Integral Hatha with Pranayam with Amelia K. Chapman

About this Class:

The class focuses on intention. We will focus on the power of intention in movement and integrity within the asana and the self. We will begin with the breath and incorporate movement as meditation. We will then move into some accessible, but powerful asana and guided visualization, followed by music-assisted relaxation and gong meditation.

The style of the class is Integral Hatha with pranayam, meditation, low impact vinyasa flow focused on strength, integrity and intention. Sukh called it Kundalini/Hatha fusion

Teachers Bio: "I would come back to the asana in times of stress, whenever I needed to still my mind, or I was hoping to foster change. I really began to deepen my practice during my Music Therapy Internship- I found that asana helped to melt away the business of the day and still my whirring mind. The ability to be present to whatever was happening within body and breath became a space of sanctuary; an ongoing reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and continue on. As I continued to journey, my practice evolved from an experience to an integral part of my day to day.

Amelia is a graduate of Seaside Yoga Sanctuary's Integral Awakening Teacher Training program, earning her Certificate in 2013. Amelia explored meditation, guided relaxation and breath work as part of her Bachelors from Duquesne Univeristy. She has also attended a 10 day Vipassana Meditation course in 2012, and has deepened her yoga studies with Gabriel Benjamin, Melina Mezza, and Christina Sell, Sukhmandir Sing Khalsa, Justin Bench, and many others.

Amelia approaches teaching Asana with a strong sense of alignment and anatomy; she offers modifications, tips and adjustments with sensitivity to the student\'s individual strengths and areas of growth. Amelia\'s background in Music Therapy and work in clinical settings comes through in a hands-on, person-centered approach. In addition to work in the community, Amelia has taught yoga in clinical settings, including forensic and hospital. Her classes often feature breath work, meditation, guided relaxation, chant and mantra work, live music and a creative approach to asana. Amelia currently teaches with Seaside Yoga Sanctuary, offering Hatha yoga, Restorative yoga, Partner Yoga, and a closed, 6 week Beginner Series.

Amelia studied Music Therapy at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2008 with a BS in Music Therapy and a minor in Psycholgoy, then went on to complete a six month internship at Saint Elizabeths hospital in Washington, DC. Amelia obtained the MT-BC credential in 2010, and has been continuing her education and professional development as a Music Therapist, ever since. Amelia co-facilitates a monthly community drum circle with Cathy Rivera, MS, MM, MT-BC in Seaside, CA at Seaside Yoga Sanctuary.

"As a Music Therapist, I work closely with individuals and their treatment teams to develop music-based interventions that align with the goals, desired outcomes, musical preferences, background, and experience of each person. I especially enjoy encouraging clients to explore expression through creation- whether it is through song writing, composition, improvisation, learning an instrument or musical play. Always, we focus on the process of music making- the lessons learned, benefits gained, conversations along the way and personal growth that come are part of that process."