Jivamukti Yoga Open Class

Whether you're a beginner, figuring out the difference between Vrikshasana (tree pose) and Shirshasana (headstand) or an advanced yogi, the Jivamukti Open class is open to practitioners of all levels.

You work at your own pace, following the teacher's verbal as well as hands-on guidance. Asana options will be provided for beginners, intermediate and advanced students.

A typical Open class incorporates the five tenets of Jivamukti Yoga:

1. shastra (scripture)

2. bhakti (devotion)

3. ahimsa (kindness)

4. nada (music)

5. dhyana (meditation)

An Open class presents classical yoga teachings as relevant to one's life on and off the mat, drawn from the Focus of the Month essay, supported by chanting, breath awareness, flowing vinyasa sequences, alignment exploration, hands-on assistance, relaxation and meditation. All Open classes include 14 points - asanas, meditation and spiritual teachings - in a sequence creatively designed by the teacher. Additionally, music plays an integral role: you might practice to a shifting soundtrack of electronic music, hip-hop, reggae, spoken word, George Harrison, Sting, Krishna Das, Deuter, East Forrest, Nick Cave, Eminem and Mozart.

The class is called "Open" because it is open and suitable for all levels of practitioner. Even so, beginning level Yogis should know that there will not be much detailed "how to do" descriptions; for that, a student is advised to attend a Fundamentals class.