New Gentle Yoga Classes starting 13th May

C O R R E C T I O N ! ! !

Gentle yoga practice for relaxation and renewal

Open to all levels. Please sign up in advance.
Dates: 12 May - 30 June 2009

8x Tuesday
Time: 5:30 - 6:30pm 
Where: Carole Young Community Centre
Cranston Estate N1 5EH
Cost: £40 for 8 week series (Drop-in £7)

Space wanted

Looking for a hall or big room in the budget range of £10 or below per hour in the City/Islington/Hackney areas. I would like to start more classes next month. In order to offer affordable community-based classes, it would be superb to find a hall, which won't cost an arm and a leg to hire.

If you know of anything, please drop me a line and will contact them asap. Thanks for your help! 

What makes a day perfect?

This is probably my lucky day. No monster kids. Perfect weather. High turnout. Had a successful start with the new course! 

I have been trying to make my practice outline all day and couldn't get myself to put it down on paper. While writing up all my notes, I came across one practice I have done before and decided I was going to use it. Problem solved.

Once we started the class, somehow the practice changed without trying at all. It really works to find the appropriate postures and tailor the practice at that specific moment. I had it all planned out and yet, the outcome changed; the result much better than I had expected. 

Speaking to a few of my students after the class, most of them beginners, they were all surprised that they could do it. Yoga is indeed for everyone. 

So what are you waiting for?! Come join the next class!

Estate kids - pure evil or just bored?

For the second time, I have been harassed by these monster kids on the estate. We're talking 6 and 7 year olds running amok and making people's lives hell! Tonight while teaching my class, 3 of these kids tried to lock us in the community hall by pulling the shutters down. Can you believe?! Luckily I was able to maintain my composure and finish  the class with ease. I was forced to call the police again to report this harassment. No more Mr Nice Guy!!  I tried to show them respect and this is what I get. While on the phone with the MET, who should pass by but the father, followed by Chloe, Summer and Storm! What luck! 

I can recall telling James to grab them. Hahaha. We explained to him what his kids were up to! Serves them right. They were so scared.... But with this, I hope this stops right here, right now.

Pose of the Week

Adhomukha Svanasana

(downward-facing dog)

Start in Samasthiti with the legs together, spine straight, arms on the side and head relaxed.

On inhale, bring hands by the front and place above the head. Exhale, bend forward from the hips while keeping the spine straight. Place palms on either side of the feet, creating one line with the toes. Bend the knees if necessary.

Inhale, bring one leg back into a lunge. Exhale, bring the other leg back and push the hips up towards the ceiling, creating an inverted V-posture. Keep arms and legs straight. Shoulders are wide and relaxed. No pressure on the wrists by grounding the fingers and palms into the mat. Slowly bring the heels to the floor. The head hangs naturally and look between your feet. 

Stay here for a couple of breaths, breathing in and out slowly through the nostrils. Create an energy flow within the body.

On the next inhale, bring one foot between hands coming into a lunge. On exhale, bring the other foot forward, coming into a forward bend. 

Inhale, bring the arms up to ears, come to standing letting the arms lead the back up. Exhale, slowly bring the arms to the side of the body.

Yoga Philosophy

Sutra 1.1 atha yogânusâsanam

now, here begins the teachings of yoga.

It is very important to create a good atmosphere before giving a class to gain confidence and faith of the student. However, this goes both ways. The student needs to take the vow to practise with a good attitude and be ready to receive the teaching.

NEW CLASSES!!

Yoga is a powerful tool on the journey of physical and spiritual growth. We will learn to connect with the body, the breath and mind while using a few tools of yoga with the aim of improving our overall well-being.

Gentle dynamic yoga practice with emphasis on the breath. Classes are designed to accommodate the students' needs and capabilities. 

Some benefits of a regular practice include:
Increased strength and flexibility
Increased self-awareness, attention and focus
Detoxification
Massage of the organs
Stress reduction

Open to all levels. Please sign up in advance.

Dates: 10x Thursday starting 23rd April 
Time: 10-11am or 6:45 - 7:45pm 
Where: Carole Young Community Centre
Cranston Estate N1 5EH
Cost: £50 for 10 week series (Drop-in £7)

Trying to get pregnant? Recovering from an injury? Children's classes? One to one classes in the privacy of your home or at work also offered upon request.