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HAPPY NEW YEAR
Thank you for joining the Human Compass community! Welcome to your Memberships Area where you’ll find:
- Links to join online classes without having to pre-book!
- Access to all of this weeks recordings of the online live classes.
- Access to back catalogue of online live classes.
- Pre-recorded Meditations, pranayamas and relaxations (coming soon)
- More to come… do please send requests on what you would like to see here in your membership area. We are here to serve your wishes xx
Online Classes
Join your weekly online class using the link below in the right-hand column, and click on ‘Join Zoom Meeting’.
Wednesday 9:30 – 10:45am Hatha (mixed levels) | Click to join the Zoom yoga class Meeting ID: 845 1056 6075 Passcode: yoga |
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Spring Equinox meditation - 14 mins
A guided meditation with the intention to support you with a gentle inquiry as to what you might want to focus on right now… then watch your seeds grow and celebrate in the fruits of your achievements. This can be practiced at any time of the year when you might feel unsure with which way to go in life.
Nadi Shodhana & Chakra Floss- 20 mins
A short description about the principles of pranayama, followed by Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) which is a very balancing practice perfect to move into meditation with. Followed by Chakra Flossing and meditation. Great practice to do if looking for more focus in your life.
Short diamond meditation - 6 mins
Approx 6 minute meditation – Using chakra’s to connect the body and mind – to yolk. This is yoga.
SURYA NAMASKA (SUN SALUTATIONS) - 30 mins
3 x rounds of Surya Namaska. Starting with modifications and deepening the practice throughout. Closing with a supine twist, happy baby and a 3 minute relaxation (take longer if you want though).
How to Sit for Meditations - Variations
Showing you several ways to modify your seated pose. Please also use blocks or cushions for thighs if knees still unable to reach the floor. Use whatever support you need to keep the lower remit of body supported so that the spine can be elongated and aligned.
20 mins - gentle hatha
Short practice for morning or any time of the day to gently stretch the body in all directions. Modifications offered.
Pre-bed - A simple sequence to help you sleep better - 25 mins
This is a simple, but very specific sequence to help you sleep better. Equipment needed is a strap. Optional are a block and a blanket/cushion. This video is downloadable. Please do download this to your phone, PC or laptop so that you can use whenever you need it, without the need for wifi. Sweet Dreams x
SHAVASANA - BENEFITS & SHORT PRACTICE A 12 minute practice
Short explanation of Shavasana and the benefits of practicing. Includes a 12 minutes practice which starts at approx 6 minutes in. Happy relaxing x
March 2022
Hanumanasan – Splits/Monkey Pose Bring all your equipment for this one. This pose takes not only flexibility, but Power (strength), Courage and Devotion. Do not be put off by the end result of splits. There are many modifications that can be used to support the journey towards this pose. Please be wise and use what you need to support your journey. Namaste
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 9th MARCH
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 2nd March
Happy Hips – Today’s session focussing on the hips. Working up towards Agni Stambasana (firelog Pose). This requires a lot of focus and caution. Please use the modifications or different stages, as offered if you need them.
February 2022
Heart & Earth – After all the recent storms, this practice invites us to open the heart and feel more grounded in our movements. Leading up to Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana (Pigeon pose). Use reverse pigeon if you have delicate knees.
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 9th february
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 16th February
#5 Vyana Vayu – One of the vital airs, which pervades the entire body and cirulates the energy derived from food and breathing all over the body (through arteries, veins and nerves). Vyana Vayu acts as a reserve battery when other vauy’s are depleted and gives us our ‘second wind’. In this class we work with the practice of Moola Bandha / pelvic floor lifts which top up our vital energy levels. This class introduces jump through’s in the Sun Salutations. NB: be careful not to over jump as there is a potential to head plant into floor in front.
#4 Udanu Vayu – Covering the are from the base of the neck upwards, arms to the hands and legs to the feet. The Vayu (wind) travels in spirals up and out, through those limbs of the body. On a physical level it governs our senses and allows us to be anti-gravitational, and deals with our co0rdination. Subtly it keeps our speech balanced and allows us to stay postive. If left unbalanced, disturbances are being unable to think clearly or express oneself, depression and uncorodinated.
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 9th february
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 2nd February
#3 Prana Vayu – Pervades the area between the edge of the diaphragm and the base of the neck. This is an upward flow of wind. This weeks class is focused on this area. There is a mini chaturanga workshop and bringing awareness to a very common diagnosis of ‘Upper Crossed Syndrome’ – This is a slight hunching over of the shoulders. If this is left untreated, can manifest into a hunchback posture later on in life… and worse, a closing off of the muscles around the heart, creating blockages in this area.
January 2022
#2 Samana Vayu – Moves primarily in the region between navel and the rib cage/heart. Controlling power of metabolism or “digestive fire” and functioning of the digestive organs and glands. In yoga the power of digestion is very closely linked to the power of the mind – particularly regarding discrimination and judgement. Oh and our ability to make decisions (yep me!). Also very much overlaps with manipura chakra and the agni (fire).
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 26th JANUARY
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 19th January
The 5 Vayus (Winds) – These 5 winds control the 5 types of prana (energy) we have moving around the body. They correlate with specific parts of the body and govern organs and functions of the body in that part.
Apana Vayu – This weeks class is taking a look at the downward flow of prana which is called Apana Vayu. On a physical level this operates in the pelvic region between the navel and the perineum. It would look like a pair of shorts if you could see it. Indications of imbalance is when there is poor elimination, a feeling of being pulled down by gravity, depression and negativity. This is why Yoga is so therapeutic as it can help with rebalancing this area.
Practice After Rest / Illness – After our long break away, this is a practice which will allow you to take the practice at a level that’s good for you. Take your time if you need to or options to go a bit stronger if that’s what your body would like. Connect with your inner Guru and ask what you need.
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 12th JANUARY
December 2021
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 15th december
Tapas – heat, flame – fire, cleanse – 2nd of the Niyamas (Observances). The practice of Tapas helps us set boundaries around the actions, thoughts and behavoirs that are obstacles to our personal development. To change, grow or evolve we must practice. Each day we show up on the mat, or in our life, signals a willingness to take part in this sweet dance with ourselves. When we cultivate this niyama, we understand that the actions we take today are leading us to a higher version of ourselves, and the steps we need to get there take a little discipline, courage and will.
Santosha – Contentment – 2nd of the Niyamas (Observances). How often do we think to ourselves, I will be happier when/if? Yoga is not about meeting a set of conditions so you can find happiness. Instead, it is a practice of meeting all parts of yourself with sweetness and love – your shortcomings, your stiff body, your aching heart, those extra pounds, your breakups, sickness, boredom, impatience… confusion, doubts & fears. Santosha is an inside job that asks us to ride the waves of our life as it is being presented, & to look for the sweet spot within that radiates satisfaction regardless of life’s conditions.
The practice of Santosha, contentment, means sweet joy is gained.
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 8th december
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 1st december
Saucha – Purity / Cleanliness – 1st of the Niyamas (Observances). Yogis use cleansing practices in the morning over the sink, all the practices that we do on the mat are considered cleansing. Eating cleansing foods, detoxes. And from ensuring our homes are organised, clean and free of piles to go through to either healing or walking away from toxic relationships. Why do we do this? So we have less ‘baggage’ physically, mentally and energetically. It all contributes to creating space for the prana (energy) to flow freely through our systems. How are you cleansing? What could you do to lighten the load?
