Integration of mind, body and breath
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Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and is just as relevant today.
What is yoga? The physical practice of yoga asana is one of the eight limbs of yoga and was originally designed to prepare the body for sitting in meditation. The body, and in particular the spine, is worked through all planes of movement in conjunction with the breath. Moving the body with the breath allows the physical practice to be a kind of moving meditation. Physical yoga practice is therefore an integration of mind, breath, and body and can be seen as a way of moving into stillness. |
Yoga has numerous benefits but some of the physical ones include postural improvement, an increase in energy levels, better circulation, regulated breathing, and improved muscle tone and endurance. Yoga also has energetic effects on a deeper level: depending on the practice it can be calming or stimulating, opening or centring, can improve focus and concentration, and can bring a deep sense of peace and contentment. For those interested in mindfulness, it also improves our ability to be fully present in the moment.
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Whether you are simply looking for physical strength with flexibility, want to learn how to calm an overactive mind, or are interested in living in a more meaningful way, yoga has answers for you. Actually, you often have the answers already within you, but yoga can teach you how to find them.
I started practicing yoga to increase my flexibility and as a way of cross-training to support my marathon running. Now yoga is no longer about an exercise regime for me but is a system for living. It is a school of practical philosophy that has brought me not just stronger legs and a more flexible spine but a deeper understanding of the world in which we live, and a deep desire to live more kindly. We need to eat carefully and to take care of our bodies. Your body is where you live, you need to work to make it a happy place to be. Yoga practice is transformational for our minds as well as our bodies but many of us come to yoga to get stronger or more flexible, or other physical goals. That’s ok too. You don’t have to want self-transformation as a goal of your yoga practice – you don’t even have to believe it, with regular practice it will happen anyway!
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How do you teach?
I enjoy many different kinds of yoga and they all inform my teaching: vinyasa flow, jivamukti, ashtanga. I have a strong emphasis of alignment and precision of movement.
My classes are dynamic and physically challenging but with attention to correct movement. You will be invited to explore your limits, wherever they are, but modifications of all levels are given so classes are appropriate for all levels of student. All classes include some pranayama (breathing control) and meditative practices.
Most classes are 1 hour 15 mins long. I teach beginner classes, improvers, highly dynamic, and less regular “posture labs” to focus on particular asana.
I enjoy many different kinds of yoga and they all inform my teaching: vinyasa flow, jivamukti, ashtanga. I have a strong emphasis of alignment and precision of movement.
My classes are dynamic and physically challenging but with attention to correct movement. You will be invited to explore your limits, wherever they are, but modifications of all levels are given so classes are appropriate for all levels of student. All classes include some pranayama (breathing control) and meditative practices.
Most classes are 1 hour 15 mins long. I teach beginner classes, improvers, highly dynamic, and less regular “posture labs” to focus on particular asana.
Price: £15 for in-person class in the studio, £10 for a zoom class or recording
Sabina's yoga classes are a great mix of hard physical work and a huge sense of calm. As soon as she starts the class you forget everything outside the room and for 75 mins you can escape the world. Your body feels strong and flexible and your mind feels peaceful. Classes include a focus on breathing and have a spiritual theme but are also really good fun.
-Karene
