Lakeport >> People are becoming acutely aware these days of the numerous physical benefits of yoga since doctors are now frequently recommending it for medical reasons. Yoga can help in healing numerous injuries and strengthens core muscles to prevent injury. It combats anxiety, depression, ADHD, fibromialga and hypertension. Yoga rejuvenates, relaxes, strengthens and lends flexibility. It brings joy and supports one’s ability to focus and tolerate stress. It combats stiffness from injury, age or sedentary activity. Erin Dailey, who’s been practicing yoga and meditation for more than 20 years, teaches FUN-ky yoga in downtown Lakeport twice a week. The studio has bamboo floors, high ceilings, a flood of sunlight and a view of the lake. “I created a place where people could come get centered, do yoga, meditate, further their psychological development, boost their positive energy and have a good laugh,” Dailey said. She combines her exposure to Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikram and Anusara yoga and experience with active and restorative yogas to create a style of her own. Dailey is highly skilled at attending to people’s individual needs and demonstrating poses at different levels for an all-levels class. She also has her doctorate in clinical psychology which allows her to tend to the psychological, physical and spiritual benefits of yoga. Her spiritual teachings are infused with mindfulness, Vipassana and Zen meditation concepts. Group classes last 90 minutes and start with a 10-minute meditation. Students do a body scan exercise with breathing that helps them become more mindful of their bodies, breaths and inner beings.
“Sometimes I bring in a more formal Vipassana meditation where you learn to witness your thoughts and feelings instead of be pulled into them,” Dailey said. “Other times I bring in a Zen meditation where we learn to melt away our projections and accept things as they are.” Physical asanas start with joint warm ups to prevent injury. Students do standing poses with either meditative music or more upbeat, funky tunes depending on how people feel that day. On occasion there is live musical accompaniment.
“I also base the pace and vigor of the class on people’s ability and desire for more of a work out or more of a restorative, healing, slower paced class,” Dailey said.
The last half hour consists of floor poses and the class ends with lying down in Shevasana during which time students do a progressive body relaxation exercise.
Dailey teaches private sessions upon request.
“I can tailor a class to your needs and spend more time with you discussing any injuries or other health concerns that yoga may address,” Dailey said.
Group classes take place Wednesdays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. The general price is $10 or sliding scale of $7 to 15. Spanish speakers, seniors and teens are also encouraged to attend. Private sessions cost $25 for one or $100 for five sessions.
The studio is located at 149 Main St. in Lakeport.
Dailey also teaches classes at A Touch of Tranquility Day Spa, located at 9479 Main St. in Upper Lake, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.
For information, contact Dailey at 510-306-6410 or erind@pacific.net.
