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Class Descriptions

The general theme of Yoga Ink classes is to open the heart and find the light inside of you.
Then, you take that light and create fluid motion seemingly without effort.

WELCOME!
Give yourself a chance to fit something new into your life.

Allow your body to explore new motions, new sensations. Expect changes—but not always the ones you are seeking. Expect frustrations too. Stay patient with yourself and with the practice. It takes time to create new habits.

Attending classes will help you along the way, but practising at home is just as important. For a home practice be reasonable in your expectations and you will succeed!

Begin slowly:

  • 5 minutes of conscious breathing

  • 15–20 minutes of postures (asanas)

  • 5–10 minutes of relaxation

This simple routine can change your life. You will feel GOOD!

Ruth’s Blend Yoga (Intermediate – Open to All)

The word Yoga means to “yoke” or to join together. It refers to the joining together of the body, mind, and spirit. This was the intent thousands of years ago when the ancient yogis developed, explored, and studied the practice of meditation. The physical practices were brought in to help the meditation practice be more comfortable. Asana which means “seat” was the ticket to sitting. In North America we have taken Asana to mean a Yoga practice centered on the physical side of yoga often with little regard to conscious breath, awareness of structural alignment, and individual differences.

Ruth’s Blend Yoga reflects the range and compassion of the Yoga influences in Ruth’s life which range from sweaty Astanga to intense Yin to gentle Hatha to fun and challenging Kundalini.

Classes are a blend of classic Yoga asanas (postures) usually in a slow moving flow with lots of detail, conscious breathing, and relaxation. The asanas are led with the knowledge that we are not all the same.  Our natural range of motion combined with our life’s experiences can lead to physical ease in postures or maybe “stuckness” and inflexibility.  Mindful Yoga practice is the answer!  Postures are presented with different levels or depth; you might find yourself easily moving to a deep level or patiently breathing at the first pausing place.  It’s all Yoga!

Do-it-yourself Yoga Therapy, a gift from my teacher Doug Keller, are small actions that help you be more comfortable on the mat.  An example is lifting the arms with a forward action versus out to the sides.  These cues are included wherever possible to create more ease and to gain more from the practice.

Classes are Monday at 5:15 pm and Thursday at 4:30 pm

Kundalini Yoga Class Structure

A Kundalini Yoga class follows a recipe:

  • Tune in with “ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO” – “I bow or listen to, the Divine Spirit within”

  • Kriya – a set of physical postures put together with breath and other focus tools to have a specific effect.

  • Deep Relaxation – with or without the gong deep relaxation helps to rebuild you physical and psychically from the inside out on a cellular level.

  • Meditation – pulling from an incredible collection of thousands of meditations the Kundalini Yoga teacher chooses a meditation whose known effect works well with the chosen kriya. The meditations can be silent or with chanting, with mantra or with another focus, with stillness or with action, with mudra or breath focus, the choices are almost endless!

  • Closing Chant – “Long Time Sunshine Song”

May the long time sun shine upon You
All Love surround You
And the Pure Light within You
Guide your way On.

The class ends with an inspiring quote or story (called a hokum) and a light snack.

Classes are Monday at 6:30 pm and Thursday at 5:45 pm

Yogi Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 quarts water

  • 1-2 Teaspoon whole cloves (about 12)

  • 1-2 Teaspoon black peppercorns (about 12)

  • 3 sticks of cinnamon sticks (6-8 inch)

  • 1 Tblsp. whole cardmon pods (about 12, split the pods first)

  • 2-4 inches fresh ginger, sliced and chopped (no need to peel)

  • Dairy or almond, soy or rice milk – optional

  • Stevia, sugar, honey or maple syrup – optional

Preparation:

Put all spices in a pot, add water, cover the pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for one to three hours. Add more water if too strong. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain and store in the refrigerator. Reheat when you want a cup, adding hot milk and sweetener to taste.

With thanks to The Golden Chain of masters, teachers and students of Kundalini Yoga from the past and the present including my teacher Shakta Kaur of Chicago’s Kundalini Yoga in the Loop and my amazing 10 classmates in 2010; Gurudass Kaur Khalsa, fantastic instructor and chanter; and The Kundalini Collective in Minneapolis.

Shakta Logo
KRI Logo
3HO Logo

Spiritual names: A spiritual name reinforces and accelerates your progress on your path to your highest destiny. It has positive benefits every time someone or yourself says it, meditates on it, or hears it. If you are interested in receiving a spiritual name go to www.3HO.org and follow the links.

Atmabir Kaur is Ruth’s spiritual name – it means “strong, energetic soul”.

Why we wear white and what is that on our head?

In Kundalini Yoga, white is good for the body energetically and for the nervous system. Wearing white helps expand your radiance, your aura. It represents light, the source of all colours. For a Kundalini Yoga Teacher wearing white is our “banna” or uniform. Students and practitioners may wear whatever colour they like but they gain all the benefits of wearing white (or ivory) clothes if they do so.

For the teacher a head covering keeps their energy in and keeps other energy out. They are also great for a personal meditative practice, to help you go inward more easily. Try it! It can be something simple like a kerchief or a toque.

We live by the beat of the heart, not by the thoughts of the head.

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