Zen yoga
Zen yoga is a style of yoga that really is for everyone. The aim is to help you develop greater vitality, health and wellbeing through an enhanced awareness of your own body.
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The three pillars of Zen yoga are based on:
Alignment of the body
Mindfulness
The Chinese/Japanese 5 element system
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Frequently asked questions
What can I expect of a Zen yoga class?
Through a regular practice, you can expect to develop your ability to improve your own health and wellbeing.
The classes are usually 1.5 hours long but can be tailored to suit. Like most yoga classes, we begin by tuning in to our bodies and then practise postures or flows to soften, stretch and strengthen. We always finish with an extended period of relaxation to consolidate the practice.
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Rather than set, fixed sequences, we explore how our bodies’ needs are best met at each moment. This depends on what time of the year we are in and each of us as individuals.
The seasonal approach is based on the 5 element theory of work of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The poses and flows we practise change from season to season according to the meridians that are in focus.
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You can expect that the regular mindful exercise you practise on the mat, will begin to benefit you in your life outside the class. It will do this ways that you could not possibly imagine!!
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What are the origins of Zen yoga?
Zen yoga has its roots in the Zen Buddhist tradition and it refers to a variety of physical and energetic practices increasingly taught in the west.
In the early morning in some Zen temples, there is a period of exercise called taiso. This includes yoga-like postures, quick repetitive exercises, and/or more flowing exercises of Tai Chi.
The purpose of these exercises is to prepare the body for sitting meditation by opening and unblocking the meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine. You can expect to develop a deeper awareness and understanding of your body through mindful attention of what is happening in the moment. This concept of becoming one with the present moment is expressed in Japanese through the terms narikiru – become one – or ima-koko – now-here).
What do I need to wear and bring?
Wear comfortable clothing that you can stretch in.
A yoga mat
A blanket
Small pillow for your head
A bottle of water
Any other props you personally like to use
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I have plenty of the above if you prefer.
How much are the classes?
Studio
1-to-1 £30 per class (1hr)
Pair £15 per class (1hr)
Group £12 per class (1hr)
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In your own home
1-to-1 and pair classes available upon request
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Corporate bookings
Available upon request
What are your yoga teacher qualifications and accreditations?
I am a 200 hour qualified Zen yoga teacher trained by Zenways and am accredited by Yoga Alliance and Yoga Alliance Professionals.
