Timetable of Classes
in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire 

Yoga in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire

All levels go through the full range of moves the body needs (forward, backward, side, inverted and balanced) enjoy a varied mixture of dynamic (moving) poses, static ones, balancing poses and sequences, to develop grace, fine muscle control, mental and physical equilibrium and stamina as well as the usual strength and flexibility

There is a quiet, focused, very relaxed atmosphere though always ready to smile and laugh.  Many breathing and other techniques are explored finishing with deep relaxation-plus.

Classes are tailored to fit every individual and each term has a theme, often chosen by or in response to the needs of the students.  Some examples are:

Relieving back-ache

Developing self-confidence

Stopping exam nerves

Relieving anxiety (see above)

Managing insomnia (whether from external sources such as young children keeping you awake or internal, such as your mind being over-active)

Energizing and invigorating the body while enhancing the warm outgoing side of your nature

Calming, releasing tension

Finding tranquility in experiencing your sensitivity and enhancing the gentle, receptive, intuitive side of your nature

Exploring the chakras

Keeping osteoporosis at bay

Mudras, which are light positions (often of the fingers only) that have subtle effects on the mind and body.

The observances of Yoga and why we observe them.

Occasionally the philosophy of Yoga is briefly looked at, more for those groups who are curious. 

BEGINNERS learn to move into and hold beautifully accurate poses with grace and harmony.  You learn to flow with the breath, explore breathing techniques (for instance one to balance the appetite, sleep pattern and calm the nerves) and start simple Pranayama which affects every cell of the body.  You start to learn bandhas.  At this beginner-level very simple sequences are introduced and you will experience relief from many ailments as well as the benefits of breathing well.

IMPROVING BEGINNERS refine the easy poses and move into poses requiring more strength and flexibility maintaining accuracy and grace.  These are excellent foundation for advanced poses done well (*).  You develop greater control of the breathing and more techniques (which can for instance help a shy introvert become relaxed and outgoing so that they enjoy socialising or work the other way and calm those people who get over-excited and exhausted.  It can also be used for relieving pain).  At this level stronger and more involved sequences are introduced, once the body is strong enough for all the moves, this gives you something to practise at home.  You learn to combine the bandhas with postures where this is beneficial which at this level increases resistance to infection**, improves memory and concentration.

At the INTERMEDIATE level you continue becoming more and more flexible and strong which is reflected in the mind and personality and you explore stronger and more entwined poses.  Here you are likely to start to learn the Headstand if you wish.  You learn more complicated breathing techniques and learn how to incorporate these into poses, this brings benefits such as releasing anger, fear and stress.  You will be doing more advanced pranayama combined with bandhas which together bring marvellous health benefits and can lead you to a discovery of your inner self and the chakras and koshas (subtle bodies).    Sequences may include balancing and bandhas.  At this level students will find they can easily move through a range of emotions and return at will to tranquillity.

ADVANCING students are very strong, flexible, calm, focused and humorous and can hold even very strong, demanding, entwined poses beautifully, maintaining the perfect asana with fine accuracy and moving with fluidity and grace into and out of the poses.  You will be able to flow smoothly through very strong sequences.  Moving in harmony with the breath will have become natural and effortless which brings the mind into a state of introspection and gives exceptional powers of concentration.  This is a special state because whilst being conscious of your own self you will have developed greater awareness of others, more compassion and empathy.

In ADVANCED groups the warm-ups as well as poses are much stronger because by this level muscles are strong and supple.  Bandhas, breathing techniques and Pranayama are finely tuned and controlled.

In all groups we sometimes make sounds (though you can skip this and don’t worry if you can’t sing, I can’t at all) because these influence the mind and the body and are essential for healing the conditions mentioned.  The CRTs revealed that without the sounds, pranayama and breathing techniques as well as the poses the healing effects were not experienced, for instance brain chemistry imbalances and hormone levels did not correct themselves.

Relaxation techniques are practised in all sessions with extras such as visualization, candle gazing etc and meditation is introduced little by little.   Students find that their minds become steadier and their creativity and imagination enhanced.  Although Yoga Poses done with awareness are in themselves Mindful Meditation we also practice open-focus meditation, for de-conditioning the mind and meditation with seed for conditioning the mind.