Embrace the Ancient Practice Here and Now
Create space – Connect to breath – Find balance – Be still
Yoga means union.
In yoga, we connect to our breath, explore the body-mind connection, find physical strength and balance, and create union with the present moment. My journey from longtime practitioner to teacher found me sharing the practice at a community space aptly called The Union in West Cornwall, CT. The Wellness Collective, part of the Hughes Memorial Union, is a beautiful space where students can explore the ancient practice and find what resonates with their individual needs right here and now.
Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity – Simone Weil
Be generous to yourself. Practice yoga.
Yoga taught me to pay attention.
It’s not always easy to pay attention to what’s happening on the inside. Yoga helps us become more aware of our inner state. The physical practice of asana (meaning posture or seat) is just the beginning. Through the practice, we expand our ability to be fully present and to feel the essence of who we are, which is life’s only constant.
Classes at The Wellness Collective, West Cornwall, CT
All Levels Vinyasa Yoga
Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:35 p.m.
Saturdays, 9:00 - 10:05 a.m.
A well-rounded practice, suitable for all levels, designed to open, lengthen, align, strengthen, balance, and release, while linking breath to movement. While postures and sequences will build heat, options and modifications are offered to allow each student to find the level of energy and challenge they need and seek in that moment. I remind students that the practice is theirs to explore and that resting in child’s pose is still doing yoga.
NOTE: The Saturday class meets from 9:30-10:35 a.m. from October–May.
Gentle Hands-Free Yoga
This class offers the opportunity to stretch, strengthen, balance, and explore making space in the body without bearing weight on the wrists and shoulders. That’s right - no down dog! We will use bolsters, blocks, chairs, and blankets to find support as we navigate traditional yoga postures and gentle stretches, finding what we need to create space and release tension. Beyond the physical postures, pranayama (breathwork) is incorporated into the class to calm the nervous system and cultivate balance from within.
Thursdays, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Cancellations and updates:
Caroline Robins subs for All Levels Vinyasa Saturday, June 21, 9:00 am
Class at Riga Yoga, Salisbury, CT
Slow Flow and Restore + Yoga Nidra
Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
This class begins with slow and intentional movement on the breath to warm up the body, and gently moves through classic yoga poses to open, strengthen and balance. The last part of the class offers longer-held poses designed to release deep layers of tension stored in the physical and energetic body, allowing the nervous system to relax and the cells to regenerate. Pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation are introduced, including yoga Nidra, a guided meditation done in savansana (final resting pose).
Classes at Charym, Litchfield, CT
All Levels Vinyasa
Tuesdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Fridays, 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.
A well-rounded practice, suitable for all levels, designed to open, lengthen, align, strengthen and balance, while linking breath to movement. Options and modifications are offered to allow each student to find the level of energy and challenge that they seek at that moment. Pranayama (breathing techniques), kriya practices (meditation techniques), chakra balancing, and other ancient yoga tools may be introduced. Students will leave feelings energized, cleansed, and focused, able to move off the mat with more awareness and grace.
Experience the Benefits.
What students say…
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"Saturday morning yoga with Mare has been a vital component of my decompression routine following a busy and stressful work week. I leave yoga with open joints and a relaxed mind."
- Julie
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"Mare's class is a perfect blend of challenging and soothing - I work up a sweat and feel stretched and relaxed after. Mare is an attentive yet low-key teacher who makes me (and everyone) feel comfortable and welcome. She’s a gem."
- Cathy
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“Mare’s classes are great because they are accessible to all. Her teaching style enables me to engage in poses that work for my body. I’m always surprised at how energizing yoga can be!"
- Alison
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"Mare’s nonjudgmental and individualize approach to teaching yoga has allowed me to go from confused flailing about and looking at my watch to truly enjoying every class. I am forever grateful."
- Ginger