November 2021
Aparigraha – Non-Grasping / Non-Attachment – The 5th and final of the yama’s is defines as not: holding on to, grasping, being possessive of, clinging or attaching to possessions, thoughts, relationships, jobs or ways of being. The opposite of this tenet is letting go. Why is it that we want to hold on so much to the way things are? That we shy away from change or we can’t let go of people, of ideas? That we can seem stuck in the same relationships, jobs, habits and ways of being? This yama asks us to remember that joy in life is not dependent on grasping or holding on, but to remember that what we posses, possess us. What we hold on to holds us. In our own life when we recognise an adhesion to what is keeping us stuck, our practice is to unfasten ourselves. have faith in knowing that after every letting go something good is there waiting to fill that space.
NB: You’ll notice that this video is in two parts as the internet connection got lost. This is Aparigrhaha in action! Letting go of perfectionism 😉
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 24th October
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 17th November
Brahmacharya – Walking the Path of the Divine – 4th Yama. In old practices this was taught as not being attached to ‘pleasure’ and choosing a path of celibacy in mind as well as body. These days we understand that it doesn’t have to mean that. By choosing to live a life of true joy and happiness we stay true to our essential selves. The benefits to walking this deeply spiritual practice are an increased amount of vital energy; our life force. It can make us strong, happy, healthy, wealthy and blissful. We live in a world of pure magnetism and joy. In this class we focus on a sublimation of the energy to experience the pure joy and divinity that can be experienced within.
Practice note for Headstand/Sirsasana – please ensure that you practice the preparatory poses. If you are unsure at all about lifting your legs up, then I would err on the side of caution and avoid doing the full pose. Practice the first 3 Yamas; ahimsa, Satya & Asteya. Remember you are right where you need to be. Namaste
Astaya – Non-Stealing The third of the Yama’s. Astaya means not stealing anything with regards to the physical objects. We then go into the subtler realms of not stealing other people’s time, our own time (thinking we can do more than we actually can!), and also in terms of not comparing ourselves to others. Each time we do this, we steal our own values and take our identity from ourselves. We are good enough! Not taking more than we need in terms of food and resources. Especially relevant for saving our beautiful planet.
Native American Saying: We have not inherited the earth from our forefathers, we are only burrowing it from our children.
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 27th October
October 2021
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 3rd November
Satya -Truthfullness – 2nd of the Yamas. To speak your truth. How often are you able to do this comfortably? To speak a truth can be hard work. Using the previous yama; Ahimsa to include kindness and compassion with all the words we speak. The great yogis teach that if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say it. Unless you have been directly asked. And even then, use kindness and discretion to find the right words. Do not gossip or lie. Being honest with not just with others, but ourselves too. Are you living your own truth? When we live our truth , this is where the magic happens.
Ahimsa – from the Ashtanga system. This is the first of the Yama’s. Ahimsa means non-harming in our physical actions, words and thoughts. Not just to others but first and foremost to and with ourselves. The seeds of Ahimsa are Patience, Presence, Compassion and Kindness. Focus on this as a constant practice and unconditional love will come more easily. “Without firm foundations a house cannot stand. Without the practice of the principles of yama and niyama, which lay down firm foundations for building character, there cannot be an integrated personality. Practice of asanas without the backing of yama and niyama is mere acrobatics.” ~BKS Iyenga
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 27th October
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 20th october
The Guna’s – (Sanskrit for strands) are energetic forces that weave together to form the universe and everything in it. There are threee gunas, each with it’s own vibration and attribute; tamas (stability), rajas (activity), and sattva (consciousness). All 3 aspects are present in everything we see, touch and in nature all around us. It can be found in anything from a bike or a table to our energy levels and how our brain functions. Patanjali explains in the sutras that ‘seeing’ our essential nature (becoming a witness), is a way to evolve and understand who we are and liberate is from its bondage. (2:18)
Karma Yoga – is the path of service, and none of us can escape this pathway. The principle of karma yoga is that what we experience today is created by our actions in the past. Being aware of this, all of our present efforts become a way to consciously create a future that frees us from being bound by negativity and selfishness. Karma is a path of self-transcending action. We practice karma yoga whenever we perform our work and live our lives in a selfless fashion and as a way to serve others. Charity and volunteering are prime examples of selfless service.
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 13th october
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 6th october
Dharma / Life’s Purpose – What an overwhelming word & concept!? Let’s keep this simple… The purpose of your life is to serve in a way that brings great joy to yourself and therefore, others. Don’t worry about finding your purpose. Instead, focus upon serving a purpose, and then your purpose will serve you. It’s not about how much money you make… it’s about working out what brings you joy. Stay with this and explore. Your life’s purpose doesn’t need to be defined or pinpointed. It’s a process not a category. Namaste
September 2021
Vatta Balancing – As we move into the Autumn, the weather is getting colder and the wind is picking up! These are Vatta qualities and if there is too much it can bring restlessness, uneasiness, busy and frantic. This practice works at bringing Vatta back into balance, including some life hacks on how to stay balanced through this season.
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 29th September
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 22nd September
Autumn Equinox – Welcome to Autumn. Here we are as we transition into the new season. Everything is in balance as day and night are at equal lengths. This is a chance to celebrate our efforts of the abundance we’ve harvested from the Summer season. We are a reflection of nature. We are nature. This practice is all about working with the body and its natural tendencies as apposed to against it. Autumn season is busy! So ensure you find plenty of time to keep grounded with family, friends and self-care.
HATHA (mixed)- Wed 15th September
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras Ch2 V48 – tato dvandvanabhighatah // tatah then; dvandvah – the dualities of happiness and distress, heat and cold; anabhighatah – not shrinking, no attacking, not botheration. From then on, there are no botherations from the dualities like happiness and distress, heat and cold.
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 8th September
Pitta Balancing – This is a great practice if you are feeling cranky because it is just TOO hot! This weeks weather is hot, sticky and close, making it difficult to sleep and feel comfortable. This creates stress and irritability which are all imbalances of a Pitta dosa. So we will have a bit of fun with some playful sequences and poses which invite breath into the body in the shape of twists and side openers. Enjoy and only allow 80% effort – yay!
August 2021
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 18th August
Tapas (discipline) – is taken from Patanjali’s 8 Limbs of Yoga. (not the little dishes you eat from Spain!). So by choosing a tapas to practice, we are creating heat and burning off the samskaras (belief systems) that no longer serve us. Patanjali says “Through tapas impurities are destroyed, negative karma is burned up and the perfection of the body and of the sense organs is achieved”. Sounds great right!? What tapas will you choose?
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 11th August
The Lionsgate portal is a magical manifestation portal that opens up between the 28th July and 12th August. It is a time of increased cosmic energy flowing between the physical and spiritual realms. Astrologically, this gateway is marked by an alignment between the Earth and the star Sirius. For some perspective, the star Sirius is twice the size of our Sun and 26x brighter! This energy is about POWER, CONFIDENCE and MANIFESTING YOUR HEART’S DESIRE – sharing your gifts with the world and doing so with pride!
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 4th August
Creativity – 5th Chakra, Vissuddha. The chakra of creativity, it’s how we communicate and show up in the world. Use this fun and challenging class to shift deficient energy in this area to bring it back online, so that you can create the life you want. Book is ‘The Source’ by Dr Tara Swart. Click here to watch ‘The Secret’ on YouTube.
