Dynamic Yoga is a practical method which integrates the techniques of Hatha Yoga as a spiritual practice (Hatha meaning sun/moon or the unification of opposing forces).  Hatha Yoga is the most well known approach to yoga in the west, involving moving the body into various positions which in turn bring about changes in the mind.  Deep layers of tension manifest as restrictions and inflexibility in body and mind.  Hatha Yoga is designed to free us from limitations with asana, vinyasa, bandha, pranayama and drushti.  These five elements break down the patterns of holding and the limitations from which we live.  

The practical aim is to release deep physchic blocks, to find self-acceptance and reduce the anxiety of being alive.  When yoga practice is taken with care and attention you will experience deep but alert relaxation at the end of a session and become more relaxed within your daily activities and within yourself.  Dynamic yoga has something for everyone.  It does not require any beliefs nor is it a religion.  It is the integral method of practice that expresses the unity of the body/mind as a whole. 

The Five Elements 

There are five main aspects to the practice of yoga, they are symbolically defined as the five elements of the natural world:

   Earth: stability, grounding and alignment.  These physical qualities are known as Asana.
   Water: movement, fluidity and softness.  Known as Vinyasa
   Fire: radiance and energy.  Known as Bandha.
   Air: breathing and expansion.  Known as Pranayama.
   Space: focus, awareness and control.  Known as Drushti.

The Dynamic of Yoga Practice

The dynamic of yoga practice is utilised in two ways.  The external dynamic - the continuity of flow from posture to posture (Vinyasa) and the internal dynamic - the precise articulations or bandhas in the whole body (Sarvangabandha).  When combined they bring the mind, body and spirit into harmony through the simplicity of unified awareness. 

The step by step progression (Vinyasakrama) of the Dynamic Yoga Training Method is expressed through the sensitivity to physical sensations.  This creates a fluid, integrated practice which can be incorporated into any style of yoga and by anyone of any age, experience or fitness level.

Dynamic Yoga can be used as a safe and effective way to unify the teaching methods of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (continuity and heat), Iyengar Yoga (safety and subtlety), Vinniyoga (softness and sensitivity) and Power Yoga (concentration and internalisation).

Classes

Yoga One to One sessions - recommended for all clients but is particularly helpful after Bowen or any other treatment to maintain and enhance the work done by the therapist. Can be shared with other people.

Can be booked during Bowen clinic hours - please ring for opening times.

Small class groups - can be arranged at a suitable time and provide the optimal benefits and privacy of full personal attention that can not be gained in a busy class setting.

Workshops - longer sessions and an opportunity to explore in more depth than a general class.

Self-practice classes -  tailor made for the individual - establish and/or refine your own practice.

Meditation & Pranayama (yoga breathing) - further exploration into the liberation and freedom of mind and breath.

FREE taster sessions are periodically available—please ring for more details

What to wear

Comfortable clothing (not too loose and with visibility around the ankles) and bare feet.

Practice on an empty stomach.  Allow three hours after a meal or one hour after a light snack.

If you have any medical conditions please let Pam know in advance.

The studio provides mats block, blankets and other equipment.

‘In yoga we use active postures to challenge

and release our limitations.  Then we can lie

or sit in sustained stillness to resolve them’

Yoga is not a sport, but in time the benefits show a definite increase in fitness, stamina, flexibility and vitality.  It is a powerful system for using postures, breath and meditation in a way you may not be used to.  Be patient and allow yourself time to build your practice and work up to and within your limits.  Attitude determines outcome.  Apply sensitivity and honesty, avoiding aggression and impatience to get the best from your practice.  Never force or strain the body, however yoga requires a balanced application of effort.  Too much effort creates tension and too little effort is complacent.  The essence of physical progress is about repetition not aggression.  When postures are held the nervous system is strengthened and the mind has time to relax, increasing your ability to cope with the stresses of modern life.  The results being improved health, vitality, enthusiasm, concentration, alertness, calmness and increased self-esteem.  Most of all relax and enjoy.

Pam is a fully qualified Dynamic Yoga instructor trained in 2002 by renowned international yoga teacher Godfrey Devereux of The Windfire Yoga Training Institute - www.windfireyoga.com

Books to read by Godfrey Devereux -’Dynamic Yoga’, ‘Hatha Yoga Breath By Breath’, 15 Minute Yoga, Elements of Yoga’.