KAPHA BALANCING HATHA CLASS

The focus of this morning class is to bring awareness to the senses, dynamism and variety.  We will use upbeat inspirational music such as kirtan. percussion and world music.  The class will be active and warming  to stimulate metabolism and circulation. We will sweat.  My instructions will be clear and consistent.  My key teaching words will be:  stimulating, moving, warming, lightening, energizing, releasing. The room will be bright,  warm and welcoming.  My clothing will be athletic suitable for an active vinyasa style practice.

EDUCATIONAL THEME: BALANCING KAPHA DOSHA

OPENING BREATHING EXERCISES
- Seated repeat the Sounds of the Chakras (lam, vam, ram, ham, yam, om, and silence)

MUDRA AND AFFIRMATION
- Dharma Chakra Mudra: “Integrating all of  the chakra qualities, my vision is manifest as lived reality.”

WARM UPS (slow and steady with calm deep breathing)
- Agni Sara Kriya
- Breath of Joy
- ½ Sun Salutes
- Surya Namaskara A and B with smooth rhythmic breath

STANDING ASANAS  (incorporate deep breath with emphasis on a gentle retention after the exhalation)
- Ardha Chandrasana with Pada Hastasana (Ghosh Lineage)
- Warrior 1 with Ha Breath
- Warrior 2 with Arm Movements
- Flow: Warrior 2, Side Angle, Exalted Warrior
- Flow: Separate Leg Head to Knee from side to side
- Flow: Eagle to Balancing Stick
- Flow: Stork to Dancer
- Tree with Arm Variations
- Tree with leg in Half Lotus
- Tree to Toe Stand
- Horse to Malasana
- Malasana to Crow

FLOOR ASANAS
- Crow
- Makarasana
- Moving Cobra
- ½ Locust, Full Locust, Side Locust
- Belly Navasana with arm and leg movement
- Boat with Arm and Feet Variations
- Camel
- Rabbit or Head Stand
- Moving Bridge
- Viparita Karani
- Plow
- Matsyasana
- Slow Closing Flow: Pawanmuktasana to Supine Thread the Needle to Eagle Leg Supine Spinal Twist – Both Sides
- Jastiasana with Crawling
- Savasana

PRANAYAMA
- Kapalabhati

SAVASANA  (10 to 20 breaths)

CHAKRA VISUALIZATION GUIDED IMAGERY MEDITATION

CLOSING
- Repetition of the Sounds of the Chakras and Affirmation in Dharma Chakra Mudra: “Integrating all the chakra qualities, my vision is manifest as lived reality.”
- Final long deep Om in unision

END OF PRACTICE
- Ideally, Kaphas should finish asana practice feeling invigorated, warm and light.   Their circulation will be energized and their chest and lungs feel more open.  Their mind will be sharp and clear. And the emotional heaviness often associated with kaphas will be released.