The Vedic Suriya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is one of the most beautiful ways to build energy in the body, mind and soul. As well as exercising the body and developing flexibility and strength. Here, I explore a variation that is accessible to many different levels of Yoga. If you would like to experience this live then please Join here. You can view more videos on my YouTube channel here
Satya (truthfulness)
A few weeks ago, I discussed the first principle of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga, Ahmisa (non-violence). The next Yogic core principle that I try and incorporate into my everyday life is Satya (truthfulness). When most people think of this they think of not lying, being deceitful and telling others what they need to hear.
When I consider Satya, I think of honesty and respect. It is easy to be honest with others, but can we do it in a respectful way? Also making sure to consider Ahimsa (non-violence). Will our honesty hurt others, and importantly, ourselves?
Another aspect to consider is the Satya (truthfulness) in our thoughts. They have more influence than we know. They can change how we perceive someone, how we perceive ourselves, even without knowing it. Making us harmful to ourselves and others. So maybe try and watch your thoughts, how are you thinking? Are your thoughts harmful causing your eyes to be clouded and stopping you from seeing the truth? And in turn, causing you to be dishonest with yourself and others around you. If you notice yourself thinking in a negative way, maybe take the time to stop, swap your thinking to a more positive way and see if it can change your judgements, your understanding, your care, of yourself and others. Not easy, but possible 
In-person Group Classes
I am so pleased to announce that my new group in-person class held at Long Ashton Community Centre has started successfully, despite all the new COVID-19 developments. The Centre have been working really hard and have made sure that the space is COVID-19 secure so we can continue the classes. I have reduced the number of people attending to 6 instead of the 12 slots available to make sure we can continue to be as safe as possible, I hope in time this number can be increased. This also means that my class is currently fully booked for the next 4 weeks!! If you’d like to join, please send your Join Now form and I can let you know of available dates, Namaste 🙏
Pranayama Example – Anuloma Viloma
This pranayama is great for helping to restore the body, mind and soul’s natural balance by realigning the body’s polarity. The mind is quietened through deep rhythmic breathing and you feel naturally grounded soothing the soul.
Ahimsa (non-violence)
I have been inspired by my dear friend Steff Green who recently talked about Yogic Principles to help in daily life – I’d like to talk about Ahimsa (non harm). When most people think of non harm they consider other people, the environment and animals. These are all incredibly important, especially in recent times. But for me, one of the most important aspect is the non harm to yourself! This could be physically, mentally, emotionally, socially. It takes on so many aspects! It could be the food that we eat, how we talk to ourselves, how we feel and recognising those feelings and the company we keep. My self care non harm tool today was taking the time for myself, a beautiful run through my local woodland. So maybe, take some time to look after yourself, even just for 5 minutes
Website Launch
I am extremely excited to launch my new website, a huge thank you to my brother James and Bates and Mother, Lee Staines, for all their effort to get this up and running. On here you can find about all the classes I can offer you as well as a detailed description about the amazing experience you will have once you attend a class. You can sign up online or contact me to find out any further information. Can't wait to meet you and help your practice grow
Relaxation experience at the end of a full class
Possibly the most important part of any Sanatan Hatha Yoga class – the relaxation. An example of what you would experience coupled with Savitri Rhythm Pranayama to help ease you into deep relaxation with a Jnana Yoga Kriya
YouTube video – Aruna Suriya Namaskar with Variations
A short video exploring some variations of Aruna Suriya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) with some added postures (Vakra (twisting) kriya (moving from posture to posture using the breath) in hasta padasana (forward fold) and rajkapotasana (king pigeon pose) from meruasana (mountian pose). Exploring postures like this is a lovely way to be creative with our practice as well as helping to relieve stresses of the body and mind
Jattis during a Sanatan Hatha Yoga Class Example
Jattis during a Sanatan Hatha Yoga class
These are great for preparing the body for heavier and more intense posture work as well as removing any pent up toxins and stresses held in the joints.
September 2020 Update
Namaste!
I hope this finds you all well and safe
I am very proud to announce my Yoga Teacher Graduation and Qualification which happened in July 2020. All the 2019 students were very fortunate to be able to go to the Ashram in South West Wales and receive our certificates in a socially distant way. The day felt very special and we all felt very lucky to be able to qualify under the current situation and circumstances. Since then I have obtained Membership and Insurance through Yoga Alliance Professionals who are based in Scotland. They provide an excellent service for their members with many supporting documents and policies, especially around the current situation. I have also decided to attend a First Aid course as I feel this will support my students even further.
As a result of this, I have decided to increase my prices with immediate effect to reflect the national average for a qualified Yoga Teacher. It will now be £7 per class or £26 for a block of 4 (to be used within 2 months please). I am able to offer individual 1 to 1 classes (COVID-19 rules apply), these prices are to be discussed upon request.
I am in the process of trying to re-establish my in-person group class. As you can imagine, there are many more factors to consider; there are cleaning procedures to consider, class size to limit and understanding the use and need of masks, hand sanitiser and disinfectant. I have a meeting booked with my local Community Centre to be able to discuss all the new requirements. I have already had some interest for these in-person group classes, and it is looking like Friday evening will be the day of availability at the Centre. The time is yet to be confirmed but I will let you all know as soon as it is decided. If you do decide that you are interested then please let me know. Due to the track and trace requirements at the Centre, I am going to have to ask people who wish to attend that I can only take pre-booked attendances, no drop-in. And, I will have to supply your full details to the Centre. More details about this will be sent out after the meeting with the Centre.
My family and I have decided to go on a much needed mini break to Cornwall, so there will be no online Zoom class on 17th September.
My Website is now in its final stages and I hope this will be published very soon. I will let everyone know when it goes live, I’m very excited about it!!!
Hope to see you all very soon
Om shanti
Isie xx
