FAQs and Links


What is yoga?

Yoga is a system of movement, breath and focus that brings health to the body and peace to the mind. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to unite or to yoke, referring to the integration and balance of body, mind, and spirit. Through the practice of yoga, we can experience a relaxed and strong body, a clear and calm mind and inner peace.

What are the benefits of TriYoga?

People come to yoga for a variety of reasons, including a desire to reduce stress or back and other pains, or an interest in increasing strength and flexibility. Studies continue to show that the benefits of yoga include:

Emotional balance, mental clarity, and self-confidence
Increase flexibility, strength, and endurance for healthy muscles, tendons, and ligaments
A supple spine and dynamic nervous system
Maximize digestion, assimilation, and elimination
Invigorate immune, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems
Purify and strengthen vital organs and glands
Realization of intuitive knowledge and expanded awareness
Accelerate transformation of body, mind, spirit

For more information see: Yoga Day USA: Yoga and Your Health

What are the benefits of yoga with Julie?

Most of my classes are located in my small home studio, which gives an intimate and comfortable feel to the class. Because the classes are small, there is plenty of opportunity for individual attention and assistance, based on a student’s needs and interests.

My classes are structured in 8-week sessions. Although drop-ins are allowed if space permits, commitment to the 8 weeks is encouraged. This allows me to get to know each student and to assist them best with their individual needs and concerns.

With the small classes, systematized method, and student-teacher commitment, students develop relaxation, knowledge, flexibility and strength in a perceptible, steady and safe progression.

My background as a Massage Therapist also gives me a strong foundation in anatomy, body mechanics and safety, and experience with many different types of physical limitations and concerns.
 
To learn what my students have to say, please visit the Testimonials page.  

What can I expect in a TriYoga class?

Classes generally begin in a seated posture, focusing on a relaxed body and rhythmical breath. Flowing movements and sustained postures are then added, based on students’ knowledge and the level of the class. Through the practice, the breath becomes more rhythmical, the mind focused and calm, the body relaxed. Attention is given to providing a safe and supportive environment in which every student feels comfortable. Blankets, pillows, blocks and other props are used to ensure ease and alignment. Classes conclude with deep relaxation, breathing techniques and meditation, again depending on students’ knowledge and level of class.
 

I’m not flexible - can I do yoga?

Practicing yoga is not about flexibility, although flexibility will steadily increase. Most everyone can practice yoga, beginning right where they are now. Modifications can be given and props (pillows, blankets, blocks) are used to accommodate individual bodies and needs.

What should I wear?

Yoga is most easily practiced in comfortable clothing that allows the body to bend and breathe fully. Clothing should allow freedom of movement without being overly loose or baggy.

What should I bring?

Mats, blocks and other props are provided, though you are always welcome to bring your own. You may also want to bring a blanket to cover up with during deep relaxation at the end of class.

What are the benefits of private sessions?

Private sessions are specifically tailored to your needs and abilities. It can be an opportunity for more individualized attention and pacing, more hands-on assisting, or to work with specific conditions, injuries and challenges. Results can include a deeper practice and greater focus, and can supplement the class experience or stand alone.

How is TriYoga different from other types of yoga?

TriYoga is similar to other yoga styles in that it includes physical postures, breathing techniques, and practices to encourage concentration and meditation. TriYoga is unique due to its distinctive and systematic sequencing, the wavelike spinal movements, the union of posture, breath and focus, the emphasis on economy of motion, natural alignment, and pacing. TriYoga is also unique because it was not created through the mind, but rather it spontaneously emerged through Kali Ray’s deep experience of meditation. This flow, this manifestation of universal life energy, continues to guide and inspire the evolution of TriYoga.

For more information, see Kali Ray Triyoga.

Why is it important that TriYoga is systematized?

The systematic approach of TriYoga allows the practice to be as gentle or as challenging as the student desires. Learning systematically allows the student to learn foundational practices first, progressing as knowledge, understanding, and comfort with the practices increase. It allows one to safely build strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance over time, beginning with simpler postures and sequences, and progressing as the student is ready. With the systematized method, students also experience a deeper level of comfort and relaxation in the practice.

Who is Kali Ray?

Kali Ray, or Kaliji, is the founder of TriYoga. She has devoted her life to sharing the ageless universal teachings of yoga. Traveling extensively, she has taught TriYoga on a daily basis for over 30 years. Integrating Eastern thought and Western tradition, she has presented 32 keynote addresses at yoga conferences and other venues worldwide, and has been featured in yoga magazines and other media. Kaliji’s presence, her mastery of the flow and the ageless wisdom inherent in TriYoga have inspired and transformed the lives of countless people throughout the world.

Is it possible to do TriYoga teacher training?

Yes! Theresa Shay, in State College, PA, is a Certified TriYoga Teacher Trainer. For information about her Basics TriYoga Teacher Training workshops, see her Pennsylvania Yoga Workshops. For general information about TriYoga Teacher Training, see Kali Ray's TriYoga Teacher Training | Overview.

Where did those beautiful background images come from?

Rya Demulder is an artist living and working in Seattle, Washington. The background image is derived from one of Rya's flowing collage works, used by permission. She is Julie's niece, and one of several family members who also loves and practices TriYoga!

Who did the website design and most of the photography?

James Glenn is an award-winning artist and photographer living and working in Indiana, PA. He is also the world's foremost authority on the ancient art of silverpoint drawing.

Links

I recommend Manduka mats for TriYoga practice, available from Manduka Yoga Gear