"Yoga is a process of replacing old patterns with new and more appropriate patterns."
​- T. Krishnamacharya

Summer/Fall 2023 Schedule

Unless otherwise noted, all classes are authentic Vinyasa Yoga and occur at 9:30-10:45am in Worthington.

September
Thursday Sept 7 
Thursday Sept 14
Thursday Sept 21
Saturday Sept 23 - Yoga for the Koshas & Kleshas
Thursday Sept 28

October
NO CLASS Oct 5
Thursday Oct 12
Sunday October 15 - Menopause Workshop
Thursday Oct 19
Thursday Oct 26
Saturday Oct 28 - The Tristana: Breath, Bandhas & Drishti 

November
Thursday Nov 2
Saturday Nov 4 - Gentle Ashtanga Half Primary Series
NO CLASS Thursday Nov 9
Thursday Nov 16
NO CLASS Thanksgiving Day: 
Friday Nov 24 - Chai, Champi and Chanting!

December
Thursday Dec 7
Thursday Dec 14
Thursday Dec 21 - Special Solstice Suryanamaskars
Thursday Dec 28
Sunday Dec 31 - Special New Year's Eve Class: Supreme Release Yoga and Yoga Nidra for Nourishment and  Wellbeing - time tba!

Most classes, unless otherwise noted, are held at
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The Thayer Hill Playhouse
9:30-10:45am
​
112 Thayer Hill Road Worthington, MA 
 See Map 

*While most students can attend my group classes, those with mobility challenges or concerns about practicing in public/group classes should consider working with me one-on-one in private sessions. Click here to learn more! 

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What kind of yoga is this?

I teach authentic and accessible Vinyasa yoga. Vinyasa is a Sanksrit term that refers to the integration of steady and mindful breathing with slow movementst and/or postures. Wellbeing of mind and body is intrinsically aligned with intentional yogic breathing.

The class experience moves the student inwards with a curious, playful awareness, compassion and gratitude. The teaching enviroment is one that fosters autonomy and even self-expression.

No yoga class, nor any exercise regime, can be of truly longterm benefit without emphasis on how to breath well. While doing postures is part of yoga, "mindful" breathing - yogic breathing - is the greater tool for cultivating increased discernment, for fostering transformation and ultimately, for self-actualization.

This is not a "fitness" or "exercise" yoga class, although you will sometimes move dynamically. Instead, you will learn how to experience better breathing combined with sensible movement. You will experience a rhythmic, deep, soothing, enlivening yoga experience - as opposed to "working. out" to lose weight or become more limber.

Good, free breathing is the most important aspect of authentic vinyasa yoga. Once free breathing is established and consistently practiced, things like "fitness", stress-relief, and overall wellbeing arise naturally, with greater ease. 

Anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or level of fitness, can learn how to breath better and gain the benefits of yoga. So, these classes are accessible for most* students - new folks to seasoned practitioners - and are taught by me with a lighthearted and noncompetitive practicality. 

Consistent students will learn how to explore, refine and improve their breathing and learn how to move wisely, with greater freedom. The yoga I practice and teach is a beautiful means of getting to know and appreciate one's mind/body/soul with this meaningful breathwork integrated with movement, while simultaneously letting go of performance or ''reaching goals".

What happens in the classes?
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• We start with a (nonmandatory) Sanskrit invocation, followed by a short meditation then "breathwork" instruction - pranayama (or "extension of lifeforce") - to help establish better breathing habits, and a stronger awareness of breathing during the class;
• We explore a series, or krama, of postures along a particular theme or themes (i.e. standing, asymmetical, balancing, backbending, forward folding, inverting, etc.) using this mindful integration of breath throughout;
• We focus on the postures as a means to explore and experience deeper somatic awareness and sensation when it is connected with our own rhythmic, mindful breathing;
• We end classes with a simple closing sequence/krama, that often includes gentle inversions, followed by sweet rest and relaxation, or if preferred, students can choose to meditate after their practice, too. 

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Enjoy gentle but deep authentic yoga classes, rooted in the breath and movement-based Krishnamacharya modalities of Vinyasa, Vinyasa krama and modified Ashtanga yoga. 

My teaching is geared to practitioners of all ages and abilities, with accessible asana and breathing practices.

The Playhouse at Thayer Hill
112 Thayer Hill Road in Worthington, MA
 See Map

MOST THURSDAYS (AND SOME SATURDAYS or SUNDAYS) AT THE PLAYHOUSE

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$10-$20 for a single class/drop in
Based on your financial wellbeing.

VENMO
@Michelle-Ryan-57

Paypal michelleryanyoga@gmail.com

Cash or Check

Please try to arrive around 10 minutes early. Parking is in an area before the studio. Wear layers as it can get cold in the big studio

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