Yoga Classes: Description

Hatha Flow

Hatha flow classes teach the fundamentals of yoga and many basic flow sequences. Correct alignment of all poses is emphasized, but right from the beginning, you will learn simple sequences that you can practise on your own. Flexibility increases naturally as both mind and body experience deep relaxation through the synchronization of breath and movement.

This class is suitable not just for  beginners but also more experienced students interested in learning the Shakti Rasa Sequences. These sequences can be expanded to include very advanced poses or contracted to focus on basic asanas. You will learn an alternative way to do self-practice, developing your own intuitive connection to the poses.  Pranayama and meditation are an integral part of the practice.

Led Astanga

In this class, you learn the traditional ashtanga primary series, including basic backbends and the finishing sequence.  A dynamic flowing class, Led Ashtanga is suitable for those new to ashtanga but with some experience of yoga who want to learn this amazing practice. It is also advisable for those who need to refresh or refine their understanding of certain parts of the practice.  This prepares you for self-practice, where you can experience the full transformative power of ashtanga-vinyasa. Led Ashtanga classes are given as needed. But most of the time, new students learn through individual instruction as a part of self-practice classes.

Open Self-Practice Classes

In self-practice classes, everyone works individually, following the rhythm of the breath and moving through postures at their own pace.  You receive guidance in modifying poses to suit your particular constitution and assistance in working through  more challenging poses. You learn the correct breathing and vinyasa, so that in time your practice will flow with an even rhythm and effortless fluidity.

Patthabi Jois called this practice a "yoga mala", a mala being a kind of rosary. In time, the practice flows as "a garland of yoga, in which each vinyasa is like a sacred bead to be counted and focused on, and each asana like a fragrant flower strung on the thread of the breath."

Committed ashtanga practitioners will be guided in the ashtanga sequences, but practitioners of Shakti Rasa or any other style of vinyasa krama self-practice are welcome to join in the class and practice together.  All students will receive careful physical adjustments , which take the body deeper into poses and over time release energetic and physical blocks. Regular self-practice brings about profound benefits, both physical and mental. It is transformative in the highest possible way.

Even though I honour the classical ashtanga sequences and practised them strictly for many years, I also encourage openness to the voice of the inner guru, an experimental, dynamic and intuitive style of self-practice that adapts to differences in constitutions, seasons and time of life. It is out of that spirit that the Shakti Rasa Sequences developed.  In self-practice classes, experienced students will be supported in the refinement of whatever poses and variations they wish to explore. They will receive adjustments, as well as guidance, tips and recommendations towards developing a practice most in tune with their nature.