Leonore Alaniz leads Norfolk residents in Ananda Yoga

By Colleen Gundlach

Striking a pose. Students in the Norfolk Yoga class.

With the bright colors of a Norfolk autumn outside the window, soft and regular breathing can be heard inside the Battell Chapel. Here is gathered a group of people interested in learning techniques to relax, socialize and increase their physical well-being. Led by yogini Leonore Alaniz, participants are introduced to the world of Ananda Yoga. Ananda (meaning bliss) Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga, introduced by Swami Kriyananda more than forty years ago and based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. Followers believe that a sense of God’s presence within is accessible to everyone through ancient yoga techniques, and through the sense of joy of they experience in their own being. “Through yoga we experience the joy of our own being, making Yoga not a religion,” states Alaniz. “Rather it is a life science.” She says that research shows this practice to bring well-being to the lymphatic and endocrine systems of the human body as well as increasing function of the kidneys and heart. “Neurobics,” a method of developing the brain/muscle responses, is important for older people. “It keeps us active into old age,” she says. Alaniz has a strong background in the philosophy of yoga. A textile and clothing designer by trade, she commits herself today to bringing yoga available to as many people as possible, including individuals with disabilities. Her special mission is yogic education in schools. Born and raised in Germany, her lifelong interest in eastern teachings eventually led her to the Ananda Yoga Village in northern California, where she became certified as a yoga instructor. She continued her studies with YogaEd in Los Angeles (L.A.) at the Accelerated School, part of the L.A. school district. The yogic education of children is very different, she emphasizes, than the physical education (PE) classes taught in most schools. “PE classes usually require a rapid fire nervous system because it is competitive,” she says. “YogaEd teaches self awareness and self discipline. It cultivates introspection.” Now a resident of Winsted, Alaniz teaches yoga at Soleil Healing Arts, and leads a class for children in the Botelle After School Program. When the Norfolk Recreation Committee approached her to take over the town’s yoga class, she jumped at the opportunity. The Norfolk group had met for 12 years prior to her arrival. What originally began as lessons for seniors at Meadowbrook has now changed to a class that welcomes people of all ages. Alaniz describes the spirit of the group as playful and her method of teaching “additudinal practice” that can override physical limitations. Even a person with some restrictions in the range of motion in their bodies can participate in yoga to develop “happier, flexible minds” and a sense of well being. The group has a warm-up period, followed by a series of yoga poses tailored to the needs and desires of the group. “After a very few minutes, we are warm,” says Alaniz. The meeting ends with a quiet time of music or guided visualization, channeling light to different body parts. Alaniz explains. “Yogis perceive themselves as energetic beings. We honor the physical body and work toward being whole, effective people.” In addition to the physical benefits of the exercises, yoga has a spiritual side to it, which is due to its aspect of caring for self and extending that energy of care to others. “Balancing poses help strengthen the thigh muscles to help prevent falls. The practice of strengthening muscles through yoga also strengthens the bones, providing flexibility to stave off fractures due to osteoporosis, Alaniz says. Robin Ketchum, a relatively new member of the group, says she feels more alive after each class “ as if I just had a massage.” “Leonora emotes a sense of joy in life, and joy is healing,” Ketchum says. “Her classes are relaxing and non-competitive, and at the same time offers modifications for individual needs and abilities.” She feels that socialization is a big part of the Norfolk class. “Everyone is included. It’s a nice way to meet people.” The Norfolk class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. at Battell Chapel. Fee is $4, but is waived for those who cannot pay.