The practice of yoga challenges us to attend to the continual dialogue between body and mind, thought and feeling, awareness and action.
About Us
Upper Valley Yoga originated in 1999 in a drafty, uninsulated barn when Kathy Smith (then Frorer) gathered together a group of friends to “do yoga.” In spite of the less than ideal conditions, The group continued to expand over the following three years.
When Leslie moved to the area from California in 2002, together she and Kat launched Upper Valley Yoga more or less the way it is today. While we now have a lovely (warm!) space in downtown White River Junction, and a sweet second space on Thetford Hill, the original commitment to “do yoga,” regardless of the circumstances, remains.
Our Philosophy
While yoga is a serious practice and takes great effort, we believe in making the practice fun and enjoyable. It’s our goal to meet each student where they are, to create a welcoming environment for every student at every level, and to have each student leave feeling more connected with themselves, even a little closer to bliss.
Yoga is constantly evolving. It is both a science and an art, and even a means of transformation. While many students come for the transformation of body–to be more flexible, to gain greater strength, to have more ease—yoga is also a transformation of the mind and the spirit.
Our Form
Our instructors are highly trained and have many years experience in a variety of Hatha Yoga traditions. The word Hatha means a balance of opposite forces in the body and is usually used as an umbrella term that refers to any style of yoga that focuses on Asana, or physical postures. Most of the Hatha Yoga styles practiced in American studios today combine ancient form and contemporary innovations. Our classes derive primarily from the lineage of Krishnamacharya and styles developed by two of his students–BKS Iyengar (Iyengar Yoga) and Sri Pattabhi Jois (Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga). Many of our classes are taught in a Vinyasa form.
Vinyasa is a flowing, athletic style of yoga that links breath with movement. It is often described as a moving meditation. This style allows teachers flexibility and creativity in our teaching, and still brings great focus to the alignment principles taught in Iyengar and other yoga lineages.
In a vinyasa practice, the breath is the foundation; the very source of movement. Cultivating this awareness of the breath allows us to move into stillness, quieting the constant chatter of the mind and bringing us back again and again to the present moment.
Instructors offer both verbal and physical adjustments. We are sensitive to individual issues of touch. Please let your instructor know if you object to hands-on adjustments. Classes are offered in a variety of levels. Please come to a class that is appropriate for your level of experience, so that you can derive the most benefit and healthy challenge from the class without overdoing it. If you are not sure which class is right for you, please get in touch. We’d love to help you find the perfect class for you!