Yoga

What is yoga?
Yoga is a system for living that originated in ancient India and includes practices which promote mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being. The word ‘yoga’ means ‘union’ and I like to think about this in terms of connection. Yoga helps us to explore the connection between our bodies, our breath, our emotions and our mental and physical wellbeing and the wider world in which we live. All of this helps us to be more aware of habitual ways of moving and thinking and this opens up the possibility for new and healthier ways of being.

There are many different approaches to yoga. I teach trauma informed yoga, which emphasises the control of the student over their own practice and body. Choices are offered to help create a safe and supportive environment for developing awareness and connecting with the body. 

Who is yoga for?
I believe passionately that yoga is for everyone, whether you’re young, old, super fit or not at all – yoga is for you. Yoga can be adapted or extended to suit each individual and I teach in a way which enables everyone to find their own perfect balance between effort and ease within their practice.

As well as deepening our connection to ourselves and improving our overall wellbeing, research shows that yoga has benefits for those with a wide range of conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, back pain, insomnia, digestive disorders, arthritis, asthma, anxiety, depression and stress. It can help us to become fitter, stronger and more flexible.

What will happen in a class?
My own yoga practice is influenced by a range of different yoga and movement approaches and this is reflected in my teaching. Before you join a class, I’ll invite you to complete a short questionnaire to ensure that your experience of yoga is safe and suitable. 

Both in person and online classes start with a short mindfulness practice to settle us and enable us to ‘arrive’. We’ll then progress through a gentle flow of physical postures and sequences, designed to help us notice, explore and experience the body, breath and mind. Everything is taught in a progressive way, which means that you stop where you feel comfortable or you can extend further if you feel that would be good. This is how we ensure that classes suit a complete beginner, or someone with more yoga experience. We always end with a relaxation. You should leave feeling totally refreshed and relaxed!

If you have any questions or worries before joining a class, just get in touch.

What do I need to bring?
Bring a mat and come along in comfortable clothes that you can move around in and an extra layer and blanket to be warm during the relaxation.