Class Descriptions
Class Levels*
Nice 'n' Easy – For those who may want something slower and more gentle than a standard Level 1 class. Excellent for brand new students, those dealing with injuries, seniors, the stiff & inflexible, and anyone else wanting a gentler approach to yoga. No experience or flexibility required!
Multi-level – Open to all levels. Teachers will offer appropriate modifications for each level in attendance.
Level 1 – Designed to give everyone time and support to learn basic postures, alignment, and breathing techniques. Perfect for brand-new students or for more practiced students who want to revisit the basics. No flexibility or experience required!
Level 1/2 – For advanced beginners and intermediate students, this more challenging practice will introduce you to deeper poses while still emphasizing the basics.
Level 2 –Delve more into intermediate poses and breathwork as you expand your strength, stamina, and flexibility. Please be familiar with basic yoga pose names and alignment. Not appropriate for beginners.
Level 2/3 – Come play with us! A challenging and fun class to take your practice to a deeper level. Classes may include inversions, intermediate/advanced backbends, and more advanced breathing techniques. Not appropriate for beginners. We recommend at least one year of a consistent practice before attending a Level 2/3 class.
* Classes listed on the schedule by level only are taught in a variety of styles, depending on the training of the teacher.
Class Descriptions
Alignment for Pain and Injury – For those dealing with ongoing or occasional pain or injury. Learn poses and alignment that will help heal and protect the body. Classes will be structured to address specific needs of students.
Arcata Zen Group Sunday Morning Sit & Dharma Talk – Sitting and walking meditation led by the Arcata Zen Group, followed by a short service and reading/discussion or dharma talk. Free; everyone welcome. Donations gratefully accepted. You may arrive either slightly before 8:00 a.m. for the first sit or at 8:30 a.m. for the walking meditation and second sit.
Anusara Yoga – Translated as "Open to Grace," Anusara combines the Tantric philosophy of seeing the good in all things with alignment basics to create a safe and spiritual yoga practice. Anusara works with bringing the body into optimal alignment in order to enable a deeper flow of energy – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Classes will take you through detailed alignment in each pose and are usually centered around a theme, such as finding the balance between effort and surrender.
Beyond Asana – For those who want to delve deeper into yoga philosophy, meditation practice, breathwork. This is not an asana class. Open to all.
Blume Yoga – A fusion of yoga, meditation, Qi Gong, and Traditional Chinese medicine created by Joel Pelkey-Blum (aka "Blume"). Emphasis will be placed on breathing and sounding techniques to energize and awaken prana (life force). These techniques will be practiced both individually and in tandem with posture sequences (vinyasa). Reclaim your creative power, get your mojo working, BLOOM with yoga!
Children's Yoga - Offered at the same time as our 4 p.m. Level 1/2 class so parents and caretakers can practice next door to their children. Tuesdays: ages 4-8; Thursdays: ages 9-13.
Family Yoga – For all members of both traditional and non-traditional families. An hour of yoga play in which family members interact through poses and yoga stories. Ages 0–100 welcome!
Forrest Yoga –Contrary to popular belief, this has nothing to do with trees. Forrest yoga was created by master yogi Ana Forrest. With intense pose sequencing, taught compassionately, Forrest Yoga encourages students to go more deeply in order to create a sense of freedom and connection to spirit. There is a focus on breathing deeply to get centered, grounded, and connected to one's core, while being open to all the magic of the moment.
Groove Yoga – For those who like your yoga funky, we salute you! A fun, flowing Vinyasa class taught to an eclectic mix of music, from Kermit the Frog to Krishna Das. Expect 30-40 minutes of flowing through standing poses, followed by a mix of supine and seated poses, and ending with a lovely, long savasana (rest pose). Vinyasa Yoga is by nature more vigorous, for people who prefer more movement with their yoga.
Kundalini Yoga – Kundalini yoga, the Yoga of Awareness, is a dynamic blend of breath control, posture, mantra (chants or phrases), and meditation, designed to strengthen the ability to focus and control your mind. No previous experience in yoga is required.
Lunchtime Yoga – A fun hour of yoga. So much yummier than a sandwich!
