exploration of yoga sutras

Join Gaby Borelli for an exploration of the yoga sutras, a deepening practice of balancing the states of effort and ease through cultivating strength and stillness in your body and mind. We will explore the topic of harmonizing effort and ease from incorporation of the ancient and foundational yoga philosophy text, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

What is a sutra?

The word sutra which translates to strand or thread, refers to a series of teachings that are weaved together and act as a “roadmap” of human consciousness towards a remembering of our true nature. The Yoga Sutras are composed of several teachings divided into multiple sections. This 4-week series will introduce you to three specific sutras, 2:46, 2:47, and 2:48 – all which thread an underlying theme of effort and ease.

Each class in this exploration of the yoga sutras will discuss the translation for the sutra and integrate its meaning into practices of postures, meditation, and breathwork. The asana portion of each class will incorporate slow/alignment-based postures, yin and restorative postures. The focus of these practices is long holds coupled with muscular activation that transitions into and deep release and introspection. It is recommended that practitioners are familiar with a basics style yoga that includes standing postures.

Course Outline

March 3 ~ Introduction & Inquiry – what are the yoga sutras? We will reflect on our theme and prepare for the sutras in the following classes through postures and journaling.
March 10 ~ Sutra 2:46 sthira-sukham-āsanam — asana is a steady, comfortable posture
March 17 ~ Sutra 2:47 prayatna śaithilyānanta samāpattibhyām — by relaxing effort and meditating on the infinite asana is mastered
March 24 ~ Sutra 2:48 tato dvandvānabhighātah — there arises an unimpeded freedom from suffering due to the pairs of opposites

Wednesdays in March, 6:15-7:30.  Community tiered pricing, you select the level appropriate for you.