Yoga

Yoga & Meditation

The Yoga Practice 

Yoga is a very broad term that refers to any practice that helps cultivate a greater understanding of self. It is usually described as a discipline that combines exercises with relaxation techniques to form a complete system of self-care, designed to rejuvenate the body and free the mind from tension and fatigue.

The greatest temptation when learning Yoga is to work further into positions than is comfortable. This creates tension, restricts the breath and un-grounds the body. By pushing less, and letting go of our ego our body will find ways to work harder and deeper as it spontaneously releases and lengthens. As we become more self aware we become more sensitive to each moment, learning to fully experience it. This becomes more restorative and transformative and encourages a more meditative awareness within ourselves.

Barbara’s teaching aims to encourage a greater awareness to what is happening inside as we practice, which will allow the body to unravel and unfold into Yoga positions from within rather than having to be pushed or pulled into the posture from without. Each class focusses on:

  • Asana, physical posture work
  • Pranayama, the control of the breath and
  • Relaxation techniques preparing the body for meditation.

Barbara is passionate about core stability, breath awareness and the grounding of the feet with the earth. Each student will be taught a greater self awareness enabling them to work to their own individual limits.

The Meditation Practice

There are many things in life that are beyond our control. However, it is possible to take responsibility for our own states of mind – and to change them for the better. According to some this is the most important thing we can do, and that it is the only real antidote to our own personal sorrows, and to the anxieties, fears, hatreds, and general confusions that beset the human condition.

Meditation is a means of transforming the mind. Meditation practices are techniques that encourage and develop concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and a calm seeing of the true nature of things. By engaging with a particular meditation practice you learn the patterns and habits of your mind, and the practice offers a means to cultivate new, more positive ways of being. With regular work and patience these nourishing, focused states of mind can deepen into profoundly peaceful and energised states of mind. Such experiences can have a transformative effect and can lead to a new understanding of life.

Barbara will aim to help you with this journey and to give you the tools to enable you to make meditation a part of your daily life.

 

If you are interested please contact Paadena. Prior to beginning a class you will be requested to fill in a health questionnaire.

 

 

I have been doing Yoga with Barbara for many years. During my time I have found Barbara to be patient and compassionate. She takes great care to explain each movement and how to do the position with respect for your joints. Also if you suffer with an injury she tells you how to adjust the movement to protect your injury. The class is small and personal and the setting for her studio is fantastic with views across the valley, even watching the sun go down, whilst practicing Yoga. The class isn’t just about movement, Barbara takes time for relaxation and you always come away feeling mindful.

Beverly Potter - Yoga

I feel that Barbara’s approach to massage shows her thoughtfulness and consideration for her clients and this has the effect of leaving the spirit uplifted and the body well and truly stretched after every session.

Jennifer Cole. Chiropractor - Massage

Barbara is excellent at personally tailoring her teaching to each individual students needs. Her approach is calming, knowledgeable and professional, immediately putting you at ease. As a trained massage therapist myself, I have attended courses with many different  teachers and therapists. It was so refreshing when I began the course with Barbara and was actually introduced to massage techniques that I had never before experienced, delivered with such kindness and patience! I was impressed! She seems to know intuitively where to encourage and guide, and her teaching produce excellent results, always leaving me feeling confident in my ability. I loved doing the course and am now planning on continuing with Barbara and working through the Advanced Techniques.

Vicky Dawes. Osteopath - TYMT Teaching