Monday 16 June 2014
The flow of Vinyasa
When:
17 Mar 14, h 19.30
Where: Vinyasa Yoga Level 2-3,The Life Centre, SW1
How much: Drop in 16 GBP
It is not uncommon to hear in class that vinyasa is moving meditation. It is something more, I think. It is the exact synchronisation of breath and movement in full awareness. If an uninterrupted flow of breath, awareness, and concentration is what you are after, practice with Amanda Denton.
Her way of weaving together the sequences is unique without indulging too much into those fashionable dance-y variation which have little to do with the vinyasa karma tradition: postures follows seamlessly to each other bringing the mind is a state of yoga - providing you keep up…Not for beginners, the pace is soft but steady - and it can be seriously challenging to withstand for an entire 90m class.
She is a strong presence in the class and, thanks to her vast experience, she manages to strike an unusual - but very much sought after - balance between softness and authority, strength and modesty.
Where: Vinyasa Yoga Level 2-3,The Life Centre, SW1
How much: Drop in 16 GBP
It is not uncommon to hear in class that vinyasa is moving meditation. It is something more, I think. It is the exact synchronisation of breath and movement in full awareness. If an uninterrupted flow of breath, awareness, and concentration is what you are after, practice with Amanda Denton.
Her way of weaving together the sequences is unique without indulging too much into those fashionable dance-y variation which have little to do with the vinyasa karma tradition: postures follows seamlessly to each other bringing the mind is a state of yoga - providing you keep up…Not for beginners, the pace is soft but steady - and it can be seriously challenging to withstand for an entire 90m class.
She is a strong presence in the class and, thanks to her vast experience, she manages to strike an unusual - but very much sought after - balance between softness and authority, strength and modesty.
The Power Yoga company
When:
1 Mar 14, h 10.30
Where: Power Yoga,The Power Yoga Company, SW6
How much: Drop in 16 GBP (free class due to sponsor day across London studios)
Quite unintuitively, the Power Yoga Company in Fulham is the yoga studio were I started my Astanga practice. This ground floor studio is now larger than in those days, with a cafe’ area and more spacious changing rooms on the first floor. Odd enough, it took years for me to even consider the idea of actually trying a power yoga class. So one recent Saturday, nested in between things in the best tradition of my typical London w/e, I went to Aram Raffy’s class.
Standard ritual: park my vespone, smile at a fellow yogi locking his bike nearby (small world, we had neighbouring mats yesterday at Satyagraha) and sign in for the class.
I am still not quite sure what exactly power yoga is, whether it is yet another label (one pretty popular with alpha types) or a more orthodox style…so very little expectations, still I was pleased with myself just for being able to squeeze in some daily practice. It occurred that the fellow (biker) yogi was indeed Aram. To me, a lovely surprise. Aram is a very considerata teacher and Stewart’s influence in his teaching is undeniable: strong flow, strong breath, plenty of sutras and irony. And (yes!) mindful, no frills meditation - which is so hard to find in most of flow classes in London today.
'Vinyasa karma makes me happy’, he tells me at the end of the class. How can I disagree.
Where: Power Yoga,The Power Yoga Company, SW6
How much: Drop in 16 GBP (free class due to sponsor day across London studios)
Quite unintuitively, the Power Yoga Company in Fulham is the yoga studio were I started my Astanga practice. This ground floor studio is now larger than in those days, with a cafe’ area and more spacious changing rooms on the first floor. Odd enough, it took years for me to even consider the idea of actually trying a power yoga class. So one recent Saturday, nested in between things in the best tradition of my typical London w/e, I went to Aram Raffy’s class.
Standard ritual: park my vespone, smile at a fellow yogi locking his bike nearby (small world, we had neighbouring mats yesterday at Satyagraha) and sign in for the class.
I am still not quite sure what exactly power yoga is, whether it is yet another label (one pretty popular with alpha types) or a more orthodox style…so very little expectations, still I was pleased with myself just for being able to squeeze in some daily practice. It occurred that the fellow (biker) yogi was indeed Aram. To me, a lovely surprise. Aram is a very considerata teacher and Stewart’s influence in his teaching is undeniable: strong flow, strong breath, plenty of sutras and irony. And (yes!) mindful, no frills meditation - which is so hard to find in most of flow classes in London today.
'Vinyasa karma makes me happy’, he tells me at the end of the class. How can I disagree.
Tuesday 13 May 2014
Monday 12 May 2014
Thursday 8 May 2014
Space and Flow
Where: The Life Centre
When: Wednesday pm
I have to admit that I went to this class purely because of the positive spin on the name and my expectations were not particularly high. I thought that the class was going to be exactly the same as a vinyasa class and that the centre had resorted to branding their classes for extra cash. I was sorely mistaken because this class was nothing like anything I have done before. The emphasis is on creating space in the body and on flowing through very carefully selected kramas and ones which I have never done, at least not in that order. If, like me, you thought the name of the class, reflected a gentle softening of the practice, then think again. This class is as challenging as they come, with some around me launching themselves into frequent handstands as well as other nameless inversions.
It was good for me, though and made me question the stagnation of my practice and the routine or habit that this creates. I am a taurean and these bulls don't like change so when I am caught off guard like that, it is both frustrating and animating. I felt more alive than usual and maybe that had something to do with the novelty of the practice ( the teacher even used asanas that had no name, presumably ones he had invented!) and I think that the boldness and courage of this teacher is something to be welcomed and admired.
When: Wednesday pm
I have to admit that I went to this class purely because of the positive spin on the name and my expectations were not particularly high. I thought that the class was going to be exactly the same as a vinyasa class and that the centre had resorted to branding their classes for extra cash. I was sorely mistaken because this class was nothing like anything I have done before. The emphasis is on creating space in the body and on flowing through very carefully selected kramas and ones which I have never done, at least not in that order. If, like me, you thought the name of the class, reflected a gentle softening of the practice, then think again. This class is as challenging as they come, with some around me launching themselves into frequent handstands as well as other nameless inversions.
It was good for me, though and made me question the stagnation of my practice and the routine or habit that this creates. I am a taurean and these bulls don't like change so when I am caught off guard like that, it is both frustrating and animating. I felt more alive than usual and maybe that had something to do with the novelty of the practice ( the teacher even used asanas that had no name, presumably ones he had invented!) and I think that the boldness and courage of this teacher is something to be welcomed and admired.
Tuesday yoga
Where: The Life Centre
When: Tuesday evenings
As a regular urban yogini, sometimes it is really hard to find your yogi fix and you end up wandering the streets of this town looking for inspiration and a moment in savasana. More recently, I went back to my roots and a teacher I have known for some time at The Life Centre in Notting Hill. For one reason or another, getting to her class has been a feat near to impossible of late but with the new year firming my resolve, I went back.
