I aspire in each class to integrate the psychological, philosophical and spiritual roots of Classical Yoga in a multi-modality Hatha Yoga classes.
The art of hands-on assists at Plasha Yoga begins with permission to give them. Then the gentle directional assists support a safer practice and an increase in pranic flow. This is a silent video because actions speak more clearly than words with the art of hands-on assists.
I strive to offer safe and thorough alignment, precise verbal cueing, a nurturing non-competitive atmosphere, creative sequencing of over 150 postures, compassionate assists and sophisticated breathing, relaxation, and meditation practices that are shared in a light and playful way to support your individual practice.
We aspire in all of the classes, and not just the occasional workshop, to provide more depth in everything from safe postural alignment to spiritual practices like chanting, pranayama, meditation, and Yoga Nidra.
I aspire to integrate the Classical Yoga of Ayurveda, Bhakti, Jnana, Raja, Tantric and Karma Yoga with the internationally respected Hatha schools of Integral, Iyengar, Kripalu, Viniyoga and Ashtanga. I try to choose from any of these styles in any given class by intuiting what might be most helpful to you whether it is a long holding (Yin Yoga) of a posture or a flow of many postures (Vinyasa-Yang Yoga).
Mindfulness
I include the mindfulness-based stress reduction practices that come from my practice of meditation at the Rochester Zen Center, Zen Mountain Monastery, San Francisco Zen Center, Green Gulch Monastery Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and the Bhavana Society. The practices popularized by Jon Kabbat-Zinn, Ph.D., as secular mindfulness have been shown to be effective in reducing suffering related to chronic pain, anxiety, addictions, depression, and stress.
That’s Plasha Yoga!
“Michael has been an integral part of our philosophy module within our 200-hour teacher training. He draws from his rich history of over 40 years of practice and study and teaching for over 14 years at his studio. He presents Yoga’s history and philosophy in a clear and creative way that engages students. Expect an interactive session that includes movement, discussion, and the proper amount of space for full absorption.” – Debra Perlson-Mishalove, director Flow Yoga Center
