with Anna Johns of Asaya Yoga
Join fellow yoga and meditation enthusiasts of all levels for our special classes & workshops offered at different times throughout the year, including our Incredible India Yoga Retreats every two years.
Restore/Yin yoga class Sunday evenings 5:00-6:15pm via Zoom
As we shelter-in-place, we find ourselves in close proximity with family, friends, and especially
ourselves, which can be challenging. It can also be a
time to deepen our practice and connection with
ourselves and the wider community. We are habitually busy and
distracted and we forget what matters most.
This Yin style yoga is slow meditative class, designed to restore and reboot with a series of holding postures that focus on stretching and breathing. This class is designed to alleviate soreness, work the connective tissues and fascia and give your mind a well-deserved moment of reflection.
What is Yin yoga?
Developed by Paul Grilley, Yin yoga targets the spine and the deep connective tissues of the body – the ligaments, joints, bones, as well as deep fascia networks. A Yin class usually consists of a series of passive floor poses held for up to 5 minutes or more, that mainly work the lower part of the body – the hips, pelvis, inner thighs, lower spine. These areas are especially rich in connective tissues.
On an energetic level, Yin yoga improves energy flow and enhances the flow of chi (or prana) in the organs. It is a slow meditative class and throughout the class you are encouraged to be with moment to moment awareness, resulting in deep relaxation as well as increased mental and emotional clarity.
Why Yin yoga?
Everyday we are bombarded with stressors such as the news, work pressures, relationship challenges, a health concern of one’s own or of a loved one, the social media etc. This is why we slow down, pause and reflect on what really matters to you.
Connective tissue responds best to a slow, steady load, which is why we hold the poses for longer. Much like the braces for the teeth – where there is a slight but constant pressure for longer period of time. If you gently stretch connective tissue by holding a yin pose for a long time in this way, the body will respond by making it little longer and stronger – that is the goal. Additionally becoming still in a pose and staying for a while gives us an opportunity to observe the mind. What comes up from moment to moment?
Why practice Yin yoga with me?
I am trained in Yin – with an emphasis on anatomy of the spine and major joints, myofascial release and the fascia by Jo Phee, International teacher and Senior Assistant to Yin Yoga founder Paul Grilley.
India retreat August 2021: Explore God’s own country with a native
Join me for the next retreat where we will explore Kerala, aka God’s own country.
To receive information contact Anna.
Asian Sangha
When: 3rd Sunday of the month from 3-4:30 PM
Where: Asian Sangha in Arlington Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
Cost: This is offered free so no one is denied attendance. There will be an opportunity to practice dana(donation)
We are an affinity sangha who welcomes all people who self-identify as Asian, Asian American, or those with Asian ancestry. We aspire to provide a safe(r) space for people of Asian descent to be seen, heard, and supported in our practice of mindfulness meditation and in our lived experience as Asians in American culture.
We explore and share Asian cultural challenges and impacts on our individual and collective psyches in light of the Buddha dharma in order to cultivate a conscious community that fosters authentic connection and a sense of belonging.
Incredible India Yoga Retreat
When: 16-27 Sep 2019
Where: Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and Bodhgaya India
Cost: Contact anna@asaya.org
“Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions.” – Rig Veda A large
India can seem unapproachable and insurmountable. But what if you could go to India with an experienced guide by your side — one who speaks the language, knows the culture and can guide you through yoga and meditation every day? What if you could take in the cultural and spiritual wonders of India with someone who has local connections, street know-how, and knows the lay of the land?
Your safety and comfort is my utmost goal, so you can relax and take in the culture. I will guide you through all the formalities required prior to travel, from visa to vaccinations and acquaint you with the cultural norms to be mindful of once we are there. When you we embark, I will pick you up at the airport, be your daily guide and support, and then see you off when it is time to go home.
I have extensive experience planning travel in India. This means you won’t have to worry about logistics. That’s my job.
India has many amazing things to offer and I am delighted for the opportunity to share yoga, meditation and the wonders of my homeland with you!
Daylong and half-day Retreats
During daylong retreats we’ll explore a variety of different mindfulness methods intended to help you live more fully, more authentically, and with more friendliness and kindness.
The day will be spent in noble silence, meaning no verbal or non-verbal interactions with other participants during sessions or breaks, no eye contact, no electronic communications. The primary reason for silence on meditation retreats is to support your meditation practice. Silence helps keep your focus on cultivating mindfulness and concentration.
The day will include seated meditation, a short dharma talk or instruction, mindful movement, mindful eating, journaling and walking meditation. The silence will end at in the late afternoon, and we will finish with a half-hour dedicated to questions and sharing. 