And there are no regrets... sometimes with all this chasing our own coccyx, we don't realise what is under our noses the whole time. I went to class one version of a fried Isabell and came out a slightly different version of a much less fried Isabell and what happened in between was a mixture of softness, encouragement, life and creative movement that lifted my being.
It occurred to me during class that there are not many teachers able to define yoga by not uttering a word about it, by not preaching to the clearly converted, by just being present. There are not many who, with the grace of their own bodies and the stillness of their mind, can incite the same in a whole group of others and there are not many, who can leave me at some great distance from the cynicism that I so often feel in these situations. Her voice, her insights and her practice leaves me almost shouting Namaste from the rooftops (except that I can't even get to one in the pricey Notting Hill area) and my faith in London yoga is restored. For now...
When: Tuesday evenings
As a regular urban yogini, sometimes it is really hard to find your yogi fix and you end up wandering the streets of this town looking for inspiration and a moment in savasana. More recently, I went back to my roots and a teacher I have known for some time at The Life Centre in Notting Hill. For one reason or another, getting to her class has been a feat near to impossible of late but with the new year firming my resolve, I went back.
And there are no regrets... sometimes with all this chasing our own coccyx, we don't realise what is under our noses the whole time. I went to class one version of a fried Isabell and came out a slightly different version of a much less fried Isabell and what happened in between was a mixture of softness, encouragement, life and creative movement that lifted my being.
It occurred to me during class that there are not many teachers able to define yoga by not uttering a word about it, by not preaching to the clearly converted, by just being present. There are not many who, with the grace of their own bodies and the stillness of their mind, can incite the same in a whole group of others and there are not many, who can leave me at some great distance from the cynicism that I so often feel in these situations. Her voice, her insights and her practice leaves me almost shouting Namaste from the rooftops (except that I can't even get to one in the pricey Notting Hill area) and my faith in London yoga is restored. For now...
Urbananda
Urbananda Yoga is a community project launched in January 2013 as a no-profit studio which utilises vacant spaces in London, bringing them to life with yoga.
They are currently located in Kensal Rise (NW10) and the centre is donation based only. At the beginning of class, as you sign you in, you can give any donation you wish to make. The funds raised support the provision of yoga therapy for adults and children with special needs (Special Yoga).
All yoga teachers are volunteers and passionately teach with the objective to make yoga more accessible in the community, as well as support the selected charities and causes. They schedule include quite a comprehensive offering in terms of styles and levels and they seem to be in expansion.
There is such a good vibe in this place. It is very spacious and well organised. As I check in for my first time, a lovely girl at the reception welcomes me and guides me through the basics. My class today is held in the main of three studios, a wonderful room with wooden floors and high ceilings and plenty of mats and props.
As I make my way in, James Giuseppe, the teacher, smiles and introduces himself. After a few years living abroad, he recently came back to the UK and got involved with this project. I ask him about his background: Iyengar, Sivananda, Vinyasa, Astanga. 'But you should know what I think about the physical practice', he says. 'This is only a mean to aptly prepare for meditation'. I am so pleased to hear it that I cannot resist but comment 'Well, guess we come from the same school'.
The class is 1h 45m long and is a solid, well rounded and heartfelt practice which encompasses meditation, asana and relaxation. He is a very experienced teacher, and this becomes evident from the very beginning of the class. His sequence is well designed and balanced, his instructions are very precise, his cues extremely accurate, his philosophy and anatomy references clear and accessible. There is only 7 of us, a mix of regulars and newcomers, and James treat all of us equally, proposing variations and providing adjustments to all - and yes, he remembers all of our names!
This is not fast food yoga, this is not a fashionably labelled session: this is just a great yoga class for everyone.
I am glad I have found Urbanananda: unpretentious, genuine, authentic: this is a great home to practice yoga and the kind of place I would love to go back to. I only wonder whether there are more places like Urbananda and why it took me so long to get there.
They are currently located in Kensal Rise (NW10) and the centre is donation based only. At the beginning of class, as you sign you in, you can give any donation you wish to make. The funds raised support the provision of yoga therapy for adults and children with special needs (Special Yoga).
All yoga teachers are volunteers and passionately teach with the objective to make yoga more accessible in the community, as well as support the selected charities and causes. They schedule include quite a comprehensive offering in terms of styles and levels and they seem to be in expansion.
There is such a good vibe in this place. It is very spacious and well organised. As I check in for my first time, a lovely girl at the reception welcomes me and guides me through the basics. My class today is held in the main of three studios, a wonderful room with wooden floors and high ceilings and plenty of mats and props.
As I make my way in, James Giuseppe, the teacher, smiles and introduces himself. After a few years living abroad, he recently came back to the UK and got involved with this project. I ask him about his background: Iyengar, Sivananda, Vinyasa, Astanga. 'But you should know what I think about the physical practice', he says. 'This is only a mean to aptly prepare for meditation'. I am so pleased to hear it that I cannot resist but comment 'Well, guess we come from the same school'.
The class is 1h 45m long and is a solid, well rounded and heartfelt practice which encompasses meditation, asana and relaxation. He is a very experienced teacher, and this becomes evident from the very beginning of the class. His sequence is well designed and balanced, his instructions are very precise, his cues extremely accurate, his philosophy and anatomy references clear and accessible. There is only 7 of us, a mix of regulars and newcomers, and James treat all of us equally, proposing variations and providing adjustments to all - and yes, he remembers all of our names!
This is not fast food yoga, this is not a fashionably labelled session: this is just a great yoga class for everyone.
I am glad I have found Urbanananda: unpretentious, genuine, authentic: this is a great home to practice yoga and the kind of place I would love to go back to. I only wonder whether there are more places like Urbananda and why it took me so long to get there.
Hotpod
Where: Pop up Hotpod Yoga in W9
From their website (www.hotpodyoga.com):
'We make hot yoga accessible – that’s the real raison d’etre of the business. Accessible to all types and accessible at any location. We passionately believe in the good that hot yoga can do, and want to get as many people involved as we can. We want to get it into offices, into halls, into gyms and into schools. Everywhere! We also want to give the entrepreneurial yogis amongst us the chance to have their own hot yoga business in a really accessible way – through our franchising operation'.
When: h 14 - 15, 14 Dec 13
How: Booked on line, have received, receipt, relevant instructions (towel, water, recommended to get onsite 15m before), and friendly reminder the day before
Having practised hot yoga before I was not at all worried by the prospect of yoga at 37 degrees.
