Click here to see photos of an Anahata class.
An Anahata class lasts about an hour. The class is held in a gently lit environment with plenty of fresh air. Meditative or devotional music is played.
The teacher leads the class with short descriptions at each step of the
flow, spoken quietly (although in some cases classes may be
silent). The teacher may adjust and correct individual's postures with
gentle touch guidance. Breath is coordinated with movement in and out of
poses.A flow begins with seated meditation and breathing (pranayama). A moment is taken to set an individual intention for the practice.
A set of gentle spine-awakening movements, both seated and on all fours, warm and stir the body in preparation for a safe practice. These are followed by downward-facing dog and a simple forward bend (Uttanasana). Students then stand and meditate for a short time before beginning the active physical series.
Standing postures create concentration, calmness and inner as well
as bodily balance. Compassionate, non-judgmental awareness,
the ability to adjust and enjoy simple, honest effort are the gifts of
balancing postures. Standing bends, balancing poses and lateral
stretching poses, again followed by a short, standing meditation comprise
the standing work.floor postures include Janu Sirsana, Paschimottanasana, Matsyandrasana, Sarvangasana, and Setu Bandhasana. In the midst of the seated
asanas, a short kneeling meditation allows the teacher a time to
encourage the students to recall their intentions, to return to
their center by calming consciously the breath and arising
thoughts.Reclining postures finish the practice. Finally, and most importantly, a reclining pranyama and an extended reclining meditation (Savasana), during which the teacher adjusts each student with gentle touch designed to encourage deeper relaxation and meditation, bring the practice to its goal.
In a final seated position, the students chant three Oms originating in the heart center. A final Om is sung out as a blessing wherever it is needed in the world, a gift from an awakened, compassionate heart.
