Integration of mind, body and breath
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In the end only three things matter: |
Yoga is a process of self-revelation, a direct and accessible way of meeting ourselves. It is a reconnection with our true, essential Self which is joyful and whole.
A strong, flexible body is the bonus as we develop a strong and flexible mind.
You can’t “do” yoga – yoga is your natural state of being.
Sharon Gannon
My teaching is influenced not only by two decades of being an exercise movement specialist but also by having studied Buddhism and cultural anthropology at University and ever since.
I teach physically challenging classes influenced mainly by Jivamukti yoga and vinyasa flow: as well as being a way of exploring oneself, both physically and mentally, there is always a focus on yoga philosophy, pranayama and meditation.
I also teach Restorative and Yin yoga and believe these quieter, more internal yoga practices are becoming ever more needed in our busy society. Yin yoga will allow you to work at a deeper level, both physically as you access the slower responding connective tissues, and mentally as you develop a more meditative practice. In a restorative class the focus is on allowing both body and nervous system the chance for rest, relaxation, and ease.
I teach physically challenging classes influenced mainly by Jivamukti yoga and vinyasa flow: as well as being a way of exploring oneself, both physically and mentally, there is always a focus on yoga philosophy, pranayama and meditation.
I also teach Restorative and Yin yoga and believe these quieter, more internal yoga practices are becoming ever more needed in our busy society. Yin yoga will allow you to work at a deeper level, both physically as you access the slower responding connective tissues, and mentally as you develop a more meditative practice. In a restorative class the focus is on allowing both body and nervous system the chance for rest, relaxation, and ease.
In classes I encourage students to create space in both body and mind through a variety of yoga practices, both dynamic and gentle. With space and the stillness that can come after movement, you can access wisdom about how to live your life creatively and fully.
Due to my “other job” as an Intrinsic Biomechanics Coach I find myself pretty hot on alignment. However, I firmly disagree with the concept that there is a perfect universal alignment for each asana (posture). Just as each of us is on our own, unique spiritual journey, each of us lives in a body utterly unique to us. No pose will look and, more importantly, be experienced in exactly the same way by two people. We are so inundated with Instagram images of perfect bodies in the “perfect” pose that we forget that the perfect alignment of our bodies within any yoga pose is unique to us too. The aim of my teaching is to help you to discover what this is for you.
If you go deeply enough inside yourself, you will find not something small but something immensely spacious. This is the essence of the human spirit.
Donna Farhi
Descriptions of yoga classes:
Open class:
These classes are physically dynamic and will build strength as well as flexibility. I provide plenty of options and modifications so they are accessible to able-bodied beginners but will also challenge even an experienced practitioner. Most classes start with a brief “dharma” talk developing the theme for class, and include pranayama and meditative practices.
Open class:
These classes are physically dynamic and will build strength as well as flexibility. I provide plenty of options and modifications so they are accessible to able-bodied beginners but will also challenge even an experienced practitioner. Most classes start with a brief “dharma” talk developing the theme for class, and include pranayama and meditative practices.
Restorative Yoga:
This is a quiet, extremely gentle class with only 3-4 poses held for a long time. The aim of this class is to allow both body and nervous system the chance for rest, relaxation, and ease. It helps us to develop compassion: first for ourselves and thereby for others. In our current world we could all benefit from a regular time to really take care of ourselves: body and soul.
This class is accessible to all and benefits include:
This is a quiet, extremely gentle class with only 3-4 poses held for a long time. The aim of this class is to allow both body and nervous system the chance for rest, relaxation, and ease. It helps us to develop compassion: first for ourselves and thereby for others. In our current world we could all benefit from a regular time to really take care of ourselves: body and soul.
This class is accessible to all and benefits include:
- decreased heart rate & blood pressure
- increased immunity
- improved digestion, respiration, sleep, stress regulation, and pain management
- enhanced energy, creativity, and positivity
Yin yoga:
This class is a quiet, gentle class where poses are held for a longer time in order to access connective tissues, including the all-important fascia. Awareness is directed as you settle into stillness, and a meditative practice develops as you work at a deeper level, learning to explore, accept and allow things to be as they are.
This class is a quiet, gentle class where poses are held for a longer time in order to access connective tissues, including the all-important fascia. Awareness is directed as you settle into stillness, and a meditative practice develops as you work at a deeper level, learning to explore, accept and allow things to be as they are.
Stretch & strengthen:
This is a gentle class, mostly floor-based and accessible to all. There is less focus on yoga philosophy but classes include pranayama (breathing awareness and exercises) and works to build strength and flexibility from the inside. A myriad of props and modifications are available to make this appropriate for all, and as with all my classes, there is a large and supportive social element to it as well!
This is a gentle class, mostly floor-based and accessible to all. There is less focus on yoga philosophy but classes include pranayama (breathing awareness and exercises) and works to build strength and flexibility from the inside. A myriad of props and modifications are available to make this appropriate for all, and as with all my classes, there is a large and supportive social element to it as well!
Price: £15 for a live class, £10 for a recording
As well as live classes I have a large video catalogue of 75 min Yoga classes. You can access these under the "Videos" tab above.
Sabina is a wonderful Yogi whose classes I could not live without. Each one seems to be exactly pitched to what you need, both emotionally and physically.
-Shani
