Yoga is an internal and personal practice.
We begin where we are on the day. Recognising our own starting point, we find our own path to our yoga practice. Be here now and be content. Stillness of body. Stillness of breath. Serenity of mind. Joining breath with movement.
The intention of the santosha yoga class is not on ‘looking right’. But how it feels during the class. And after.
A small yoga class may feel less intimidating for beginners because there are fewer distractions to allow for students to explore the shape, rhythm and flow of the asanas at their own pace.
santosha’s small group setting reflects the traditional way of learning yoga where you have the opportunity for personal attention and to ask questions or discuss concerns about your practice with the teacher.
Hands-on assists (with consent) together with suggested variations based on the students' unique physicality and requirements provides for the most nurturing and dynamic experience with the use of props in a supportive and safe space. Props include yoga blocks, yoga straps, blankets, yoga bolsters, yoga chairs, yoga sandbags and eye pillows.
Each practice begins with mindfulness meditation to arrive and centre ourselves with present moment, sensory and breath awareness—cultivating non-judgemental observation, acceptance and self-compassion.
yin yoga
Yin yoga targets the deep connective tissues, such as the ligaments, tendons, bones, cartilage, and the fascia network.
A sequence of poses held in stillness, observance and surrender for up to two minutes or more focussing on the lower body—hips, pelvis, inner thighs, back of legs and the lower spine helps with joint flexibility by increasing the range of motion as your connective tissues lengthen and strengthen.
Conscious breath work is primary in yin yoga. Slow, deep, and even breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It is by lengthening and smoothing the breath that the body and the mind can be joined together (T.K.V. Desikachar).
A yin practice teaches us to accept our limitations. During the practice, we sit with ourselves and thus, with our limitations (physical, mental, emotional). As we stay with our experience, we develop an awareness that allows us the opportunity to accept or change without expectation or judgement.
wall yin yoga
Wall yin yoga is a therapeutic style of yoga that utilizes the wall as a prop to support and enhance the practice of yin yoga.
The wall provides a stable surface by allowing students to use gravity and body weight more effectively. Students are able to relax more deeply into poses without the fear of losing balance.
By incorporating the wall at santosha, students can experience deeper stretches, better alignment, and increased support, making the practice accessible and effective for a wide range of individuals, including beginners and those with limited mobility.
Using the wall helps maintain proper alignment, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing the therapeutic benefits of each pose.
chair yoga
Chair yoga is an incredibly versatile and inclusive practice that can be tailored to meet the needs of individuals with varying levels of mobility and stability. The use of a sturdy chair provides the necessary support to safely adapt traditional yoga poses, making the practice accessible to beginners, including the elderly and those with physical challenges.
Almost any traditional yoga pose can be modified to be performed with a chair. This adaptability makes chair yoga a powerful tool for those who may otherwise feel excluded from physical activity due to limitations.
This approach to yoga is a wonderful way to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate in and benefit from a consistent yoga practice.
Regular practice of chair yoga can lead to significant health improvements, including enhanced flexibility, strength, balance, and mental clarity. It can also help reduce symptoms of chronic conditions, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
restorative yoga
Restorative yoga is a gentle and relaxing form of yoga that focuses on deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and creating a sense of balance and calmness.
It is a slow, meditative practice that honours the body's need for rest. It offers space to slow down, recharge, and cultivate a deeper connection with oneself. The practice encourages self-care and self-compassion— an opportunity to nurture oneself.
Poses are held for longer periods in a gentle and supported by using props such as bolsters, blankets, and blocks to help the body relax into the poses without strain. The extended holds and supported poses allow muscles to release tension, which can improve flexibility, ease stiffness, and alleviate discomfort.
Students are encouraged to cultivate awareness of sensations, breath, and thoughts during the practice. This promotes a deeper connection with the present moment. With mindful breathing and introspection, restorative yoga allows students to connect with their bodies and minds in a peaceful way.
The greater connection between the mind and body leads to a better understanding of one's own needs and a deep sense of peace and inner harmony.