July 2021
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 28th july
Transitions – How do you transition through life? From how you move from your bed to the floor when you wake, to puberty or moving homes? For some these transitions can feel like a breeze, where as for others they can be a very hard (and long!). In this class we look at how we transition through our asana, no matter how small the movement might be, never take a transition for granted as each of them is a gift to be present with and experience life to the full. Namaste
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 21st july
HOT HOT HOT! – It’s hot today and this is a very chilled practice, using movement and strength during long holds.
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 14th July
HIPS & MOUSE – Healthy hips and a visit from a mouse! – Following on from last weeks class we are now moving into a healthy hip practice. If you have tight or sore hips, this class may offer you some relief. Modifications offered, so please listen to your body and do only what feels right. Never go past your edge/range of movement. Mouse visit at 26:30. A present from my beautiful cat Bella.
SQUATS & LUNGES – Foundations & mechanics – Ground down and work with all the lower body muscles; hamstrings, glutes and quads. This class works through some fundamentals with mobility for hips. Feel your feet on the ground, strengthen your legs and connection to earth, how do you stand and distribute your weight. Strengthen your resilience physically and spiritually x
HATHA (mixed) - Wed 7th July
Wednesday 30th June
HATHA (mixed)
This week is all about getting ‘un-stuck’. Even though summer has started, you may still be feeling like you can’t get into that 5th / 6th gear. This weeks class is looking at yogi phylosophy regarding the Vayus (winds), in particular Apana Vayu. We use Mula Bandha during the asana practice. **NB: PLEASE SIT DOWN FOR THE 2ND KRIYA PRACTICE**
Week Commencing 21st June
Happy Summer Solstice!! – Yes we have reached that half way mark of the year; Monday 21st June. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, the peak of manifestation and an opportunity to use the light and power of the sun to active and manifest your dreams onto the earth plain. The beginnings of manifesting and intention setting for the new season ahead. This practice can be practiced at the end/beginning of any cycle.
The Sun is at its peak, the energies are at their highest, the light is shining brightest, and the opportunity is at its greatest. This is the time to use this outwards expansive energy of Summer to move out there into the light and create your hearts desire. Follow what lights you up and brings your joy.
Yin & Restore
This class we use poses to focus on intention setting to manifest our hearts desires.
HATHA (mixed)
A hip opening session to help us move towards our intentions for the new season of Summer 🙂
Week Commencing 14th June
As we approach the Summer Solstice next Monday 21st June… last week we reviewed the seasons to understand which season we felt we were at in ourselves first and foremost. The word word ‘solstice’ literally means stopping or standing still, making it an ideal time to be still and check in with where you are at, during this mid-point of the year. This week is all about reviewing our last season, it’s wins as well as the shadows, and more importantly it’s take aways… What have you learnt along the way? And what are you ready to let go of, to make room for new manifestations for the new cycle/season?
Yin & Restore
First we ground down and earth ourselves to prepare for manifesting and creating.
Gentle HATHA
Celebrating our wins and letting go in our bodies and minds.
HATHA THU
Celebrating our wins and letting go in our bodies and minds.
Week Commencing 7th June
As we approach the Summer Solstice, with it marks the beginning of our Summer season. But what season are you in? There are lots of reasons for it to feel like Summer – as things are starting to open up, feeling like there are more opportunities and perhaps you feel like you want to reward yourself after a really, really long hard winter? But what if you’re not in Summer season and you’re pushing yourself in the opposite direction? Stress and struggle is what. Therefore, it’s important to recognise which season you are in and then more importantly, aligning with it. Otherwise if you find you are in your Winter season, but trying to be in Summer, you are only fighting with yourself and creating a LOT more work for yourself! This week learn how to recognise the seasons, and with it, which season you are currently in.
Yin & Restore
Which Season?Moving the body in each direction to inquire within; front back, twist and neck rolls. Ending with a modified fish pose for shavasana – what will yours be?
Gentle HATHA
Which Season? Moving the body in a Gentle or energised way to inquire within and ask what strength do I need today? Gentle up until about 45mins. You decide how strong you want to practice.
HATHA THU
New Moon today. Have you been affected by it? Moving the body in a Gentle or energised way to inquire within and ask what strength do I need today? 3x rounds of a modified Surya Namaska with a Chandra Nadi Shodana at the end. Intention Setting.
Week Commencing 24th May
It was Mental Health week earlier this month, so because we were busy with the Chakra’s I still wanted to give a nod to this very important subject. I have no doubt that this year we have all experienced some kind of challenge, if not a multitude of challenges, with our own mental health. The mentalhealth.org.uk have this short video on their website, explaining that being in Nature is scientifically proven to improve our mental health
This weeks classes explore being within our own, very natural bodies. By connecting with the breath, we can immediately be in the present moment, which means we are not in the past worrying about things gone, or in the future concerned with things which haven’t happened. By being in the present moment we are free of judgement and allow ourselves permission to just ‘be’. Ahhhhhh what a beautiful space you can make for yourself x
Yin & Restore
Be in your body – Using the most basic of breath practices, to bring us back to this present moment and to be in our very natural bodies. – both so important for tending to the garden of our minds. Sleeping Swan (pigeon pose) and Mountain Meditation for Shavasana.
Gentle HATHA
A breath empowered practice of self-investigation as we move through a basic routine, and have complete body connection to be in the present moment. Leading up to Reverse Triangle pose and Mountain Meditation for Shavasana.
HATHA THU
Get your energy shift with this dynamic practice. Taking it back to basics with Bastrika breath, Surya Namaskas and some heart opening poses. Sealing with Mountain Meditation for Shavasana.
Week Commencing 17th May
This weeks theme is looking at Sahashrara the Crown Chakra. This is connected to the element of ‘thought’. This is your right to ‘understand’. We will be looking at what this chakra looks like when out of balance, whether depleted or excess… perhaps you feel frustrated or confused? Or perhaps you are aware of limitations in your belief system that something could come into fruition and be a reality for you? We will look at what a balanced Crown Chakra looks like and ways to heal it back into balance, using on and off the mat practices.
Yin & Restore
Crown – Using on the mat practices to become aware of our belief system and inversions to feel closer to that experience of calm and bliss. Short Yoga Nidra.
Gentle HATHA
Crown – An inversion practice leading up to Ardha Sirsasana (half head stand) with modifications offered. Closing with a short Yoga Nidra
HATHA THU
Crown – An inversion practice leading up to Ardha Sirsasana (half head stand) with modifications offered. Surya Namasaka practice included. Closing with a short Chakra Yoga Nidra
Week Commencing 10th May
Ajna 3rd Eye Chakra – The mental command center. We have control of how we think and therefore act and behave in the world. Balanced qualities of 3rd Eye are; Clear vision, imagination, Focused, Disciplined, Aware of oneself, Telepathy, Lucid Dreaming, expansion of consciousness and spirituality and Visualisations.
The translation as “command center” is the active principle of 6th Chakra. Shiva sends out lightening bolts from his 3rd eye to destroy ignorance. We form pictures in our mind that command our reality. Those pictures are the first impression that consciousness encounters on its downward journey into manifestation on the Earth plane. No wonder the process of vision/visualisation is an important part of creating a life you want to be living!
Yin & Restore
Ajna – A calming and centering practice to bring this chakra back into alignment. Using Nadi Shodhana & the Chakra Flossing meditation.
