Welcome to Spirit & Nature / East Sac Yoga, offering gentle Ananda Yoga!
You are in the right place whether you’re:
- looking to enhance your well-being,
- seeking ways to alleviate stress and tension, or
- hoping to cultivate a profound sense of inner peace & joy
In-Person Classes
Please check the Schedule Page for updates.
Ananda Yoga + Yoga Nidra
Each class is 75 minutes and includes approximately 45-50 minutes of Ananda Yoga followed by deeply relaxing and restorative Yoga Nidra. Learn more about Yoga Nidra.
Days, Times & Locations
Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. at Lion’s Roar Dharma Center
Thursdays 6:00 p.m. at Sacramento Yoga Center
Pre-recorded Online classes available through the ESY Content Library
Looking for something different?
ESY offers gentle, accessible yoga for all body types and experience levels. If you are looking for:
- Gentle yoga.
- Clear, concise instructions.
- A practice emphasizing safety & comfort.
- Time to learn & experience each pose rather than “jumping” from pose to pose.
- Distinct periods of stillness between postures to: rest, breathe, and deepen awareness.
- Understanding what is happening in the postures and how they affect body, mind, spirit.
- Learning more about your energy/energy systems.
- Accessing a deeper place within yourself.
- Your own Inner Peace.
- And more!
Then join us! Classes are offered in-person; online Content Library of prerecorded classes available to Lotus & Sage members.
Learn More
NEW TO ESY? A number of free online classes can be found on the East Sac Yoga Facebook Page.
Check out the New Student Pass: 30 days of unlimited attendance.
FOR WOMEN: Join the Yoga & Meditation for Women private FB Group.
Passes & Membership Options
- NEW students* may purchase the NEW STUDENT PASS: unlimited attendance for 30 days.
- Returning student? If you have been away from ESY for a year or more, you may purchase the NEW STUDENT PASS to begin enjoying regular practice again!
- Drop-in Pass – $25
- Regular students: please purchase one of the regular pass or membership options available.
- The Sage Membership is best suited to those cultivating a home practice, offering 24/7 access to the ESY Online Content Library.
- No credits or refunds.
Please join the mailing list for information on upcoming in-person classes, workshops, online classes and more.
Who do we serve?
Students are of all ages and experience levels, including those with physical challenges, such as past injuries or arthritis. Some are seeking a meditative yogic experience that allows them to slow down and go within. Please be sure to inform the instructor of any particular concerns you may have in order to help you adapt the practice to your needs.
Who are the teachers?
ESY was founded in 2000 by Cecily Stofle. Around that time, Sandi Russi, E-RYT, RScP, received Yoga Teacher Training at the Ananda Expanding Light Retreat Center in Nevada City. In the early 2000s, Sandi occasionally guest taught for ESY while developing her own classes at Sacramento Yoga Center, and the surrounding area.
Since June 2015, Sandi has been the owner and primary instructor of East Sac Yoga. Guest teachers at East Sac Yoga also teach Gentle Yoga. Learn more about our other instructors here.
Ananda Yoga
Ananda Yoga is traditional hatha yoga. It strengthens & stretches the body, releases stress, calms the mind and enhances self-awareness. The practice facilitates breath, body and energy awareness with distinct rest periods in between postures and the use of affirmations, held mentally. Listening to the body and noticing the effects of each posture is encouraged. With practice, students become aware of the energy within, especially as it moves through the “inner” spine. Learn more about Ananda Yoga here.
More About the Owner / Primary Instructor
In 1992, Sandi began her training with meditation and philosophy courses at Ananda Sacramento. During an all-day meditation in 1999, she received a clear message to pursue Ananda Yoga Teacher Training. This came as a bit of a surprise! She previously had no thought of pursuing this course. Now with nearly 25 years’ teaching experience, her practice and love of yoga continue.
You will leave Sandi’s classes feeling relaxed, uplifted, re-energized and more aware of your own inner peace! Suitable for all experience levels and body types.
East Sac Yoga is gradually shift to a new identity: Spirit & Nature –offering yoga, meditation, essential oil education, licensed Practitioner services, private sessions, women’s services, and more.