BEGIN YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY.
Yoga
What actually is yoga? We’ll begin with what it’s not because this is a huge misconception: Yoga is not an exercise. It’s not a method of losing weight or toning up (although, arguably, these benefits can occur from a regular asana practice). It’s not a downward dog or a handstand. Despite what is presented in many western studios and Instagram pics, yoga cannot be defined by a physical posture because nowhere in any of the historical texts has it ever been defined as such. Yoga is an ancient and beautiful Indian philosophical system designed to awaken us to our true nature by varied means including, among others, meditation (dhyana), awareness cultivation, breath control (pranayama), and postures (asana). With its roots firmly embedded in the tradition of Tantra, which predates and gave rise to the Hatha Yoga tradition from which most other forms of yoga sprang forth, practicing yoga is choosing to awaken ourselves to a life more deeply nuanced, connected, and wonderful than we could have ever imagined.
Whilst we’re at it, let’s bust another common myth: you don’t have to be skinny, strong, or flexible to practice yoga. And you don’t even need a mat (unless of course you’re practicing movement and even then it’s debatable!)
I teach and hold space first and foremost from the heart, and with passion. I want you to leave a session with me feeling inspired and encouraged to take what you have cultivated out into the world with you, which is where I believe we really need it. Your body/mind is your greatest teacher and so you have complete autonomy on how you approach a practice. I teach in a way that encourages you to move and think intuitively and freely. I will never dictate how you should move your body because your unique structure will do that for you, if you tune in and listen. It would be pretty challenging to tailor a yoga class to meet the needs of every single person which is why you must take what you need, and ignore the rest. As Bernie Clark says: “We don’t use the body to get into a pose. We use the pose to get into the body.” There is always a huge emphasis on you as the participant relying on your intuition and autonomy to meet yourself each time in the way that is going to serve you best in that moment. Your body is your greatest teacher.
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Vinyasa Flow
Monday’s | 6:00 -7:15PM | Holford Village Hall | £10
Join us for this weekly session where we flow in rhythm with the energy of the moon. Our practice ascends with the energy of her waxing phase, and descends during her waning phase. This helps us to stay rooted and in flow with the natural energies that are available to us, rather than working against them, and ensures that we benefit from the variety that a yoga practice has to offer.
Practitioners of all experience are welcome. Your body will lead the way in how you effectively practice. All I ask is that you show up with an open mind.
There is no need to book, just turn up with your mat. We are there every week aside from Bank Holidays.
WHAT IS VINYASA FLOW YOGA?
In Vinyasa Flow Yoga we flow seamlessly in and out of the poses along with the breath. Some flow classes can be fast paced but I teach movement in a way which is slow and controlled, yet still strong and powerful. The emphasis in this class is on buiding physical and mental strength. What we cultivate on the mat together each week sets us up for being out in the world where the real practice of yoga begins.
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Soulful Sunday Flow
TBC
The New Moon is traditionally a time of going within and listening to the wisdom of the body/mind so during this practice we will flow together slowly and mindfully, pausing every now and then to tune into the subtleties of our Being. This delicious flow is designed to support and integrate all the different layers of the body/mind, or koshas, as they are called in Sanskrit.
At the end of this practice you will feel a sense of reconnection and spaciousness.
This is the perfect way to honour the energy of a Sunday morning and this part of the moon phase, so if you would like to join us please book using the button below.
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The Sunday Sessions: Yin & Restorative Yoga Workshop
TBC
This nourishing workshop places a huge emphasis on nervous system regulation and restoration. You will float out of the room with a sense of having really nurtured yourself, yet feeling completely grounded in your Being at the same time. The whole session will have a meditative and slow quality; stillness is a radical act of self-care.
WHAT IS YIN YOGA?
Yin Yoga is a meditative and introspective practice which is all floor based so there are no standing poses. The poses are held for a long time which gives us the chance to work deep into the muscle fascia and connective tissues by gently "stressing" them in order to elongate and strengthen them. It is not the same as Restorative Yoga which requires very little effort! It is a great practice for those looking to de-stress and is also excellent for those who participate in other sports and suffer from tight muscles and fascia.
WHAT IS RESTORATIVE YOGA?
In Restorative Yoga we relax deeply in the poses with the support of various props - bolsters, blocks, cushions, blankets, and straps. Its aim is to cultivate physical, mental, and emotional relaxation, and help us regulate the nervous system. Developed by B.K.S Iyengar, Restorative Yoga is a tranquil and meditative practice well-known and prescribed for its calming and healing effects.
“Practicing Yoga is choosing to awaken ourselves to a life more deeply nuanced, connected, and wonderful than we could have ever imagined.”
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Haley Blackman
Senior Yoga Teacher & Teacher Trainer, Somatic Coach, Student Counsellor & Author
With a personal practice of 23 years, and 11 years of teaching and training yoga teachers under my belt, I am a Yoga Alliance accredited Senior Yoga Teacher with well over 1,200 hours worth of training including: Vinyasa Flow, Yoni Shakti Well Woman Yoga Therapy, Prana Flow, Yin, Kundalini, Tantra (in the non-dual traditions), Pre & Postnatal Yoga, Teaching Yoga & Mindfulness to Teens, Working with Yoga & Eating Disorders, and Pilates. I was initiated into Transcendental Meditation 14 years ago but my current lineage is the Vimarsha Foundation, the home of Shaiva Shakta Tantra.