M O V E M E N T P R A C T I C E
Breath-Based Yoga at Sattva
A slow, nourishing weekly Hatha yoga class led by 20-year instructor Shelley Herlihy. Integrating gentle mindful asana, conscious pranayama breathwork, deep meditation, and heart-opening sacred mantra.
What is Breath-Based Yoga?
In Western fitness culture, yoga is frequently practiced as purely physical exercise where breathing is an afterthought. In Breath-Based Hatha Yoga, the breath is the master architect, and the body gracefully follows. In classical yoga philosophy, the breath is not just air, it is the tangible manifestation of Prana (vital life-force energy). When we rush through postures, hold our breath, or breathe shallowly into our upper chest, we trigger the sympathetic nervous system's stress reflex, trapping the body in a cycle of tension and exhaustion.
By anchoring every movement to an unbroken, conscious inhalation and exhalation, we directly stimulate the vagus nerve. This biochemical shift turns down cortisol, slows cardiac pacing, and activates the body’s rest-and-digest (parasympathetic) state. Postures cease being exercises you "perform" and instead become restorative sanctuaries where true physical and emotional healing happens.
Meet your Yoga Teacher, Shelley Herlihy
With 20 years of teaching experience, Shelley Herlihy holds 500 hours of Hatha Yoga certifications through Yama Studios and a 250-hour Meditation Facilitator credential. Also a Bhakti Yoga practitioner and leader of the kirtan group Localokah, Shelley weaves mindful movement, steady pranayama, and accessible meditation into a grounding practice tailored to every body.
Sign up for the next Breath-Based Yoga Class
Pay $25 per class or try our 10-Class Pass (valid 3 months) for $225. Registration links allow you to set what you can pay for this yoga class series.
Common Questions about Breath-Based Yoga
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Yes, entirely! This class is suitable for everybody—experienced yogis and complete beginners alike. Shelley offers clear, compassionate modifications throughout the session to make every pose safe, comfortable, and accessible to your individual anatomy.
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Wear comfortable clothing you can easily breathe and move in. You may bring your own yoga mat and a water bottle. Sattva Center for Movement and Healing also provides yoga mats, blocks, blankets, and bolsters for student use during class.
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Mantra chanting is a heart-centered Bhakti practice honoring sound as a tool for peace. Participation is always optional! You are welcome to sing along, hum gently, or simply lie back in stillness and let the soothing vibrations wash over you.
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Yes. Adaptations can be made for most health conditions, making CCB an inclusive practice. If you have specific medical conditions or questions, feel free to reach out beforehand so we can adapt the technique for your safety and comfort.
All Upcoming Classes at Sattva Center
See all of our ongoing monthly class series, upcoming workshops and special events planned in the heart of Downtown York.
