Yoga

Union - Strengthening Bodies Minds, and Bonds in Community Yoga

🧘‍♀️ What to Expect:

Warm-Up: Classes usually begin with gentle stretches and breathing exercises to prepare the body for movement.
Variety of Poses: You will practice a series of yoga poses (asanas) that may vary in difficulty and style, focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance.
Breathwork: Expect to incorporate pranayama (breath control) techniques to enhance relaxation and focus during the practice.
Mindfulness and Meditation: My classes include elements of mindfulness or meditation to promote mental clarity and relaxation.
Cool Down and Savasana: Classes end with a cool-down period and Savasana (Corpse Pose), allowing the body to relax and integrate the benefits of the practice.
Teacher Guidance: I will provide cues and adjustments to help you align your body properly and safely throughout the session.
Community Atmosphere: Yoga classes foster a sense of community, encouraging connection and support among participants.
Personal Experience: Each class is an opportunity for personal reflection and self-discovery, allowing you to connect with your body and mind.

🌟 Benefits of Yoga:

Improved Flexibility: Regular practice of yoga helps to increase flexibility in muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing overall physical performance.
Enhanced Strength: Many yoga poses require the use of various muscle groups, which can lead to increased strength and endurance over time.
Stress Reduction: Yoga promotes relaxation and mindfulness, helping to reduce stress levels and improve mental clarity through breathing techniques and meditation.
Better Posture: Yoga encourages awareness of body alignment and posture, which can lead to improved spinal health and reduced discomfort from poor posture.
Increased Mind-Body Connection: Practicing yoga fosters a deeper connection between the mind and body, enhancing self-awareness and promoting emotional well-being.

Classes:

📅 When: Thursdays 18:15 - 19:15

📍 Where: Victoria Park Community Centre

🌟 Style: Slow Flow & Stretch

💖 Cost: £32.00 per block (4 weeks) / £9.00 PAYG

📅 When: Tuesdays 18:30 - 19:30

📍 Where: Westfield Community Centre

🌟 Style: Hatha Flow

💖 Cost: £32.00 per block (4 weeks) / £9.00 PAYG

Special Event:

Yoga Nidra and Guided Meditation

📅 When: TBC

📍 Where:
💖 Cost: £

Let’s embrace this journey together! Contact me to reserve your spot.

Yoga classes offer a unique blend of physical practice and philosophical exploration, creating a holistic experience for participants. As students enter the space, they are warmly greeted by a calm and happy environment that encourages mindfulness and presence. The class typically begins with a brief introduction, where I set an intention or theme for the session, drawing from yogic philosophy. This could include concepts such as ahimsa (non-violence), santosha (contentment), or svadhyaya (self-study), which serve as guiding principles throughout the practice. By integrating these philosophical elements, students are invited to reflect on their personal journeys and how these teachings can be applied to their daily lives.

As the class progresses, the physical practice of asanas (yoga poses) becomes a vehicle for embodying these philosophical teachings. For instance, while practicing balance poses, students may be encouraged to cultivate steadiness and focus, reflecting the principle of dharana (concentration). I will remind participants to listen to their bodies, promoting the idea of self-awareness and acceptance, which aligns with the yogic concept of svadhyaya. This connection between movement and philosophy not only enhances the physical benefits of yoga but also deepens the understanding of oneself and one’s relationship with the world.

The end of the yoga class includes a period of relaxation and reflection, where students are guided into Savasana (Corpse Pose) or a meditation. During this time, I share insights or quotes from ancient yogic texts, encouraging participants to contemplate the teachings and how they resonate with their experiences. This integration of philosophy into the practice fosters a sense of community and shared understanding among participants, as they collectively explore the deeper aspects of yoga. Ultimately, the weaving of yogic philosophy into yoga classes enriches the experience, allowing individuals to cultivate not only physical strength and flexibility but also mental clarity and emotional resilience.