Frequently Asked Questions
What is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient technology that originated in India. The practice of yoga has been traced back 5,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization. The word Yoga means union or yoke. Yoga is the union of mind, body, and spirit through breath and movement. The Indian sage Patanjali is credited with writing the first treatise on yogic philosophy known as the Yoga Sutras. There are many schools of yoga that focus on different aspects of those teachings.
Why should I practice at the Yoga Soleil Studio?
We make the practice of yoga easy for students by creating a safe, beautiful, and serene space to breathe, stretch, relax, and renew. Our experienced and devoted teachers are committed to the individual needs and goals of our students. We offer many classes a week at various hours to meet the demands of our student's schedule. We also offer weekly workshops on yoga, meditation, health and well being, and creative living. We are green.
What is the difference between Kundalini and Flow yoga?
Flow yoga is derived from Hatha yoga, which is the physical branch of yoga and focuses on the relationship between breath and movement. Flow yoga is a fluid series of poses linked together with the breath, allowing students to experience a deeper connection with their bodies. Students experience a great mind-body workout.
Kundalini, known as the yoga of awareness, uses breath, yogic postures, meditation and chanting to strengthen overall health and well being. The combination of yoga and meditation promotes emotional balance, mental clarity, and deeper self awareness. Kundalini yoga is the yoga for change and transformation.
Kundalini Yoga classes at Yoga Soleil are based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan who began teaching in America in 1969. He was the first person to break the age-old tradition of secrecy and teach Kundalini yoga publicly. Yogi Bhajan is also the founder of the 3HO (Healthy, Happy, Holy) organization which is a non-profit organization offering Kundalini yoga and meditation classes around the world.
What religion is yoga?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a science of the breath and movement. Yoga welcomes people from all faiths.
Should I eat before class?
Depending on your body, we generally recommend that our students not eat 2 hour before a class. If hunger is an issue, a light snack before class can help.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move easily in are best for yoga.
What should I bring?
Yoga Soleil provides mats and props free of charge. We recommend bringing your own personal mat.
Which class should I take?
We recommend our Beginners class series as a great way to learn the basics and as a refresher for more experienced students. We also recommend trying different classes in order to find the class that is right for you. If you have specific physical requirement or injuries please call us for recommendations or ask any staff member at the studio. All classes have a drop-in option.
Do I need to register in advance?
No. Just come a few minutes early to check in and secure a spot. For your convenience, online registration is available.
Why do we chant sometimes?
Most yogic chants are in either Sanskrit or Gurmukhi, both ancient languages of the yogis. The sound vibrations created during chanting stimulate pressure points in the mouth. These sound vibrations enhance a meditative state of mind and effect the brain chemistry. Chanting is a powerful tool for combating negative thought patterns.
What is Om?
Om is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. Chanting this sound at the beginning and/or end of practice brings students and teachers together, as if tuning an orchestra.
What if I’m running late?
If you arrive 5 to 15 minutes late we ask that you enter the studio quietly. We may not be able to accommodate students arriving 20 minutes after the start of classes.