beginners yoga
Yoga means union. Asana means seat. I practice a physical yoga that is based on the union of breath with posture, one breath flowing to the next, one movement flowing to the next, synchronized. This is called Vinyasa yoga, or flow yoga. It is based on Ashtanga yoga, which was developed by Pattabhi Jois as a way to train the body and prepare the Self for sitting, literally, in meditation.
I teach one-on-one yoga lessons to assist each person in the discovery of their own breath and to use that breath while 'seated' in a posture. I work with you to find the practice that is best for you: a lot of flowing movement or poses requiring strength will work for some; for others there will be a lot of static poses and stretching or work on deepening the breath. It is my goal to provide the tools and the guidance so that eventually you will have your own practice and relationship with yoga and with yourself.
When I teach beginners, individually or in small groups, I am more concerned with providing a space for each individual to find their own breath and their own stillness within the practice than I am with the performance of the “correct” postures. Yes, I stress the importance of learning proper alignment to avoid injury. But "looking good" in a posture for its own sake is another thing. This is not only dangerous, but not really yoga. Yoga postures take years to discover. It is a practice, a way of being, and not an external form or symbol of perfection in the body. When the breath and the body are united with the mind, when one can breathe with ease and move with ease in synchronicity, then a goal has been achieved.
Some of the benefits of yoga practice include improved concentration, emotional and mental balance, reduced stress, body and breath awareness, strength and flexibility, improved posture, breathing, endurance, and circulation. Most importantly, I see the practice of Hatha (physical) yoga as one way for people to chip away at all of the habits and hang-ups we have developed from living in the modern world, to find that place under the ribs, called heart.
rates
individuals / small groups (min 4 people)
60 min: 30 euro / 40 euro
90 min: 45 euro / 55 euro
sliding scale rates available for students, artists and low incomes. please contact me for more information.