Hotel and Spas

This yoga class brings us much more than just relaxation. All aboard with Géraldine Lethenet for a trip that does good both to the body and the spirit.

By Elodie Liénard - Photos DR - February 12, 2012

First of all, the place puts you in the mood. A very handsome space of light wood and pastel colors, a few rugs on the floor, cotton blankets, pretty cushions, and soft music… Géraldine welcomes us quietly for her Yin Yoga class at the Aix Yoga Center. Once everyone is seated on his or her blanket, the “voyage” can begin. The principle of Yin Yoga is to work on the meridians by adopting very specific postures that make energy circulate along these paths, revitalizing you. What is unique about this practice is that these floor postures are maintained for at least five minutes, which is a lot longer than in stretching, for example.

Like a rag doll, you give in completely to the position, adjusting it with the aid of cushions in order to find complete comfort, so that the body and mind calm. This work helps to dissipating knots and tensions, which is exactly what you feel when you practice. It’s a bit like an auto-massage. “Yin Yoga is based on principles of Chinese medicine – whereas originally yoga comes from India – using entirely passive postures. It experiments with letting go, to the point of sleep,” explains Géraldine. “I like to use words from Taoism or yoga to support the students in this practice,” emphasizes the young woman.

It’s true that her soft and monotonous voice carries you through the class and helps you to disconnect totally from external turmoil to plunge within. We directly experience a meditative state… and a door opens when Géraldine asks us to think of an expression, a sort of positive “mantra” to repeat during a posture. As for Géraldine, yoga is much more than physical development. It’s a philosophy, a lifestyle and a tremendous playing field. “There are many simple little solutions that allow us to use our personal talents to feel better.

The path of yoga is the path of deconditioning. This is a little of what I try to do during my classes. Help my students to find their own tool to tune in to their bodies and spirits,” adds Géraldine. Speaking for myself, after a single class, the objective is attained!

Discover

Aix Yoga Center 24, rue Thiers

13100 Aix

www.aixyogacenter.com

 

Atelier de Soi

27, rue Fernand Dol 13100 Aix en Provence www.atelierdesoi.fr

Géraldine Lethenet's website www.yogaya.fr