FSW Retreat Yoga Classes & Hands-on Assists

carolefrey
Jul 17, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Jul 18, 2024

Class Summary // Class Descriptions // Hands-on Assists

My goal within my yoga classes is to create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe to show up as their most authentic self. My classes are structured in a traditional manner; following the 8-limbs and my love & respect for Ashtanga. I emphasis breath, alignment, discipline and strength & grace in order to help one be fully immersed in their practice. I provide a well rounded class that will help one improve their strength, flexibility, self-awareness, and overall connection of mind, body and soul. You will leave feeling rejuvenated, energized and empowered.

Classes are suitable for beginner to advanced practitioners with many variations and modifications offered. During the retreat welcome ceremony, I dive deeper into the classes and ways to enable you to personalize each class for your body, mind, and spirit. While this practice will look and feel different for each student, the integrity of showing up for yourself remains the same.

The 3 main classes I teach are Dynamic Hatha, Vinyasa, and Core, Strengthen & Stretch. Click on the arrow to learn more.

Dynamic Hatha

Hatha yoga is described as a merging together of sun and moon, left and right, or the masculine and feminine principles of the body. The practices focus on mind, body and breath to create a very energetic and wholesome practice. Carole'a Hatha class is inspired by her trainings with ParaYoga and includes dynamic movement into longer holds, pranayama, kriyas, and meditation.

Dynamic Hatha may taught in the morning as an energetic practice, or in the evening as a relaxation practice.

Vinyasa

The literal meaning of "Vinyasa" in Sanskrit is "to place in a special way". Vinyasa classes entail smooth transitions that connect movement with breath and teach one how to move in an intentional way. The postures and method in which I teach Vinyasa is inspired by my personal practice and love of Ashtanga Yoga. I teach the Tristana Method, a 3-part system including:

Asana: the physical postures which strengthen, open, and purify the body and our entire system
Ujjayi Breath: Also known as victorious breath, this breathing technique helps balance and strengthen the body and mind. Bandhas: Also known as energy locks or seals, these help align the body in asana.
Drishti: Also known as yogic gaze or looking focus, this helps control the mind and build a bridge between the yoga mat and daily life.

Core, Strengthen, and Stretch

This class is typically taught as a skills and drills class. Carole may choose one posture to break down and help students discover proper body mechanics, breath & bandhas, and the focus required as we build towards the posture. This method allows you to slowly and safely work into a posture while building a deeper understanding & connection with yourself, your practice, and your journey.

Overall this class will help you feel more empowered within your life by tapping into your core and discovering what you are truly capable of physically, mentally, and spiritually.

If you’ve taken my yoga classes you know I provide many hands-on assists. The assists I offer are from my yoga trainings with Para Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga School, Y2 Yoga, Rishikul Yogshala, and Pankaj Sadhana.

I offer two types of assists:

To show the direction that energy is flowing and provide an understanding on the intention of the posture.
To safely deepen; bringing the student to a new level and help them see what they are capable of within the posture (and in life). It’s really special to whiteness someone light up inside from doing something they didn’t think they could.

Before every class I teach on retreat I ask the students for their permission to be assisted.

Why?

I don’t assume that just because someone wanted assists yesterday means they want them again the next day. We are constantly shifting in our lives and everyday is different. Some days the physical or emotional body may simply not be up for assists, and I want to make sure I offer a space that empowers people to make that decision for themselves.

I also recognize as a teacher that every time I assist a student, I am taking them out of their practice, so it best be intentional and from a place that is in service to them, their practice, and their growth.

Lastly, I commit to being fully present while I assist. I observe their body, listen for their breath, and any other signs that show me either this is enough right here or there is space to explore.

Through assisting, I aim to educate and empower students on their yoga journey.

If my class summary, descriptions, and hands-on assist philosophy feels aligned with your own personal values and intentions, it's very likely that FSW Retreats were created with you in mind, and would be a wonderful fit for you. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me: carole@freespiritedwanderer.com // I look forward to hearing from you!

Much love,

Carole the freespiritedwanderer

Learn more about my yoga journey as a student and teacher HERE.

Explore our current FSW Retreat Schedule HERE.