the center of joy
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Hatha Yoga
Yoga Intention
My intention as a yoga teacher is to integrate mindfulness practice with a meditative flow of breathing (praanayama) and postures (aasana) to develop strength, balance and flexibility in the body while cultivating presence, equanimity and an opening of the heart. Students are encouraged to explore with compassion and curiosity his or her own deeply held tensions, assumptions and habits of body and mind to open to a healthier, more present and joyful self—both on and off the mat.
Current Yoga Studios & Classes
See calendar of events for current schedule.
Eyes of the World Vinyasa Yoga
innerhappiness.com
I offer two Basic Yoga Flow classes a week at Eyes of the World, in the heart of Providence. Explore a variety of yoga elements, from essential philosophy to the mechanics of downward facing dog. This class is suitable for newcomers to vinyasa yoga as well as intermediate practitioners looking for a mellow yet meaningful yoga experience.
I also lead a "Community Yoga by Donation" class (Wednesday afternoons at 3:00pm) once a month. This class is taught in rotation by various Eyes of the World teachers.
Maiden Yoga & Private Sessions
I offer two classes a week out of my house for Smith Hill residents. I am also available for private sessions-- contact thecenterofjoy@gmail.com for rates and availability.
Yoga Experience
I received my teaching certification (RYT200) through Eyes of the World in Providence, RI. I have studied extensively with Tom Gillette at Eyes of the World as well as Divya Epstein-Lubow. I have been practicing Vipassana (insight/mindfulness) meditation for over 10 years and have a strong commitment to contemplative practice. Yoga offers me the opportunity to combine my interest in awakening the heart and mind with my love of body expression and movement.
Rebecca's Notes for New Yogis
1. Give yourself a really big cushion of acceptance—there’s nothing you need to be or a particular way you need to look at any given moment. Bodies and body histories differ vastly and the practice unfolds in its own way for each individual. There’s a lot to explore but there’s nothing to “get right.”
2. Be patient with yourself and the practice. Each time you come back to your mat, you will find yourself incorporating more and more aspects of the practice, and as you do, the body steadily opens.
3. Injuries happen when we try to force the body. In this practice, there’s no need to force anything. Just come to the place where you begin to feel tension (“your appropriate edge”) and then relax or soften into that place. The breath and face can be important clues: if your breath is labored or your face tense, you are probably working too hard and should back off a bit. Sharp shooting pains are always a sign to back off. I’m happy to provide a variation to any pose that doesn’t work for you.
4. I may from time to time offer individual adjustments or assists. If it’s a safety concern, I will let you know. Most assists however are not meant as “corrections” so much as possible ways to explore, open or relax into the pose. If something doesn’t feel right, let me know immediately.
5. Be curious about what’s happening in the moment. The physical practice is important but the real fruits of yoga are more subtle and have to do with our relationship to ourselves and our relationship to what’s happening at any given moment. This is the transformative aspect of yoga that we carry off the mat and into our lives.
6. Be playful and have fun! The more joy you bring to your practice, the more often you will come back to your mat…
My intention as a yoga teacher is to integrate mindfulness practice with a meditative flow of breathing (praanayama) and postures (aasana) to develop strength, balance and flexibility in the body while cultivating presence, equanimity and an opening of the heart. Students are encouraged to explore with compassion and curiosity his or her own deeply held tensions, assumptions and habits of body and mind to open to a healthier, more present and joyful self—both on and off the mat.
Current Yoga Studios & Classes
See calendar of events for current schedule.
Eyes of the World Vinyasa Yoga
innerhappiness.com
Monday mornings at 9:30 am Monday evenings at 7:30 pm
I offer two Basic Yoga Flow classes a week at Eyes of the World, in the heart of Providence. Explore a variety of yoga elements, from essential philosophy to the mechanics of downward facing dog. This class is suitable for newcomers to vinyasa yoga as well as intermediate practitioners looking for a mellow yet meaningful yoga experience.
I also lead a "Community Yoga by Donation" class (Wednesday afternoons at 3:00pm) once a month. This class is taught in rotation by various Eyes of the World teachers.
New
Beginner Introductory Package
4 classes in 15 days, $44 total online
$39 (4 classes) + $5 membership = $44.
Regular "Basics" classes only. One time offer. Must be used in 15 days.
innerhappiness.com
4 classes in 15 days, $44 total online
$39 (4 classes) + $5 membership = $44.
Regular "Basics" classes only. One time offer. Must be used in 15 days.
innerhappiness.com
Maiden Yoga & Private Sessions
I offer two classes a week out of my house for Smith Hill residents. I am also available for private sessions-- contact thecenterofjoy@gmail.com for rates and availability.
Yoga Experience
I received my teaching certification (RYT200) through Eyes of the World in Providence, RI. I have studied extensively with Tom Gillette at Eyes of the World as well as Divya Epstein-Lubow. I have been practicing Vipassana (insight/mindfulness) meditation for over 10 years and have a strong commitment to contemplative practice. Yoga offers me the opportunity to combine my interest in awakening the heart and mind with my love of body expression and movement.
Rebecca's Notes for New Yogis
1. Give yourself a really big cushion of acceptance—there’s nothing you need to be or a particular way you need to look at any given moment. Bodies and body histories differ vastly and the practice unfolds in its own way for each individual. There’s a lot to explore but there’s nothing to “get right.”
2. Be patient with yourself and the practice. Each time you come back to your mat, you will find yourself incorporating more and more aspects of the practice, and as you do, the body steadily opens.
3. Injuries happen when we try to force the body. In this practice, there’s no need to force anything. Just come to the place where you begin to feel tension (“your appropriate edge”) and then relax or soften into that place. The breath and face can be important clues: if your breath is labored or your face tense, you are probably working too hard and should back off a bit. Sharp shooting pains are always a sign to back off. I’m happy to provide a variation to any pose that doesn’t work for you.
4. I may from time to time offer individual adjustments or assists. If it’s a safety concern, I will let you know. Most assists however are not meant as “corrections” so much as possible ways to explore, open or relax into the pose. If something doesn’t feel right, let me know immediately.
5. Be curious about what’s happening in the moment. The physical practice is important but the real fruits of yoga are more subtle and have to do with our relationship to ourselves and our relationship to what’s happening at any given moment. This is the transformative aspect of yoga that we carry off the mat and into our lives.
6. Be playful and have fun! The more joy you bring to your practice, the more often you will come back to your mat…
