Yoga on and off the Mat: Exploring the Yamas and Niyamas

We will be starting these sessions in October not September and need at least 3 people to hold class. See you for the first of these classes on October 17th (not September 19th).

Discover how yoga is more than poses! Please join

us for an exploration of the Yamas & Niyamas, the

ten ethical guidelines foundational to the 8-limb yoga

path. Exploring these guidelines, along with yoga

tools and techniques, will help us build a healthier

and happier life both on and off the mat. In each

monthly session we will:

 Discuss an ethical guideline

Month 1: Ahimsa (Non-harming)

Month 2: Satya (Truthfulness)

Month 3: Asteya (Non-stealing

Month 4: Brahmacharya (Non-excess)

Month 5: Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)

Month 6: Saucha (Purity)

Month 7: Santosha (Contentment)

Month 8: Tapas (Seff-discipline)

Month 9: Svadhyaya (Self-study)

Month 10 Ishvarah Pranidhana (Surrender)

 Embody the guideline within a short yoga practice

and deep relaxation technique

 Explore ways to incorporate the guideline off the

mat through journaling and reflection

 Date: Every 3rd Friday September 19, 2025 -

June 12, 2026

Time: 6:00-7:30 pm

 Location: Life Thrive Yoga

 Facilitator: Paula Knudson, Yoga Therapist (C-

IAYT)

 Cost: $25.00 single session; $235.00 all 10

sessions (paid in advance)

 Required: Journal

 Recommended: “The Yamas & Niyamas: by

Deborah Adele

Please contact Paula with any questions: pkk2016@icloud.com

Bio: Paula Knudson

Paula is a certified yoga therapist (C-IYAT) with over 1000 hours of training. She began her

yoga journey in 2012 while working as an Industrial Hygienist for the Army in Landstuhl,

Germany. There she began her teacher training with a focus on soldiers and their families,

helping them address anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms. In 2017 she returned to the

Bel Air, Maryland area teaching classes privately and for her public health co-workers. Inspired

by the positive changes she saw in herself and students, she applied for a yoga therapy

program to deepen her practice and knowledge of yoga. The two-year program lead to

certification by the International Association of Yoga Therapy in 2024. Paula loves intertwining

yoga philosophy into her vinyasa and yin type classes so that students can find the magic of

yoga on the mat and build a healthier lifestyle off the mat.