GROUP YOGA
For me, Yoga is a way of life. It is not only about my daily yoga practice and my teaching, but it is about spreading love and light into the world and helping to head the planet It is about treating people how you would like to be treated with respect, kindness, compassion and love.
About 5000 years ago when Yoga emerged in India, a man called Patanjali (a Yoga Sage) defined yoga as:
“Yoga is the removal of the fluctuations of the mind. In Sanskrit language, CHITTA is mind, VRITTIS are thought impulses and NIRODAH is removal. Through practising the asanas and doing Meditation we can then gain control of the mind which is the main goal of yoga. Only then can we reach SAMADHI”
(in my words enlightenment and bliss)
Perhaps the easiest definition of Yoga to understand is the one by Yoga Alliance whom say that:
“Yoga was developed up to 5000 years ago in India, a comprehensive system for wellbeing on all levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Whilst Yoga is often equated with Hatha Yoga, the well -known system of postures and breathing techniques, Hatha Yoga is only part of the overall discipline of yoga”
Swami Satyanda Saraswatin says:
“Yoga is not an ancient myth buried in oblivion. It is the most valuable inheritance of the present. It is the essential need of today and the culture of tomorrow”
Yoga is much, much, more than an exercise class, as it provides vast health benefits, from healthier eating choices, to correct breathing, a positive outlook and a generally more conscious and present attitude to the world around you.
It is about ‘RIGHT’ living which is where the Yamas and Niyamas come in…
These are at the base of the eight limbs of yoga. They are really just a set of rules for ‘right living’. They incorporate the skills and values needed to prosper in this world. They are a kind of CODE OF CONDUCT.
YAMAS
Non-violence (AHIMSA)
Honesty
Non-stealing
Sensory control/chastity
Non-possessiveness
NIYAMAS
Devotion
Determination, study, purity, contentment (and I would add kindness)
Compassion, empathy, forgiveness!
Group Yoga Class Timetable and Fees:
Online (ZOOM) Classes:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday Mornings
Sun Salutation (8 week course). An energising practice! (All abilities)
£40Mondays
Absolute Beginners (8 week course)
£48Improvers (8 week course)
£56Saturdays
Super Saturday (8 week course). Get ready for the weekend! (All abilities)
£48Sundays
Serenity Sundays (8 week course). Restorative Practice with relaxing postures, breathe work, yoga philosophy, chanting (optional) and meditation
£48 (£12 PAYG)In Studio:
All classes are held at the addresses below. Spaces limited to 12 students to promote friendly atmosphere and individual attention!
Thursdays
Absolute Beginners (8 week course)
£64Improvers (8 week course)
£72Fridays
Absolute Beginners (8 week course)
£64Improvers (8 week course)
£72Tuesdays
Chair and Chat Yoga (8 week course). Suitable for anyone of any age who has limited mobility or major health issues.
£64Class locations:
The Upstairs Studio
St Sebastian’s Playing Fields Sports Hall
(The Pavillion),
St Sebastian’s Close, Wokingham,
Berkshire RG40 3XA
View Google map
There is ample free parking outside the venue.
The Cornerstone
The De Vitre Room,
2nd floor,
Norreys Avenue,
Wokingham RG40 1UE
View Google map
There is ample free parking outside the venue.
YOGA GLOSSARY
- ASANAS: The physical postures.
- PRANAYAMA: Control of the breathe (prana = life force) to energise and/or calm body and mind.
- PRATYAHARA: Basically withdrawal. In relaxation we go into our into the body and thus withdraw, detach from the senses of sight, sound, touch. so that the mind turns within.
DHARANA: is one pointed concentration, such as looking at a candle flame which happens during meditation. This eliminates the fluctuations of the mind.
YOGA CLASS STYLES
A. HATHA YOGA
B. RESTORATIVE YOGA
I would like to welcome all my students to Class. I am excited and honoured to be your teacher and to instruct you in the gift of Yoga.
I am looking forward to meeting you either in Class or via Zoom!
As Ghandi said:
