Yoga Styles

We practice and teach a number of Yoga styles between us and also believe that our Yoga style develops as we learn from other teachers and as our own practice evolves. We have outlined a number of class styles below, such as Ashtanga Vinyasa, Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, Hatha Meditation, however if you would like to find out more, please feel free to get in contact or pop along to a session of your choice.

Ashtanga Vinyasa:

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga ("eight-limbed" yoga) is a modern form of Classical Indian Hatha Yoga systematically defined and promoted by K. Pattabhi Jois, based on the "eight-limbs" of Yoga referred to in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The practice engages the Prana (breath) to keep a constant flow through each of the Asanas, as well as warm the body for a deeper practice both mentally and physically. The Prana allows us to utilise the breathe in a Vinyasa sequence (fluid transition between postures).

The "eight-limbs" are grouped into the following:

Yama - non-violence is practised to all beings - loving all beings
Niyama - observances and the mind / body / soul connection - loving yourself
Asana - physical postures to prevent disease, balance the nervous system and preserve vital life force energy
Pranayama - breathing to balance the vital life force energies to remove staleness and promote concentration and self-development. Asana and Pranayama are best friends.
Pratyahara - managing our desires through a withdrawal of our senses in the physical world and taking them inwards to the Self for clarity and focus
Dharana - concentrating Consciousness through focus on the Elements / Physical object (breath, flame / third eye / idol or deity) - one clear focus where the act itself and the object of the meditation remain distinct
Dhyana - meditation in the direct present awareness, where releasing the focus on a particular thing so that you are present and fully immersed in the act / thought / feeling.
Samadhi - meditating, where there is oneness in the act itself, the external object and where the body, mind and senses are in harmony. An acceptance of the universal consciousness and oneness in simply being.

Vinyasa Flow:

Western society has created new forms of Yoga, such as "Vinyasa Flow Yoga" or "Power Yoga", which are born from the traditional Ashtanga practice and allow for a more intensive or vigorous physical practice. This practice is usually a constant one breath count flow instead of a flow sequence between five breath count postures.

Restorative:

In modern times we are constantly on-the-go with work, family and social commitments. The practice of Restorative Yoga teaches the mind and body to relax completely into a deep stillness by holding the Asanas for several minutes at a time. The practice allows us to bring our organs, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems back to balance as we use a gentle and deep relaxing breath in the postures.

The use of blocks and blankets is common is this style of Yoga as practitioners spend time in each pose without putting strain on the body. Eventually, your mind will come to an acceptance and stillness so be patient with yourself. We recommend a combination of Vinyasa and Restorative classes for the development of the mind and body and also to enhance your meditation.

Hatha Yoga with Mediation:

Hatha Yoga focuses on the union (yoking) of opposites; "Ha" means Sun and "Tha" means Moon. Like Male and Female, Hot and Cold, the practice focuses on the proposition that one cannot exist without the other. Whilst Ashtanga focuses on the "eight-limbs", Hatha Yoga focuses on six of the eight limbs.

Asana
Pranayama
Pratyahara
Dharana
Dhyana
Samadhi

Hatha Yoga brings to light the sexual energies and preservation of the life force energy through the physical practice, meditation, mudras (hand gestures) and bandha (energy locks and preservation) focus. Kundalini and Tantric Yoga stem from the focus of the Ida (female/left), Pingala (male/right) and Shushumna Nadis, which are energy channels that run through the subtle body. Ida and Pingala mirror each other, whilst the Shushumna Nadi resides at the base of the spine (Muladhar Chakra) and runs through each of the seven key Chakras up to the Crown of the head, Sahasra. The aim of Kundalini Yoga is to awaken the Shushumna and raise the energy up through each of the Chakras.

Yoga for Kids:

Yoga for kids develops self-confidence, improves concentration and grounds children. At the same time a practice can enhance a child's social skills and most importantly, each child practices to their own ability and has a lot of fun! Experienced in working with children of all ages, the Yoga instructor will create animal and nature stories inspired by yoga postures, such as downward dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Camel pose (Ustrasana) and Tree pose (Vriksasana) for example.

Corporate Yoga:

In a world of deadlines, desk jobs and late nights, it's important that we allow our mind and body to heal itself and that we feed it with the right kind of Prana (breath) and Asana (postures) to support us in our daily lives. We run 60 min Yoga classes at offices, advertising agencies and other workplaces for your convenience. As long as at least 8-15 of you and your colleagues or employees are interested in a regular, convenient practice and have a space away from the main office floor we can come in once or twice a week.

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