The possibilites include:

Private and group instruction in hatha yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices
Customized group sessions designed to address specific needs, interests or concerns of the group
Private Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy sessions
Private Reiki sessions
Guest speaking engagements for meetings, workshops, retreats

Yoga and Meditation

One of the greatest gifts offered through committed yoga and meditation practice is that we learn to stay present with our experiences. As we are able to practice staying present on the yoga mat or meditation cushion we experience a whole range of sensations, thoughts and emotions – pain and pleasure, like and dislike, acceptance and resistance, holding on and letting go, patience and frustration. Over time we begin to notice and even trust how these phenomena arise, peak, and fade. We also get to see very clearly the many ways we have learned to judge, rationalize, resist our experience and, ultimately, find very creative and effective ways to exit our present experience by avoiding, attacking, acting out or addicting to thoughts, behaviors or substances.

What we experience on the mat or the cushion are the very same patterns that operate in our everyday life. Continued practice brings a sense of liberation as we become more skilled observers of these patterns and habits thus bringing us to the realization that they are just what we are conditioned to do – not who we are.

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy combines classical yoga techniques with elements of contemporary body-centered psychology to facilitate self-discovery and exploration of the relationship between your body, your mind and your life. PRYT is based on the belief that we often hold in our bodies unresolved emotional, mental and physical experiences which can influence how we engage with ourselves, with others, and with life.

Benefits clients report after receiving a private PRYT session include:

Enhanced body awareness
Sense of relaxation & well-being
Greater emotional & mental clarity which can facilitate problem-solving and decision-making
Release of physical & emotional tension in the body creating greater fluidity of movement & expression
Insights into self-limiting beliefs which have a mind/body component
Alleviation of physical pain caused by joint stiffness, loss of mobility, etc.

PRYT is offered in individual private sessions lasting approximately 90 minutes. It is a powerful, safe and natural path to enhanced well-being regardless of one’s body type, yoga experience, fitness level or physical condition. Some clients use it as an adjunct to traditional forms of treatment such as psychotherapy, physical therapy, etc.

Reiki

Reiki is a healing art that gently and powerfully promotes balance among the body’s energy systems and supports a natural integration of body and mind. Though Reiki techniques appear simple, the effects can feel profound. Clients often report experiencing deep relaxation, a sense of calm and well-being during and after receiving Reiki which all can contribute to our ability to be open and present to life’s experiences.

Reiki is offered in individual private sessions lasting approximately 60 minutes with clients fully clothed. The technique is very adaptable making Reiki suitable for most anyone and able to be practiced in a variety of settings.

Awareness Practices: Chris’s relevant experience

13 years experience as a yoga student
Received yoga teacher training certificate from White Lotus Foundation in Santa Barbara, California with teachers Ganga White and Tracey Rich
Completed 1 year of study leading to certification as Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Practitioner
Completed 6 month course and 3 advanced trainings in Meditating with the Body: Somatic Practices for Touching Enlightenment with Dr. Reginald Ray
Attended multiple workshops and completed 1 year course called Dismantling the Ego with Zen teacher Cheri Huber
Attended Heart Advice: The Path of Awakening with Pema Chodron
Self study with many teachers including Charlotte Joko Beck, Jack Kornfield, Shinzen Young
Second Degree Reiki practitioner – Usui System
Reiki provider for LifeSpark Cancer Resources