We are located around the corner from the Morningstar Café, above the Bookman, on Washington Street in Grand Haven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yoga in Sanskrit literally translated means to yoke, to join; a union. This union is multi-layered. It can be as simple as the union of the mind and body to more complex and spiritual of spirit to the divine spirit and beyond. The yogic tradition is a system of philosophies, practices, and processes that dates back more than 6000 years. It is not a religion but a spiritual practice that is all-inclusive and accepting of all faiths, therefore, it can be used to enhance ones chosen religion or faith path. The processes and practices of yoga are organized in such a way as to help us uncover our true nature of unity with creation and creator and to maintain that awareness in everyday life.

 

 

If you are new to yoga, returning to yoga after a long break, recovering from illness, surgery or childbirth, Please come to either Restorative or Gentle Yoga. If you are in relative good shape come to Gentle Vinyasa, if you have had some yoga experience and are in good shape, and want to sweat in your yoga practice, come to Vinyasa yoga. Looking for a class with mostly men, come the Men's Yoga, but it is not just for men !.

 

Meditation: the sustained concentration of the mind to one point. The beauty of Meditation is that there are an infinite number of points to focus on. There are many styles of meditation as well depending on the cultural orientation. At Lakeshore Yoga we teach many different styles of mediation, each is simple, yet powerful methods to calm and focus the mind, reduce stress, and ultimately realize the Supreme Peace within. When you succeed in making the mind totally one-pointed, it becomes the greatest power you have to accomplish anything you wish.

 

Literally translated, Asana means "seat". A posture or position through which a connection may be established to the earth. Through asana practice we are encouraged to develop an awareness of our inner body so that we may work from the core of our being.

 

Om or Aum is considered the all pervading, all connecting sound of the Universe. The voice of silence, testifying to the Divine presence in all that Is. The following is the symbol of Om:

Namasté (pronounced num-ah-stay) is a Hindu salutation. Much like the Hawaiian expression "Aloha", Namasté may be used as a greeting or parting, often times accompanied by hands held in the prayer position directly in front of the heart.

 

 

The discipline of Freedom. The Yoga Sutra, dating from about the third century A.D. distills the essentials of the philosophy of yoga. Yoga is at the heart of all meditative practices in Asia and now the America's. Use the Sutras as a tool to create a new perspective on the nature of knowing and achieving insight and wisdom that can translate from your yoga mat to your life. The essential assumption of yoga is that our natural state is freedom, health and inner peace.

 

Please contemplate the first 4 sutras, we will publish the sutra's regularly.

 

The first step in the art of yoga is to calm and focus the mind. Bringing it to an awareness of the moment and expanding that awareness. A mind that is restless or agitated during a yoga practice will miss the depth of knowledge to can be tapped into. Therefore, we always start our practice with meditation and breathing techniques to help quiet the mind.

 

 

 

Non harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and greedlessness are the restraints. Sutra (2.30)

Purity, contentment, asceticism, study, and devotion to the divine are the disciplines Sutra (2.32)

Postures (asana) should be stable and comfortable Sutra(2.46)

Through contentment (samtosha) unexcelled joy is gained (Sutra 2.42)

 

 

 ©2006 Yoga Art courtesy of Zachary Art