Mommy/Daddy & Me – A playful mix of yoga poses, songs, and activities to lay a good foundation for yoga, increase flexibility and body awareness, stimulate the imagination, and deepen the bond between parent/caregiver and child. For children ages 1.5 – 4; non-traditional families welcome.
M.A.T. (Muscle Activation Techniques) Neuromuscular Reeducation - A system that works isometrically with specific muscle groups to help you identify and heal places where your body has pain or limited movement. Ideal for those recovering from injury, those with chronic joint issues, or anyone who wants to work through blockages in the body. This is not a yoga class but will complement any practice.
Nice 'n' Easy – For those who may want something slower and more gentle than a standard Level 1 class. Excellent for brand new students, those dealing with injuries, seniors, the stiff & inflexible, and anyone else wanting a gentler approach to yoga. No experience or flexibility required!
Open Meditation - A non-denominational meditation open to all. May or may not be guided, depending on the mood of the teacher. Free; donations happily accepted.
Partner Yoga – The last Sunday of the month. Deepen your connection with others while supporting each other – both literally and figuratively! A fun and happy way to play with your yoga. No partner necessary – bring yourself and your sense of adventure!
Prenatal and Primal Yoga for Women – Recommended not only for pregnant women or women at least 6 months postpartum, but for women in all phases of life. Befriend, energize & heal your root and belly. Give yourself, your birth and your baby the gift of ease, strength, clarity and joy for your pregnancy and labor or just for the ongoing birth of you. No experience necessary.
Preschool Yoga Play – A combination of movement, games, and stories, open to ages 1.5–4. Offered during our 9 a.m. Anusara class so parents and caretakers can practice next door to their children. Class limited to 10 children; parents must stay on the studio premises.
Restorative – For everyone, no flexibility or experience required! This practice guides you into gentle poses, most of which are done on your back and supported by folded blankets under knees, shoulders, etc. Allows the body to open and relax easily and naturally. No sweat, no effort – just extreme relaxation and gentle stretching.
Sunday Morning Practice – This is a Kripalu-inspired class, appropriate for beginners as well as more seasoned practitioners. Kripalu Yoga guides you to move at your own pace to unite body, mind, and spirit in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. Incorporates poses, breathwork, and meditation, honoring the body's needs in each moment.
Vinyasa Flow - A flowing practice which includes more movement and breath focus and fewer specific alignment directions. Fewer static holds, more continual motion, particularly in the first half of class. Helps to induce an internal practice; ideal for those who like to move and get warm.
WAKE UP! Yoga – Wake up with us! A dynamic practice, appropriate for most levels, that will get the blood flowing and have you ready to start your day, whether it's surfing at Moonstone or enjoying the office (and yes, the office can be enjoyed…especially after this class!)
Yoga for Teens – For teens to de-stress, build confidence, and feel good about themselves. This class will help teens get stronger, more flexible, and hopefully happier.
Friday Night Dance Events!
All Friday Night Dance Events offered on a sliding scale, $5 - $10 or 1 class pass. Includes use of sauna. Please help us keep our studio sacred by arriving in a yogic state: i.e. no drugs/alcohol. For the same reason, no ins and outs please.
Kirtan w/ Blume & Jodie – 1st Friday of the Month; 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The yogic tradition of call-and-response chanting is known as Kirtan. It's about good vibes, good intentions and good-intention vibes! Kirtan can range from meditative to ecstatic. Come sing with us in the ancient language of Sanskrit as we strum our guitars, beat our drums, and dance in celebration of it all. No experience necessary; arrive anytime and stay as long as you like.
Communal Frequenseas w/ Dj Echo & Friends – 2nd Friday of the Month (Arts! Arcata night): 8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. A joyful gathering for those who love to get down. An opportunity to join in a community of vibration, movement, and play. Each month, DJs will provide intricately woven delights delivered for the singular purpose of moving your body and stirring your soul.
Body Prayers in the Sound Temple of Bliss – 3rd Friday of the Month. 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. w/ Shemaia "Skywater" Lucas and friends. Come co-create sacred space through an activation of the voice, body prayers, and an aligning of our internal and collective intention. Interwoven offerings of live music, sound healings, sacred songs, and movement meditations invite a flowering in the heart. Cultivate your bliss capacity! Wear comfy clothes; no experience necessary. Please be aware this is a guided class with no late entry; doors close at 8:45 p.m.