About us
Are you thinking about practicing yoga for the first time or after a long absence?
Do you wish to join a yoga class but a voice inside says, “I’m too . . . . . to think I can do yoga.”
This meetup group focuses on offering classes to:
* beginners of all ages
* people who sit all day
* people who think their current flexibility, age, gender, physical condition, trauma history, etc. disqualifies them from yoga
* people who think too much, work too much, or do anything else too much!
* people who have tried to meditate and found it damn near impossible!
* people who shy away from yoga because they mistakenly believe it involves twisting the body into a pretzel.
The yogi/sage Pantanjali who literally wrote the book on yoga, “The Yoga Sutras” in India over 2,000 years ago says in his very second sentence:
“The still-ing of the mind is yoga.” [1:2]
and
“Asana (the Sanskrit word for yoga pose) is a steady, comfortable posture that delights.” [2:46]
In fact, the simple cross-legged pose that we might do if we sit on our living room floor is called Sukhasana -- literally, “happy pose”.
So yoga is a practice that cultivates joy, concentration, mindfulness, body awareness, flexibility, health and serenity. Simply put, yoga is fun. It is not a sequence of masochistic exercises.
This does not mean we practice yoga half-heartedly. Quite the contrary. We bring body, breath, mental focus and magnanimous spirit to every asana. We are fully present . . . but without strain, tension, self-judgment or perfectionism.
Each class includes breath-work, postures, relaxation, meditation, and yogic wisdom. Modifications and enhancements to postures are suggested to accommodate individual needs. Beginners are encouraged to take their time and adapt slowly to the postures, resting as they deem appropriate for their bodies. Props such as blocks, straps, bolsters and blankets are available in studio both to assist and enhance yoga postures.
Come and enjoy an extraordinary personal experience of yoga in community. Join us on the mat where we will honor and empower your journey of personal growth, healing and well-being. You are worthy. Your body is a temple. The only time we have is now.
My name is Frank. I am a certified 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. I am experienced in working with men who have survived trauma and are thriving. I am a recovering workaholic / aka Type A personality. Through the blessings of yoga I have a personal practice that integrates health of my body with peace of mind and deepens my connection to That which Is. I am honored to share yoga with you. Namaste!
We practice in an air conditioned, newly carpeted yoga studio that exudes peace, in the heart of West Harford with plenty of free parking in the lot in front of our building.
Per Meetup guidelines, attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
We offer discounted first-class and 3-class card packs:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14r2niTug4ZSa3EFxuYgBhNSUN_2drtHtFFQPEI56IIw/
Upcoming events
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11AM Qigong for Beginners at Wilson Park Bandshell, Windsor, 5 classes/$35
Wilson Park, 458 Windsor Avenue, Windsor, CT, USRevitalize and heal with qigong practices that blend slow mindful movement with breathing. Tuesdays at Wilson Park Bandshell, 11AM - Noon. $35 for 5 classes. Classes will take place in the park throughout summer and indoors in the community center for the other months.
What Exactly Is Qigong?
At its core, Qigong is the art of balancing Qi (our vital life force or bio-electricity) through three simple pillars:- Gentle, flowing movements to open up stiff joints and tight muscles.
- Deep, conscious breathing to signal our nervous system that it is safe to relax.
- Mindful focus to quiet the constant mental chatter.
While it looks beautifully simple from the outside, the internal benefits are profound.
How Qigong Heals
1. Unlocking Internal Medicine
Qigong acts as a direct line to our body's internal medicine cabinet. Regular practice enhances the flow of oxygenated blood, balances the endocrine (hormone) system, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This shifts our body from a state of "fight or flight" (stress) into a state of "rest and repair" (healing).2. Rewiring the Brain and Central Nervous System
By combining rhythmic breathing with slow, deliberate physical postures, Qigong essentially rewires how our brain processes stress and pain. It strengthens the mind-body connection, allowing us to actively release physical blockages and emotional tension stored deep within our bodies.3. The Joy of Creative Movement
Moving our bodies naturally is joyful, fluid, and expressive—much like a dance. Flowing like water frees our bodies from rigid tension. When we move without rigid effort, our physical structure aligns naturally, relieving pressure on our spine and organs.4. Cultivating Life Force Energy
Through dedicated, rhythmic practice, we transition from a state of feeling heavy and blocked to feeling light and vitalized. Qigong generates and stores physical energy giving strengthening our immune system.5. Decreasing Pain
Qigong physically re-educates our body's fascia (the connective tissue wrapping muscles) and improves posture. Qigong also disrupts chronic pain cycles, empowering us with greater mobility.More Physical Benefits
Practicing qigong daily yields noticeable changes over time:- Reduced Chronic Pain & Stiffness: Gentle, circular movements lubricate the joints with synovial fluid, relieving arthritis tension and chronic back pain without adding joint stress.
