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I teach in-line with the Jivamukti method. A challenging yet stimulating asana practise which is in vinyasa form comprising the integration of breath and movement. This is supported by Chanting, the integration of ancient philosophical teachings, pranayama (breathing), alignment exploration, hands on assists, meditation and relaxation.

The core philosophy of Jivamukti is expressed through 5 tenets:

Ahimsa
A nonviolent, compassionate lifestyle extending to other animals, the environment and all living beings, emphasising ethical vegetarianism (veganism) and animal rights

Bhakti
Acknowledgment that God/Self-realisation is the goal of all yoga practices; can be expressed through chanting, the setting of a high intention for the practice or other devotional practices.

Dhyana (Meditation)
Connecting to the eternal unchanging reality within.

Nada
The development of a sound body and mind through deep listening

Shastra
Study of the ancient yogic teachings, including Sanskrit chanting

Yin yoga gives us the opportunity to slow things down with the aim of cultivating an awareness of inner silence. It is a practise that complements the stronger vinyasa practise. Yin yoga works deeply into the body and consists of passive and longer held poses. The deeper tissues of the body are targeted including ligaments, joints, bones, the deep fascia network of the body and meridians/energy channels. Energetically the major energetic pathways (meridians) that move the energy (prana) in the body are stimulated and nourished inviting balance and harmony on a physcial, mental and emotional level.

Most postures are floor based postures. You will intentionally create gentle stress, compression or pressure on the more yin parts of the body improving flexibility and regulating the body’s energy flow.

Benefits:

• Increases circulation and improves flexibility
• Calms and balances the mind and body
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Releases fascia
• Encourages deeper relaxation
• Improves joint mobility
• Brings balance to the organs through meridian stimulation
• Peace of mind, mental clarity
• Deeply relaxing

Props: Have available either a bolster, cushions, blocks, strap

The word pranayama is comprised of two roots: ‘prana’ plus ‘ayama’.
Ayama means stretch, extend or expand and describes the action of pranayama. Prana means vital energy or life force. It is the force that exists in all things, whether animate or inanimate. It is that which is infinitely everywhere. With reference to us humans prana can be described as the vitality that flows continuously within us keeping us alive. The amount of prana within us has a direct effect on our mood, our energy levels and state of mind.

The practise of pranayama can be described as extension or expansion of the dimension of prana, its purpose being to improve the body’s capacity to retain and increase prana in the body. In order to increase the body’s ability to retain prana, the practises of pranayama purify the energy channels (nadis). Over time and with regular practise the channels become more purified influencing ones physcial and mental well being.

Pranayama consists of inhalation (puraka), exhalation (rechaka), internal retention (antar kumbhaka), external retention (bahya kumbhaka), locks (bandhas) and hand gestures (mudras).

Breathwork includes conscious breathing practises without the use of locks and can be used to accompany pranayama practises.

Benefits:

• Awakening of vital energy-strengthening internal systems resulting in better overall health, greater alertness, sense of well being and vitality
• Reduces stress
• Uplifts mood and energy level
• Influences the organs and physiological systems of the body, including the respiratory system, digestive and eliminatory system, cardiac system, endocrine system, nervous system
• Greater concentration
• Experience of higher consciouness
• Peace of mind and clarity

The breathwork & pranayama classes focus on breath awareness techniques, kriyas (cleansing practises), traditional pranayama techniques and mudras (hand gestures).

‘The purpose of pranayama is not to learn how to breathe properly or better, but to awaken the inherent energy or prana within’

‘When the molecules of the mind are transformed higher qualities such as love, compassion and unity may arise’

Meditation is a term used very loosely and broadly. Most of the time when we hear this term, what is actually meant is concentration. Meditation is a sublime state that results from profound and prolonged concentration.
Meditation is about training awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective. We are not trying to turn off the thoughts and feelings, but rather learning to observe them without judgement allowing them to come and go. Through regular practise we come to see more and more the thoughts for what they are, just thoughts, eventually insight may be gained into the nature of the thoughts themselves and through practise we have the capacity to transcend the more negative tendencies of the mind.
According to Eastern traditions meditation is a tool available to us during our human experience that can serve as a much higher purpose: personal and spiritual development, increased awareness and eventually self-realisation.
Through the practise of the different meditation techniques an impression within your inner world of momentary calm and detachment is created. With regular practice, you condition yourself and your mind to get more used to these states of sensory and ego detachment. As you continue on this path, you will be able to focus on what is important to you, rather than being distracted by all the sensory impressions that we are exposed to day-after-day. Eventually regaining a great deal of control over your mind, the benefits of which will ultimately reflect on several levels in your everyday life.

Benefits:

• Cultivates more peace and calmness
• Managing and reducing stress and anxiety
• Better management of yourselves in your daily life
• Increased awareness
• Greater compassion towards yourself and others
• Connects you to the present moment
• Shift in perspective/greater clarity
• Meditation is a way of listening more deeply so you hear from a deeper space
• Quiets the mind, enhancing your ability to be insightful and understanding
• Gives you a sense of inner peace
• Provides a deeper appreciation of the interrelatedness of all things

There are many meditation techniques used. The meditation classes will vary in technique, including: Guided meditation, visualisation and gazing practises, japa meditation (repetition of a mantra or divine name), Chakra meditation, Loving kindness meditation, Self awareness meditation.