Gentle HATHA
Ajna – A centering practice using earth to integrate with ajna for balances. Fairly strong in places, with modifications offered. Nadi Shodhana and short meditation.
HATHA Weds
Ajna – Expect to have your balance challenged in this strong leg practice. With Nadi Shodhana and option to meditate at the end.
HATHA THU
Ajna – Expect to have your balance challenged in this strong leg practice. With Nadi Shodhana and option to meditate at the end. (more modifications offered than in Wednesday’s session)
Week Commencing 3rd May
Have you always struggled with expressing yourself in words and found being creative a piece of cake, where as others have really struggled? How we express ourselves is related to the Throat Chakra, Vishuddha. We can express ourselves in many different ways from the clothes we wear to creating master pieces on a blank canvass or even in the kitchen. We need an outlet for our soul otherwise, we are denying our own essential selves.
We’ve all seen the quiet child, who is shy and not able to talk. They keep their chin covering their throat area… they are protecting their vulnerability. We want these children to grow into the adult who takes responsibility for its life and speaks up for what it wants and needs with clarity, direction and integrity.
Vissudhi Chakra needs spaciousness, clarity and purity. This chakra is strengthened and enhanced each time we express ourselves in truth and with integrity.
This weeks sessions will be working on feeling safe so what needs to be expressed can be released. Finding spaciousness so that those physical and energetical blocks can shift and finding your voice so that you can say what you want to say with love and integrity.
Gentle HATHA
Open Throat – Breathe awareness, finding the pauses. Shoulder and arm raising work to strengthen the space around the neck area so that it can be released.
HATHA
Open Throat – Breathe awareness, finding the pauses. Shoulder and arm raising work to strengthen the space around the neck area so that it can be released. Working towards Ardha Chandrassana and Chippassana, Shoulder Stand & Fish Pose. Yum!
Week Commencing 26th April
- Compassionate, empathic
- Ability to love and accept yourself
- Health Relationships (allow yourself to be loved)
- Joyful and generous
- Able to co-create, work with others
- Being part of a community
- Practicing sustainable self-care (allow yourself love)
But I think we all know that this balance is tricky! And it depends massively as to what the blockage might be in this area, to know course of right action to bring this centre, back into balance. What do you already have in your tool kit? What do you know you love doing? What does your soul appreciate it big dollops of? Understand that, and then ensure you do lots of it in times of difficulties. Be gentle and kind to yourself, and allow yourself self-love and self-care. Go well dear soul x
YIN & RESTORE
Heart & Love – What do you love? Working with back and front of heart; shoulder and chest openers. Enjoy x
Gentle HATHA
Heart & Love – Mini workshop on shoulders and what happens with them in Downward Dog.
HATHA
Heart & Love – A Strong Practice using heart openers with lots of focus around the shoulders.
Week Commencing 19th April
YIN & RESTORE
Manipura – Simple head and neck warm ups to bring us back to our midline. Uttanasana to recharge our batteries and then surrendering into gentle stretches and twists.
Gentle HATHA
Manipura – Focus on sides of torso stretches, strengthening and twists. using a cooling breath to nurture the spark of the fire within.
HATHA WEDS
Manipura – Focus on sides of torso stretches, Planks & Side Planks strengthening and twists. using a cooling breath to nurture the spark of the fire within.
Week Commencing 12th April
Seva is a Sanskrit word meaning selfless service, and perhaps considered the most important part of any spiritual practice. It lies at the heart of the path of karma yoga (selfless action) and asks us to serve others with no expectation of the outcome. Who is it that is in your life that you serve unconditionally? It could be children, parents or perhaps and the most easiest, a fury friends.
“Thinking of others brings happiness. A kind thought, word or deed – even seemingly insignificant, can transform another persons day. In helping others without expectation [of the rewards], both the giver and receiver are nourished”
~ Swami Nishchalanda
YIN & RESTORE
In service – plenty of time to explore the poses and allow a release as we breath in/out of the heart space and offer up the fruits of our practice
Gentle HATHA
In service – Longer holds. Working on lengthening the hamstrings and opening hips. Working up to Dancer Pose.
HATHA WEDS
In service – A grounding and strengthening practice. Modified Surya Namaskas, Sun Salutes. Hip openers with a playful element.
HATHA THU
In service – A grounding and strengthening practice. Modified Surya Namaskas, Sun Salutes. Hip openers with a playful element.
Week Commencing 5th April
As we ease out of lock down, it would be natural for emotions to rise and feel more open… vulnerable. It’s important to stay aligned with who we are and our identity. What anchors you back to who you are? What brings you back into alignment?
This week we go back to basics and work with alignment principles in the spine, using forward bends which, when practiced correctly, are calming for the soul and can open the shoulders and free the neck. If incorrectly practiced they can have quite the opposite affect and possibly exacerbate existing lower back injuries. Therefore, as life is delicate, so are forward folds. Care and caution will be the order of the day when practicing.
Gentle HATHA
Spine Alignment –Mini workshop on spine alignment. Working up to Dolphin and Ardha Sirsasana (Half Headstand).
HATHA WEDS
Spine Alignment – Surya Namaska x 2 rounds. Working up to Dolphin and Ardha Sirsasana (Half Headstand) & Marichasana A.
HATHA THU
Spine Alignment –Mini workshop on spine alignment. Working up to Dolphin and Ardha Sirsasana (Half Headstand), Janu Sirsasana and Uppavistha Konasana
Week Commencing 29th March
Yin/Restorative
Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus) – Using the analogy of a conscious garden – we work at celebrating YOUR wins, and choosing new seeds to plant for the year ahead. Twists and visualisations.
Gentle HATHA
Manipura Chakra – Using awareness of manipurer and focus during poses to bring us out of our head and into our bodies. Goddess, and strengthening poses to the core. Finishing with a Shoulder stand.
HATHA WEDS
Manipura Chakra –strong work on this chakra using planks and boat poses. Working through a new sequence and Shoulder Stand. Bhastrika breath & the Spring Equinox Meditation included.
HATHA THU
Manipura Chakra – Core work using planks, boat and dolphine poses. New sequence & shoulder stand.
Week Commencing 22nd March
Yay! Spring is here and I for one, am very happy to welcome it in. It’s been a long winter, whose slowness and deep rest I will cherish forever. We’ve all done so well to get through the long, hard Winter, but now it’s Springs turn when we can pick the pace up and get moving on those to-do’s.
What is Spring Equinox? Spring Equinox is when the Sun is aligned over the Earths equator. The point between the Winter Solstice, and the Summer Solstice. When days and nights are the same, and the Sun and the Moon have equal amounts of time in the sky.
What does it mean? The Latin root word of ‘aequi’ means “equal” and ‘nox’ translates to “night”. So approximately 12 hours each of sunshine and moonlight all over the world. In the Northern hemisphere is is the start of Spring and in the Winter hemisphere it is the beginning of Winter.
And spiritually? Spring is that phase that we are most poised for new projects. For new beginnings, a blank canvas and a time to start a new. As the new buds appear on the trees and flowers, it’s a time of fertility. We move away from the darkness of Winter and we move forward, with an opportunity to leave something behind that we no longer need. What did you learn about in the past season? What will you take with you on this new journey? Is there something that you want to leave in the past? A perfect time for ‘Spring cleaning’ – releasing the old and creating space for the new. It is that time to move forward and start doing the work of the seeds you planted during winter… nurture and nourish your dreams and aspirations. It’s a powerful time for getting involved, taking action and fulfilling your intentions. This weeks classes will be working with the Sacral Chakra. Sacral is the chakra of fertility and movement (water element). So lots of hip opening focus.