- A Brighter, Stronger Immune System: Deep diaphragmatic breathing acts as a pump for your lymphatic system, helping our bodies flush out toxins and defend against illness more effectively.
- Better Balance and Posture: Qigong teaches us to ground our bodies and align our spine, significantly reducing the risk of falls and reversing the "slouch" caused by looking at screens all day.
- Lower Blood Pressure & Stress: Slowing down our breath naturally dials back cortisol (the stress hormone) and adrenaline, protecting our heart health.
Logistics
Wilson Park bandshell, 458 Windsor Ave. Enjoy the sun or shade. If raining, classes will be held the next rain-free morning.Advance registration required through the town of Windsor: https://tinyurl.com/park-qigong
If you register mid-cycle, you will receive class credits for prior classes.1 attendee
4:45PM Qigong for Beginners at Wilson Park Bandshell, Windsor, 5 classes/$35
Wilson Park, 458 Windsor Avenue, Windsor, CT, USRevitalize and heal with qigong practices that blend slow mindful movement with breathing. Tuesdays at Wilson Park Bandshell, 4:45 - 5:45PM. $35 for 5 classes. Classes will take place in the park throughout summer and indoors in the community center for the other months.
What Exactly Is Qigong?
At its core, Qigong is the art of balancing Qi (our vital life force or bio-electricity) through three simple pillars:- Gentle, flowing movements to open up stiff joints and tight muscles.
- Deep, conscious breathing to signal our nervous system that it is safe to relax.
- Mindful focus to quiet the constant mental chatter.
While it looks beautifully simple from the outside, the internal benefits are profound.
How Qigong Heals
1. Unlocking Internal Medicine
Qigong acts as a direct line to our body's internal medicine cabinet. Regular practice enhances the flow of oxygenated blood, balances the endocrine (hormone) system, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This shifts our body from a state of "fight or flight" (stress) into a state of "rest and repair" (healing).2. Rewiring the Brain and Central Nervous System
By combining rhythmic breathing with slow, deliberate physical postures, Qigong essentially rewires how our brain processes stress and pain. It strengthens the mind-body connection, allowing us to actively release physical blockages and emotional tension stored deep within our bodies.3. The Joy of Creative Movement
Moving our bodies naturally is joyful, fluid, and expressive—much like a dance. Flowing like water frees our bodies from rigid tension. When we move without rigid effort, our physical structure aligns naturally, relieving pressure on our spine and organs.4. Cultivating Life Force Energy
Through dedicated, rhythmic practice, we transition from a state of feeling heavy and blocked to feeling light and vitalized. Qigong generates and stores physical energy giving strengthening our immune system.5. Decreasing Pain
Qigong physically re-educates our body's fascia (the connective tissue wrapping muscles) and improves posture. Qigong also disrupts chronic pain cycles, empowering us with greater mobility.More Physical Benefits
Practicing qigong daily yields noticeable changes over time:- Reduced Chronic Pain & Stiffness: Gentle, circular movements lubricate the joints with synovial fluid, relieving arthritis tension and chronic back pain without adding joint stress.
- A Brighter, Stronger Immune System: Deep diaphragmatic breathing acts as a pump for your lymphatic system, helping our bodies flush out toxins and defend against illness more effectively.
- Better Balance and Posture: Qigong teaches us to ground our bodies and align our spine, significantly reducing the risk of falls and reversing the "slouch" caused by looking at screens all day.
- Lower Blood Pressure & Stress: Slowing down our breath naturally dials back cortisol (the stress hormone) and adrenaline, protecting our heart health.
Logistics
Wilson Park bandshell, 458 Windsor Ave. Enjoy the sun or shade. If raining, classes will be held the next rain-free morning.Advance registration required through the town of Windsor: https://tinyurl.com/park-qigong
If you register mid-cycle, you will receive class credits for prior classes.1 attendee
Past events
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