I took me a while to find the place, though. I was looking for a studio, instead a few lads from a nearby pub told me that the class was probably at the Paddington Arts Centre, a pretty decadent building, no info of any sorts, none at the reception.
As I go up the stairs, I meet Nick Higgins, one of the two founders of hot pod yoga. He is very friendly and welcomes me with smiley eyes to this inflatable pop up hot yoga pod, asking if I am familiar with yoga at all. He seems so young - def in his 20ies. I have practiced some - I say. You will be fine, he mentions, my classes are flow - just slow down if the heat bugs you.
I enter a parquet floored room where there this this massive inflatable tent (so it seems). Nick tells me it takes him 10 minutes to get it set up and roughly the same to get the pod to 37 degrees.
I chat in the kind of changing room with two girls, Americans, telling me that the class I am going to have is going to be awesome, so much fun. Ok then, I am ready.
There are 18 mats laid in this dark violet pod, no props, lights are down, nice and cosy atmosphere - if only I did not have the fan heater next to my mat.
The class comprises 50m of flow and 10 min of savasana. The sequence being quite balanced in fact, open level with good variety and a few challenges. My class mates are all girls expect a guy, the majority in their twenties. Americans and French dominate. How do I know? Well, it seems they had to talk during the entire class...not cool. Nick managed the class well, but it felt a little shallow to me. No philosophy, little more than a hot aerobics class I am afraid. But my class mates seemed to have loved it. I asked a few after call if this is what they expect from yoga. I got a unison yes - they like it hot, and they prefer this to Bikram as more personal. Indeed, Nick provided individual attention, he told me he changes his sequences - and he genuinely seemed a nice guy, happy to be there and teach.
He trained at Yoga Haven and set up this company with a friend of his, newer to yoga. They started this pop up last Jan, but they are getting a 'permanent' hot pod place in Portobello and another one in Hackney from Jan 14. Maybe more. They also have a number of corporate and school clients - where they hold classes regularly, every time bringing all the equipment, pod, mats, heating system, music etc. Nick and Max (Henderson, his business partner) are serious about hot yoga. They have created the designs of various pods – in essence pop-up, heated studios - and they have even got a patent pending on the concept.
Prices vary from 10 pounds (the 1h class I attended) to 35 per class (their boutique classes), and there are of course various carnet on offer.
They managed to transform a good idea into a promising business which is taking off: pop up and not, corporate clients. franchising: hats off.
Having sad that, I wished the class was a little deeper.
Having sad that, I wished the class was a little deeper.
From their website (www.hotpodyoga.com):
'We make hot yoga accessible – that’s the real raison d’etre of the business. Accessible to all types and accessible at any location. We passionately believe in the good that hot yoga can do, and want to get as many people involved as we can. We want to get it into offices, into halls, into gyms and into schools. Everywhere! We also want to give the entrepreneurial yogis amongst us the chance to have their own hot yoga business in a really accessible way – through our franchising operation'.
Jivamukti
Where: Jivamukti Yoga London in W10
How: Registered as new student 10m before class (1 page questionnaire), GBP 16 for 90m class but they also have carnet available.
I have been practising with Jivamukti certified teachers for some time know, but I admit this was my first ‘official’ Jivamukti class. Fighting the temptation to stay on bed on a rainy Sunday morning, I let Otto (my vespone) lead me to Jivamukti Yoga London in W10. The studio is in a modern block, on the first floor, within a typical corporate / office space setting. However, as you step in, you find yourself in a welcoming and friendly environment: spacious but not huge, well designed but not over the top. As soon as I declared my status of a newcomer, the receptionist quickly handed me over a questionnaire asking just to put name and contact number - I would complete the form after class. They offer open level classes (90m), spiritual warrior classes (60m, ‘condensed’ sessions for busy people) and basic classes for beginners, as well as periodic seminars from resident teachers or guest teachers within the Jivamukti lineage.
The Sunday morning the 90m open level class is held by Adrian Squirrel in the main studio. The class was full, about 25 people, but I easily accommodated some place to lay my mat. All the students were awaiting into some form of savasana, enjoying the ambient music playing in the background.
From the beginning, starting in Balasana, the class flew at a steady pace: the sequence was well thought, accessible to all - still challenging. After class, I have asked the teacher if there is a recommended sequence and whether he follows some kind of a script. ‘I like to change it every time’, Adrian says. While today the class did not cover much in terms of philosophy, it was indeed very well constructed: from warm up to a strong vinyasa section, to then slowing down and emphasis on grounding. I would have loved even a few minutes in pure stillness though. However, during the week, Adrian offers 15m meditation classes after a 60m asana session.
Overall it was a solid, well run class. There was also a good level of individual attention, especially given this was a busy class: and I loved yogi perks such as china gel on lower back and shoulders at the start of the class, a couple of hands on adjustments and a great massage in savasana. I infer Adrian must have remarkable taste in music, based on the selection he played - although in my practice I would tend to opt for predominantly instrumental music. I am notoriously a music geek and I found myself focussing on the lyrics rather than on my breath at least a couple of times. Still, is that really more vritti (bad, bad…) or does that lead you into some form of absorption into a point, anyway?
At the end of the class, I tried to introduce myself to Adrian and have a quick chat - as I actually had a question on a specific pose. He was friendly but given the queue of students willing to talk to him we had to quickly wrap up. Besides, I noticed many students were chatting to each other, leading me to think that this is more than an established studio - it is a small yoga community.
This is good news: while a big brand and a successful commercial operation, Jivamukti Yoga London to date seems to maintain its authenticity and its strong connection to the yoga tradition, filtered through the lenses of Sharon Gannon and David Life. I will go back to check out whether my first impression is right and hope not to be disappointed.
Life Lose life
Life in Shoreditch has shut down and there are rumours floating around that the owners have scammed people of their cash for their own benefit. They are said to have been trying to finance a restaurant with clients' membership money and people are still trying to get their money back, while the owners look for more investors.
We went onto their facebook page to find out more and the comments posted show a rather tainted story, with some deeply regretting the closure and others convinced that this is their bad karma. Either way, this scandal is one of many in London and indicates the fragmented state of the yoga world at large. Where are the yogic principles that we hold so dear? Is London distorting their origin in an attempt to make a buck?
