Each yoga session that I teach is an extension of my own journey of self discovery. I aim to share the lessons I have learned to enhance your yoga practice. The structure of each session represents how these lessons can be absorbed and integrated into your own yoga practice.

We always start with a focus on deep, conscious breathing. There are many breathing techniques that develop your capacity for breathing correctly, by conditioning your diaphragm and intercostal muscles. This increases heart rate variability, encourages postural adjustment, boosts your energy and brings you into a state of presence.

We then set an intention, which may be for the session itself, your day ahead or beyond. This intention may be encapsulated with a mantra such as “I am relaxed, I am focused, I am grateful”. Setting a conscious intention increases the likelihood that what you are focused on will happen.

Next, we begin joint movements which gently loosen and improve overall mobility. This fundamental step is often missed in yoga or exercise classes. It is important to focus not only on large muscle groups, but to also condition our feet, our ankles, knees, hips, spine, shoulders, elbows and wrists. Furthermore, the interconnectedness of the entire body should to be taken into account with each movement, as there are important combinations of working and stretching muscles that should be coordinated for maximum effect.

This is followed by a mixture of different asanas which may be part of a vinyasa flow or slower alignment-focused transitions, enhancing flexibility, strength, balance and alignment. 

As we approach savasana – our final resting pose, we will have consistently developed internal body awareness, which allows you to feel into your body internally. This leads to greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings and a sense of connection between yourself and the external world, manifesting as a profound sense of peace.

This practice serves as a platform for you to integrate lessons and truths that you have learned, whether on the yoga mat or in your everyday life. Of course, yoga provides great strength, flexibility and resilience in your body, but it also teaches you self-control, perspective, forgiveness, perseverance and gratitude. Practising yoga will facilitate your own healing process, allowing you to realise your potential, leading to growth in a sustainable way. Yoga brings harmony through the integration of your body, thoughts, feelings and a deeper sense of purpose.

I am deeply grateful that I found this practice, and I am constantly humbled and inspired by it. I am truly excited for what you will discover as you continue your own yoga journey.