Nurture and Inspire your Practice - an exploration of second series backbends
Saturday 27 April 3-5.30pm
Our first workshop will explore the purpose of a second series practice and look at the first section (third) of the intermediate series practice and how it strengthens the spine and can support your primary practice.
”When you start your day doing something to nourish your body, mind and soul you will notice that throughout the day you tend to make choices that also nourish”
A series of Saturday afternoon workshops to nurture, inspire and further explore your astanga practice.
We will be looking at the key elements of second “intermediate’ series astanga.
Second series ‘nadi shodana’ translates as nerve cleansing and this is done through a powerful combination of back-bending, twists and inversions.
In each workshop we will focus on the key elements and how for example ‘back-bending’ translates from a primary practice and can improve your sensitivity and understanding of the purpose of your practice. As with the primary series, practice of the intermediate sequence offers many potential benefits and challenges and we will learn how to work safely with these to develop your regular practice.
- back-bends
- hip openers
- inversions
The postures become more complex as we work through them and so we will come back again to the more challenging backbends as we continue our workshop exploration series. Each workshop will give us time to work with the postures in more depth and explore modifications, variations and methods to work safely with your healthy alignment and full understanding of the intention of each pose.
Like the primary series, the second series can take years to develop and it is crucial that we take time to listen to our bodies and ‘feel’ our way through the practice developing a sensitivity that will give us a sustainable practice.
Sound Bath and Yin practice
Thursday evening 2 May 8-9.30pm
at St Mary’s Community Hall
Come along and experience the profound energy and relaxation from this most amazing ‘sound bath’. A sound bath makes it easier to arrive in a relaxed state without complicating how to get there.
In the first half of the class Kate will offer you some Yin postures as Simon (sound therapist) keeps the sound quite simple, if you prefer to lay still throughout that it fine!
We shift seamlessly into the second half with an extra long savasana bathed in sound. The space will be filled with different sounds and frequencies created by a range of instruments including gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, crystal bowls and various percussion instruments.
The purpose, and our collective goal, is to induce relaxation and explore personal inquiry. A ‘gong bath’ is a form of sound therapy that cuts through mental chatter creating a meditative state and deep relaxation.
Forget silent meditation, ‘sound baths’ are the new way to get headspace
There’s no actually bathing involved…Evening standard
The body achieves what the mind believes
Saturday 4 May 2.30-4.30pm
£20 - to include a small sample of the oils to use for your practice and to take home.
The positive changes that yoga makes to our wellbeing are undeniable. Our practice supports both the physical and the mental body creating an openness that helps to move throughout your days with more peace and clarity… more grace with every step.
In this afternoon practice we are going to explore yoga’s potential further and enhance our practice through the use of essential oils.
A settling and sensual hatha class with Sarah and Rina Bailey founder of Dotty’s Oils.
Sarah will lead us through a grounding, centering and uplifting practice in tune with the essential oils.
Rina will support us using essential oils during the practice, focussing on three blends - Anchor, Align and Arise.
The blends are designed to provide aromas to steady, centre and enlighten the spirit through every breath while strengthening and stretching the body.
- Firstly, we will apply Anchor- an earthy, woody aroma - and focus on postures to ground us.
- Next, we will apply Align- a fresh, highly floral aroma - and focus on postures to centre us.
- Lastly, we will apply Arise- a rich and citrus aroma - and focus on postures to encourage and uplift us.
Introducing you to Mysore Practice
Saturday 15 June 3-5.30pm at The Yoga Hutch
Introduction to Mysore: An opportunity to learn what Mysore practice is, how and why we do ‘self-practice’ and to understand and feel the benefits of an Astanga self-practice.
During this introduction we will learn all about Mysore practice, a version of Ashtanga that aims towards cultivating a life-long self-practice and commitment with yourself.
Mysore style Astanga is a unique style of class where you practice in a group environment, but unlike other yoga classes, it is not a led class. Instead you come in and move through the practice at your own pace.
If this sounds daunting to you, then you are not alone. Mysore classes can seem intimidating at first – it seems like everyone else knows the sequence and is practicing advanced asana, so it can be off-putting to a beginner.
In this introduction we will demystify the practice. We will learn that Mysore practice is for EVERYONE – beginners, advanced, young, old, those with injuries, those in perfect health… everyone will benefit and it can be the perfect place to start a practice as well as to develop a long established practice and shift us from repetitive patterns into a healthy, mindful method of movement and breath.
Our intention is that this ‘Introduction to Mysore’ will give you the confidence and knowledge to come in and practice in our regular Mysore classes.
What is a Mysore Practice?
Mysore refers to the traditional way of learning ashtanga yoga as taught by Sri K Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. In a Mysore class students do their own practice while given individual instructions and hands on adjustments from the teacher. There is no fixed start time as you come in and begin at your own pace. Over time and after some practice with a ‘cheat sheet’ the intention is to learn the sequence. If you are used to guided class you will really notice the benefit of a quiet space where you move at your own pace with the rhythm of your breath. We will work closely with you to develop your ‘own’ practice. How far you go in the sequence is adapted to your own body, you have time to work and stay with difficulties and develop your strengths. It is only by self-practice that you progress deeper into the system of Astanga Yoga. By learning to listen to, and move in synchronicity with your own breath, you begin to draw in the senses and bring about a deeper sense of awareness. In this way your yoga practice will in time become like a moving meditation. Having your own practice is an invaluable tool that you will always be able to use whether you practice in a Mysore class or at home.
Overview:
We have four Mysore classes on our timetable and would love to encourage each and everyone of you interested in an Astanga practice to come along.
I teach the Wednesday Mysore classes (morning and evening) and invite you to come and practice in a quiet space where you can really explore your practice with 1-1 assistance, advice and support. Kate teaches on a Thursday morning and this class is aimed particularly at those that are starting (although remember all classes are suitable EVERYONE)! Kate offers more verbal guidance and plenty of support and modifications if needed. Saturday morning is a well established and busy morning, come and join us and enjoy the collective energy and breath in the busy room, we often add a later time to accommodate everyones practice.
This is an intimate workshop for just six people and is £20.
Tap and breathe your way to balance
(another date to be confirmed)
Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) is one of the fastest and easiest ways to release unhelpful emotions and inner voices such as anxiety, worry and overwhelm.
Our breath is quite simply and beautifully the most effective was to activate the relaxation response in the body and instantly alter our emotional state.
In this highly informative, practical workshop, Lou & Kate will explain
Why our thoughts can take over and why we can feel on constant alert
Why breathing techniques are so incredibly important and powerful
Tapping tools to reduce unhelpful emotions or inner voices that hold you back Pranayama (breathing) techniques to manage your emotional and energetic state.
The workshop price (£40) also includes refreshments and individual wellness advice for all the family!
Book a class online
Please click here for my timetable and booking and contact Sarah 07703599609/ sarah.theyogahutch@gmail.com if you have any questions.