Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.
Simone Weil
The purpose of yoga is to help the mind become quieter so that you can discover your true self. This is fundamentally creative work and in this yoga tradition we have a range of tools to help this process move forward. These include:
- Bodywork – āsana
- Breathwork – prānāyāma
- Meditative practices – dhyāna
- Focussing tools – mudrā, nyāsa
- Soundwork – mantra
- Visualisation – bhāvana
The creative yoga approach is to discern a focus for your practice and select and blend the appropriate tools to help you move in the right direction. We link together the body, breath and mind in every practice and draw on some of the more subtle tools, as necessary. Creative conversations are available for anyone who wishes to discuss what they experience in their practice or for those who would prefer a micro-practice approach.
One to one and group tuition
A way of working can be found for almost everyone. Many people enjoy the social dimension of practising in company and several group classes are offered each week. For others, individual tuition suits their lifestyle or circumstances and in these sessions a student is given a practice to work on between classes. A personalised approach is particularly suitable where yoga therapy for a health condition is needed. For many years Helena has specialised in yoga for neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis and also fatigue related conditions.
Yoga Philosophy
Helena has run a yoga philosophy group that meets monthly for the last 14 years. These sessions involve a close reading of texts such as Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra-s, the Bhagavad Gītā and the Veda-s and Upanishads. We engage with these texts as a way of becoming more attentive and authentic. New members are always welcome.
Chanting
Yoga Sutra Chanting or Vedic Chanting tuition is offered for groups and individuals. In the busyness of modern life chanting is probably the most effective form of meditation for clearing the mind, strengthening the voice and extending the exhalation. Chanting is different to singing and is suitable for all voices. No prior knowledge of Sanskrit required.
Here is an example of Vedic Chanting:
Creative yoga is inspired by the yoga teachings of T Krishnamacharya and his son, TKV Desikachar. Helena is formally trained in their approach which has sometimes been known as ‘viniyoga’. Today their work is carried forward by The Society of Yoga Practitioners in the UK and worldwide by the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, India.
To book contact helena@yogahome.org.uk