• Reservations not needed, just show up!
• Arrive early and be sure to introduce yourself to the teacher. Let them know how much experience you have, or about any injuries or illness.
• Bring a mat and towel. We do have studio mats available if you don’t own one yet.
• Bring water, we have a fountain for refills but do not keep cups to help with recycling.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
• Try to eat at least one hour before doing yoga; two hours is even better.
• For additional information please see our Studio Etiquette and Location pages

Remember, the only thing you are obligated to do in a yoga class is show up and
breathe, everything else is optional.
-Peace
Gillian

Saturday, November 9

1:30-3:30PM
Physical Origami
This class offers a fundamental understanding of how the body is made to fit together within both familiar and innovative sequences of yoga postures that fold and unfold, inform and transform one another.

5-7PM
Yoga Geometry 101
This class will help develop a skillful imagination and effective technique by utilizing simple understanding of geometry and physics. Inversions and hand balances will be related to standing and seated postures.

Sunday, November 10

9:30-12:30PM
Form Informs Form
In this class we will explore a range of postures and examine how one form informs another. Using props for leverage and measure we will develop integrity and ease while building a powerful yet sustainable yoga practice.

2-5PM
Intro to Adjustments
What does it mean to be well adjusted? What does one’s posture reveal about their psychology? Gain a metaphorical understanding of the significance of a postural adjustment, and learn safe and transformative adjustment techniques.

Friday, February 21, 2014
6-8PM
Ashtanga Yoga: An Introduction
Exploring the Fundamentals

This class is an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga. It is open to all levels of experience or lack thereof. The building blocks of Ashtanga Yoga will be explored through the basic elements of Breath, Bandhas and Vinyasa. There will be a short discussion followed by an introductory flow through an abbreviated sequence from the First Series. The class will end with a guided deep relaxation.

Saturday, February 22, 2014
9-11AM
All Aboard the Ashtanga Train
Yoga Chikitsa: A Fully Conducted Primary Series Class

This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga. It will be conducted like a train ride that will continue flowing along all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing sequence. There will be time at the end of the flow to enjoy a deep relaxation.

1-3:30PM
Flying, Floating, and Handstanding
A Fun-filled exploration of Vinyasa and Arm-balances

One of the greatest challenges of the Ashtanga flow is the vinyasa. In this class David will break the vinyasa down into its components. He likes to refer to this as: “The Physics of Flight”. The class will also explore the elements of handstands and arm-balances.

This will all be done through the avenue of partner work. There is always plenty of laughter and fun as well as a depth of information in this class. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.

4-5:30PM
Breath, Bandas, and Pranayama
Exploring the Mantra of Ujjayi and the Mysteries of Energy Locks

In Sanskrit, Man means Mind and Tra means to Free or Deliver. Therefore the word Mantra means to Free the Mind. There are many mantras in yoga such as Om, Hare Krishna, Om Namo Shivaya and a plethora of others. In Ashtanga Yoga the mantra is the sound of our breath: Ujjayi. There is no other sound more universal than breath. It is not tied to language or culture and is “chanted” from the first moment of birth. This class will focus on the mantra of ujjayi within asana practice as well as during pranayama. In addition to breath work the class will also explore the invisible world of Bandhas. We well attempt to gain greater understanding of these subtle yet powerful tools through interactive discussion as well as a series of practical exercises.

Sunday, February 23, 2014
9-11AM
Nadi Shodana/A Guided Tour
An Introduction to the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga

Students should have a regular practice of the First Series in order to attend this class. There will be an introductory discussion of the dynamics inherent to the Second Series. David will then lead the class through a portion of First Series acting as a springboard into as much of the Second Series as seems appropriate. There will be a variety of options given for each posture in order to allow multiple approaches.

1-3:30PM
Inversions, Backbends, and Sitting with Your Breath
Finding Stability When the World is Inverted and Returning Home to Breath

This class will turn your world upside/down in order to explore the dynamics of inverting the body through building a solid foundation from which to grow while also looking at the opposing forces at play in Inversions. Backbends will be redefined as front openings and sitting quietly will be explored as an active participation in self-exploration through developing a relationship with our lifelong companion, breath.

4-5:30PM
Eight Limbs and Daily Life
How does this practice apply within the context of daily living?

Underlying the mysterious and complex philosophy of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras there is a truly profound simplicity that may be applied within the context of our daily lives. This class will discuss the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and explore their applications within our day-to-day life. What is the use of Philosophy without real application? We may memorize quotations or stanzas from great writings but unless we can apply them within our life they are merely words spoken rather than knowledge realized.

I started my asana practice in 1999. I had come from a life of dancing (ballet & contemporary) and I didn’t know how much I relied on the physical to take care of my emotional state until the day I quit dance. I had no knowledge of where I was storing all my feelings (my life) until that moment. So when I took my first Ashtanga yoga class I felt completely clear again, it was magic! I felt whole.

For a long time that is where I stayed, heavy in the physical form and I thought that way worked for everyone until I came back from India. I tried to teach what I had learned and was sorely mistaken on how yoga works for everybody. Lesson learned, re-learned, and continuously defined and refined on how I can be of service to others, myself, and my family through the practice of yoga.

