The yoga we practice in class
is Hatha Yoga . It is a practical form of yoga which has been adapted for Western use. Its main elements are
postures, breathing and relaxation, and when practiced properly it will bring balance and health to all the systems of the
whole body.
A Typical Class
Relax (short), warm ups and breathing will focus and prepare the mind and body for:- ASANAS Postures (Poses)
Each week the postures practiced will be a routine from the following - Forward,
back and side bends, twists, balances and inversion, posture sequences, and occasionally practising with a partner (optional).
The classes will be different each week.
The
postures exercise the whole body, gently stretching and toning the muscles and ligaments, allowing more
flexibility in the spine and the joints, enabling fluid movements, building strength and improving circulation.
They also work on internal organs, glands and nerves, keeping all systems in tip-top health.
By releasing physical and
mental tension, the exercises re-energise and revitalise the whole being.
PRANAYAMA Yoga Breathing
This means
breathing fully and rhythmically, using all, not just part of the lungs, increasing the intake of oxygen to the blood, and thus to the brain and body. Pranayama will also teach you how to recharge the body and control the mind, by regulating the flow of prana – this is the life force (energy) conserved in the Chakras.
The Chakras (which means ‘wheels’ in Sanskrit) are points of energy running along the spine.
There are seven major Chakras. Each has a different colour, mantra, meaning etc. and they spin in a clockwise direction.
They feature in early writings of yoga and in ancient medicine. It is worth noting that the spacing of chakras taught
all those years ago accurately matches major nerve and endocrine centers in the human body today.
Some benefits of correct breathing are:
· It helps to control the
mind, so a feeling of calm and being refreshed can be achieved.
· Vitality is increased and so is resistance to disease
·
Some breathing exercises are cleansers. Purifying the respiratory
system.
· It can help with breathing difficulties. Eg. Asthma and bronchitis.
· Breathing
techniques are also used as a pre – meditation focus.
YOGA NIDRA
Relaxation (long)
The natural state of the body and mind is to be relaxed.
It is the way we live and the stresses of today that changes
this state.
Proper relaxation rests and refreshes the whole
system.
It teaches you how to conserve energy and how to let
go your worries and fears.
Read what other students say!
Joyce Cook of Kelso writes:
I've been doing Yoga now for over 30 years and I was pregnant with my first child when I
started. Over that time I have known a number of different teachers, each with their own style.
I first met Gill when she was doing her yoga teacher training when in Hazel Brownlee’s class. She rapidly developed
an ability to engage with her class with a wonderful mixture of sympathy, skill and humour to get bodies of all sizes, shapes
and ages to work quite hard and actually enjoy it.
Gill has a style which strikes a wonderful balance
between understanding how and why the postures work and the pleasure of doing them - all coupled with good humour. The routine
may be essentially the same but there is always a surprise to look forward to! I never cease to enjoy Gill's
classes.
Ruth MacKay of Kelso
writes:
When Gill joined the Kelso Yoga class as a student, her infectious humour
and enthusiasm were apparent right away. We all enjoyed sharing her experiences as she trained. We were all delighted
Gill was able to take over the class.
I have had a ten year "holiday" from yoga
while working full time, but the first thing I did when I took a part-time post was to return to Gill's Friday morning
class. Over these years Gill has retained all her enthusiasm and has developed her own distinctive style of teaching.
There are new ideas, and lots of variety, along with the opportunities to practise the things we enjoy most - and the things
we need to do more of!
Di Flitcroft from Horncliffe, Northumberland, writes:
It must have been nearly 20 years ago, not long after Gill had started teaching yoga, that I went to my first class in
Greenlaw - and was instantly hooked. I was inspired so much by Gill's classes that when I moved away from the Borders
for some years I always signed up for a yoga class wherever I was. I have been to a lot of different teachers!
Not one of whom has measured up to Gill, whose style, I have discovered, is unique - there is fun and warmth but also, always,
serious teaching.
Thank you Gill! |
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