Please hold the following in your mind and heart for your practice…

Yoga is for Everybody.

Many people think that they are not going to be ‘good’ at yoga because they aren't flexible enough, fit or young enough. Many people also don't realise that yoga is much more than the physical postures you create on the mat (Asana). Yoga can be a lifestyle if you choose, from how you behave towards others and yourself, exploring ways in which to connect and use your breath to steady the chattering monkey mind, to tuning in to ourselves and working towards discovering the depths of our true selves… and yes, also the physical postures too.

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

‘nyasa’ = to place

‘Vi’ = in a special way

Vinyasa is a style of yoga that takes the shape of a dynamic and playful practice. We are consciously moving with awareness into each posture, with the breath being the determinant of our movements.

Vinyasa Krama?

Krama refers to the steps or stages that progress into a certain goal. We will build upon simple postures to more complex ones in a set sequence. We will move into each posture 3-5 times, before an invitation to stay is given to work deeper into that area.

Sanskrit

Savasana? Adho Mukha Svanasana? Namaste?

Sanskrit is the original language of yoga. Sanskrit, which is said to be 4,000 years plus old, used to be the language of the classics in India. Today sanskrit is still spoken in some regions of India, but on a whole the ancient language is not very prominent. Today in yoga classes, many teachers use a mix of both sanskrit words for each posture or the english translation.

All Things BREATH…

As we know, breath is significant to the beginning and end of a life. It is our life force.

This is why the breath is so important and paramount in the practice of yoga. Not only does the breath aid with safety during the asana preventing injury, but the breath is the guiding tool to journey towards the essence of yoga; cultivating inner stillness and an ever growing realisation of the innermost self.

Movement is linked with breath during your practice. Your breath begins and this is then followed by movement. Your breath will be the determinant of the expression of the posture. We are continuously working towards lengthening our breath, but this may take some time. Be kind to yourself and only do what is appropriate to you and your body.

During Yoga we use nostril breathing. However if your nose is blocked, it is fine to breathe in and out of your mouth.

Because your breath is the foundation of your movements, we never want to sacrifice the breath for the attainment of a posture. We are always consciously ensuring our breath contains the qualities of dirgha (long and steady) and sukshma (smooth and subtle).

No Adjustment is a Good Adjustment

I like to guide with my voice, visual cues and on the occasion a gentle touch if needed. I don’t give physical adjustments as I believe it is not up to me to decide how deep you should go or where your body is at each time you meet me on the mat. I will always ensure you are safe during your practice and moving in and out of the postures accordingly to your own needs for that day.

Pelvic Floor Awareness and Training

Our Pelvic Floor is a sling of muscles that runs from the pubic bone to the tailbone, and from one sit bone to the other. It works with your deep abdominal, back muscles and diaphragm to stabilise your spine. As well as supporting organs such as the bladder and bowel.

At times during our classes together, we will be working to strengthen this hammock of muscles as well as finding ways in which to relax and coordinate this area. A healthy pelvic floor is paramount for many daily functions of our lives eg. bladder and bowel control and sexual functionality.

Moving with Music

Traditionally yoga is not practiced along to music, as it is thought to be either a distraction from the quieting of the mind and/or influential to how the individual may be feeling at present. I like to use music in my classes as I feel it helps myself and many to come to a place of relaxation and come comfortably into our own bodies.

Meditation Magic.

Don't think you are good at meditation? There is no such thing as good or not good when it comes to meditation. It's only with practice that you will be able to continue to reduce the fluctuations of the mind and come more easily and for longer periods to a quiet and clear mind.

If the monkey mind is active, just gently bring it back to the breath without any judgement please. It's a truly magic practice to tune in to whenever you need and allow yourself to accept what is at that present moment.

Namaste

‘Namaste’ is usually said at the conclusion of a yoga class. It is usually accompanied with the hand gesture/mudra where hands come together at our heart’s centre (Anjali Mudra). If this doesn't feel appropriate for you, please keep your hands on your knees.

But with knowledge and understanding, something that you might at first feel uncertain about, can show you what a beautiful tradition this is, both in Indian culture and for your yoga practice.

Namaste = ‘I bow to the divinity within you from the divinity within me’

Anjali (offering) Mudra (seal/sign) = Prayer positioning of the hands is universally understood as a gesture of peace and good intent.

You are Each Unique and that is Perfect.

As your teacher, I will do my best in creating our classes where you each feel supported with your unique abilities and desires for your practice. Please talk to me about any changes or concerns you may have along your journey. I also offer private classes if it is something you think would be beneficial to your needs.

Trust Yourself.

Only you can be the guru of your own body. If something doesn't feel right for you in your body, please follow this feeling and only do what is best for you at that moment.

Whatever arises for you or you feel at any moment during the class, is perfectly perfect. There is no set way to feel, only the way you feel. If you need to discuss these feelings after the class, please know I am here for you.

I look forward to seeing you on the mat and guiding you through your practice.

With love,

Poeta