STORAGE by Mary Oliver
When I moved from one house to another there were many things I had no room for.
What does one do?
I rented a storage space. And filled it. Years passed.
Occasionally I went there and looked in, but nothing happened, not a single twinge of heart.
As I grew older the things I cared about grew fewer, but were more important.
So one day I undid the lock and called the trash man. He took everything.
It felt like the little donkey when his burden is finally lifted.
Things! Burn them, burn them! Make a beautiful fire!
More room in your heart for love, for the trees! For the birds who own nothing – the reason they can fly.
Yin/Restorative
Traditional Chinese Medicine Liver & Gallbladder – Sacral work using hip openers and focus on Chinese meridian lines for the liver and gallbladder.
Gentle HATHA
Sacral Chakra – Poses; Lampost, Warrior 2, Goddess, Speed Skate, Skandasana, Malasana and Pidgeon. A leg strengthening and hip opening practice.
HATHA WEDS
Sacral Chakra – A strong hip opening and leg strengthening practice. Poses; Lampost, Warrior 2, Goddess, Speed Skate, Skandasana, Malasana, FireLog & Baby.
HATHA THU
Sacral Chakra – Poses; Lampost, Warrior 2, Goddess, Speed Skate, Skandasana, Malasana and Pidgeon. A leg strengthening and hip opening practice. Chanting for Ganesh – the remover of obstacles.
Week Commencing 15th March
Previously we worked at balancing our Kapha and Pitta Doshas – This week we are balancing Vata Dosha.
Vata arises from the combination of air and ether, the dynamic of movement in the body and mind. Everything in your mind and body is on the move, and according to the Ayurvedic system, these movements are due to vata. Vata causes the limbs to move, powers your circulation, stimulates food to move in your gut – even triggers the thoughts to move in your head and is responsible for the movement of every single cell in your body and therefore, blood, muscle and tissue movement.
When vata is balanced, you have immense inspiration, enthusiasm and vitality. your creativity thrives, you learn rapidly and your memory is reliable. Mind and body are integrated; all movements flow with grace and ease. When out of balance, vata can create great problems. Your thoughts – the movements of your mind – may become disturbed by fear, anxiety, panic and insomnia. Inspiration evaporates, and forgetfulness sets in. Bodily aches and pains arise; perhaps constipation occurs. Vata goes out of balance when you choose too many vata qualities in life – being in a hurry, living an irregular routine, becoming cold and too many late nights. Thus, as you are drawn to heat when cold, so you should be drawn to opposite qualities to restore your balance. To balance vata, get plenty of rest, eat nourishing foods, slow down, live a regular routine, keep warm, give yourself an oil massage. These soothe the moving, light, quick, irregular, rough and dry qualities of vata. Anxiety, forgetfulness and other symptoms fade, and feelings of well-being and joy returns.
In this weeks classes we will be sharing simple, grounding yogic practices to bring vata dosha back into balance.
Yin/Restorative
Vata Balancing – Working the lower half of the body; hips and legs. Sama Vritti breath with a hint of Ujjayi and grounding poses like Butterfly and Caterpillar.
Gentle HATHA
Vata Balancing – Releasing trapped wind in the joints using PMA 1 practice and a slow and steady modified flow using forward folds – Uttanasana and warrior 2 – Virabadrasana 2. Lots of body and mind connection.
HATHA WEDS
Vata Balancing – A grounded Surya Namaska with Trikonasana and Virabadrasana 2 – working with breath & movement. Lots of body and mind connection. Closing with a ‘joint’ focus relaxation.
HATHA THU
Vata Balancing – A grounded Surya Namaska with Trikonasana and Virabadrasana 2 – working with breath & movement. Lots of body and mind connection. Closing with a ‘joint’ focus relaxation.
Week Commencing 1st March
Last week we worked at balancing our Kapha Dosha – This week we are balancing Pitta Dosha.
Everything in the mind and body is always being transformed, and just as everything moves, transformation is said to be due to pitta. Like fire, pitta is described as having the qualities of being hot, sharp, fluid and light. Pitta is blessed with a fantastic metabolism, good physic and lots and lots of energy to get things done and transform! A natural leader, motivator, sportsperson or solder.
When balanced there is contentment, happiness, enjoyment of challenges and debates, sharp minded and able to focus easily, is bold, witty intellectual and has a strong digestion with a glowing complexion.
When imbalanced there will be aggressiveness, competitiveness, critical of self or others, demanding, perfectionist, anger, irritability, impatience and prematurely greying or hair loss. Some of the things these imbalances can be compounded by is if there is too much stress in ones life or being in the heat for too long, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, missing meals (yes, hangry!) or eating too much spicy food.
Recommendations for lifestyle balancing practices; eat cooling and calming foods in a relaxed environment, keep temperature cool and be cool, like ‘The Fonz’. Don’t overdo it. Add some pleasure and leisure into your week and avoid conflicting situations where you know you might react in an angry way. Yoga is a great help for this. With a regular practice of yogic asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork) and meditation, it provides us that ability to step back from a situation before we respond, see it for what it is from all angles and choose to respond with compassion and understanding whilst maintaining healthy boundaries.
Take the Dosha Quiz
Yin/Restorative
Pitta Balancing – Keeping the stomach area open throughout and stretching sides of the body, using a combination of butterfly and side body stretches. Short Yoga Nidra.
Gentle HATHA
Pitta Balancing – Focusing on the breath and body connection, using creative sequences and having fun, not taking the practice too seriously. Side body stretches & creative flows. Short Yoga Nidra.
HATHA WEDS
Pitta Balancing – using creative sequences and having fun, not taking the practice too seriously. Side body stretches & creative flows. Short Yoga Nidra.
HATHA THU
Pitta Balancing – using creative sequences and having fun, not taking the practice too seriously. Side body stretches & creative flows. Short Yoga Nidra.
Week Commencing 22nd February
Dosha is a word which is used within the Ayurvedic system to describe a persons constitution which are made up of a combination of three principles; Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. Each one of us has a unique natural balance of these three principles/dosha’s, which creates our constitution. If either of these dosha’s becomes out of balance, then a lack of ease may develop. Using Ayurvedic therapy we can bring the dosha’s back into balance using a number of different ways. Yoga is one of them. This week we work at bringing Kapha excess into balance.
What is Kapha?
Kapha is responsible for structure and growth. All the atoms and cells in your body are said to be held together by kapha, which integrates all the activities of your mind and body. Kapha has the qualities of being stable, slow, heavy, sticky, soft, cold, oily and sweet. When out of balance/imbalanced, you might feel lazy, inactive, dull, have oily skin, slow digestion, feel lethargic, possessive, over-attached, and have a tendency to oversleep and be overweight. When in balance you will feel family oriented, affectionate, loving, loyal, compassionate, forgiving, stable, relaxed, methodical, have strength and stamina, be fertile and resilient. Kapha binds all of life together and at its subtlest is love.
Wintertime weather is damp and cold, and will increase your kapha dosha.
