For an hour and a half, I can escape and completely focus on letting go. I've been to Rising Lotus Yoga in Sherman Oaks many times before, but I finally got my butt into one of Daniel Stewart's (studio owner) classes. He started off with some kirtan (yogic chanting), and slowly we started flowing. From the varying repetition of warrior poses and crescent pose to utkatasana (chair pose), downward-facing dog always feels good after a vinyasa (flow) and those chaturangas.
Chaturanga is a transitional sequence where you lower down slowly breathing out from a plank (push-up) position and roll up breathing in to cobra or up-dog peeling your shoulders back and opening your heart forward. Breathing out again, you release your core and pelvis upward into downward-facing dog for a few breaths. It's one of the best feelings.
My favorite part of class was when we went over to the wall and worked on inversions, which is really just a fancy term for handstands and headstands--poses where your feet are raised above your head. The headstand is supposed to be a very stress relieving asana (pose). We worked on the forearm stand and headstand, and like most yoga classes, we topped that section off with plow pose and shoulderstand.
Rising Lotus is a welcoming place to practice for new and experienced yogis and yoginis. I appreciate when teachers make an effort to assist and support my personal practice. Daniel was a friendly teacher who I'd definitely take again. I also recommend Claire Hartley, the co-owner.
"Let joy rise."
Rising Lotus Yoga, 13557 Ventura Bl. Sherman Oaks, CA risinglotusyoga.com
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