What actually is Yoga? We’ll begin with what it’s not because this is a huge misconception: Yoga is not an exercise. It’s not a method of losing weight or toning up (although, these benefits can occur from a regular asana practice). It’s not a downward dog or a handstand. Despite what is presented in many western studios and Instagram pics, Yoga cannot be defined by a physical posture because nowhere in any of the historical texts has it ever been defined as such. Yoga is an ancient and beautiful Indian philosophical system designed to awaken us to our true nature by varied means including, among others, meditation (dhyana), awareness cultivation, breath control (pranayama), and postures (asana). With its roots firmly embedded in the tradition of Tantra, which predates and gave rise to the Hatha Yoga tradition from which most other forms of yoga sprang forth, practicing Yoga is choosing to awaken ourselves to a life more deeply nuanced, connected, and wonderful than we could have ever imagined.

Whilst we’re at it, let’s bust another common myth: you don’t have to be skinny, strong, or flexible to practice yoga. And you don’t even need a mat (unless of course you’re practicing movement but even then it’s debatable!)

And what is Tantra? Well I’m sorry to disappoint you but its not sex, as the internet would have you believe! If you’ve come across Tantra for sexual intimacy then what you’ve stumbled upon is Neo Tantra which is a New Age creation. The purpose of non-dualistic Tantra (or Shaiva Shakta Tantra which is the lineage I come from) is spiritual liberation. In Tantric philosophy nothing is rejected but is instead used as a creative means of exploring our relationship with ourselves and the world. We use our own energy bodies to go deeper into ourselves in order to experience the world from a place of profound embodiment and as such, self-knowledge and empowerment are the primary intentions of Tantra Yoga. In Tantra we explore the subtle body practices - meditation, visualisation, mantra, breath control, and energy work - in order to learn how to cultivate the most profound intimacy with ourselves, and all of life as it unfolds around us. It’s this intimacy that empowers us and can ultimately lead us to a state of liberation (moksha). Tantra Yoga is an incredibly life-changing practice and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is wishing to explore and deepen their relationship with themselves.

HOW I TEACH

I teach and hold space first and foremost from the heart, and with passion. I want you to leave a session with me feeling inspired and encouraged to take what you have cultivated out into the world with you, which is where I believe we really need it. Your body/mind is your greatest teacher and so you have complete autonomy on how you approach a practice. I teach in a way that encourages you to move and think intuitively and freely. I will never dictate how you should move your body because your unique structure will do that for you, if you tune in and listen. It would be pretty challenging to tailor a Yoga class to meet the needs of every single person which is why you must take what you need, and ignore the rest. As Bernie Clark says: “We don’t use the body to get into a pose. We use the pose to get into the body.” There is always a huge emphasis on you as the participant relying on your intuition and autonomy to meet yourself each time in the way that is going to serve you best in that moment. Your body is your greatest teacher.