I opened Steadfast and True Yoga in Nashville TN in August 2010. I wanted to create a studio and space that holds tightly to values of right action, less distraction to create healthy reactions. I wanted to create an extended family. I succeeded. Steadfast is constantly growing and evolving, but it has been and will continue to be an amazing journey for me.

I am very passionate about truth and integrity and ask for that in my yoga classes. I ask the yogi to seek the knowledge of breath and asana before the fluidity and vinyasa. Having said that, I teach very strong alignment based Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Hatha classes. When you come to my class know that you are safe and supported in the journey we take together. It’s important to understand that everything in yoga is attainable although its process that needs to explored.

I ask the students to focus on what their true needs are and let go of wants. That way they (we) can stop being so needy and stop wanting what isn’t ours.
“Contentment before bliss, peace is in the middle.”

I think I’m funny and love when people laugh at my jokes. I adore and thank the universe daily for my husband Jason and our daughter Sydelle.

Here’s what’s been said about me lately…

“Gillian is teacher’s teacher. She has a reputation for taking the asana away only to give it back specifically designed to suit the students individual needs. Her motto of ‘define and refine’ is exactly how she teaches each class. No matter the level or style of class be it 2 people or 200 she’s talking directly to you. ‘Once you know where to go then you can flow.’”

“Gillian’s Vinyasa classes reflect her dancers nature and are creative, fluid, very powerful. Her Ashtanga classes require the discipline that is needed to stay safe and continue ‘the Practice’ for life.”

Visit stclairyoga.com for more!

Ashlee
Brent
Brett
Genevieve
Gillian
Julie
Mary Richardson
Michelle
Seth
Wendy
Winston

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Questions?
Most can be answered by navigating our website. Please check New Students, Studio Etiquette, or Classes. If you still can’t find the answer to your question, please contact us info@steadfastandtrueyoga.com and we will respond within 24 hours!

Happy hour is self explanatory! Powerful & creative Vinyasa yoga that will help re-energize and get you through the rest of the day. With rocking playlists your sure to sweat and smile.
Mixed Levels Welcome

This 1 hour classes will explain the various layers of Ashtanga yoga. Where the breath, internal locks, gaze and individual poses are explored. We will move at a slower pace & break down the salutations,standing and selected seated poses from the Primary Series.
All Levels Welcome

This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures-a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. This is the first series and what most ashtanga yogis do primarily “hence the sweet name”.
Mixed Levels Welcome

Our Vinyasa Yoga has dynamic sequencing that link the breath and the movement. All levels are welcome, as the instructors are gifted to teach with modifications for every body and challenging options for the more daring. Each teacher will bring their own flare to the class.
Mixed Levels Welcome (Intermediate/Advanced Vinyasa will incorporate inversions, half-full lotus, arm balances and more intricate sequencing.)

Enjoy a complete and fulfilling Vinyasa Flow class while sharpening the details of your asana practice. From basic alignment techniques to discovering your bandhas, this slower-paced flow will make an already-established practice truly shine or give a beginning practice a solid foundation on which to build.
All Levels Welcome

Ashtanga mix is a blend of first series, second series and if your lucky third series. Accompanied by radical tunes we renegade this practice and take it way off the grid. A taste for adventure is recommended but not required. Bring a towel.
Mixed Levels Welcome

We could say its all of the Second Series with music and a few additions…
You will sweat so bring your own mat, a towel, and a change of clothes, and some water oh and no ego!
Advanced Levels Welcome

This style of Hatha Yoga emphasizes the integration of breath and
movement to facilitate the natural unfolding of a linked sequence of poses, or vinyasa. By applying a more internal, energetic approach to the practice, students will learn how to move through poses with more intelligence, structural awareness, alignment, stability and ease.
All Levels Welcome

This practice was created by Matthew Sweeney in the tradition of T. Krishnamacharya to be a point of balance and a precursor to the Ashtanga Primary Series. Chandra Krama is intended for practice on the full moon, the new moon and at those times when you are feeling more tired than usual. Practicing a restorative sequence at regular intervals has many advantages, such as decreasing the risk of strain or injury, and increasing awareness of your changing internal body conditions as influenced by the seasons and the waxing and waning of the moon. Chandra Krama is accessible and beneficial to practitioners of all levels.
All Levels Welcome

A relaxing and rejuvenating class for all levels, even the complete beginner. Yin yoga opens up the deep, dense, areas such as the connective tissues and joints. Long holds and focused breathing will create a deeper range of motion and increased energy flow that will open up new possibilities to your practice.
All Levels Welcome

This class offers various poses to open your hips and shoulders and explores different pranayama (breathing) exercises to help get you into a deeper state of relaxation. Its a practice to take into the real world and apply in the most stressful of times.
All Levels Welcome

I completed a 200 hour RYT course at the White Lotus Foundation in June, 2010. I am also a Licensed Massage Therapist here in Nashville, TN since 2006. My background and passion is in the Ashtanga tradition and also Vinyasa Flow so my classes will reflect that. I would like to give many thanks to my teachers, Diane Avice Du Buisson for planting the seeds, and Gillian St. Clair for watering them… So much love and gratitude to both.