Take the Dosha Quiz
Yin/Restorative
Kapha Balancing – Have bolster, a strap, a couple of blankets and towels for this relaxing yet uplifting and heart opening practice.
Gentle HATHA
Kapha Balancing – Strap required. A heat building & heart opening practice to balance out any excess of Kapha.
HATHA WEDS
Kapha Balancing – Strap required. A heat building & heart opening practice to balance out any excess of Kapha. Including asanas; Parsva Dhanurasana (Side Bow) & Twisting, Turning, Monkeys’ Tail.
HATHA THU
Kapha Balancing – Strap required. A heat building & heart opening practice to balance out any excess of Kapha. Including Twisting, Turning, Monkeys’ Tail.
Week Commencing 15th February
Saucha (pronounced sow-sa) – is the first of the Niyama’s from Patangalis Yoga Sutras – The 8 Limbs of Yoga. Translated it means to purify body, mind and spirit. So not only are we cleansing our body in the morning when we shower and brush our teeth… in addition to this when we practice yoga asana, pranayama and meditation, we are essentially cleansing ourselves on the inside too. So our routines in the mornings are key to health and wellbeing. If you’re feeling stuck in your routine, remember that every time you come to your mat and, for example, practice a down dog, it will never be the same experience two days in a row. It’s the same when brushing your teeth. There are always finite differences. Catch each moment. Life is a meditation ॐ
Yin/Restorative
Saucha (purification/housekeeping) – Have bolster, a strap, a couple of blankets and towels for this deeply relaxing and balanced practice.
Gentle HATHA
Sucha (purification/housekeeping) – using Vinyasa Krama practices to work with a different routine. Changing routines is a healthy challenge for the mind.
HATHA WEDS
Sucha (purification/housekeeping) – using a Vinyasa Krama classic routine. 3 x sun salutations, Standing sequence, Core sequence, Bakasana (Crow), Standing Balancing sequence, Heart opening sequence with Pidgeon, Shoulderstand & Relaxation.
HATHA THU
Sucha (purification/housekeeping) – using Vinyasa Krama classic routine. 3 x sun salutations, Standing sequence, Core sequence, Bakasana (Crow), Standing Balancing sequence, Heart opening sequence with Pidgeon, Shoulderstand, Nadi Shodana & Relaxation.
Week Commencing 8th February
Self-Love ‘5 to Thrive’ – With Valentines Day on the horizon, I’m inviting us to ask if we are doing enough to give ourselves everything we need and deserve. I see it as a time to deepen the connection we have with ourselves and not just with the people we are romantically involved with. A day to remember to ask, ‘How am I showing up for myself?’. ‘What is my inner dialogue?’ If someone was to ask you to describe yourself, would you say positive or negative things about yourself about every level of your existence? Do you feel like you are drained giving all of yourself to everyone else, and there’s nothing left for you? Be honest with yourself. Is it time to level up your self-love practice.
In this weeks classes I will be sharing a simple practice I call ‘5 to Thrive‘, which are 5 simple steps I use to nurture and deepen my own self-love practice. I promise it is an ongoing journey for me and the deeper we explore, the more we find. There’s always room to level up. Join me ‘online’ to find out how to level up and refine your own self-love routine. You might want to bring a journal or note pad to take a couple notes as things pop into your mind.
Prayer this week by Pixie Lighthorse.
Yin/Restorative
Heart space opening – Bolsters and blocks at the ready to enjoy some variations of Fish Pose & Melting Heart. Have blankets and socks to keep warm and cosy xx
Gentle HATHA
Heart Opening. Modifications and variations of Twists at the heart, Cobras, Shalabasana (back strengthening), Anjalayasana Lunges and Ustrassana the Camel Pose.
HATHA WEDS
Heart Opening. Modifications and variations of Twists at the heart, Cobras, Shalabasana (back strengthening), Wild Thing, Anjalayasana Lunges and Ustrassana the Camel Pose.
HATHA THU
Heart Opening. Modifications and variations of Cobras, Shalabasana (back strengthening), Anjalayasana Lunges and Rock Star & Wild Thing. Heart Meditation to close.
Week Commencing 1st February
Psoas Stretching & Strengthening Practices – The Psoas is the closest muscle to our centre of gravity. It connects from the last vertebrae in the thoracic section of the spine all the way down to the top of the femur (thigh bone). So it connects our legs with our torso and vice versa. This muscle affects our posture and and helps to stabalise our spine. So as you can imagine, if it is weak/tight, this can affect our body in a host of different ways. A biggy is low back pain, where the surrounding muscles become tight as they are trying to compensate the work that the psoas isn’t able to do. There are a lot of different things you can do to support. Best way to start is by keeping it relaxed. We start these sessions working with 3 part breathing which will help us to tell if there is any problems. Yes the psoas affects our breath too, which in turn can disrupt our ability to relax.
Yin/Restorative
Stretching & Relaxing the Psoas – 3 part breath, Half Saddle, Supported Bridge, Cats Tail & Legs up the Wall.
Gentle HATHA
A Strengthening & Lengthening Practice for the Psoas. 3 part breath, core work, low lunges, Cobra, Shalabasana and Bridge pose.
Hatha WEDS
Mainly Strengthening the psoas in this evenings class. A fast paced strong practice including core work, Vinyasas and a range of lunges, forward folds and Shoulder stand.
Hatha THUR
Mainly Strengthening the psoas in this mornings class. Modified Chatturanga (Staff Pose) and Vinyasa. A range of lunges & forward folds to close.
Week Commencing 25th January
Yoga Practices for the Digestive System – How many of us can safely agree that we go all out in the food and drink department during the Christmas and New Year festivities? Yeah, me too! And then by January the belly feels like a big lump of ‘whatever!?’ just not budging!? If this is you, then these practices are likely to help you get the digestive system moving again. To assist with the poses, please a sturdy rolled up blanket to hand. Happy winding!
Yin/Restorative
Mainly Yin practice. Please have a rolled up blanket to use. Working with Bastrika the cleansing breath Reflexology points to aid digestion at the end. A voila!
Gentle YOGA
Starting with Leg movements to wake up the intestines and encourage the energy to move more freely. Using Reflexology points to support the digestive system. Happy practicing!
HATHA
We get the heart working to create heat with Surya Namaska / Sun Salutes and then follow with several twists to support the digestive system. (*The Small intestines are between 3-5m long – not 1-2 miles)
Week Commencing 18th January
VAGUS NERVE – The word ‘vagus’ translated means ‘Wandering’. So wondering nerve. It’s the longest nerve we have in the human body and it connects from the back of the brains Limbic system – where we hold our experiences (enjoyabe and traumatic) – and travels down the body and connects with all our major organs. This nerve controls our ability to move from Fight & Flight into Rest and Digest. So a very important nerve. It helps us to switch off and relax. The practices this week will be engaging this nerve and encouraging us to rest and digest. This nerve also have a direct link to our gut, which is why gut health is so important as it is so closely linked to our brain and how we function. Here is the Metta Practice which I read out in the sessions. It is a Buddhist practice of Loving Kindness. Read it out 3 times. First with ‘I’, 2nd round ‘you’ and 3rd round ‘all’:
May I/You/All be happy & peaceful
May I/You/All be healthy & well
May I/You/All know joy & ease of being
May I/You/All be safe & come to no harm
Namaste
Yin/Restorative
Ujjayi/Ocean Breath. Extending the exhale. Vagus nerve stimulation. Stretching Hamstrings & Quads. Heart openers. Thyroid & Parathyroid gland activation. Closing with Twists & Forward fold.
