The beauty of Restorative Yoga is that there is no muscular contraction involved. We believe we have to “work” to increase flexibility, but often we achieve more opening in parts of the body that we perceive as tight by softening and relaxing than through an active asana practice. During a restorative Yoga sequence you still stretch, but you relax fully in the stretch, so that tension can slowly be released. Because the body and mind relax, … [Read more...]
Looking for the Highest
One of my guiding principles in how I live my life is to go toward what is life enhancing rather than what is life diminishing. When I have to make a decision it comes into play. I chose to be a Yoga Teacher and a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist because I believed that more than anything else I wanted to help people uncover the mysteries in their lives, be in a true relationship with themselves and to enjoy their lives as fully as … [Read more...]
Infinity Strap Workshop
Infinity Strap Workshop Bring more ease to your yoga practice and your athletic endeavors In this workshop you will learn great ways to use the infinity strap The infinity strap allows you to more easily move into poses that are challenging to make stretching more efficient, give support to strength exercises and make your practice more fun. Sunday January 26th 1:00 to 3:00PM $35 for workshop and strap 7220 Avenida Encinas suite … [Read more...]
Monthly Mellow
will be Friday January 10th 6:30 to 8:00 In addition to gentle stretching and deeply restoring poses, breath work and meditation, we we be setting our intentions for the new year. This class is suitable for all levels. Please arrive a few minutes early to get your props and settle in. Cost is $15 for a drop in or you may use your class card. … [Read more...]
Introducing Yoga Unleashed with Debra Hodgen Would you like to take a really fun yoga class with an experienced instructor and not have to leave your dog at home? Now you can! Come to Yoga Unleashed at Whole Dog Sports Center Saturdays 1:00 - 2:15 Starting Sept. 21st This 75 minute class will begin with warm up stretches that you can do with your dog leashed. Then the class will move into … [Read more...]
Yoga Oasis
Yoga Oasis Give yourself the ultimate yoga experience The Yoga Oasis is a seventy-five minute private yoga class, which includes a class of your choice: Choose from yoga therapy, restorative yoga or a class to gain new skills. All classes have hands-on adjustments. It also includes, Thai massage, aromatherapy, and ends with craniosacral therapy during savasana. Deeply relax into this unique experience and feel like a whole new … [Read more...]
Monthly Mellow
with Debra Hodgen Friday, April 12th This is a time to slow down and enjoy a deeply relaxing and beneficial evening of gentle stretches, supported poses, guided relaxation, meditation and breath work. Restorative yoga provides healing for the body and the mind. It is especially useful when you need to eliminate fatigue and stress that result from your daily activities. It can also help you recover from illness and injury or … [Read more...]
Monthly Mellow
The second Friday of each month at will become a time to slow down and enjoy a deeply relaxing and beneficial evening of gentle stretches, supported poses, guided relaxation, meditation and breath work. Debra will guide you through a series of restorative yoga poses, using bolsters, blankets, blocks and belts. Each pose will be held to encourage a safe, deep opening and a soothing release by candlelight with calming music. Much … [Read more...]
Honoring the Teacher
Sometimes after I teach a yoga class, students will come up to me and ask where did I learn the philosophical teachings I’ve presented or they will comment on my attitude or how I relate to the world. I have been extremely blessed to have wonderful teachers in my life. In 1983 I had the good fortune to meet and receive initiation from a spiritual master who awakened my meditation energy . The wisdom of this lineage of masters has supported … [Read more...]
Attachment and Impermanence
In the last couple years or so I have been confronted with a lot of change, needing to short sale our house, release our possessions and downsize, the illnesses and death of friends and major changes at the places where I teach and offer therapy. What I have received from all the events and changes is a new relationship to the feeling of impermanence and knowing on a deep level that nothing lasts except the Inner Self, the bigger energy, or … [Read more...]