THE ISHTA STYLE

Most simply, at ISTHA we provide alignment based flow classes and meditation with attention to the individual student. Our classes are well-rounded and focus on stretching and strengthening all aspects of the body. Our teachers are unique: From Core Flow to ISHTA Diksha Meditation they appeal to a wide variety of students. We encourage our students to find the teachers with whom they resonate best so that they can develop an uplifting and consistent practice.

The word ISHTA has a two-fold definition. In Sanskrit, it means developing a personal yoga practice that meets your individual needs. ISHTA also stands for the Intergrated Science of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda.

The Ishta practice integrates the physical and energetic tools of yoga. Asana, pranayama, and meditation combine into a seamless practice which leads the individual to self-awareness, inner and outer equilibrium and self-transformation. Believing that the Tantric state of liberation and bliss are our natural state, and that the return to this state is the intention of yoga, an Ishta practice brings together asana to stretch, strengthen, balance, and release the physical body; pranayama and visualization to still and quiet the mind; and meditation to expand our awareness to the universal state of bliss. Depending on the needs or circumstances of the session (home practice, group class, or private lesson), the practice could be shaped to address very specific needs and imbalances, to draw awareness to a certain energetic theme) or simply to create a well-balanced whole which will generate peace and equilibrium in mind, body, and spirit. If there is a targeted energetic focus or meditative practice, asana will be chosen to increase awareness of the focus point via the physical experience.