Rev. Donna Conley, RYT ( Registered Yoga Teacher) has taught Yoga in the Central Florida for over 35 years. A regular Hatha Yoga class is taught on Monday nights 7:15 to 9:15 pm in Maitland, Tuesdays in Winter Springs and on Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 in Baldwin Park. Special senior classes are also taught daily at various senior centers in the area including cities of Casselberry, Maitland, Deltona, and Winter Springs. See calendar below.

Prenatal Yoga programs are also available.

For details or information call (407) 696-8644, (407) 330-5035 or e-mail yogadee@arts-of-healing.org

What is Yoga?

Yoga, derived from the root word "yoke" means to join or connect. Like many Eastern traditions, it is an integrating science because it encompasses the body, mind, and spirit. When the practices are separated and compartmentalized, by definition, union is lost.
The fitness industry and the health care industry are two prime players in an economic system which was built on manifest destiny and an attitude of entitlement, not spirituality. Yoga and other Eastern traditions stand in the precipice.

Yoga practitioners have the opportunity to study practices that were once the spiritual teachings of the East (Hinduism) and that were once very privileged. However, they have endured for over 6.000 years.

Yoga is diametrically opposed to aerobics. Aerobic exercise was developed in response to the high rate of cardio-vascular disease in this country. The focus has been on burning fat, developing muscle tone, and strengthening the heart by elevating the heart rate, and developing a muscular athletic physique.

Yoga is a study that teaches eating a healthy diet in moderation, and seeks to maintain the balance of all of the body's systems, not just the cardio-vascular system. It is not just an exercise program. Like most Eastern traditions it emphasizes flexibility over strength. Releasing chronic contraction in the body, rather than tightening the muscles is the intention of yoga. For example, tight abdominals create tension in the internal organs, which slows down digestion and assimilation. A yoga belly is soft and relaxed.

Slowing down the breathing rate, rather than speeding it up, is the intention of most yogic breathing practices. Letting the body experience the space between breathes becomes a metaphor for the space between thoughts

Through the yamas and niyamas, yoga teaches truth and non-violence. Applied to the postures, this means that a person practices the pose in full integrity, to the degree that is appropriate for his/her body, without attachment. The poses should be performed at a level that is comfortable and steady.

A natural by-product of practicing Yoga over a period of time is that one becomes flexible, strong, fit, and healthy

To learn more about Yoga and free Yoga Lessons online go to (click here) www.hathayogalesson.com

Questions to ask of a potential teacher:

• In what tradition do you study?
  
• Who is your teacher?
  
• How long have you been practicing yoga?
  
• How long have you been teaching yoga?
  
• What is the emphasis of your teaching practice
  

Weekly Class Schedules

Easy Yoga for Seniors and Handicapped

Mondays: Casselberry Senior Center.10:00 to 11:00 am

Tuesdays: Chambrel (Private) . . . . . . 9:30 to 10:30 am

Thursdays: Maitland Senior Center. . . 11:30 to12:30 am

Fridays: Winter Springs Sr. Center. . 10:00 to11:00am

Hatha Yoga Classes ( All Levels)

Mondays: Maitland Civic Center. . . . . .7:15 to 9:15 p.m. (Across from Lake Lilly, 17-92 and Maitland Ave.)

Tuesdays: Winter Springs Sr. Center. . .6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (400 N. Edgemon Ave. between SR434 & SR419)

Thursdays: Baldwin Park Activities Center. . .6:15 to 8:15 p.m. (Formerly Orlando' Navel Training Center at the Bennett Rd. entrance)