Present Moment Retreat’s co-founder, CJ Ananda Page, has a heartfelt passion for sharing the gift of yoga. After traveling to India in 2001, she deepened her experience of yoga and was encouraged to pursue a teaching path. She received her teaching certification from Yoga Center of Minneapolis, where her focus was Ashtanga yoga and meditation. CJ teaches an Ashtanga Vinyasa flow style of yoga that integrates interdisciplinary yoga practice, philosophy, pranayama and meditation. Her energy and enthusiasm evokes the essence of yoga as she approaches every class with grace and inner joy. CJ also is a gifted dancer, choreographer and national champion gymnast. She has studied with many inspiring teachers including Shiva Rea, Tias Little, Seane Corn, David Swenson, Doug Swenson, Richard Freeman, Cindy Lee, Beryl Bender Birch, Judith Lasater, Larry Schultz, Baron Baptist, John Friend and Rod Stryker. CJ also facilitates 200 hour Yoga Alliance certified Yoga Teacher Trainings each year at Present Moment Retreat.
Vinyasa yoga synchronizes movement and breath, and will take you on a journey of rhythmic dance unifying the body, mind and spirit. This flowing sequence of asanas (postures), combined with pranayama (breathing techniques) encourages flexibility, strength, and circulation. You will move through sun salutations, dynamic sequencing of poses, final relaxation and meditation. The yoga classes at Present Moment are specifically designed so that by the end of your retreat you will have learned new postures, strengthened your body, and transformed your current practice. Beginners and advanced students alike will find their senses awakened as they embrace the heart of yoga.
Classical Ashtanga yoga is known as the Eightfold path of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras; the practice of yoga that combines breath control and a flow of sequential postures. The eight ‘limbs’ of Ashtanga are yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. The very essence of yoga pervades every aspect of Present Moment’s approach to individual positive change, teaching us how to exhibit qualities of a yogi, not only in our practice, but also in our daily lives.
Watch a video of a class in session
The Essence of Yoga
Yoga is not a religion, although its teachings are integral to most spiritual paths. It is also not a mere exercise routine. Yoga is a systematic science of self discovery, with the ultimate purpose of growing towards enlightenment. Through consistent yoga practice the body achieves maximum health at any age, while the mind is purified and the emotions are stabilized. These achievements however are only the beginning of what yoga offers. It is a dynamic pathway to awareness of one’s own true self. Dating back thousands of years, yoga helps to release energy blockages in the body, clear the mind, relieve stress and induce a sense of harmony.
Shiva Samhita:
Shiva’s Compendium was written during the 18th Century by an unknown author who writes as though Shiva himself were speaking. The work alludes frequently to the Tantras, and there is a distinct Buddhist influence that runs throughout the text. This is one of three major surviving classical treatises on Hatha Yoga. Like many early writings on yoga, the written text resembles an instructor’s notes: it covers the highlights, but leaves the details to be filled in orally.
Yoga practice encourages your conscious living connection. Through this ancient art of renewal we learn to listen to our own inner guidance as well as work creatively with the classical postures and timeless instructions passed down through the ages. Present Moment’s dynamic and graceful approach to yoga emphasizes a balance between strength and flexibility, while building endurance and developing self awareness. Through precision in movement and attention to the subtle aspects of posture and breath, we are dedicated to increasing the health and vitality of individuals while supporting their unlimited potential as spiritual beings.
Pricing
Please visit the main Classes page for yoga class pricing.