Slow Build to a Fire

About This Class

This class opens in Shavasana with an extended exploration of four-part breath awareness before gently warming the body through supine twists, core work (shoulder lifts, scissor legs), and cat-cow. From tabletop, students progress through repeated high-plank and low-plank cycles, down dog, and a methodical standing sequence on each side encompassing Crescent/Lunge, Warrior One, Warrior Two, Extended Side Angle, Triangle, and Reverse Warrior. Balancing peaks include twisted lunge, twisted half-moon, and standing splits with optional press-up inversions. The floor-based closing moves through bound-angle balance, a seated half-forward fold (Janu Sirsasana variant), double pigeon/sleeping pigeon on both sides, Paschimottanasana, Happy Baby, plow pose, and shoulder stand. The class ends in Shavasana followed by a seven-chakra guided meditation. Throughout, the instructor frames breath as the "rod and staff" of practice — the primary tool for navigating sensation, regulating effort, and sustaining mindfulness — making the class equally suitable as a mobility and flexibility session as it is a strength and endurance challenge.