Every day we try to eat something different to vary our diet and nourish our bodies with different nutrients. Yoga is the same. Every time you practice, you might crave, need or want a different type of approach. I have trained in and teach different styles, so you can choose which one you like.
Hatha Yoga
The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body—especially the main channel, the spine—so that energy can flow freely.
Hatha is also translated as ha meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon." This refers to the balance of masculine aspects—active, hot, sun—and feminine aspects—receptive, cool, moon—within all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.
Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.
Vinyasa Flow
Vinyasa Yoga connects one posture to the next using the breath. This can be thought of as linking or flowing into postures which is sometimes why it’s called “Flow Yoga”.
Vinyasa is synonymous with movement. Moving in and out of postures is the obvious movement but even in stillness Vinyasa is represented by the beat of your heart and inhale/exhale of your breath.
Ujjayi breath is the breathing technique used. It is done by inhaling and exhaling in a rhythmic manner through the nose. The overall sensation is one of relaxation.
The term Vinyasa is derived from nyasa, meaning “to place,” and vi, meaning “in a special way.” This indicates that we are not “throwing our bodies around” but are bringing consciousness to each movement in each moment. As a philosophy, Vinyasa recognises the temporary nature of things.
We enter into a posture, are there for a while and then leave.
Restorative/Yin Yoga
A restorative yoga sequence typically involves only five or six poses, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest. Held for 5 minutes or more, restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle backbends.
Restorative yoga is an opportunity to release physical & mental stress in the comfort of supported yoga postures.
Poses are held a little longer with the intent of not stretching the body, but to evoking a recalibration of the nervous system from patterns of stress to an experience of healing & integration.
This practice is beneficial to everyone, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, tension & pain & support the body’s immunity, digestion, sleep & healing.