Featured Class: Mindful Flow
Chandra Cantor’s Mindful Flow class (Level 1/2/All Levels) meets every Saturday from 10:00-11:15 AM (in-studio & online). This moderately-paced flow is welcoming for students of all levels. Class starts with a centering, slow warm-up, and usually includes some sun salutations, standing poses and a slow stretchy wind-down. Students are encouraged to go at their own pace, working with the body they have. Advanced options are offered for those who wish, and rest is encouraged for all when needed.
“Bringing mindfulness to anything we do makes it more satisfying and interesting. When we bring mindfulness to an exploration of our bodies there is so much learning that can take place. We can, of course, learn from those teachers and people who have spent time in their bodies, but remember that that is a starting place. The real work is about getting in our bodies and feeling around to see what is true for us, as unique, ever-changing individuals. Ultimately, we can each be the experts of our own personal yoga that we cultivate through experimenting, paying attention and learning through what we notice.
To me, yoga is a practice in being with what is, noticing what gets in the way of that, and creating healthier habits around that.
Some situations or poses are naturally easy to be with; others are quite challenging.
I'm not interested in using the physical practice of yoga to bring about change, though change will happen. I'm interested in putting myself and my students in lots of different poses/situations where we get to practice opening fully to the experience we are having... sometimes familiar, sometimes unfamiliar, sometimes subtle, sometimes intense, sometimes comfortable, sometimes uncomfortable. We can continue to go towards all that we care about: flexibility, strength, balance, greater health and wellbeing of all kinds, AND, right now it's like it is.
My hope is to provide a space and time to do the practice of opening up to and really feeling and accepting what is here now. This is not easy, but what's the alternative? As one of my favorite teachers, Byron Katie, says, ‘When you fight reality, you lose, but only 100% of the time.’”
