The word Ananda means "pure bliss". The word Yoga means "union". Union occurs between the mind, body and spirit.
Ananda Yoga teaches Hatha style classes for all entry level students as well as those that have been practicing for some time. In each class we will focus on breathing (pranayama), stretching, standing and seated postures (asanas), relaxation and meditation (savasana). In addition, yoga classes may also include chanting or an inspirational reading by the teacher during Savasana.
Practicing yoga creates balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of postures in sync with the breath. Each posture has specific physical benefits. Practicing yoga also has many psychological benefits, such as stress reduction and a sense of well-being, and spiritual benefits, such as a feeling of connectedness with God or Spirit, or a feeling of transcendence.
Yoga is an on going practice. Your individual practice will develop over time. Because our bodies are never the same on a given day, your practice is always evolving and changing. Although the poses themselves do not change, your relationship to them will. Anyone can start a yoga practice, even if you don't feel like you are very flexible or very strong. These things will develop over time.
Your practice encourages the noncompetitive spirit of yoga. One of the most difficult, but ultimately most liberating things about yoga is letting go of the ego and accepting that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is just doing their best on any given day.