Realign & Refine: Alignment-Based Yoga
with Laura Haywood-Leigh
November 4, 11, 18, and 25 — 5:30 – 7:00pm
In this series, we’ll aim to become more aware of our habitual postural patterns, and consider how possible misalignments in the body may contribute to physical discomfort, strain, or pain over time. This exploration may be both interesting and worthwhile because sometimes discomfort in one area of the body may be related to what’s happening a few joints away. For example, lower back pain may relate to what’s going on in the feet or knees, and with how we habitually stand or walk. In each class we’ll gently open, stretch, and traction tight areas. We’ll practice mindful awareness of our body in space, and how to come into a potentially more beneficial alignment while sitting, standing, walking, lifting things, and even sleeping! Where applicable, we’ll also work to help improve strength and stability in the body. The content in each class is interrelated, because after all - everything is connected!
- Week 1 - Yoga for the Feet
- Week 2 - Yoga for the Knees
- Week 3 - Yoga for the Hips and Lower Back
- Week 4 - Yoga for the Shoulders, Upper Back, and Neck
About Laura
Laura began practicing yoga in 2002 for some much-needed stress relief. She was initially drawn to the Iyengar style for its focus on breathing and alignment. Following the birth of her fourth child in 2007, Laura explored gentle yoga and the freedom-form style, introduced by Erich Schiffmann, which encourages deep inner listening and self-trust. Laura received her 200-hour yoga teacher training certificate in 2018. As a teacher, Laura enjoys creating safe, inclusive spaces in which to practice. Laura encourages her students to explore gentle, mindful movements with curiosity and openness, which may help them develop a deeper awareness of their experiences on the mat. Laura especially enjoys playing around with ways to modify and adapt poses to make them accessible to students who may be experiencing limitations related to recovery from illness and injury, health challenges, and the natural effects of aging.