'No yoga....No peace. Know yoga….Know peace.'
Bikram
Begin where you are right now. Yoga can be practiced by anyone, irrespective of age, sex, culture or religion. You don’t need to be thin, flexible, strong or spiritual to practice yoga. Yoga is seen as the union of mind, body and spirit. Come to yoga with an open mind, a willingness to learn and a real sense of purpose and you will find a balance in all aspects of your being – emotional, physical, mental. Renewed energy and strength, tone and flexibility and calmness of mind will eventually grow within you. Through regular Asana (posture) practice yoga will help to re-shape your body, tone and strengthen muscles, increase balance and co-ordination. Through Pranayama (breathing) and Meditation practice stress levels are reduced, the mind becomes clear and calm helping you to become more present and aware. Live up to your full potential by practicing yoga and experiencing harmony in mind, body and soul.
‘Now Yoga is revealed. Yoga is stillness of mind, then awareness of our essential nature is established.’
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 1 (1-3)
'Don't look at your feet to see if you are doing it right ……. just dance.'
Kobi Yamada
Vinyasa means ‘ to flow’ – connecting breath and movement, linking postures in a dynamic flowing sequence. Joanna places emphasis on connecting with the breath as a constant point of reference. The practice is relaxed yet alert, focusing on the present moment and moving in and out of Asanas in a graceful and grounded way.
'Peace comes from within Do not seek it without'
Buddha
A gentle yoga practice beginning with Pranayama and moving through Asanas in a soft flow to keep the link with the breath, warm up the body and relax the mind. A slow down at the end in Savasana for deep relaxation to soothe the spirit and renew the body.
'In your body is the garden of flowers. Take your seat on the thousand petals of the lotus. And there gaze on the infinite beauty.'
Kabir
Seated
Asanas are held for 3 – 5 minutes to enable the connective tissue and the joints to strengthen and re-vitalise. Emphasis is placed on the breath and nurturing inner awareness with mindfulness and integrity in the postures. Deep Savasana is a perfect ending to this slow, steady yoga practice.
Are you stuck in your yoga practice? Having trouble with certain postures? Would you like to learn more about Pranayama and Meditation? Or simply cannot attend regular classes? Yoga One-to-One may be for you. Taking a series of private lessons can dramatically improve your practice.
'Your body is precious. It is your vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.' Buddha
At times our yoga practice may not allow us to go deeper in to areas we wish to improve on. Workshops, holidays and retreats are ideal to inspire and motivate us. They fill this gap and give us the opportunity to take the time to channel our focus and energy into improving certain aspects of our practice. Visit this page regularly to see what is coming up:
Saturday 12th July 2008
YIN YOGA WORKSHOP 2-4.30pm at David Lloyd, Bolton
Saturday 9th August 2008
YIN & YANG YOGA WORKSHOP 2-4.30pm at David Lloyd, Bolton
Saturday 27th September 2008
YIN YOGA WORKSHOP 2-4.30pm at David Lloyd, Bolton
Saturday 6th September 2008
CHAKRA VINYASA YOGA WORKSHOP with Claire Missingham
THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO CLAIRE'S PREGNANCY.
YIN & YANG WORKSHOP WITH GRANVILLE COUSINS AND JOANNA WILL NOW BE TAKING PLACE INSTEAD. PLEASE SEE THE DETAILS OF THE WORKSHOP BELOW.
Saturday 6th September 2008
YIN & YANG YOGA WORKSHOP with Granville Cousins and Joanna
11.30am- 4.30pm at David Lloyd, Trafford
28th-30th November 2008
Autumn Yoga Weekend in Cumbria with Joanna
LAST FEW PLACES LEFT!!!