NEW YOGA & MEDITATION COURSES with ANNA & STEPHEN
Yoga practice, guided meditation and discussion on themes of yogic principles. We plan to offer a series of individual 3 week courses on different themes.
Starting with the following:
On the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence/compassion)
3 x 2hr Saturday afternoon sessions
July 4th, 11th and 18th
3-5pm
Online via Zoom
£60 for the course of 3 meetings
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are an ancient and foundational text on the theory and practice of yoga in all its aspects. In this text the path of yoga is described as consisting of 8 limbs as follows:
1) Yamas - Principles for living in the world responsibly. The sanskrit word translates as 'restraints'.
2) Niyamas - Principles for inner observance or self-disciplines.
3) Asana - Physical postures
4) Pranayama - Breathing practices
5) Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the senses
6) Dharana - Concentration
7) Dhyana - Contemplation
8) Samadhi - Bliss or Enlightenment
There are 5 Yamas or restraints and non-violence or Ahimsa, is the first one. What does non-violence really look like when we apply it to all aspects of life? Regarding our thoughts as well as our actions, and taking into account our behaviour towards ourselves as well as others?
Although often translated as non-violence, Ahimsa is perhaps better understood as a form of radical deep, compassion towards all life - starting, importantly, with ourselves. In yoga practice, we have a chance to practice Ahimsa each time we step onto the mat, each time we enter a pose, each time we take a breath and notice not just where we are in an asana, but also our state of mind concerning where we are. Judgement and ambition? Or compassion and acceptance of just where we are - Ahimsa.
As Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron writes, "As long as our orientation is toward perfection or success, we will never learn about unconditional friendship with ourselves, nor will we find compassion.”
What will each session look like?
To book onto the upcoming course, staring on Saturday July 4th, please send us an email, text, call or whatsapp! We will let you know the bank details for payment by bank transfer.
anna@wingspan-yoga.com
nexusstephen@gmail.com
And if you have any questions about the course please don't hesitate to get in touch for a chat:
Anna: 07967345566
Stephen: 07421358212
Yoga practice, guided meditation and discussion on themes of yogic principles. We plan to offer a series of individual 3 week courses on different themes.
Starting with the following:
On the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence/compassion)
3 x 2hr Saturday afternoon sessions
July 4th, 11th and 18th
3-5pm
Online via Zoom
£60 for the course of 3 meetings
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are an ancient and foundational text on the theory and practice of yoga in all its aspects. In this text the path of yoga is described as consisting of 8 limbs as follows:
1) Yamas - Principles for living in the world responsibly. The sanskrit word translates as 'restraints'.
2) Niyamas - Principles for inner observance or self-disciplines.
3) Asana - Physical postures
4) Pranayama - Breathing practices
5) Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the senses
6) Dharana - Concentration
7) Dhyana - Contemplation
8) Samadhi - Bliss or Enlightenment
There are 5 Yamas or restraints and non-violence or Ahimsa, is the first one. What does non-violence really look like when we apply it to all aspects of life? Regarding our thoughts as well as our actions, and taking into account our behaviour towards ourselves as well as others?
Although often translated as non-violence, Ahimsa is perhaps better understood as a form of radical deep, compassion towards all life - starting, importantly, with ourselves. In yoga practice, we have a chance to practice Ahimsa each time we step onto the mat, each time we enter a pose, each time we take a breath and notice not just where we are in an asana, but also our state of mind concerning where we are. Judgement and ambition? Or compassion and acceptance of just where we are - Ahimsa.
As Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron writes, "As long as our orientation is toward perfection or success, we will never learn about unconditional friendship with ourselves, nor will we find compassion.”
What will each session look like?
- We will start with a short introduction and discussion of our theme. A chance to check in and get clear on personal starting points and evolving perspectives as we approach this topic.
- With an open mind and an intention to practice with curiosity we will take our bodies onto the mat to explore poses and sequences through the particular lens of Ahimsa. This will be gentle Scaravelli inspired yoga on the mat, suitable for all levels, with options for adapting and/or adding extra challenge as required. Approx 1 hour of yoga.
- After relaxation in Savasana we will come to a seated or kneeling position for meditation on the felt sense of Compassion, guided by Stephen. Sitting in a chair, or on the floor using a meditation cushion or similar for support. The meditation will be 25-30 mins long.
- At the end we will come together again to discuss our experiences in the session and look at how what we've experienced here might support us in everyday life.
To book onto the upcoming course, staring on Saturday July 4th, please send us an email, text, call or whatsapp! We will let you know the bank details for payment by bank transfer.
anna@wingspan-yoga.com
nexusstephen@gmail.com
And if you have any questions about the course please don't hesitate to get in touch for a chat:
Anna: 07967345566
Stephen: 07421358212