The yoga practiced at the Highland Studio is a gentle Vinyasa based practice that has foundational elements drawing from the Jivamukhti, Kripalu, and Ashtanga yoga styles. Kate is not a strict devotee of a particular lineage; rather, she is focused on the process of the discipline and is open to benefitial elements of all styles. Her sequences strive for balance and generally provide a warm-up, some intensive work in the middle, and then a generous cool down sequence to ease practicioners down into Savasana (Corpse: the final posture). She works to incorporate seasonal awareness into the sequences and will introduce seasonally relevant asana (e.g., twisting for detox in the spring, cooling postures in the summer, etc.)
Yoga in a Nutshell
Yoga is an ever-evolving discipline that is thousands of years old, originating in India. The yoga primarily practice here in the west is the limb of asana: the physical practice of yoga postures. Asana is just one part of the larger yogic picture, and was originally practiced to assist in meditation as ascetics worked towards achieving "Samadhi", or a state of enlightenment. To engage fully in the yoga discipline is to work along the "eightfold path" as described by Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras. The Eight Limbs of Yoga are: Yama: Ethical practices, and how we behave Niyama: Self-discipline and spiritual observance Asana: physical postures (what we know yoga to be) Pranayama: breath work Pratyahara: withdrawal from sensory input Dharana: concentration Dhyana: state of meditation Samadhi: enlightenment
Yoga Styles
Some more information on the yoga being offered during our retreats and elsewhere: Restorative Yoga: lots of props, and gentle postures. This takes place almost entirely on the floor and is a very quiet and "soft" yoga, which will leave you feeling very relaxed and meditative. This stretches your body, but in a more subtle way.
Vinyasa: this is a "flow" style yoga where we will move and get the body warmed up, stretched out, and maybe worked out, too. Kate leads a smooth class that is open to all levels. Whether you are a beginner, or well into your practice, you will have a rewarding session.
What do you need to practice?
Wear comfortable, somewhat fitted clothing and bring a mat. If you do not have a yoga mat with you, we do have mats for rent ($2 for a Manduka pro-light mat rental). The studio will supply any props needed for a session (blocks, blankets, bolsters and straps). Bring a water bottle, and a small towel if you need one. Class descriptions are here Current class schedule is here
Lokah samastah sukino bhavantu | May all beings be happy and free