The Thoughtful Body ™
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        Yoga   

EXPERIENCE... FEEL... CONNECT ... MAKE TIME FOR YOUR SOUL ​​​

                            Your Journey Begins Today 

What is Yoga? 

Yoga originated in India about 5,000 years ago and today, many countries practice different form of this ancient system and gain great benefits. As well as improving physical and mental wellbeing, it has concentration, mindfulness and breathing practices that invite to get to know a deeper part of yourself.  Research is now documenting more and more the different health benefits that the practice of Yoga can bring to a person's life. 

Is Yoga for me? 

Everyone is welcome at a Yoga session no matter their age or experience. Yoga is about working with yourself to improve different aspects of your strength and flexibility. Your teacher Rachel is able to offer variations and adaptations  to help you on your Yoga journey. 
​

“Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.” — B.K.S. Iyengar

What is Hatha yoga? 

It can be difficult to know which Yoga class is good for you as there seems to be so many different styles.  Haṭha Yoga is a branch of Yoga that is known as the Mother of Yogas. When we break down the word Hatha it means  "sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha). The Sanskrit word हठ haṭha literally means  "willful" or "force" which refers to the physical postures or Asanas.   It is the Yoga of balance. Hatha practices are designed to align and calm your body, mind, and spirit in preparation for meditation. It was founded by Matsyendranath in India and is a popular form of Yoga for people to practice.  It is accessible to everyone of every age. It’s a good place to start as it gives you a good foundation in Yoga and you can develop into other practices as you go.In this class we will explore breathing, postures (asanas), concentration, relaxation and meditation practices to help you strengthen and relax your body. We incorporate elements of flow so that you can discover the stillness as well as the dynamic energy within. Hatha has a host of benefits such as reducing anxiety, improving balance, as well as a whole host of physical benefits such as increasing muscular strength and endurance, improving flexibility and cardio endurance.Come and join us today to discover your path to Yoga. All welcome. 

What is Zen Yoga? 

 “ZENYOGA IS A PLACE FOR YOU TO COME AND RECONNECT WITH YOURSELF, WITH LIFE, WITH THAT WHICH IS AROUND YOU”.
​Zen master Diazan Jukian Skinner
 
Zen Yoga is centred around allowing you to find your own truth and taking you on a journey with your body and your experience as your wisest guide. Rather than creating postures, we encourage you on your individual journey, focusing on giving you the principles and techniques to a stronger, more flexible and mindful you. We work with the seasons to encourage you to take a holistic approach to your life to equip you for a lifetime of exploring, developing and evolving, and finding how to teach your truth. Yoga has a range of benefits including helping with pain, reducing menopausal symptoms, improve mental health through our practice of awareness and mindfulness and lower BMI and blood pressure.   
Zen Yoga is a blend of Zen practices and Yoga that blends mindfulness into yoga movement by combining physical alignment, the flow of energy in the body and awareness. Rachel has completed the 200 hour Yoga teacher training at Zenways a Yoga Alliance and IYN Yoga Teacher Training Course under Daizan Roshi. 

What are the benefits of Yoga ? 

  • Whether you are interested in evidence based research or just want to feel better for yourself, you are sure to discover that Yoga has a range of benefits:
  • Reduced stress
  • Developing mores self awareness
  • Improved strength
  • Better flexibility
  • Increased feelings of wellbeing 
  • Increased concentration
  • Increased energy 
  • Increased energy levels
  • Improved quality of sleep
  • Improved concentration
  • Improved physical health 

How do I start? 

​ Check out our timetable for classes near you.  You will need to bring a yoga mat, drinking water, light layered clothing you can move in. its useful to have straps and blocks but you can invest in those when you know Yoga is for you. 
Rachel can offer you support and guidance on your journey. Our yoga sessions offer you an opportunity to build up your physical strength, calm your mind, improve your breathing. We also bring in other elements of Yoga such learning about your energy body in the form of chakras and meridians,  but if that's not for you don't worry, you just practice Yoga the way you need to practice.
One thing is for sure Yoga takes you on a deeper journey with yourself and is both a science and an art, with research to 
support that. Read what people say about us. 

What else do you do? 

 We also offer Mindfulness Meditation Classes,  Restorative Yoga, Zen Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Yoga for stress and anxiety,  Level 3 Teacher Training in Yoga and Pilates  and personalised retreats in both the UK and Spain. ​
"Rachel has a passion for and depth of understanding of human bodies that is rarely equalled.  Added to that, her gentle and loving presence just guides you and your body to respectfully progress and heal. 
Outstanding teacher. Wonderful human being. "
C Adepoju 

Contact us today
 Heartfelt Services for Everyone
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  • Home
  • Class Timetable
    • Testimonials
    • Workshops
  • Pilates
  • Yoga
    • Yoga Retreats >
      • Mindfulness
      • Yoga for Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
    • Breathing techniques
    • Diploma in Yoga
  • Healing Therapies
    • Bowen Technique
    • Radiesthesia
    • Distance Healing
  • Reiki
    • Reiki Training Pathway
    • Angel of the Blue Lotus Reiki
  • Seasonal Eating
    • Spring Seasonal Eating
    • Late Summer Seasonal Eating
    • Autumnal Seasonal Eating
    • Winter Seasonal Eating
  • Research
  • Musings
  • Privavcy Statement
  • Rachel Rafiefar Bio