Yoga
Yoga has its roots in ancient Indian sacred texts, the most well known being Patanjali’s ‘Yoga Sutras’. It describes a whole way of living and behaving, of yoga poses and meditation in order to reach an enlightened state. However, modern yoga practice tends to focus on the postures ‘Asanas’ and breathing exercises ‘Pranayama’, to stretch and strengthen the body and relax.
The postures include lots of weird and wonderful ways of moving our bodies and can be the perfect antidote to lives that tend to include long periods of sitting at a computer or watching TV. Yoga can also be a great complement to sports, encouraging proper body alignment and a chance to properly stretch out worked muscles. As well as feeling relaxed and invigorated straight after the class, over time the deeper benefits of yoga can emerge.
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Me
I started doing Hatha yoga at University over ten years ago whilst studying for a science degree. I found it a fantastic way to reverse the effects of spending time hunched over a desk and helped me relax a bit before exams. I then spent the next few years trying different classes and styles until I found a really inspiring teacher and I focussed specifically on Ashtanga Vinyasa – a flowing style of yoga that links movement with breath. Through this teacher I learnt more about the theory and system of yoga and eventually completed a 200 hour intensive teaching course with him.
I have since taught individuals and groups and continue to practise myself most days. I especially love how after doing yoga for a while you find yourself calmer and better able to deal with stressful situations. I also hope regular yoga practice will keep my back and joints young – the inspiration is the founder of ashtanga yoga Shri Pattabhi Jois, who was still teaching into his nineties!
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My classes
I teach a Hatha based class with elements of the flowing ashtanga style and is perfect for complete beginners and beyond. Every posture starts from standing, sitting, or lying down and can be modified to increasing levels of challenge – so if you are able to stand, sit and lie down then you can do yoga! Typically a class will start with a few minutes of focussing and introduction, then a series of asanas, including forward, backward and side stretches, twists and balances. At the end we spend 5 to 10 minutes in relaxation, after which you will be thoroughly chilled out!
Having now practised yoga for over a decade I have tried many different styles, classes and teachers, and from this I believe I have a very rounded yoga experience, which I try to pass on in my classes. I have led yoga sessions in Friern Barnet Community Library for years and have found it to be a delightful experience, with a brilliant and evolving group of people. I encourage people to try challenging poses yet retaining a sense of fun while looking silly and as a result, our yoga group is a welcoming, supportive and wildly diverse range of ages, backgrounds and experiences which has left everyone richer.It is recommended that you wear clothes you can move in and avoid eating directly beforehand.
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Contact,
For more information or to ask any questions, please feel free to contact me on: Emily.mc@outlook.com
‘Calm mind; calm speech; calm movement; through right knowledge, the sage is completely free: perfectly peaceful, perfectly balanced’ Buddha
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