About OHY:
How ‘Open Heart Yoga’ Started:
‘Open Heart Yoga’ was born out of Whitney Rubison’s commitment to the principles of Unitarian Universalism - All Paths - and her love of Yoga. When she was offered a position with His Holiness, Swami Vidyadhishananda, she and her family knew it was an opportunity that couldn’t be passed up. Still wanting the ‘Open Heart Yoga’ Community to continue, she passed the torch on to Christina Gerdes, RYT, ND, MHC.
Christina Gerdes came to ‘Open Heart Yoga’ as a student, after taking a brief sabbatical from teaching yoga. Christina and Whitney shared with each other their love of yoga, spirituality; and living a natural and healthy lifestyle, often after class. Shortly after, Christina began teaching one class a week and a fire was re-ignited inside her for sharing the joy of yoga with others. When Whitney began looking for her replacement, she didn’t have to look further than ‘Open Heart Yoga's’ studio for the new owner.
Today, Christina and ‘Open Heart Yoga’ continue in the tradition of offering classes, with an open heart and all the love in the world, at UUCL’s beautiful sanctuary space. While most classes are predominantly Asanas (postures), all classes will occasionally touch on Pranayama (breath control), Dhyana (meditation) as well as, the many wisdoms of Yoga.
Yoga is beneficial to the body, the mind, and the spirit. Yoga works to strengthen and stretch the body, while providing
tools to help one rest the mind. When the mind rests, the spirit is free to expand and relax;
allowing you to be your truest self.
‘Open Heart Yoga’ is firmly rooted in the practice of Ashtanga Yoga.
The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are:
- YAMAS - Moral Observances
- NIYAMAS - Inner Observances
- ASANAS - Postures
- PRANAYAMA - Breathwork
- PRATYAHARA - Withdrawl from senses
- DHARANA - Techniques of concentration
- DHYANA - Meditation
- SAMADHI - Bliss
At ‘Open Heart Yoga’, we want the community to experience the benefits of practicing yoga and encourage each student to continue their own practice at home.
Please come experience the beauty and peace of yoga with us anytime.
Namaste
~ Christina
