JIVAMUKTI YOGA OPEN / JIVAMUKTI 1 HOUR CLASS - Whether you're a beginner deciphering the difference between vrksasana (tree) and sirshasana (headstand) or an advanced yogi who can put both feet behind their head, the Jivamukti Open class welcomes you, as it is open to practitioners of all levels. You work at your own pace, following the teacher's verbal as well as hands-on guidance. Asana options will be provided for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. A typical Open class incorporates the five tenets of Jivamukti Yoga: shastra (scripture), bhakti (devotion), ahimsa (kindness), nada (music) and dhyana (meditation).

An Open class presents classical yoga teachings as relevant to one’s life on and off the mat, drawn from the Focus of the Month essay, supported by chanting, breath awareness, flowing vinyasa sequences, alignment exploration, hands-on assistance, relaxation and meditation. All Open classes include 14 points—asanas, meditation and spiritual teachings—in a sequence creatively designed by the teacher. Exuberant, eclectic music plays an integral role: you might practice to a shifting soundtrack of ragas, global trance, hip-hop, spoken word, George Harrison, Sting, Krishna Das, Donna de Lory, Michael Franti, Bill Laswell, Alice Coltrane and Mozart.

The class is called ‘Open’ because it is open and suitable to all levels of practitioner. Even so, beginning level students should know that there will not be much detailed ‘how to do’ descriptions; for that a student is advised to attend a Basic or Beginner Vinyasa Class.

JIVAMUKTI BASICS - Each Jivamukti Basic class is part of a four-week fundamentals course that explores a different theme each week:

week one: standing asanas week two: forward bending asanas week three: backward bending asanas week four: inversions, meditation and ‘putting it all together.’

Whereas in the Beginner Vinyasa and Open class vinyasa is emphasized, in the Basic class alignment is the emphasis. Students are taught ‘how to do’ asanas as well as the use of props. The Basic Class provides the underlying structure to help a student be able to eventually enter into an Open class intelligently and safely. Beginners are encouraged to take all four weeks of the Basic course. Intermediate and advanced students will also benefit from exploring the alignment essentials presented in these classes. It is advisable that a student register for the full 4 week program starting with week one, but a student can also drop into any class at any time during the month and can also take as many classes as they want each week. This class is suitable for beginners, but open to all levels of practitioner.

BEGINNERS / BEGINNERS HOUR - If you are a brand new beginner to yoga these classes are for you. If you’ve never heard of downward dog and can’t imagine ever standing on your head we welcome you. People of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness backgrounds will be in the class so there is no need to feel intimidated or over- whelmed. This class is just what the name says - for total beginners.

JIVAMUKTI RESTORATIVE YOGA - A gentle practice that will leave you feeling uplifted and relaxed. You will hold poses for longer and relax into a pose in order to release parts of the body that hold emotional and physical tension. Good for those recovering from injury, beginners to yoga or for those wanting a gentle practice.

YOGA NIDRA - The practice of deep relaxation of the physical body where consciousness remains alert. This class is suitable for everyone and involves some gentle opening stretches to enable physical relaxation. In this practice we are given the opportunity to inhabit our subconscious and explore things and ideas that in everyday life perhaps hold us back. The practice is done lying on the ground and is suitable for practitioners of any level or physical ability.

YOGA / YOGA HOUR - These classes offer a mixed level flowing vinyasa practice. This means that your movements are linked with your breath as each pose flows onto the next. These classes are open to all levels.

KUNDALINI YOGA / KUNDALINI WOMEN'S YOGA and PREGNANCY YOGA - Until fairly recently the secrets of Kundalini yoga were closely guarded. In 1969 this powerful and transform- ing yoga was brought to the West by guru Yogi Bhajan. Kundalini yoga is a vigorous form of yoga suitable for all levels. The classes use mantra, breath, dynamic posture, and meditation. The Kundalini yoga tradition is based on the chakras (or energy wheels) in the body. Kundalini yoga offers a physical, mental and spiritual program that provides a simple guide to living in health, peace and harmony.

SATSANG - Satsang means keeping the company of the holy, the like-minded and those who are identified with the truth. Satsang usually includes chanting or ‘kirtan’, and is a devotional practice. Meditation, or a discussion or movie nights may also form part of our Satsang here at Jivamukti Sydney. Different teachers lead Satsang each session please check the website for details and special events.

PREGNANCY YOGA - Our pregnancy yoga classes enable the pregnant yogini to safely practice sun salutes, standing poses, balances and forward bends. Em- phasising breathing along with stretching and strengthening the body, these challenging but relaxing classes are empowering for pregnant women. These classes become a yoga ‘community’ for expecting mothers.

MUMS & BABIES YOGA - A post-natal class for mothers with babies from 6 weeks to 12 months old. A typical class emphasises postures designed to realign the inner body and nurture and nourish the transition to motherhood. Most importantly, these classes are a great way for new mothers to connect physically, emotion- ally, and spiritually with their babies as well as with other mums.

MUMS AND TODDLERS / PRESCHOOLERS YOGA - Join other mums and their toddlers for a morning filled with music, fun and yoga postures. Suggested age 2-5 years.