Welcome...
Namaste and welcome to Karmiyoga for Sivananda-based Hatha & Dru Yoga sessions in Brighton and Hove - indoors, on the seafront, at work, festivals and abroad. My teaching name, ‘Karmiyoga’ (not to be confused with 'Karmayoga'; the yoga of selfless service) derives from my spiritual name “Sivakami” given to me during my yoga teacher training in India, and Karmiyoga is by coincidence a word play on ‘calm-me’ yoga.
Why do yoga?
People today are drawn to yoga for a range of reasons: to get a toned, lean body, stretch and strengthen muscles, reduce stress and feel relaxed, prevent ageing, enjoy the stillness and natural ‘high’ that occurs during and after practice and/or to delve into their spirituality.
All the major systems of the body benefit from regular yoga practice. Through stretching and breath work the spine strengthens and becomes more flexible, muscles become supple, digestion and circulation improve, and the nerves calm.
Regular practice encourages the ability and opportunity to slow down, experience gratitude in every day as well as a long-lasting, profound and positive effect on the health and wellbeing. Yoga is an ancient, tried and tested method which can be practised by everyone - regardless of cultural, religious or spiritual beliefs.
About my classes
I aim to make yoga accessible and safe for all, regardless of age, ability or previous experience (complete beginners are always welcomed!). Students experience deep relaxation and calm by gaining awareness of the breath, through the conscious holding then releasing of tension in the body, and the re-balancing of the chakras (energy centres) via the various asanas.
My classes follow the Sivananda format beginning with five or ten minutes of relaxation (savasana) and breathing exercises (pranayama), a series of Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskara) and other flowing sequences, progressing to forward, back, lateral and balancing postures, to relaxing music. Classes finish with ten to fifteen minutes of Savasana to fully rest and refresh mind, body and soul. Sessions are for 75 or 90 minutes.
As well as a qualified Sivananda Yoga Teacher, I've now completed a further 200 hour teacher training course in Dru Yoga (fully qualifying in July 2012), a graceful, flowing and heart-felt style of yoga which is highly beneficial for relieving back pain. Come and experience the gorgeous, healing 'Dru' factor, this flowing style of yoga is excellent for rebalancing our emotions and dealing with stress.
See my testimonials page to see what my regular students say about my classes...
My book - Everyday Yoga, The Essential Guide (Need2Know, £9.99) is available online at Amazon.co.uk and Need2Knowbooks.co.uk, click here to find out more!
