My classes are Trauma Informed. I teach a fusion of Hatha, Tantra, Yin and Nada Yoga with Sound Healing. A classical system using asanas and pranayama (yogic breathwork) to strengthen and purify the body. My classes are filled with yogic philosophy, modern wisdom teachings and meditations drawn from the Buddhist and Taoist traditions.
Hatha Yoga: Hatha Yoga is a dualistic tradition which means we exist in a physical world, but we are always striving to achieve bliss an enlightenment in the spiritual world. ‘Ha’ represents the esoteric sun, and ‘tha’ the moon. The practice of Hatha yoga aims to join and balance the sun and moon in you. The asanas, pranayama and meditation practices strive to purify the physical body in preparation for spiritual practice. They are seen as two separate things.
Tantra Yoga: Unlike Hatha yoga, Tantric Yoga, which is of the Buddhist tradition, has no dualism. We are all seen as one hugely interconnected vibrational field of consciousness. Tantra yoga works on the subtle energies within the body to enhance spiritual growth and create a bridge from the physical to the Divine. The physical body is seen as a divine embodiment of Bliss already, as an extension of universal consciousness and not a separate entity. When we start to view our bodies through the eyes of self-love, we are performing Tantra. The physical practice of Tantra is quite profound with an emphasis on the rejuvenation of the endocrine system. Tantra yoga is a practice that utilizes a variety of techniques, including movement, breathwork, meditation and mantra, to cultivate energy and connect with the inner self. It aims to enhance consciousness and help students reach a state of spiritual liberation.
Pranayama (Yogic Breathing): Prana means life force and is so much more than the breath. It is the cosmic energy of the universe and through prana we have life. I include pranayama in every class and the technique is varied and involves controlling your breath in different styles and lengths. Pranayama is rooted in simplicity, stillness, and vocal instruction leaving students feeling calm and centered.
Meditation: Meditation is included in every class including the marmanasthanasam kriya. Once a month I also include longer meditations drawing from the Vedic, Theravada, Mahayana, Vajyarana and Zen Buddhism traditions.
Trauma Informed Yoga: Addressing the unique needs of Trauma survivors. These are safe, supported, client- led yoga classes promoting healing and rebuilding for Body and Mind. We practice Somatic Yoga in our Trauma Informed yoga classes. Somatic yoga is a movement practice concerned with how things feel from within. It helps retrain the brain to allow muscles to relax fully and go back to their natural state, undoing habitual learned movement patterns that can lead to pain.
Yin Yoga with Sound Healing: Yin Yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga incorporating principles of Traditional Chinese medicine with postures that are held for up to 5 minutes. Drawing inspiration from the Taoist traditions, the sequences of postures are meant to stimulate the meridians and nadis of the subtle body. Yin Yoga targets deep connective tissue, fascia, joints and ligaments with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. The slow meditative nature of the practice promotes an inner silence. Yin Yoga it is not intended as a complete practice in itself, but as a complement to more active forms of yoga, like Hatha and Tantra yoga and other forms of exercise.
Yin Yoga pairs perfectly with Sound Healing. Sound healing harnesses the power of sound vibrations to promote healing and relaxation. It’s based on the idea that the universe and all matter are made of energy and vibrate at certain frequencies, and that by introducing specific sound frequencies, we can help the body return to a balanced state. My Crystal Bowls are tuned to 432Hz and paired with Chimes, Rattles and Drums.
Nada Yoga: Nada yoga is the yoga of Sound. It is the practice of generating and listening to healing, calming and uplifting sounds that initiate healing at physical, mental and emotional levels. Nada means sound or flow of consciousness. Nada yoga involves a deep listening to your body, to its inner sounds, acoustics and the sounds of nature. Chanting Mantra is a Nada Yoga practice. Through repeating the mantra, we gradually develop that sound vibration (mantra) within us.
Pregnancy Yoga: This is a modified yoga practice designed specifically for pregnant women. It incorporates gentle stretches, breathing techniques, and mindful movement to promote relaxation, support the body’s physical changes during pregnancy, and prepare for childbirth. Most pregnant mums happily join my usual classes, and I offer them modifications and props for the poses we do together so that they are really safe but still getting the benefit of a wonderful class. These modifications change as the pregnancy progresses.
Corporate Yoga: Usually these are Corporate groups who are attending conferences or a workshop in the local area. I work with the organisers of the workshop to tailor classes to suit the theme of the conference and the skill level of the attendees.
Movement to build strength and tone your Core: Are you over 70? Does the idea of yoga, getting up and down from a mat, going upside down in downward dog sound fun, but intimidating? Or maybe just impossible? Would you love to get stronger and more flexible but in your own way, not trying to keep up with a class? Well, you can join my growing group of beautiful (mainly) women who, for circumstances beyond their control (injury, medical operations, illness) have lost so much movement and strength and need some help to rebuild what they once had, but at their own pace.
These classes started as an inquiry from my local osteopath who wanted her clients to get stronger and fitter and she sent them to me in hope that they would. And they have! And they did! These sparkling, gorgeous women just needed the tiniest bit of help, and they have turned back the clock and are bouncing through life.
It’s a private class, paced to match you with lots of exercises you can do safely at home. And of course, if you want include a calming piece of breathwork, meditation or maybe some sound healing we can throw it in. This is a profound, evolutionary journey to the new, bendy, stronger, more vibrant YOU.