Yoga Aspirations respectfully encourages each person to connect with their true potential to harmonize their body, mind and emotions and develop their deepest aspirations. The Yoga Instructor, Annette Field, teaches a holistic time-honoured system of yoga that integrates asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation (such as the meditation practices below).
About the Yoga Instructor - Annette Field
Annette guides participants through yoga practices by using verbal instructions that encourage them to develop their awareness of their body, breath, and mind, and to deepen their own experience rather than compare themselves to others. Where it is useful, such as when introducing new practices, Annette may demonstrate or accompany participants in postures. Between postures, or short flow sequences such as sun salutations, a little time is taken to attend to sensations, feelings and thoughts.
As a Yoga Instructor, Annette will normally not do physical assists but rather will provide advice and suggestions to participants on how to deepen their practice of postures in a way that is most suitable for them at the time.
For Annette, yoga is a journey, and Annette draws on the many benefits yoga offers. As a social worker, anthropologist and aid worker, Annette has empowered people from diverse walks of life, and now through yoga she assists people to build on their strengths to face life’s challenges. Drawing on her experience, Annette pays close attention to each individual’s particular needs.
The Yoga Instructor, Annette, has a Diploma of Yoga Studies (SYA), which included a four months Yogic Studies Course at Bihar Yoga Bharati, Munger, India. She has also completed the Yoga Anatomy: Principles course with Leslie Kaminoff, done training on trauma sensitive yoga, and undertaken Yoga for Mood Management: LifeForce Yoga Practitioner Training (Module A and Module B) with Amy Weintraub. Annette holds a PhD in anthropology having researched suffering and rituals for healing in Timor-Leste (East Timor) where she lived and worked for seven years.
Annette is a Registered Level 2 Teacher with Yoga Australia (Membership Number 3840) and adheres to the Yoga Australia Code of Professional Conduct.
Participant Comments About the Classes Led by the Yoga Instructor, Annette
“I have been enjoying Annette's classes for over two years now. She is a wonderful instructor with a great passion and patience for teaching yoga. Her classes helped me to build muscle strength and flexibility and to develop an awareness of my body and breathing." (Irina)
"I've found Annette's yoga classes to be gentle and healing and appreciate her reminders for us to be mindful of our well being. Annette's encouragement and attention to our safety is commended. I always look forward to attending Annette's yoga class." (Lian)
"The programme ... had a clever mix of repetition and new, and the exercises were always complementary to the spiritual aspects. Calmly paced and well-connected sequences of movement were genuinely balancing the body and the breath and the mind in the gentlest of ways." (Vicky)
“I have been taking yoga classes with Annette at Wylies for the past year and I must say I look forward to Wednesday mornings. I hate it when something comes up that stops me going to yoga. Annette makes everyone welcome, even newcomers. She takes note and remembers past injuries which might limit some positions and suggests alternatives. I love her philosophy, calmness and approach. Anyone wishing to try yoga for the first time would do well going to Annette’s yoga classes. I hope that I can continue for many years to come.” (Liz)
“As a newcomer to yoga, Annette's early bird class is a wonderful introduction to its practices. Annette's clear instruction in breathing and meditative technique perfectly grounds my day.” (Kate)
“Yoga at Wylies - the most wonderful way to start the day. Annette's classes are always thoughtfully put together, catering for all levels of yoga experience. Nothing beats starting the day focusing on some time to care for yourself by the ocean.” (Dani)
“Annette's yoga classes at Wylies, where I breathe in the invigorating air and stretch out to the horizon, is a special shared experience. Sharing her practice which is grounded in an intelligent and compassionate understanding of the mind and body, Annette’s teaching guides me into a deeper understanding of the benefits of both poses and breathing practice. I feel shifts in mind and body throughout the class.” (Virginia)
“I find Annette to be a very encouraging and supportive teacher who strives to make every session individual to all participants. Her clear instructions are easy to follow and help is always available. Every session is a renewing experience.” (Rae)
“I climbed Mt Kosciusko on Saturday. It was both a beautiful but arduous experience. The next day, I had no physical sense or reminders of the event (not even muscle stiffness) – it was as if I had done nothing of significance at all. A few days later, I did one of Annette’s yoga classes. It was a calming and gentle experience. The next day, I felt stronger, calmer and had a greater awareness of my physical wellbeing. It was as if I had done something important – something that was very worthwhile.” (Helen)
“I highly recommend Annette’s class. I did yoga with Annette for two years in Townsville while working in a very stressful job. Very helpful during this time.” (A student in Townsville)