Read more comments here:
https://www.facebook.com/lifeshoreditch
Boxing Yoga
Where: Angel Fitness First (Other studios Sweaty Beatty, H2, Crouch End) www.boxingyoga.com
When: Wed 18 dec, 20h-21h
When: Wed 18 dec, 20h-21h
The boxing club in Crouch End is apparently the place where it all started: Matt Garcia, a senior coach, started wondering why yoga was so unpopular with boxers. Determined to change this, he created the very first boxing yoga series, utilising his boxing knowledge in combination with professional dancer (and daughter of an Astanga’s teacher) Kajza's yoga experience, to develop a yoga work-out that specifically addressess the needs of boxers.
I am lucky enough to get a very special treat. 'Everyone seems to be already on holiday', Kikki, my teacher says. She is lovely, very friendly. I ask her about her background: 'Martial arts', she answers, but she has practised Astanga and hot yoga too. She completed her boxing yoga TT last October and is one of only five qualified teachers. 'But they are planning to do more TT to get more teachers on the ground, we have so many requests for classes'. I am told boxing yoga classes are equally popular across gender and that at last 'guys have a class that is strong enough for them, to make it accessible to men'. We agree that yoga can be very physically challenging nevertheless, and that there is more to it than fitness. With such a premise I got a bit intimidated, especially given I was the only student so there was nowhere to hide...still, we get going.
The series comprises a number of set modules and lasts 60m. I am told there is an advanced series too, but not currently taught yet. Postures are repeated twice, echoing Bikram's approach, and no props are used.
We start standing. No sanskrit, no breath calls. It gets better: in boxing yoga, clenched fists in guard is the new Anjali mudra. the class kind of flows in an unusual way, and admittedly, a couple of modules are very gracious: from standing to floor to standing to floor to balancing on one leg to floor again. It is actually seriously hard, full on core stuff (an insane number of plank and side plank in a number of variations), heavy on twists, good hip and spine alignment, no jumping, no inversions other than downward dog. I have had a lot of attention from my teacher, which probably resulted in quite an intense class. I am sure she is following the script, but hers seems just a series of instructions. And I appreciated her focus and effort but her spotting is quite destabilising. Anyway, the class is very dense, probably as there is no proper winding down here...to give you an idea, the last posture is warrior 3, practiced twice. Before a 60 second savana I only get a very short finishing sequence comprising hamstring strech followed by spinal twist and hip strech. 'It is so nice to teach to someone who practices yoga and have such a lovely downward dog', lovely Kikki comments at the end. 'And you are quite strong, too'. Good to know.
The series comprises a number of set modules and lasts 60m. I am told there is an advanced series too, but not currently taught yet. Postures are repeated twice, echoing Bikram's approach, and no props are used.
We start standing. No sanskrit, no breath calls. It gets better: in boxing yoga, clenched fists in guard is the new Anjali mudra. the class kind of flows in an unusual way, and admittedly, a couple of modules are very gracious: from standing to floor to standing to floor to balancing on one leg to floor again. It is actually seriously hard, full on core stuff (an insane number of plank and side plank in a number of variations), heavy on twists, good hip and spine alignment, no jumping, no inversions other than downward dog. I have had a lot of attention from my teacher, which probably resulted in quite an intense class. I am sure she is following the script, but hers seems just a series of instructions. And I appreciated her focus and effort but her spotting is quite destabilising. Anyway, the class is very dense, probably as there is no proper winding down here...to give you an idea, the last posture is warrior 3, practiced twice. Before a 60 second savana I only get a very short finishing sequence comprising hamstring strech followed by spinal twist and hip strech. 'It is so nice to teach to someone who practices yoga and have such a lovely downward dog', lovely Kikki comments at the end. 'And you are quite strong, too'. Good to know.
Gracing Post
Where: Dynamic Level 2, Sadhaka Yoga Centre, NW1
When: 26 Jan 2014, h 10-11.30
How much: £ 16, but they also do introductory offer (10 days for £ 20)
It is raining again….After all, this is London and this is winter. So why do I keep on scheduling on my agenda early morning Sunday classes?
Anyway, calling out every single Pitta cell in me I manage to get out of bed & get to the Stables Market in Camden by 9.30am. The Stables are unexpectedly quiet at that time - accomplice the light rain - and I easily find my way to the Sadhaka Yoga Centre, up the stairs in the heart of the market. I quickly sign up as a new student in the reception and head to the studio area. There is none in yet, which makes my first time there even more exciting. I had read this is the place where Alchemy, one of the most popular London yoga outposts, was located before it unexpectedly closed down a few months ago. Mollie McClelland Morris managed to rescue the place and get it back on the London yoga map. The space is truly amazing: two great studios, a great social area (the soul café), spacious changing rooms and a few therapy rooms. They offer an enticing variety of classes in different styles (Ashtanga, Dharma Mittra, Vinyasa Flow, Kundalini, Scaravelli and Yin yoga) as well as meditation and teacher trainings. But I am here for Mollie today, one of my favourite teachers in London. Her vinyasa classes are truly unique, full of depth and content, flowy yet grounding, incredibly gracious and well rounded. No class is equal to the other: Mollie has always a theme or a source of inspiration, from which she unfolds her creative and heartfelt sequences. We are less than a dozen in class this morning, all regulars. ‘If you see me wobbling today that’s because I cut my foot. This reminded me how important our feet are’…here we go, that’s today’s theme. For the next 90 minutes I enjoyed the most thoughtful class, rich of subtleties and expressions: I feel safe when I practice with Mollie, and I always discover something new about a pose, or myself – or both. Fast forward 90 minutes and you find me in the deepest of savasanas and with every part of my boasting a big smile. And yes, I feel a bit more gracious, a little softer – that’s the ‘Mollie effect’. To be honest, I am in bliss and I do not even care about the background yelling from very keen kick boxers (which whom I had a quite embarrassing close encounter in the shower room, but that’s a different story….) in the studios next door.
Will I go back? No doubt, but that I knew from the start.
Anna gets (Anti)Social
Social Yoga
When: Tue 4 Feb, h 19.30-21
Where: The Albany Club, NW1
How much: 10 £
The more I study and practice yoga, the more of “a private affair” it becomes. I wonder if this happens to others and whether I should do something about it….Then one day I read on one of weekly London mangazines about Creative Yoga London (http://www.creativeyogalondon.co.uk/) and Richard Brook. Richard describes himself as “a true Holistic Health expert and also designs bespoke wellness programmes which also incorporate acupuncture, meditation, yoga and movement practices”. Social Yoga and Singles Yoga are two of his initiatives which are stitting up quite a lot of interest in London. How come? “People are obviously interested in finding more conscious ways to connect with others – even if it challenges some of their preconceived ideas. And i mean this in respect of people at both ends of the spectrum of the demographics who attend my class’. His idea behind this is that after class one feels positive and refreshed and integrated in body, mind and spirit – hence more receptive and more prone to connect with people.
