Æternal Light 

Sivananda Yoga is a classical style of hatha yoga.  Sivananda Yoga is based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda (pictured above left). It begins with basic practices summarized by his disciple, Swami Vishnudevananda (pictured above right), as the Five Points of Yoga that create a foundation for a yogic lifestyle and prepare the body and mind for advancing on the spiritual path. They are proper exercise, proper breathing, proper diet, proper relaxation, and positive thinking/meditation. The physical exercise component consists of 12 basic asanas which are done in a specific sequence for energetic purposes. Surya Namaskar (Sun Saluations) are practiced at the beginning of each session as an energetic warm up. The 12 basic asanas are gentle and effectively stretch and mobilize the spine in all directions. It is safe for all ages and levels and incorporates plenty of relaxation and gentle breathing to optimize health benefits. Pranayama is also incorporated into the sequence at the beginning of the practice. A classical session lasts two hours.

Philosophically, Swami Sivananda taught a yoga of synthesis, drawing on four complementary paths: Karma, Bhakti, Raja, and Jnana Yogas. Ultimately, this provides an integrated approach to self-transformation and ultimately, God-Realization. 

“Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize; Be good, Do good, Be kind, Be compassionate." 
​– Swami Sivananda

Meditation

Daily Meditation practice is vital to provide a connection to Spirit, to the "I AM" presence, to the divinity within.  It is a tool for God-realization.  Regular meditation practice helps to create stillness in the mind. Once the mind is still, real meditation begins. The practitioner can then meditate on the Self, and from there obtain Self-Realization or "Enlightenment". There are several techniques to effective meditation, as well as guided meditations available upon request.

Pranayama

Pranayama is a term used to describe controlled breathing exercises used to direct the flow of Prana(vital life force), in the body. By manipulating the flow of Prana in the body, the practitioner can obtain health benefits, cleanse the body of toxins, calm the mind for meditation preparation, decrease blood pressure, increase overall lung capacity, and more. For beginners, two methods of pranayama are available: Kapalabhati(shining skull breath) and Anuloma Viloma(alternate nostril breathing).

Kriyas Cleansing

Kriyas are a set of actions performed in order to deeply cleanse the body's organs and systems. They may seem archaic, however they are highly effective and have been used in India for thousands of years. It is recommended that they are not attempted by a novice without proper instruction from an experienced practitioner who can demonstrate them appropriately and guide the student.  Instruction is available for the following Kriyas:  Kapalabhati(cleansing breath), Dhauti(cloth swallowing), Tratak(candle gazing to cleanse the eyes), Nithya Thaila(oil pulling), eye pot(eye washing), Jala Neti(cleanse sinuses with water), Sutra Neti(cleanse sinus cavity with rubber catheter), Nauli(stomach churning), and Kunjal Kriya(vomiting salt water to cleanse the stomach, larnyx, and esophagus).