Currently Teaching Yin Yoga at 7:30pm on Wednesday Nights at Yoga Pulse Studio, 342 N. Val Vista Dr.  Suite 102  Mesa, AZ 85213  (480) 459-5444
Yoga is many things to many people. To me, I like the definition that it's Yoking with God. It's easy to say it's not just one thing and yet it is since it is, because it is a "Way of Life". Patanjali's 8 limbs are a key part. The Sutra's help us define the practice and yes, it's all a practice. 
We do not come to Yoga in perfect form, we come to Yoga to simply explore ourselves, our relationship's with others, our world and ultimately God. 
Sutra's 1.1 to 1.3 define our purpose.
This is my simplistic view. First is to take the plunge. Second we become aware, deeper and deeper. And finally we we see from a place that our eyes are not capable of viewing. We see with our heart and soul. We begin to let go of all that is not needed anymore. What's left? Things like contentment, joy, peace, gratitude and most of all, Love.  
The Greatest Compliment is that of Family or Friend.

Wall Yoga

Wall Yoga is based on Iyengar's Rope Wall, though it is an adaptation of encouraging anatomical symmetry, muscle, ligament development and the concepts of that with every pose (and our poses in life) that we must have an active part & at the same time an equally relaxing quality. Most wall classes will have a more Hatha style practice, so it will have strength, stamina, relaxation, concentration and meditation included. 

Hatha / Vinyasa

Within an active practice is also that effort & ease. That we find the metaphor for life in our practice and visa versa. Through a great active, yet balanced practice, we can have a healthy body, mind and Spirit. So the style of your practice will be what you need today. The best & most beautiful quote I have ever heard was "Never practice so hard that you don't want to practice tomorrow" It's a balance and we ALL need the physical along with the relaxing. We need "All the seasons" of Yoga in our life. Each has it's advantages. The key is to start Today! 

Yin-Restorative-Meditation

Yin is my go to when my joints need some TLC. It's designed to allow the muscles to relax yet the fascia is under constant and deliberate pressure. Note that I did not say pain. That the right amount of stress, the body will bring the healing fluids that will relieve it over time. The poses here are three plus minutes since it takes longer for the soft tissue to absorb the thicker ground substance. After an injury or long period of time away, starting with just meditation, then restorative and eventually yin is a plan. Yin is not a steady diet by itself, remember we need the Hatha / Vinyasa for the muscles and cardiovascular systems too. 
One of my Favorite Chants & Quotes:

'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya'
 
Let the different faiths exist,
Let them flourish,
and let the glory of God be sung in all the languages and in a variety of tunes.
That should be the Ideal.
Respect the differences between the faiths and recognize them as valid
as long as they do not extinguish the flame of unity.
Sathya Sai Baba