The thought of Social Yoga does not exactly thrill me, but that of Singles Yoga totally terrifies me. So, I opted to experiment the former, I am too faint hearted for the latter. And I would have kept on finding excuses not to go, unless I had persuaded my friend Luca to come along. I am a woman of honour, no chickening out.
The classes are held in a gym, located in a former church a short walk from Great Portland Street tube station. Tonight tube strikes will commence, so there are only 14 people attending – I am told the typical audience is more than double this number. Even split between men and women, from early thirties to late forties, I would say.
Richard tries to offset the pumping techno in the background with some brit pop and starts the class with some ice-breaking coordination exercises. We are all running in a big circle, three balls floating around, depending on the ball you get, you need to say out loud either a type of food you like, or something you want to achieve in 2014, or a place you want to travel to. Where am I? After 5m of this, we all sit down in a circle for introduction time. What follows next is an accessible variation of a chakra meditation, some basic yoga sequences including a few partner yoga exercises, two rounds of kapalabhati and yoga nidra. By then the rest of the gym is empty so no background music – and within minutes a few people get pretty relaxed, I mean, snoring kind of relaxed….whatever works.
What usually follows, I am told, is a drink at the pub next door but this evening everybody is rushing due to the tube strike.
What can I say…this is not for me and it has not made me any more social. But people seemed to enjoy it, the atmosphere was indeed very friendly, and the intention is good…so who am I to judge it?
Anna joins the Fierce Grace
When: Fri 31 Jan 14, h 19 - 20.30
Where: Fierce Grace North, NW5
How much: Drop in 16 GBP
The Fierce Grace North studio is not that easy to find, hidden on the second floor of a shabby building, above a Pound Store and a deli in NW5. Frankly, though, the darkness and the pouring rain do not help my cause. Anyway, I made it: this evening Michele Pernetta - Fierce yoga’s founder - is teaching and I look forward to the class.
Fierce Grace ( integration of male and female forces giving rise to vibrant health, emotional balance, and mental clarity) is a new yoga system, based on classical Hatha yoga, Bikram, Ashtanga and Power Yoga. Michele, I learn from their website, is the one who brought Bikram Yoga to London in 1994. After about 20 years she has recently decided to spin off and create a new brand, her own, for the 4 studios she manages in London. Their offering is more varied than Bikram and includes five types of classes - Core, Classic, Fierce Grace, Fierce (aka The Beast) and The Fix - designed to give students different options to suit their experience, schedule and mood, but based on the same core poses and principles (and yes, in a hot room).
As I get to the reception area, I instantly know I am in the right place: friendly faces, nice vibe, tons of mats, towels and water. My class (90m) is described as the 49 steps to peak fitness and health. A challenging but user-friendly general level class, with hip openers, upper body strength, bum toners and core stability for a fully rounded workout. The room, a bit scruffy, is full, about three dozen of people, most over 35 years old I’d say - and quite surprisingly no less than 40% are men! And they all seem regular. I am not a big fan of hot yoga, but I confess it is so cold and wet outside that I do not mind at all the 38 degrees of the hot studio (if only there was not carpet on the floor, Om om om). The class flows slowly, it is indeed quite balanced and approachable by all levels. Michele guides from pose to pose with grace and authority but I wish I could get more alignment cues and breath calls. And I wait and wait for any hint at yoga philosophy, but in vain. As the class ends, Michele invites everyone to extend the savasana or meditate after class for as long as we want. Briefly after, in the changing rooms, Michele and I are queuing to get a shower - so I chat her up and ask her why she departed from Bikram. ’20 years are long, and I felt I wanted to do something more complete. Bikram does not let you do anything else but his sequences. There is an advanced, and also an intermediate series but we cannot teach it. And if you do not like his way of doing things, then it is divorce’. Michele is not only friendly, she has the ‘yogi aura’ (if this makes any sense to you...). Both her and the senior teachers at Fierce Grace can design their own classes, while junior teachers follow set sequences, that are anyway revised from time to time. And sometimes they play music too. It all seems very nice but I am not entirely satisfied, as if something is missing….Is this one of those cases when the idea is better than the real thing? Hats off anyway, they are definitely great in P.R. - I like their ironic website, their manifesto and their video is hilarious (http://www.fiercegrace.com/our-story) - a good lesson for those who are taking yoga too seriously.
Thursday 1 May 2014
SATYA
When: Every week!
Where: Satyagraha / Vinyasa (Experienced) @ Indaba, NW1, the Light Centre, SW1 or Triyoga Chelsea, SW10
How much: Drop in 16 GBP
Satya is the Sanskrit word for “truth”; agraha means "great enthusiasm and interest”, the two words combined may be rendered as "the firmness of truth” or "the force of truth.”
I practice with Stewart Gilchrist every week, I always try to squeeze in at least one class with him. I have not been practising with Stew for long, a bit more than 2 years maybe. I remember distinctively when I accidentally landed in one of his classes. It was about 4 years ago, I was still in my orthodox Astanga primary series days, and his class was quite a shock: high octane, hot, fast paced…and what on earth was his saying? Was it sanskrit? Or maybe Scottish? Whatever that was, I was not ready for that.
But some sort of seed was planted, and I got back after a while - not sure exactly why - as I started my ISHTA 200h TT.
Yes, the practice is intense, very - almost saturated. At times I wished it was slower. But I always leave with a big smile on my face. Endorphines apart, Stewart always injects a unique combination of philosophy and secular yoga principles, humour, everyday life issues, modern society in a very strong vinyasa sequence. And he is so experienced I have no fear when I practice with him: not sure how he does it, but he infuses that confidence that I always need on & outside the mat. No kidding, he actually managed to bring me into postures I thought I would have never been able to (e.g.: Niralamba Sirsasana, oh my). "If you decide you can't do something, then sure enough you'll find you can't," Stewart often tells us. “Practice. You’ll get there."
Ask Stewart what style of yoga he practices. ‘I practice yoga’, he will tell you. He is a firm believer of the simplicity of yoga, the simplicity of breath and movement, the simplicity of sound and the simplicity of life. It is only us who make things difficult and complex - I start to believe it.
Stewart is no guru, I would not like him so much otherwise. There is such a lovely community spirit in the class, a peaceful and kind hearted tribe - with the occasional overachievers, but this is London after all. And, every week, I feel part of the tribe: even though I hardly know who these people are, they do not even know my name, every week it is comforting to come together for our bhakti practice.
