YOGA TEACHES US

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​Pleasure is always derived from something outside you,
whereas joy arises from within.
BEGINNERS WELCOME -
Tips to help you on your Yoga Journeys
  • We will be practicing Hatha Yoga, a combination of Slow yoga, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar and Restorative. Using Breath with Awareness; performed with slow movement and holding various asanas (postures) allow the body, mind and spirit to come into harmony.
  • ​​Clothes- light and comfortable, non-constricting. Preferably stretchy material that's not too loose or tight. Layers are good as can be removed when one feels hot.                                                                                              Yoga is practiced with bare feet.
  • Mats available  for your use.  You are welcome to bring your own; can be helpful especially if we have a very full class.
  • Try not to walk on someone else's mat - it may sound trite but due to the transformative experiences people have during yoga, some regard their mat not just as a piece of rubber but an extension of themselves, a 'gateway to their soul'. Some may also consider it as an invasion of their personal space or simply just be irritated that you stepped on something that belongs to them with your feet.
  •  Props- such as Blocks, Blankets, Bolsters, Eye Pillows and Straps will also be available and I encourage you to use them as the need arises. They can often help you feel more comfortable in a pose allowing you to release and relax, keeping correct alignment, while minimising the risk of injury.
  • Remember that Yoga is not a competitive sport, observe yourself and only do what feels right and comfortable for you on the day. You may feel uncomfortable or discomfort at times but you should NEVER FEEL PAIN when practicing. Similarly, if you need to rest at any point during the class, do so. One of the most important tenets of yoga is 'Ahimsa'- which means 'non-violence' or non-harming'. This means, among other things, not physically harming others or ourselves  - So be kind to yourself.  
  • You are your best teacher - you know your own body better than anyone else and if something feels wrong it probably is.
  • Injuries or any queries -  if you have any concerns or just want clarification please inform me before class, alternatively text or email me. Things can change from one week to the next.
  • Doctor's advice -  you may need to consult your doctor for any specific recommendations- especially if you have chronic health condition or recent surgery/injury - Classes can then can be tailored to create a yoga practice for you; * Private classes available.
  • What to eat before class ? - It's best not to do a class on a full stomach - allow 2 hours or so (can be rather uncomfortable when twisting or compressing stomach). On the other hand, it's also not a good idea to practice on a completely empty stomach either - Perhaps eat a small snack beforehand: a banana, a few dates, berries, handful of nuts or a yoghurt for example - so you don't feel light headed.
  • Don't forget to Breathe - Learning to connect with your breath is one of the most important things you'll learn in yoga and we will be incorporating a breathing practice (Pranayama) into class gradually over time. It may be a little confusing at first - but don't worry it will come to you with practice.                                                                               Remember avoid holding your breath when moving and holding postures.
  • Emotion- During yoga we learn to become present in our body, and this has the effect of making our subconscious mind begin to feel safe, so the body will begin to relax. Physical tension will dissipate and we may also experience an emotional release as a result of that.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most of us at some point have experience strong emotion during yoga - whether it's tears, frustration, vulnerability, fear, sadness or joy - emotional release is totally normal. Our 'lesson' is not to judge it....just to let it be exactly as it is.
  • Yoga is a transformative practice that integrates body, mind and emotional tensions to arrive at deeper levels of relaxation and awareness.
  • Patience, openness, the commitment to show up on your mat, respecting your body's boundaries, learning to connect with sensation and your breath and the willingness to be in the present moment are all far more important than whether you can balance in tree pose for  minutes. So rather than being frustrated at being a beginner, enjoy the experience- You never know, if you keep practicing, you may not be a beginner for very long.​                                                                                                                  Namaste Karen