with instructor and pre-registration prior to first class.

NECK & SHOULDER BASICS
Learn specific poses and appropriate use of props such as walls to improve alignment and mobility of neck and shoulder areas.  Requires conversation with instructor and pre-registration prior to first class.

MEDITATION BASICS
Brief, gentle poses to ease into sitting, then seated meditation.  All levels welcome!

YOGA BY DESIGN
For special occasions, or for that special someone, Jan will design a half day of renewal and renovation for the soul. The experience will be designed from conversation with or about the special person/occasion. For one person or a group, Yoga By Design may include yoga, meditation, journaling and other methods of journeying inside. Fee $499 for up to twelve participants.

PRIVATE
For students who would like to deepen their practice or work on specific issues. There is a four session minimum for new students, scheduled and payable prior to first session.

WORKSHOP
A workshop allows extra time so that students can further refine and deepen their focus.

REST & RENEW
Saturday mornings, set aside to gently move the body, quiet the mind & nourish the soul, for women only. The three hours include meditation time and restorative yoga. (Available to a group of men upon request.)

ON SITE
Call for information about yoga, meditation, relaxation, wellness, stress management courses in schools, workplaces, retreats, etc.

Carol Nichols in Parsvakonasana -Flank Stretch Pose Photograph by Carol Nichols	Vicki Sandercock in Wall Salamba Sarvangasana - Supported All-Limb Pose	Jan Barrett in Salamba Savasana - Supported Corpse Pose Photograph by Lisa Wigoda & Larry Flavell
	Photograph by Kay Whitfield

DIRECTOR

Jan Barrett, M.S., director, is certified to teach Iyengar yoga by the B.K.S. Iyengar Association of the United States, IYNAUS. Jan has studied with the Iyengars in India and at four national conventions. She studies regularly with Lois Steinberg, Ph.D., Director of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Champaign-Urbana. Jan teaches  all Asana II & III classes, Gentle Yoga, and some beginning level classes.