Mat space oddity: Feldenkrais
When: 21 Mar 14, h 12.45- 14
Where: Feldenkrais for Yoga, The Life Centre, W8
How much: Drop in 16 GBP (free class due to sponsor day across London studios)
I am getting more and more intrigued by anatomy and movement, so I was pretty curious to find out more about Feldenkrais. Considered by some a form of physiotherapy, Feldenkrais is an experiential method focusing on learning and movement, which can bring about improved movement and enhanced functioning. It is named after its originator, Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984), an engineer and physicist as well as a Judo teacher.
Daniel Gelblum, a yoga teacher and Feldenkrais expert in London, has designed a series of classes where he uses Feldenkrais techniques to help yogis move with ease into challenging yoga postures, discovering often hidden flexibility and strength.
The class I attended started in a supine position. Well, the entire class was held in a supine position.
The focus of the day was mobility in the spine, so we spent 75m preparing the body, warming up the spine and twisting. ‘Let me show today how to twist like you never twisted before’, Daniel stated. And it was kind of true…the class slowly built up, from simple, controlled movements to much more subtle ones, to complete free style twist - very contemporary dance-y (made me think of Pina Bausch at some point!). ‘Yoga is very linear, Feldenkrais helps you breaking this linearity and improving the quality of your movement’. I see the point, especially in the context of Vinyasa, where transitions are so important.
I found the class a bit unusual, which I assume was exactly the point…I can see how this practice can be complementary to asana practice.
Wednesday 30 April 2014
High class...
Practice
or not practice: the substitute teacher dilemma
When:
29 Apr 14, h 10.30 - 12.00
Where:
Yogasana (Experienced), Indaba, NW1
How
much: Drop in 16 GBP
It
does not happen that often to be able to practice with one of my favourite
teachers in the morning mid-week. Nirvana scenario: spacious room, energetic
morning practice, few yogis = a lot of hands on adjustments from the teacher.
Traffic
was maniac, parking my vespone has never been more difficult. Tube strike side
effects.
As I
sign in for my class, the friendly receptionist: 'Hi Anna, Stew won’t make in
time today - we are finding a substitute'.
A
smile on my face tried to conceal my disappointment: no Stewart this morning? I
came on purpose, I organised the entire weekly routine so that I could make
this morning class and now this?! I do not even know who will guide us in the
practice….?! I was not proud of my reaction, but at least I was keeping all this
to myself. Of the 5 students after me, 2 left, 2 signed in rolling eyes up, 1
stood in stand-by waiting to hear who the teacher would be.
Stewart’s
classes are usually full of Pitta and Vata dominant characters, you can try to
get the picture...
Anyway,
the class starts on time, Hortense leading.
Oh,
not bad at all - I say to myself - I heard pretty good things about her. I read
somewhere she has trained with Dharma Mittra, amongst other teachers, and that
she has a strong practice. Still, if stepping in another teacher’s (imaginary)
shoes is never easy, covering for Stewart with no notice at all must be so
intimidating. one could sense it in her voice. Impressive how this affected the
energy of the class and the doshas, too.
Still,
it was a solid, honest and fun class. Well rounded, creative, challenging - and
very, very different from what we all expected.
High
Five & respect to Hortense.
—
Thursday 24 April 2014
Yoga for juvenile delinquents
Places where yoga is more than helpful are not often the places we expect...
Redefining Yoga
This article is written by a yogic guinea pig who went from 0-60 in his take-up of ancient yogic practices. What he learns along the way is fascinating and reveals something of the evolution that yoga has experienced.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicholas-rosen/going-to-the-mat-confessi_b_186332.html
Living Yogic Proof
http://www.forbes.com/sites/hollieslade/2014/04/09/yoga-saved-my-career-how-this-founders-daily-practice-influenced-a-1-6-billion-acquisition/#./?&_suid=1398348036204038315112576228055
This businessman shows how you can stay calm and focused under pressure and uses age-old yogic techniques to get there. Funnily enough, if there is one thing he would toss out of the window, it would be the asana practice, not the meditation
Forever young - the real reason for yoga
Yoga can help you stay forever young like Ryan Giggs
Sports yoga keeps Ryan Giggs and other Premier League stars fit and flexible. Sarah Ramsden, a yoga instructor for Manchester United and Manchester City, tells Mark Bailey how it can help you too
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/10615428/Yoga-can-help-you-stay-forever-young-like-Ryan-Giggs.html
Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya - Yoga has grown increasingly popular among the poorest neighbourhoods in the capital thanks to Paige Elenson and her partner Baron Baptiste, two American yoga teachers who established the not-for-profit organisation Africa Yoga Project in 2007.
Their goal was to create job opportunities and empower youth in impoverished areas of Nairobi. The two teachers raised $10,000 to found the organisation and train 40 Kenyan yoga instructors. Today, 72 instructors are working in poor areas of Kenya, including at schools and prisons.
Margaret Njeri is one of the teachers. She was an acrobat before starting the yoga-training programme. The young mother says earning a living as an acrobat was not easy. She sometimes even had to turn to petty crime to survive. She is now paid $100 a month to teach five classes a week in prisons, schools and other parts of the city. The rest of the time, Njeri teaches private classes to round up her salary. Thanks to yoga, she is now able to support herself and her one-year-old daughter.
Instructor Samson Muhalia, 53, says yoga has a positive impact on people. "What I really like in yoga is that it brings people together and teaches them how live together. It makes people share and discuss."
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2014/04/pictures-yoga-bends-trends-kenya-20144494348396640.html
Enlighten up!
Featuring: B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, Norman Allen,
Sharon Gannon, David Life, Gurmukh, Dharma Mittra, Cyndi Lee, Alan Finger,
Rodney Yee, Beryl Bender Birch, Shyamdas, Diamond Dallas Page and many
more!
A filmmaker is determined to prove that yoga can transform anyone. Her
plan: select a subject, immerse him in yoga and follow him until he finds a
practice that transforms him. Her subject: Nick Rosen a skeptical, 29 year-old
journalist living in New York City. Before he can say OM, Nick finds himself
twisted up like a pretzel surrounded by celebrity yogis, true believers, kooks
and entrepreneurs. The more he investigates yoga the more contradictions he
discovers, straying further from Kate's plan. They circle the globe talking to
mystics, gurus, mad men and saints searching for the true meaning of yoga,
encountering things they never could have imagined. They don't find the answers
to their questions, they find much more. www.enlightenupthefilm.com
Sunday 2 March 2014
A Sleepy class
Where: Life Centre
When: wednesdays 8:15 pm
This class was a recent find and I thought I would share it. Tired from a long day at work, I decided to leave later than usual from work as this particular teacher I had bookmarked for a long time. Her name is Lucy and upon lying down in a rather busy studio, I immediately felt her grounded, warm approach and knew I had come to the right spot. I don't quite know how she did it but she found enough minutes prior to class starting to go around and ask everyone about their injuries and for the first time in my life, I told her that yes, I do have an injury but it is not as physical as other ailments. Mine is insomnia and i have relentlessly suffered for many weeks now, trying all sorts of old wives' solutions to stave off sleeplessness but to no avail. So, when I rather reluctantly told Lucy about this, her response was of genuine concern and one which I had not been expecting. To my surprise, she had actually been planning a class to teach postures for sleep and throughout class made several educated references to asana and sleep, including a mention of the doshas and how to ground before bed. This all made perfect sense and I was relieved to be taken under her wing and annoyed that I had not come sooner.
