Descriptions

Descriptions of Yoga Aspirations classes are below. These descriptions give a general idea of the classes, which are always also tailored to the particular participants.

Descriptions of Yoga Aspirations Classes Offered

Yoga for Happiness Classes

These yoga classes help participants to discover how yoga can lighten the mood. Slow, mindful practice of postures with pauses between postures helps participants attend to body, breath and mind. Chanting mantras while practicing some postures has a vibrational effect in the body that both calms and energizes. Along with the postures and mantras, hand mudras (gestures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation contribute to an enlivening yoga experience.

Private Yoga Classes

Annette provides private yoga classes, which are carefully tailored to personal interests, needs and abilities. They include a 90-minute private yoga session and a take home plan for home practice.

Descriptions of Forthcoming Yoga Aspirations Classes

Yoga to Stretch and Strengthen

Classes in this program are designed to stretch many of your major muscles, relieve any stiffness or constrictions in the body and boost flexibility. Participation in these classes provides an opportunity to deepen body and mind awareness through asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and a short relaxation/meditation practice. The classes are tailored to the participants, with modifications of practices as required.

Yoga Aspirations Classes Previously Offered

Yoga to Refresh and Relax

These Friday evening classes at the end of the work week help participants to stretch, release tensions in the body and mind, improve flexibility and posture, and start the weekend refreshed. Through asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and short meditation practices, participants can deepen their awareness and self-care. The classes are suitable for people with no prior experience of yoga as well as those with previous experience. 

Establishing the Basics

These introductory level yoga classes require no prior experience of yoga. They are particularly suitable for beginners as well as people with some yoga experience, people with physical limitations and those experiencing post-traumatic stress. These classes introduce participants to yoga practices that encourage self-awareness, increase flexibility and strength, and contribute to improved posture and stability. Participation in these classes provides an opportunity to deepen body and mind awareness through asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques) and to learn short meditation practices. The classes include various practices from the pawanmuktasana series. 

Building on the Foundations

These yoga classes emphasise co-ordination, balance, emotional tranquility, as well as flexibility. They offer a deepening of the practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation. Participants are able to move at their own pace, from the foundational level of postures to as far as they wish to go. Each session ends with a series of relaxation exercises.

Expanding Practices

These yoga classes are suitable for those who are in good physical health and have some experience of yoga. They are designed to lead participants to a deeper level of awareness in their yoga practice. The classes include asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandhas and meditation. The pranayama practices include techniques for expanding breath capacity, and the asanas include the practice of Surya Namaskara (the sun salutation series).

Relaxation & Meditation

These classes use yoga practices to foster deep relaxation. Participants learn simple practices, including gentle yoga postures and breathing techniques, and are encouraged and supported to develop their own personal home practice. Sessions include meditation and relaxation practices, such as Yoga Nidra, a deep relaxation practice which has many benefits.

Pawanmuktasana Series

The pawanmuktasana series lays a firm foundation for the practice of all yoga asanas. Practices in this series open up all the major joints and relax the muscles of the body. In Sanskrit, the word pawan means ‘wind’ or ‘prana’, mukta means ‘release’ and asana means ‘pose’, so pawanmuktasana means a group of asanas that remove any blockages preventing the free flow of energy in the body and the mind.

Pawanmuktasana Part 1 – Anti-Rheumatic Group

This group of asanas helps loosen up the joints and is beneficial for those affected by rheumatism, arthritis, high blood pressure or heart problems. These practices are particularly useful for eliminating energy blockages in the joints and for improving co-ordination, self-awareness and self-confidence.

Pawanmuktasana Part 2 – Digestive/Abdominal Group

This group of asanas strengthens the digestive system. They may be beneficial for people with indigestion, constipation, acidity, excess wind or gas, lack of appetite, diabetes, disorders of the male or female reproductive systems and varicose veins. The practices can help eliminate energy blockages in the abdominal area. These practices are not suitable for people suffering from high blood pressure, serious heart conditions, and back conditions such as sciatica and slipped disc or soon after abdominal surgery.

Pawanmuktasana Part 3 – Shakti Bandha Asanas (Energy Bock Postures)

This group of asanas works to improve the energy flow within the body and break down neuro-muscular knots. They also help eliminate energy blockages in the spine, activate the heart and lungs, and improve the endocrine function. The practices are useful for those with stiff backs and are especially beneficial for menstrual problems and toning the pelvic organs and muscles. They can be practiced after pregnancy for toning flaccid muscles.