What we actually do?

In the first session or meeting we will not do a whole hour of yoga poses. Mostly we will chat. There may or may not be a space with a yoga mat…but likely we will do some movements of arms, legs, some spine movements and breathing methods. We might do it all seated in a chair if needed.

1. It starts with collecting some information to create a picture of you. Have you done any sport, exercise, relaxation or body therapies before? What is your health like? Your energy levels? How are you on normal day? This includes taking notes and asking questions and you might fill out some questions too. Every yoga practice has to start where you are.

2. It is important to give some attention to the body. To get it to move, to count or watch the breath, to see what can and can’t be done. Not just physically but this has a lot to do with finding the language of your body. Do you feel everything deeply, do you need to see a movement to conceptualise it? Do mirrors help? or not? I might ask you to describe what feels like is going on in your experience of breath or movement. There are NO wrong answers. EVER. Here we sense what your needs are. What do you need to make yoga good, make it sustainable and make it accessible. Like you might need a support person or an assistance animal with you.

3. We look at what you are naturally good at and easily able to do. What you enjoy doing, and what you don’t like or can’t do or what you would never do in terms of yoga practice. Would you ever lie on the floor for instance? Is that relaxing for you? Helpful? Possible? Would you ever chant or make singing noises to help you breathe differently? A lot of this is about making the practice right to begin with. You can try new things later.

4. What do you want? Why are you here? Why have you and those involved decided that yoga practice is a good choice for you? Here we look at what we hope to see at the end of a period of time practicing.

5. Finally we decide how to proceed. Where is best to meet, how often we need to meet and what practice is the best place to start from. Are one-on one-classes to work on specific issues the main focus or is the social engagement of a group class important to incorporate.