Beyond Body, Beyond Mind, Be, Joy!
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Founder: Debi Lewis, E-RYT 500
601-613-4317
e-mail: joyflowdeb@bellsouth.net
Welcome to Joyflow Yoga! On these pages I'd like to introduce you to this wonderful journey of yoga and the various healing modalities I have studied, which I now offer to you. My experience has been that yoga offers answers and healing for all aspects of your life. Yoga is great exercise and a way to relieve pain; this is why most people, including myself, are initially drawn to it. But yoga also offers wisdom for living, in body, mind and spirit. Below I have outlined the Classic 8 Limbs on which yoga is based. Most importantly, yoga is about realizing who you really are; discovering your spiritual essence.
The Joyflow Philosophy and Style
The Vinyasa (flow) style of hatha yoga grew out of the merging of several styles of yoga. As such, there exists no one originator of this style. The innovators of vinyasa yoga played in the free-flow of creativity and exploration of breath and movement. Although I did not realize it in the beginning, I was part of this creative current, blending the influences of my training over 20 years into a meaningful flowing practice. Because of this experience, I am able to draw from many influences to apply them as needed. For more detailed information about my background and training, click here.
The
word "Lila" means Divine Play, which refers to the playfulness and honoring of the Sacred that infuses the Joyflow classes. Not only are Joyflow classes physically satisfying, I strive to create a nurturing environment conducive to spiritual development.
The 8-Limbed Path of Yoga
1. Universal Ethical Restraints (Yamas) - nonviolence, truthfulness, nonstealing, chastity (or living with integrity), nongrasping
2. Observances of Personal Conduct (Niyamas) - cleanliness, contentment, discipline, self-study, devotion to God
3. The physical practice (Asana)
4. Breathing Techniques (Pranayama)
5. Withdrawal of the Senses (Pratyahara)
6. Concentration of the Mind (Dharana)
7. Meditation (Dhyana)
8. Absorption in the Infinite, Realization of God's Presence Within (Samadhi)
What students are saying:
As an RN and a long time sufferer with lower back pain, I am amazed at what yoga has done for me physically. I have no more back pain with practicing three times/week on average. I have found that yoga provides the flexibility to make you feel younger, and provides healing properties, reducing stress and increasing bloodflow to all parts of the body--proven to make you healthier. I knew the theory, but the actual practice astounds you. Also, mentally, I am more focused, centered, and calm...a true natural remedy to ADD! I am very thankful for the more abundant life Joyflow has provided for me. Thank you. Jean Smith
Having chronic pulmonary disease makes it really hard to get air in and out of your lungs. The breathing exercises we worked on help me focus on how I am breathing. It made me more aware of taking deeper and more fulfilling breaths and helped me to relax and make best use of the air capacity I have. I want to build on that capacity to help me keep away from inhalants, especially steroids. Though I know I cannot erase the ravages of time and cigarette abuse, as a former smoker, I appreciate the importance of proper breathing now and certainly plan never to have to use oxygen. Yoga exercises can help me do that. Thanks, L.
“I am so grateful for Joyflow Yoga. After practice, I leave feeling clear-minded, relaxed and at peace. The environment is inviting and friendly. Debi is genuinely concerned with each student’s individual needs.”–Lana Giessinger, Sales Representative
My friend introduced me to Yoga a couple of months ago and I immediately loved it. Because of my job I tend to hunch my back and sit in one position throughout the day. Yoga has helped me improve my posture through back and shoulder stretches. I am also a worrier and tend to stress easily. Yoga is my relaxation! I look forward to class because I know I will get a great workout and leave with a much needed feeling of peace. Amanda Hines, Computer Scientist
I cannot say enough about what Yoga has done for me. I started in the early nineties because of neck pain. But as I have practiced Yoga, I realize it is a whole body mind spirit experience. I love Joyflow. I really enjoy learning from Debi. She makes the practice fun and challenging. I really appreciate all that she gives to us. Mary Louise Jones
I am a professional oil painter. When it is difficult for me to crystallize my energies onto canvas, I know that I've been neglecting my yoga practice. My practice helps me center my thoughts and actions into a place from which my best paintings flow. Yoga is the tool that gets me "in the zone". It enables me to look inward, separating myself from all the many distractions of the world. Virginia Shirley professional artist
I have found the practice of yoga with Debi at Joyflow to be most beneficial in reducing stress and providing physical activity. Working at a desk all day leaves little room for physical activity, and dealing with the problems of clients, and just everyday life, can often be stressful. By the end of a yoga class I find the worries of the day are forgotten and that I feel more relaxed and physically invigorated. I'd like to add that it is Debi's relaxed and engaging personality, and her understanding that each body is different and will progress at its own pace, that makes attending her studio a comfortable and rewarding experience. B. Steven Burt, Attorney
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Personally, yoga has been a life changing experience towards achieving a healthier body, mind and spirit. My flexibility has improved significantly resulting in better body alignment, improved posture and decreased low back pain. I have a greater sense of connection with my inner being, with others and the Divine. My yoga practice has been exclusively with Joyflow Yoga and I attribute these benefits to Debi's commitment and dedication to teach yoga beyond postures by including its philosophy and way of living. Patricia Oyarce, Physical Therapist |