My Yoga Style

I have been practising yoga for as long as I can remember. It's a constant practice for me: not always every day, but every time I do practise I'm glad I did! ​I had been attending yoga classes and workshops for many years before I decided to train to be a teacher. But I will always remain a student; there is so much to know and learn about yoga! I completed my yoga teacher training in 2013 with Steve Avian and have continued to add to my knowledge (see my training). 

My yoga style and philosophy

Yoga is an ancient practice. It has been adapted over the centuries to become a number of distinct approaches; you will hear people talk of Iyengar, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Hatha and so on. Having had training in many yoga disciplines, I do not claim to be a specific kind of yoga teacher; rather, I teach yoga that I hope is accessible to many. My practice and teaching is about the connection of the body and the mind. There are no guarantees, but Yoga can help relieve suffering, whether that be pain in our bodies or distress in our minds, but first we have to make that enquiry by tuning in to ourselves. The outcomes of a regular practice may improve your range of movement and build strength. You may also find you feel less stressed. 
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For me, yoga is a way of being; it is a physical, emotional and a spiritual practice. A spiritual practice can mean many things; for me it includes aspects such as connecting with nature, mindfulness practices, or following the cycles of the moon. 

What are my classes like? 

My classes focus on a simple principle: the union of the body and mind. The aim is for you to get to know your body and mind, Often people say they leave feeling relaxed and calm, too. Last year I shared short practices on my Instagram page. These are suitable for all and will give you an idea of how I teach.

Practices to quieten the mind

I begin the class by taking a few moments to settle the body and observe the mind, allowing ourselves to be present and ready for the class and let go of the day. Many of us  have busy minds: and being able to observe them can help us to feel less stressed and more at peace. In turn, this can help us to tune in to our inner wisdom. In class I use a variety of techniques to help us settle, including mindfulness practices, yoga nidra and relaxation techniques. At first, your mind may race away (it’s what our minds naturally do). During the practices, you may feel as though you are drifting off – but, in time, you can start to slow the mind down and find moments of stillness, peace and calm.

Posture work (asanas)

Part of the class will focus on physical aspects of yoga: the asanas. I teach in an inclusive way so we can explore what works for our individual bodies. I always give adaptations and variations for every pose. By tuning in and listening to our bodies, we can begin to be aware of tension and let it go, build strength, and possibly increase range of movement. 

Relaxation/meditation

The class ends with a relaxation practice. ​There are different techniques for relaxing the body and mind to find the quietness that exists in us all. Sometimes I'll use yoga nidra, sometimes a mindfulness practice, other times a simple progressive muscle relaxation technique or guided meditations.