Chakra Yoga by Christine Davenport, RYT 500
Four Pillars Yoga and Wellness is pleased to offer Chakra Yoga on Thursday evenings. This exciting, new class – an addition to schedule the of yoga and fitness offerings at Four Pillars — is the latest example the spa’s commitment to expanding creative healthy opportunities for the community. Chakra Yoga, an approach to studying the Chakras by learning during a yoga class, combines fascinating information with poses and meditation. In the beautiful studio at San Marco Plaza, students are immersed in a complete sensory experience. Inhaling blends of essential oils, to balance and align one of the seven chakra centers, listening to carefully chosen music and poetry, learning about the history and relevance of each chakra while engaging in a practice of yoga poses specifically selected to target the physical and emotional territory of each center.
Chakras have a rich history in Eastern cultures. The Sanskrit term can be translated in English to wheel. The seven invisible, energetic dimensions are illustrated as round, spinning disks of energy that span the spectrum of a rainbow. Contemporary interest in this ancient knowledge has expanded across the globe. Anodea Judith, a Western expert on Chakras and author of Chakra Yoga, describes the Chakras as a “Rainbow bridge that forms the architecture of the soul.” She teaches that yoga practice is a remarkable and effective way to explore the inner workings of one’s nature.
Each chakra represents a spiritual life lesson. Discovering the personal natures of our chakras can lead to a more in-depth understanding of our personal and spiritual power. This insight helps us learn how to overcome obstacles, let go of emotional blockages and walk a path towards higher consciousness. A Root Chakra themed class offers students an opportunity to explore feelings of safety, security and connection to the earth. An exploration of the Throat Chakra might lead to discoveries of obstacles to speaking personal truth or an aversion to listening deeply to others and awaken a desire to pay attention to how one communicates with others.
Yoga means union. Chakra yoga unites consciousness and movement to explore a dynamic understanding of the self. The yoga mat is an experiment station for life outside the studio. Because the energies of the Chakra System influence our experience of daily life in profound and authentic ways, it is particularly fascinating to learn to work with and through them in yoga practice. Ancient Tantric yogis understood that the path to a more profound and unified experience of life we must effect change from within — never ceasing to pursue our higher selves.
Join Christine Davenport, RYT 500 and the Four Pillars Staff on Thursday 5:30 to 6:30 pm for a step by step study of your chakras your personal “Rainbow Bridge.”
Christine also generously leads a FREE Oncology Yoga class each week on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm that combines breath work with yoga postures that are carefully chosen to support the physical and emotional needs of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Christine is a graduate of Heartwood Yoga and Retreat Center in Bradenton, where she completed her 500-hour yoga certification. In 2016, Christine completed her 200-hour teacher training at Lotus Garden School of Yoga in New Milford, CT. Certified to teach Chair Yoga, Yin Yoga, Senior Yoga, and Trauma Sensitive classes, Christine has a special interest in teaching beginners and seniors. Her Gentle Yoga Class is Tuesday mornings at 10:45. Four Pillars Yoga & Fitness is located at 8209 Natures Way, Suite 203, Lakewood Ranch. For more information, call 941-373-3955, email Info@FourPillasFlorida.com or visit FourPillarsFlorida.com/yoga