Gentle YOGA
Ocean Breath – Ujjayi. This practice engages the Rest & Digest nervous system. Allows us to relax. Perfect for feeling peaceful during these turbulant times. Will encourage a deeper and peaceful sleep time.
HATHA (WEDS)
Ocean Breath – Ujjayi. A Heart opening practice, building from Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), to Ustrasana (Camel Pose) and Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose. With Bastrika Breath & short meditation.
HATHA (Thu)
Ocean Breath – Ujjayi. A Heart opening practice, building from Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), to Ustrasana (Camel Pose) and Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose. With Bastrika Breath & short meditation.
Week Commencing 11th January
** TWISTS** During usual times a New Year in yogi world will start with twists. This year we are getting on board a little later than expected. Twists help encourage a sluggish digestive system which can creep up on us during the festivities. All that luxurious food and drink! Not only are twists important for spinal health, but they can enhance the pranic (energy) flow around the naval. Nourishing all of our digestive organs; pancreas, kidneys, stomach, small intestines, liver and gall bladder. Rejuvenates deep fascia tissue. The naval is home to Manipura Chakra, a plexus of major nadis (energy pathways) which supply the whole body. Twisting asanas therefore have a strong effect on the total health and vitality of the human body. And then on an emotional and psychic levels, controlled twisting and untwisting represents a means of managing knots and problems we encounter. These asanas give insight and inspire a systematic approach to untying the tangled knots of life.
Yin/Restorative
Twists. Opening the body up before we get into our twists. This session offers lying and sitting versions of the twists.
Gentle YOGA
Twists. An energising class. Warming up with opening the body up in all directions and gentle twists… working up to Paravritta Trikonasana (Reverse Triangle) & Ardha Matseyndrasana (Lord of the Fishes). Have a chair and a block ready to use.
HATHA (WEDS)
Twists. Sun Salutes. Working up to Paravritta Trikonasana (Reverse Triangle). Have a block ready to use.
HATHA (Thu)
Twists. Bastrika breath. Sun Salutes. Sitting, standing and lying twists. Including Mermaid & Marichasana C. Have a block & brick ready to use.
Week Commencing 4th January
**Happy 2021** We made it through 2020! One thing we can be sure of is that everything changes. As nature changes through the seasons, the Nomads show us the example that if humans want to survive we need to accept change. Life is a result of a series of changes from birth to death. Be it physical, emotional, career or relationship. Change is inevitable & is synonymous with life and growth. But change isn’t always easy and sudden change can bring trauma and chaos. So how do we accept when we are not in control of changes around us? We can choose to control how we react to them. Notice what comes up and the source of it… without getting involved emotionally. Remember that all feelings are equal in the yoga realm. Please know that it is ok to have emotions… let them out and give them the space they deserve. Helpful tools are working with grounding practices to connect our energy source to the earth. And by changing our perspectives / viewpoints. This isn’t always easy. Focus on self-care even if 5 mins a day. Do things that bring you joy and happiness that don’t require others input. Like baking, walking, breathing, reading that big book you’ve been wanting to do… or perhaps writing one!
“Be the change you wish to see in the world” ~ Gandhi
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples” ~ Mother Teresa.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” ~ Reinhold Niebuhr
Yin/Restorative
Grounding. Balancing breathwork. Happy hips, opening up the front and sides of the body with plenty of rest at the end x
Gentle YOGA
Grounding. Lots of leg work. Warming up from standing. Standing poses, Warrior & Trikonasana. Happy hip work. Deepening our seated pose & closing with alternate nostril breath.
HATHA (WEDS)
Grounding. Lots of leg work. Warming up from standing. Standing poses, Warrior & Trikonasana. Happy hip work. Deepening our seated pose & closing with alternate nostril breath.
HATHA (Thu)
Grounding. Lots of leg work. Warming up from standing. Standing poses, Warrior & Trikonasana. Happy hip work. Closing with alternate nostril breath.
Week Commencing 21st December
** HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE & GRAND CONJUNCTION ** This week marks the Winter Solstice. This is the end of a cycle for nature where it is the shortest daylight day and longest night of the year. This is an opportunity to look back over the past year to see our wins and losses and what we want to say goodbye to. And equally a time to look forward to the new year and put out what it is you would like to draw towards you. This is twinned with the Grand Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter meeting in the sky at exactly zero degrees. What does this mean? It is like a great big re-set in terms of energy and we can help by raising our own vibrations to help the reset be of a high vibration. Here is the link to the Devi prayer that I played at the end of the classes: YouTube-DeviPrayer
Yin/Restorative
A Special Class. Mainly Restorative, with breath work and visualisations to release what you no longer want or need of 2020. And then looking towards what you do want to manifest for 2021.
Gentle HEALING YOGA
Gentle movements to honour the time of year. With visualisations and placing more emphasis on what you want to manifest for your life in 2021!
Week Commencing 14th December
With Christmas only a week away, there can be a lot of reasons to want time to speed up and be there already. When we wish time away, we destroy all that is beautiful with where we are right now. The seasons arrive when they’re ready to. Day and night have their own unique rhythm… as do we. And some things just take their time to grow and evolve. Be available to notice and smell the roses along the way – or the pine needles! – These are life’s sweet gems.
Yin/Restorative
Developing Patience From shorter to longer holds. Hips, Swan and Legs up the Wall.
Gentle Hatha
Developing Patience Working up to Warrior 3, using twists and balances.
Hatha (WEDS)
Hatha/Vinyasa – A peppery flow. Incls. Warrior 3, lunges, Shoulder stand and twists (for that extra slice of Christmas pud!)Oh & of course… the Fire Log Pose!
Hatha (Thur)
Hatha/Vinyasa – A peppery flow. Incls. Warrior 3, lunges, pidgeons and twists (for that extra slice of Christmas pud!)Oh & of course… the Fire Log Pose!
Week Commencing 7th December
This week we are working with the 5th Yama: Aparigraha: Defined as not holding on to, grasping, being possessive of, clinging or attaching to possessions, thoughts, relationships, jobs or ways of being. The opposite of this is letting go. It’s that time of year, a couple weeks before Christmas and the shops are filled with lots of lovely inciting things to look at and buy. There is a feeling of being drawn into this spiral of spending. And if any of us are feeling the penny pinch due to the extremely difficult year we have had, it’s important more than ever, not to feel like you have to get caught up in the wave of expenditure that can so easily take us into it’s firm grip. So this weeks classes are about releasing and letting go, with a slightly different spin depending on which class you opt for.
Yin/Restorative
Letting Go – Hips Hip openers, swan, half shoelace & shoelace
Gentle Hatha
Releasing where we are stuck. PMA1 releasing major joints and moving spine in all directions. All over body work.