There are certain teachers who don't profess guru status and yet still hold their own in a class, inspiring confidence and a down to earth approach which is actually so needed in such an unlevelling city,. Her soft but earthy voice stilled my mind and the well-selected postures felt good in my weary body, deprived of so many weeks of sleep.
I went to bed happy that night and hopeful that there are some old wives' tales that may actually contain some all important truth.
the best thing ever written about yoga
i think this might be the best thing ever written about yoga
http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/01/the-tyranny-of-the-yoga-industry-ruth-fowler/
http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/01/the-tyranny-of-the-yoga-industry-ruth-fowler/
Kundalini time
When: Sun 9 Feb, h 12.15 -
13.30
Where: Evolve, SW7
How much: 16 £
Kundalini has been on my yoga-to-do
list for a while. I have heard & read about it, but - probably due to some
stupid prejudice - I have always carefully avoided any kundalini class in the
yoga studios I normally go to. But why? Why choose (or not, in this case)
something without taking a closer look? Ignorance, indolence, judgement…what a
yogi am I if I let these rule? One of my teachers advised me: ‘try it, but you
are not going to like it’. Mmmm. A yogi friend who wanted to practise with me
today: ‘sorry Anna, I cannot do kundalini’. Double mmmm. And there all these
freaky stories about kundalini awakening...To be honest, given the premises, I
was not exactly looking forward to this class.
To minimise the shock, I decide to go
to my regular studios, Evolve in South Kensington, for my first kundalini
experience. The teacher at Evolve is Sivaroshan Sahathevan, one of the most
popular in London. ‘Hi Anna. Are you here for Kundalini??’ the receptionist
seemed quite surprised. I do not know much about Yogi Bhajan, who bough it to
the West in the late 1960s, but I have read they use many ‘Kriyas’ to strengthen
mind, body and spirit - which seems very interesting. I am told they use many
mantras, and they chant too, and they even meditate! Anyway, I get to the studio
10 minutes before class and the teacher is already there. But despite the all
white attire (turban included), she does not look at all like Sivaroshan…’I am
Maren, welcome’, as she greets me with a soft German accent. I tell her this i
my first time - I am the only one apparently in a class of seven - and she warns
me that the practice is very deep and powerful, tailored to help me connect me
with my true self. And she also tells me that it may feel weird…The whole
practice is with eyes closed and apparently there is quite a bit of chanting
(thumbs up). Today she has chosen a Kriya aimed at maintaining perfect health.
which mainly involve work around the hips and the navel. The next 75 minutes are
a few repetitive and pretty intense exercises (each repeated for 3 to 5m, either
sitting or laying on our back) targeting the arms to start and finish but for
the majority of the class the svadhistana and manipura chakras - all chanting
mantras to help us maintaining the rhythm of the practice. As a result of each
exercise the body felt different indeed. And yes, I could feel the energy
moving, in quite an uncontrolled fashion though: I had this sense of vibrating
and shaking, but not quite the deep ecstatic sensation Maren keeps talking
about. Is that my kundalini? The final meditation is not as balancing as I would
have hoped (5 minutes with the right arm extended, with left fingers touching
Ajna chakra felt a bit strange) but I have been quite intrigued by the very
strong flow of energy I have experienced. I understand now why some can find
this practice destabilising. Well, guess my kapha these days keeps my kundalini
sleeping tight...
Friday 28 February 2014
The Hackney Project
The Hackney Yoga
Project (HYP)
When: Sat 22 Feb,
from h 9.30
The Hackney Project
Where: Hackney City Farm, E2
Where: Hackney City Farm, E2
All of us whose
life has been touched by yoga knows how transformational this journey can be,
once the channel is open there is no way back. After all, we all know how yoga
can result in people feeling happier in their own skins. But not all of us may
have realised, for this exact reason, how important making yoga accessible can
be.
The Hackney Yoga Project is bringing to London and its
yoga community something incredibly noble, brave and valuable. The HYP 's goal
is to make the lives of refugee and asylum-seeking women a little brighter
through yoga. They work mainly with survivors of human rights abuse, teaching
them yoga and English, providing a hot lunch, travel refund, moral support and
signposting to other activities. And they provide all this for free, helping
these women increase their confidence, bring a little light and lightness in
their lives, and make friends. There are many ways to support the HYP, starting
from simple donation which are always welcome. When I asked Emily, the HYP
founder, how one can concretely help, she pointed me to their Mala programme,
which all of us should consider. In fact, with this programme yoga teachers and
studios, and everyone else really, are enabled to help directly, holding a class
or any other event and donate any money raised to fund the project.
This Saturday though I went to the Hackney City farm -
their main site, currently - for the Bead not Bullets initiative, run by a team
of graduates from the YogaLondon school. The day started with a morning practice
guided by a YogaLondon graduate (quite a curious sequencing, indeed) and
followed with a joyful and heart-warming mala making session. Thanks to the
donation a beautiful collection of vintage beads by a local yogi artist, about
twenty volunteers gathered together and spent the day making the prettiest
meditation malas ever - the idea being that the malas would be soon available
for purchase in selected locations and on the HYP website. The proceeds will
fund travel expenses for the refugees. I have never been into beading at all,
but the cause was worth the challenge and the atmosphere so lovely that the day
flew. And before you ask, yes, I dreamt of beads…loads of beads...
Help us spread the word and support the HYP - it is worth it.
Broga!
When: Feb 26, h 13:15 – 14:15
Where: Blue Cow
Yoga, Moorgate, EC2R
How much: £ 18
for 45-60m class
The Broga
Code
I have been quite
curious for a while about this Broga thing. Especially since that day I happened
to walk by a studio room where a Broga class was held: the overly keen ‘inhale,
exhale’ that could clearly be heard from outside did raise some attention.
So, what is
Broga? Yoga for men (bros or even dudes, if you rather). Well, not only - I
hope.
