Yoga in south London
"The state of yoga is achieved when the agitations of the mind are resolved." Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
What can yoga do for me?
Regular and correct practice of the yoga postures (asanas) can make you stronger, fitter, more flexible and healthier – in mind as well as body. Yoga can give you better muscle tone and strength, more stamina, better posture and re-alignment of the body, relieving aches and pains and stress on the body. Internally, toxins are removed and nutrients can be better absorbed, giving you more energy. The functioning of the organs and nervous system improves, and the body is regenerated right down to cellular level. Mentally, yoga can relieve stress and fatigue, improve your sleep, and give you more energy, focus, concentration and mental clarity. With yoga you become more able to fully relax the mind and body, calm the mind and quieten the constant stream of unhelpful thoughts.
What happens in a yoga lesson?
In a yoga lesson you will be taught asanas (postures) that stretch and strengthen different parts of the body, pranayama (breathing exercises) and relaxation techniques. As strength, discipline, stamina, balance, focus and concentration are developed in the postures, they are also developed in the mind. This brings positive improvement in all areas of your daily life and not just on the yoga mat. Jacqui encourages the development of self-awareness and self-discipline, showing you how to empower yourself and take control of your own yoga practice, your health and your path in life. She will help you challenge yourself to do more than you think you can, but always with compassion and not force.
Who can do yoga?
You can be any age, shape or size to do yoga, and any level of ability. You don’t need to be flexible! Your lesson is individual to you, working at the pace that is right for you. You won’t have to try anything you don’t want to. Jacqui welcomes everyone from newcomers to those who’ve been practising for many years. The type of yoga is hatha yoga, and it can be slow and gentle or more energetic and flowing, depending on your individual ability and needs. Your lessons will focus on correct alignment, on developing strength, stamina and flexibility without using force, and on the emotional aspect of yoga as well as the physical.
What is yoga?
Yoga is a system of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The asanas (physical postures) are just one part of it. There is also pranayama (breath control), meditation, mantra (chanting), as well as the moral and spiritual guidances that yoga gives us, for a happier and healthier life. Yoga is a science but it's also an art and a spiritual philosophy - it is much more than simply a system of physical fitness.
'Yoga' means union. It can help us achieve union between our mind, body and spirit. What it really refers to is the union of our individual Self or consciousness with the universal consciousness. There is one divine and constant universal energy which we are all part of, and which we are each an individual manifestation of. Yoga helps us see the truth of this. It helps us to realise who we really are and why we are here. As we develop self-awareness we are more able to make the right choices for a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life.
Where are lessons and how much?
We give private tuition in our consultation rooms in Clapham (£50) and Streatham (£40). Our teacher Jacqui can also come to you if you have a small group of friends and neighbours, or to your office, as long as you have space and yoga mats. (It's £10 per person with an £80 group minimum for offices.) To get the most out of your lessons, you are encouraged to practise at home between lessons, and can be given a personalised home practice. Contact Jacqui if you have a question.