Hatha (WEDS)
Working the major joints & moving spine in all directions. PMA1 + Ustrassana (camel), Triang Muka Eka Pada Pashimottonasana
Hatha (THUR)
Working the major joints & moving spine in all directions. PMA1 + Ustrassana (camel), Triang Muka Eka Pada Pashimottonasana
Week Commencing 30th November
With focus on the Luna (Moon) Eclipse this week, on Monday 30th. The Moon brings illumination during dark times. This moon is especially relevant due to it being a Gemini moon. Gemini (an air sign) can bring us up into our heads and brings on the flitting of thoughts – one to another. And with each thought we rest on, there is a lot of certainty that THIS is right! But then thought will change again. This brings up anxieties, stresses, fears and tears. The full moon illuminates and shines a beam of light onto our lives and shows us where we are holding onto and staying in our “comfort zone”. To support this experience, it is important to take note of what is running through th emind. Try to lean into this. Fear can arise with this… but this is where the release is, and the FULL MOON ECLIPSE is a gateway and opportunity to work with our darker crevasses. This is a time to realise we can be stuck in our comfort zone for years where there is NO growth or expansion. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we want to live life to the FULL (moon). So we are working with Sahashrara the Crown Chakra this week. Sahashrara is the chakra of illumination, awareness, bliss, grace and enlightenment. Everything we need to support us during this turbulant few weeks.
Yin/Restorative
Present Moment Awareness & Sahashrara Crown Chakra. Inversions, Chandra & Surya Veda, Meditation
Gentle Hatha
Sahashrara Crown Chakra. Inversions. Parsvottonassana, Pigeon, Hare. chandra & Surya Veda
Hatha (WEDS)
Inversions & Sublimation. Handstand & Headstand Preparatory work.
Hatha (THUR)
Inversions & Sublimation. Handstand & Headstand Preparatory work.
Week Commencing 23rd November
The Sun – as we draw more deeply towards Winter time and the Winter Solstice, the nights continue to get longer. This weeks sessions are drawing upon the energy of the Sun, using Manipura chakra awareness. Manipura translated is ‘The city of jewels’. It sits at the naval area and is our inner illumination. Our energy. Allows us to step into our own potential power, self-worth, self esteem, confidence, determination and will power. It represents the relationship we have with ourselves and as it uses the element fire, it transforms not only our food into nutrients for our body but the way we digest our emotions. When aligned we can face difficult situations, take purposeful action and align with our own inner power and resources.
Yin/Restorative
The Sun / Manipura. Sun guided meditation. Sphynx, Catapillar, Half Cradle – Half Stirup (psoas stretch), Twist
Gentle Hatha
The Sun / Manipura.
Uddiana Bandha. Manipura chakra. Side bends/twists.
Hatha (WEDS)
The Sun / Manipura Chakra. Salutes to the Sun. Updog/Bow Pose/Uddiana Bandha. Twists and manipura strengtheners
Week Commencing 16th November
This weeks offerings we are exploring the word ‘Prana‘ which translates as ‘energy’ or ‘vital/life force’… although as with most things yogic, it means so much more than this in actual practice. As the moon has longer in the night sky, and the sunlight hours become less, how are we able to continue to get our energy and vitality topped up? A lot of people suffer with the SAD at this time of year. Yoga is a great way to help re-vitalise and increase our energy levels. We expect so much of our bodies. What do you give back to yours, to help replenish and support it’s well-being? |
Yin/Restorative
Prana & Square Breath. Pranamaya Kosha. Poses: Lizard, Pigeon & Supported Bridge
Gentle Hatha
Square Breath. Flowing using breath and movement. Gentle twists & heart openers.
Hatha (WEDS)
Prana/Energy & Square Breath. Using breath with sequencing. Sun Salutes, Warrior Flow & Plough Flow
Hatha (THUR)
Prana/Energy & Square Breath. Using breath with sequencing. Sun Salutes, Warrior Flow & Plough Flow
Week Commencing 8th November
Yin/Restorative
Lotus Mudra. Lakshmi meditation.
Gentle Hatha
Working up to halfmoon pose, Ardha Chandrasana with Lakshmi meditation
Hatha (WEDS)
Working up to halfmoon pose, Ardha Chandrasana with Lakshmi meditation
Hatha (THUR)
Working up to halfmoon pose, Ardha Chandrasana with Lakshmi meditation
Week Commencing 2nd November
Reflect & Renew’ by Pixie Lighthorse
- Claim a quiet moment to let it all move through.
- Honour who and what holds you.
- Remember that we exist in a state of taking more than we give back.
- Choose one way to give that does no harm to anything or anyone.
- Thank the water, know the plants, honour you and honour others.
- Resist the need to hide.
- Your big heart is needed.
Yin/Restorative
‘Simplicity’
Gentle Hatha
‘Simplicity’ – side body stretches working up to Bakasana, Crow Pose
Hatha (WEDS)
‘Simplicity’ – side body stretches working up to Bakasana, Crow Pose
Hatha (THUR)
‘Simplicity’ – side body stretches working up to Bakasana, Crow Pose
July 2020
Yin/Restorative - Opposites
Yin/Restorative
An opening hips routine, working with deep massage that only the breath can offer us… we only need tune into it!
Gentle Hatha
The act of Giving and Receiving and finding balance between these two opposites. It’s impossible to have that perfect balance…
Hatha (WEDS)
… Which one are you doing more of than the other? What steps could you take to re-balance this?
Yin/Restorative
Gentle Hatha
Hatha (WEDS)
Deep Hip Release – This week’s session is focused on deep hip release and a taster of Antar Mouna mediation, which is translated as Inner Silence. Remember to work within your own boundaries. Find that sweet spot between soft and strong and breathe into the sensations. Enjoy!
Yin/Restorative
Gentle Hatha
Hatha (WEDS)
This week’s theme is about what Yoga actually is. It is the yoking, the blend and the connection of the male and female principles which lie within each of us. Referred to in Yoga as the Shiva and the Shakti. Today’s class looks at bringing awareness to the left and right sides… left being the Shakti; creative and receptive aspects of our being and the right being the Shiva; Pure consciousness, the spaciousness, unchanging emissive aspects. One cannot exist without the other. Both are just as important. The practice of yoga allows us to work at bringing in these two qualities into unison.
Yin/Restorative
Gentle Hatha
Hatha (WEDS)
In this session we use the power of the 3rd Eye/Ajna Chakra, to bring focus to our dreams, what they are, and bring it onto the earth plane.
June 2020
Yin/Restorative
The Chakras
Gentle Hatha
Sacral Chakra – Swadhistana
Hatha (WEDS)
Sacral / Swadhistana Chakra
Hatha (THU)
Sacral / Swadhistana Chakra
Yin/Restorative
Relaxing the nervous system and breaking into Parasympathetic the Rest & Digest part.
Gentle Hatha
Parasympathetic Nervous System – Nadi Shodona (alternate nostril breathing)
Hatha (WEDS)
Self-Care using breath with movement – modified Sun Salutations with Candle Pose, Halasana & Alternate Nostril Breathing.
Hatha (THU)
Self-Care Parasympathetic Nervous System – A slightly stronger practice than Wednesday evenings.
May 2020
Yoga Nidra
YOGA NIDRA Wooded walk with Heart visulisation – Anahata/ Heart Chakra
Hatha
Anahata & Thymus Gland – Heart opening poses
YIN / Restorative
Ajna / Lotus – Affirmation: “All the answers I need, I see within me”
Gentle Hatha
Ajna Lotus – Affirmation: “All the answers I need, I see within me”
Hatha
Ajna Lotus – Affirmation: “All the answers I need, I see within me”
April 2020
Gentle Hatha 90 MINS
With a full YOGA NIDRA ‘Golden Ladder’ – Heart Space using Hidrya Mudra
Yin & restorative
Santosha – contentment – 13th April 2020 One of the Niama’s.