So here I am
today in this City yoga & pilates studio located in a basement in Moorgate
for my first lunchtime Broga class. The class schedule is predominantly filled
with flow classes. And given the location, Broga definitely seems to fit in.
This time, I have done a bit of research beforehand. Matt Miller, the (big) guy
behing Broga in the UK, has a very interesting bio: a former American football
player (Miller the Pillar was his battlefield nickname), body builder, sports
training and physiology graduate, fitness instructor and, dulcis in
fundo, yoga teacher. Matt makes no mystery of his yoga muse, Rachel Okimo –
one of the most creative teachers on the London scene – who is also his business
partner.
I can see the
idea behind this – nowadays, yoga seems to be predominantly a women affair. Too
often I hear from men that they are not flexible enough and hence yoga is not
for them. Left aside that the point is not to be able to cross your leg behind
your head or touch your toes with your fingers in Pashimottanasana, this seems
to be enough to prevent most men I know from stepping on the mat (not to mention
the spiritual side of the practice, that equally scares them). Broga tries to
demistify this adapting traditional asanas and sequences to those who may be
strong and fit, but struggle with agility and flexibility.
It is only five
of us today, great size for a class – and despite guys being the majority, I am
not the only girl! Matt starts by introducing today’s theme – legs (at which
point, I confess, I have swallowed). What follows is a strong, slow flow class,
with a remarkable focus on alignment and the best anatomy cues I have come
across in a long time. While weak on philosophy (pourquoi?), I have found the
class pretty well rounded and varied – offering options and raising awareness on
common ego-driven mistakes. As we roll the mats at the end of the class after a
savasana-meets-yoga-nidra, I ask my neighbour if he enjoyed that. ‘Very much!
This is no-nonsense yoga’. I am not too sure about that. I can see though why
Broga can be an attractive yogic entry point for the so-to-speak ‘male
athlete’.
Friday 14 February 2014
Sunday morning wake-up
where: evolve
When: Sunday morning
There are classes you simply stumble upon because it's cold outside and because you are a bit lost of a morning so you turn up amongst the regulars and you know that in attending a full-on vinyasa flow class, you are going to have to fake it to make it. Not my usual setting but I thought a Sunday morning and all the rest and sleep from the weekend would allow a few extra chaturangas in my body and incite my tejas.
With as much speed as the class itself, I realised that this was not the case, that I would much rather be in stillness away from jumping jacks and sweat.
So, I resorted to a lot of child's pose and as the teacher urged everyone through her hectic flow, I noticed my resistance, my intolerance and my irritation. I felt controlled so I stepped back from it and went inside. This was far better and I realised that my ability to take from the external what I need is an important coping mechanism. Not being a yes girl is ok too
Having said that, I loved parts of the class and especially her outfit: pink leggings with a matching bandana. Making my way to sweaty Betty as I write :)
Sunday 9 February 2014
triyoga bliss
It is very rare that I ever make my way into the spiritual jungle of Primrose hill to do some yoga but right place right time meant I had no choice! So, off I went around the big reception area, past raw food and lots of dreadlocks, up the stairs to what is probably the biggest yoga studio in London. As I waited for Jeff to arrive, I was concerned that anytime I have done his class, I have struggled to keep up with the beautifully intense flow he offers. However, with the new year well and truly on its way, I felt it was time to face the music again.
Only, to my surprise, Jeff started the class as he meant to go on- totally mindfully and the slowest awareness practice I have experienced in a long time. My heart immediately warmed to him, as I felt he was present with us all, deciphering mood, energy levels and body condition. The gentleness of the poses, mixed with the challenge of the breath in these made this a very unique practice and one which I intend to repeat as often as the tube allows me to get there!
Jeff Phoenix is an exceptional teacher, whose attention to detail mirrors the steadiness of his practice. He refines every posture, makes sure everyone is working with an edge whilst instilling softness and stillness into everyone who sun salutes in his direction.
mysterious death
Exposing the dangers of cult mentality, this news piece reveals the extremist behaviour of some towards 'spirituality' A lesson to us all and a warning to listen to ourselves instead.
Thursday 6 February 2014
Dharma Mittra
Anna and the Master (Class)
When:
Sat 1 Feb 14, h 14.45 - 16.45
Where:
Dharma Mittra Master Class, Indaba, NW1
How
much: Drop in 16 GBP
I
have missed my Sat morning class and I quite liked the idea of trying something
new, so I signed up for Mark Kan’s Dharma Mittra Master Class at Indaba
(Marylebone). I heard pretty good things of Dharma Mittra and his teachers, so
why not. Besides, I know the studio well, I go there often and it is one of my
favourite yoga places in London. The description on their website is music to
my ears: 'Be ready for a graceful yet challenging practice. This two hour class
is an amazing way to deepen your asana practice and explore the advanced poses.
Shiva Namaskara Vinyasa has been embraced by yogis from all schools for the
unique integration of the classical spirit of true yoga and a completely
thorough mobilization of the corporeal body. The master class will help you to
overcome your obstacles through laughter and group encouragement, you will
attempt handstands, forearm balances, headstand variations and unique vinyasas,
perfection is not expected but confidence and technique is strengthened.
Embrace the ability to fall, conquer fear and get right back up again. One of
the joys of Master Practice is exploring variations of postures you may not
encounter anywhere else in the world today, as well as the instruction in how
to take the steps necessary to acquire these postures It will bring
contentment- merging complete identity with the true self, the goal of yoga.
For experienced practitioners, super heroes and people will have a go at
anything without fear of failure’.
I
get there 10m earlier. I am not nervous, but I soon become a little, as the
most athletic yoginis I have ever seen in my life start laying their mats
around. Mumble. 'Breath and you will be fine', I say to myself. We start with a
lovely mantra of purification which I promise I will research and 3 variations
of Surya Namaskar A, all good so far. Then I am invited to come into forearm
balance. Right. Up I go. Clearly, that is just the beginning. Two full hours of
high octane yoga: never been to anything like that in London (and reminded me a
bit of my experience in Mysore some time ago). I soon lose count of the
handstand and headstand variations, but I somehow follow, and Mark guides us
through every posture impeccably…what an inspiring class, ops, master class. A
two hour sequence of incredibly challenging postures: there is the risk the
class becomes some kind of egocentric yoga show off. However, it does not….it
is just very inspiring. In some way, I am a beginner again - but this time with
an awareness which I did not have before, and I liked it. A lot. I still wonder
whether this is the right place for me, though. So, at the end of class, I ask
Mark. ‘Of course, come back’. That felt nice.
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