Proud to do Yoga Differently
Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, of the self
Bhagavad Gita
Got A Question?
"I've never done yoga before. Can I still come?"
Absolutely! You're in the perfect environment for learning at a gentle pace and in a relaxed atmosphere. For certain medical conditions, it's advisable to seek your doctor's approval. If in doubt, consulting with them is the best approach. As long as you can get onto the floor and stand up, no matter how long it takes, you're ideal to participate!
"Do I need to be fit?"
No. Firstly yoga isn't a fitness class, never has been and never will. That may surprise people including many regular yogis and even yoga instructors, but that simply isn't the essence of yoga. Yes at some extremes it can be physically demanding and it can be used as part of a fitness regime. However the yoga I engage in is gentle and I am mindful of every student's abilities. I know what it is like to be overweight or unfit and I how difficult it is to build the confidence to get through the class door, so I fully welcome everyone of any ability. This is something I feel passionately about and is the key to a good yoga instructor. Sadly I have been to classes where this has not always been the case and regardless of one's shape or size, every body is appreciated and valued. So in essence you don't have to be a young and flexible - just look at me for proof!
"So what is Yoga?"
Yoga is an ancient practice comprising of physical poses, meditation and breathing exercises. Typically a session is for 1 hour and will be a mixture of these elements. That said, Yoga is a vast subject and it may be other elements will be introduced for that session. I normally use common English names for poses, but also their Sanskrit translation (it does have it's roots in India after all). But I try to keep everything simple and light-hearted. The sessions are at a slow pace and at any stage participants are encouraged to 'take a breather' if they wish. All sessions end in 'Savasana' which involves lying down and being in a meditative state for at least 10 minutes, but beware some find this the hardest pose of all!
"So many styles of Yoga though, which do you do?"
Yes there is a diverse array of yoga styles which reflects the evolution and adaptation of this ancient practice to suit the needs and preferences of different individuals. I teach 'Hatha' yoga which remains a foundational and classical form. It is an accessible style suitable for beginners and can be adapted to different fitness levels. Hatha yoga is not just about physical exercise; it also includes elements of meditation, relaxation, and mindfulnes.
"Hatha Yoga! So why is it called that?"
Hatha yoga, a traditional practice with roots in ancient India, aims to achieve holistic well-being by uniting mind, body, and spirit. The term "hatha" combines "ha" (sun) and "tha" (moon), symbolizing a balance of opposing forces within the body. This form of yoga is often described as the yoga of balance, emphasizing the integration of physical postures, breath control, and meditation to promote harmony and self-realization. The broader concept of yoga, derived from Sanskrit, means "union" or "to yoke," encapsulating a philosophy that encourages the connection between the individual and the universal consciousness.
"What equipment do I need?"
You will need to wear loose-fitting clothing suitable to stretch in. Otherwise it doesn't need to be fancy and certainly not designer clothes. Participants are usually bare-footed but you are welcome to wear non-slip socks if you prefer (yoga socks are fairly cheap online). Most people bring along a yoga mat, but I have a stock of these for you to borrow. Likewise, yoga blocks and straps can be fairly useful, but again I have these. A drinks bottle can be good to have a sip during the session. Finally, the session fee, alway bring that!
"Isn't it a bit weird though, you know all that OM chanting?"
Well, some concepts may seem unusual at first, like energy flows (prana) circulating through internal wheels (chakras). There's no pressure to believe in them. These ideas can assist in achieving poses if you're interested. All I ask is that you approach each session with an open mind.
"Okay I'm sold. Where do I sign up?"
Skip the formality of 'Sign Up' – to join, just click the 'Book Online' tab (or contact me via call or email if you're unsure) to secure your spot! By booking, you confirm your fitness to participate. Consult your doctor if needed. The first session is free, and after that, it's pay-as-you-go. Keep it simple – no commitment to a block of lessons. Your flexibility, both in attendance and payment, is appreciated!
