Yoga
Yoga means to unite in Sanskrit and refers to a fusion of body, mind and spirit through Asana (physical postures) Meditation and Pranayama (Breath Awareness).
It isn’t about stretching or a fitness exercise, but I bring an holistic and sensible approach to teaching which allows each person to work with their own bodies and limitations, while improving and maintaining mobility, functional movement and easing muscle tension.
I teach from a place of ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’, using mindful Somatic movement which allows Yoga to be for ‘everybody’ and every body’, tuning into our bodies with awareness. It is the internal experience of the flow that matters and not the external appearance of the Asanas. Yoga is so much more than making shapes and 'stretching', it is a philosophy which can be taken off the mat and into how you live your life...or left on the mat as an interesting concept and something you enjoy each week.
Yoga is a philosophy which is rooted in ancient India and therefore reflects the images and stories of that continent . It is not a religion and does not tie into any single belief system. Despite having threads going back 5000 years, it is now recognised as an invaluable way of coping with modern day stresses.
My teaching embodies the philosophy of Yoga.
An ongoing personal practice ensures a continuous development which is rooted in attention to safety and care.
Qigong
Within the classes I also weave in Qigong.
Pronounced chi gung, it is an ancient Chinese Practice. Qi meaning life energy and Gong meaning to cultivate. It is considered to be one of the five pillars of Chinese medicine and also the basis of all Chinese martial arts.
Movement, intention, visualisation and breathing techniques move qi (energy), within the body.
Like Yoga there are many different forms of Qigong but as a practice is can be both medicinal, martial and spiritual. The practices focus less on complex bodily positions and more on intention and how the body directs the qi.
Yi-dao qi-dao ("Where intention goes then energy flows").
I really enjoy the combination of some Qigong moves within a yoga practice and feel that they can run seamlessly together for a body- and mind-centred practice.
Never underestimate how moving with intent, sitting, breathing, meditation, can help with the unpredictabilities of life
Pranayama
Prana is the breath, the energy of the body. Ayama is to control or be aware of the breath.
Numerous medical studies have shown the benefits on both mind and body when one becomes aware of the breath - regulating the nervous system and having positive effects on stress hormones and blood pressure
'If you can breath then you can do Yoga.'
Krishnamacharya
Meditation
Meditation isn’t about emptying the mind but about training the mind to pay attention and bring awareness to the thoughts and feelings which flow through our bodies.
Through this attention we can be grounded, in the present moment and untangle the complexities and subtitles of our own subtle nature, finding a deeper connection from a place of safety and leading to a greater understanding of ourself.
There are many on-going scientific studies showing the benefits of meditation to both mind and body. It has neurological benefits and from the study of MRI's it shows changes in brain matter and connections, reduced activity in the area which lead to stress and anxiety and enhanced activity between different areas of the brain. There are also studies which show how Meditation can help towards reducing to blood pressure, promoting better sleep and increasing focus and concentration.
yoga: what i offer
- Face to Face Classes
- Online Classes via Zoom
- Chair Yoga
- Corporate classes also available
- One to One for Health and Wellbeing
- Classes within Assisted Living Housing