Joyful Movement March
Can you feel Spring in the air? I can! On this morning’s walk to school, the sun was shining and the birds were chirping, flying through the air. Our resident blue jay family is back and working on their nest. I am hoping for little blue jay baby squeaks come end of Spring.
The last few weeks of Winter can either feel like drudgery, slowly getting through, or it can feel motivating that Spring is on its way, along with warmer weather and the burst of new blooms. I know that entering this third month of 2021, some of my new year intentions are no longer on my mind. However, there is one that I am still lovingly working on and that is finding Joyful Movement in my life. It is a class I created, but also a motivator to extend into other fun movement activities like biking, walking, and hiking.
Consistency is key to seeing results!
Joyful Movement is a meditative movement series in which we focus on one monthly pranayama breath, followed by a warm up, 27 Sun Salutations, and a cool down with savasana. Before the breathwork, we write the date in our journal and any thoughts or feelings about a new intention we are working on, then after savasana there is journal time allotted to reflect on our practice and any ideas or insight that bubbled up during class.
Students have provided excellent feedback on class and how it has impacted them:
“I appreciate the consistency of one morning a week, it motivates me not only to get out of bed, but to get exercise in while moving in meditation.”
“My shoulders are getting so much stronger! I can see a physical change in my body, my balance and my strength as I work on proper alignment in my steady practice.”
“Sirena inspires me to stay connected to my intentions weekly, she provides insight from the cycles of the stars and also reminds me to just breathe.”
“I am unable to do the 27 Sun Salutations, so Sirena provides excellent modifications and encourages me to do what I can. She gave me gentle yoga stretches to do while the other students complete the Sun Salutations.”
Do you have questions about this Joyful Movement class?
Here are a few that have come up:
Do I have to sign up for the whole month? No! You can simply sign up for a drop in class. It is free the first time, then drop in is $10 per session. The whole month is only $30.
Why 27 Sun Salutations? The number 27 is a derivative of 108, the sacred number in Hinduism. As a yoga teacher, I do most of my sequencing around the numbers of 3, 9, and 27 as they are connected to 108, a number that is considered divine. Malas have 108 beads for praying and chanting. There is ritual significance to using these numbers. More info here if you are interested!
Are there modifications? The first 2 or 3 Sun Salutations, I show the students how to do them on your knees. This takes pressure off the lower back and also lessons the vigorous movement. As your strength ad endurance build, we can work together to do a few standing. No one is required to do all of them. Everyone is encouraged to do what they can, for their body. Every day is different too! Our practice is every changing, as well as our bodies and emotions.
I am not a morning person, can I get a recording? Not everyone likes to rise and shine with the Sun, I get it! Yes, I record classes so you can receive the link and practice on your own time!
Is the sharing circle required? The sharing circle is not required. It is a time to come together to share your experience, gain support for your intentions, and goals and connect with community. Join when you can and if you feel called.
Feel free to contact me here with any questions.
Sign up here for March, class starts Thursday 3/4!
In-Joy and Love,
Sirena
