Santosha Yoga
"The Yoga of Contentment"
Santosha is a Sanskrit word that means contentment.
Contentment means balance and a state of restful ease.
From the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: “Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah”
(translation) Yoga is quieting the mind into silence.
Santosha Yoga settles your mind and centers your soul.
Withdraw your attention from the external world, go within and find quiet and stillness.
Connect with your body and breath, get out of your thoughts, and release tension, leading to deep relaxation. Ahhhh, Savasana.
Your body, mind, and spirit will come to remember what it feels like to be integrated, whole, and at peace.
What it is
A novice to advanced beginning Hatha Yoga practice with the intention of cultivating stillness in the mind. Scroll down for a list of poses.
When & Where?
Who should practice Santosha Yoga?
Aspiring yogis and yoginis who have a basic knowledge of asana (postures) and pranyama (such as ujjayi breathing) will benefit from the practice of Santosha Yoga, though no prior knowledge of either is required. The class is structured toward a beginner or advanced beginner with freedom for the experienced yogi/yogini to maximize his/her time on the mat.
Ayurvedic Influence on Practice
The asanas practiced in Santosha Yoga are intended to focus, calm, and lessen Vata imbalance that can arise from overstimulation of the senses (aka daily life). The asanas also reduce Pitta imbalance brought about by stress and an intense, demanding lifestyle or occupation. To build heat in the body to reduce Kapha dosha, feel comfortable adding your vinyasa between moving from one pose to the next.
Note: We all start "wherever we are". Yoga poses can be modified to accommodate your body type. You don't need to be flexible or even sit on the floor! Try a class and see how it feels!
Your Instructor
Beth Bazevage is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and Health Educator. In addition, she holds certificates in Hatha Yoga, Primordial Sound Meditation Instruction, and is a student of Ayurveda.
The Asana-s: Poses for Santosha Practice
Beginning Standing Yoga Poses
Salutation to the Sun
Beginning Seated Yoga Poses
Intermediate Asanas (modifications available)
These asanas (poses) are examples to give the learner an overview of what to expect in a typical class. Not all poses are done in every class; a slow flow of sun salutation variations with several standing and seated poses are offered. Every individual is gently guided to select the poses that provide the most benefit according to their structure and flexibility. Santosha Yoga understands the intention of asana is to discharge stress and tension while promoting a quiet, centered mind.
Please contact me if you have any questions or would like an individual session. Working with an instructor one-on-one provides an opportunity to learn the basic concepts and cues found in any group yoga setting. It may serve to increase your confidence in exploring the abundant variety of yoga classes offered in our Prescott community! Please use the contact form on the Home page to begin your path to contentment!
Contentment means balance and a state of restful ease.
From the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: “Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah”
(translation) Yoga is quieting the mind into silence.
Santosha Yoga settles your mind and centers your soul.
Withdraw your attention from the external world, go within and find quiet and stillness.
Connect with your body and breath, get out of your thoughts, and release tension, leading to deep relaxation. Ahhhh, Savasana.
Your body, mind, and spirit will come to remember what it feels like to be integrated, whole, and at peace.
What it is
A novice to advanced beginning Hatha Yoga practice with the intention of cultivating stillness in the mind. Scroll down for a list of poses.
When & Where?
- Tues & Thurs, in Prescott.
- By appointment in your home. Contact me for private classes: Learn the poses that are best for your body type and practice safely in the comfort of your home.
Who should practice Santosha Yoga?
Aspiring yogis and yoginis who have a basic knowledge of asana (postures) and pranyama (such as ujjayi breathing) will benefit from the practice of Santosha Yoga, though no prior knowledge of either is required. The class is structured toward a beginner or advanced beginner with freedom for the experienced yogi/yogini to maximize his/her time on the mat.
Ayurvedic Influence on Practice
The asanas practiced in Santosha Yoga are intended to focus, calm, and lessen Vata imbalance that can arise from overstimulation of the senses (aka daily life). The asanas also reduce Pitta imbalance brought about by stress and an intense, demanding lifestyle or occupation. To build heat in the body to reduce Kapha dosha, feel comfortable adding your vinyasa between moving from one pose to the next.
Note: We all start "wherever we are". Yoga poses can be modified to accommodate your body type. You don't need to be flexible or even sit on the floor! Try a class and see how it feels!
Your Instructor
Beth Bazevage is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and Health Educator. In addition, she holds certificates in Hatha Yoga, Primordial Sound Meditation Instruction, and is a student of Ayurveda.
The Asana-s: Poses for Santosha Practice
Beginning Standing Yoga Poses
- Vrksasana (tree)
- Ardha Chandrasana (half moon)
- Virabhadrasana II (warrior II)
- Utthita Parsvakonasana (side angle)
- Trikonasana (triangle)
- Prasarita Padottanasana (wide angle fwd bend)
- Utkatasana (fierce or chair)
Salutation to the Sun
- Samasthiti (equal standing)
- Uttanasana (forward fold)
- Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana (runners lunge)
- Chattarunga Dandasana (plank)
- Astangasana (eight-limb pose)
- Salamba Bhujanasana (supported back bend or sphinx)
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (mountain or downward dog)
Beginning Seated Yoga Poses
- Baddha konasana (bound angle)
- Upavistha konasana (seated wide angle fwd bend)
- Marichyasana (seated twist)
- Setu bandha sarvangasana (bridge)
- Matsyasana (fish)
- Savasana (relaxation pose)
Intermediate Asanas (modifications available)
- Parsvottanasana (intense side stretch)
- Parivrtta Trikonasana (revolved triangle)
- Parivritta Janu Sirsasana (side bend, revolved head to knee)
- Salamba Sarvangasana (supported shoulder stand)
- Ekapada Raja Kapotasana (royal pigeon)
- Padasthila Janurasana (double pigeon)
These asanas (poses) are examples to give the learner an overview of what to expect in a typical class. Not all poses are done in every class; a slow flow of sun salutation variations with several standing and seated poses are offered. Every individual is gently guided to select the poses that provide the most benefit according to their structure and flexibility. Santosha Yoga understands the intention of asana is to discharge stress and tension while promoting a quiet, centered mind.
Please contact me if you have any questions or would like an individual session. Working with an instructor one-on-one provides an opportunity to learn the basic concepts and cues found in any group yoga setting. It may serve to increase your confidence in exploring the abundant variety of yoga classes offered in our Prescott community! Please use the contact form on the Home page to begin your path to contentment!