Find The Right Class

Choose the

right level

A beginner’s class for an established Yogi could seem like teaching you to suck eggs and an advanced class for a beginner could be unachievable and somewhat daunting. However don’t dismiss the level straight off. Established Yogis attending a beginners class might be just what’s needed. An opportunity to get back to basics, reaffirm the alignment. Beginners in an advance class, this isn’t so good and can cause injury, so make sure you’re physically fit and you only dive into any pose that you can manage without causing pain or stressing the system. BUT always make sure the teacher knows your personal level and ability…..and be honest.

At Hannah Upton Yoga I offer classes for mixed levels and intuitively progress each individual student into a deeper version for their personal practice.

The Start/Re-start course is a superb balance for both beginner and established yogi, to either learn from scratch or reaffirm alignment. It includes a private online 1-1 (or face to face for an additional fee), so can hammer out the bits that need a little extra attention.

Monthly Masterclasses are available to anyone wanting to gain greater knowledge into a particular part of their practice. The very small classes of 6 people and a longer class time of 1.5hrs gives each student the space to expand into their potential.

Teacher who you connect with

Teachers are 70% of your choice of class. They vary considerably in so many ways. The most important things to look out for is, a teacher you can be honest with, one who has a sense of humor and one that will encourage you along the way, in a way that makes you tick. Personally, I’m better with a teacher who knows how to send me out of my comfort zone into an achievable space. One who I can pipe up to and say, that’s enough now, and they respect that. One who I can laugh with but also be in that serious peaceful space that Yoga promotes.

The student is always at the heart of my teaching. If you do not understand your student, you cannot truly teach them the yoga. Us teachers need to know what makes a student want to progress and how best to do that. Packing out a class and standing at the front, without engaging, adjusting and helping the student makes, in my opinion, for an instructor and not a teacher. Classes need too to be enjoyable which is why I make space for discussion, sharing of information and laughing along the way. We must relax, learn, deepen and enjoy our practice.

A style for your

If you’re new to Yoga you might not realise quite how many different styles of Yoga there are. Essentially they all cover similar Asana (shapes) and it’s the compilation of how these are presented in the class and the style of learning, that differentiates the style. Newbies to Yoga will need to try out different types to realise their preferred style. Whilst I’d encourage well practiced Yogis to venture out of their comfort zone and try a different form, if not to reaffirm your decision to stick with what you know. I’m going to re-visit this topic another day too, as there is so much to explore and learn from, that it’s impossible to cover this with you, in it’s entirety today.

My teaching is a cross over of Iyengar Yoga where we use various props to move the student into a position and Vinyasa where we enter into a creative flowing form and feel free-er. Music, meditation, pranayama (breath exercises) and contemplation all assist in the practice

Find the right time & day.

Fitting a class into your existing schedule is great but if you have to compromise too much ‘other stuff’ to get there, then you’re not going to stick at it.

This is why I am often asking for feedback on preferred times for classes and why I provide flexible options including, face to face, online, monthly masterclass, pop-up out door and Dynamic Flow, one to ones and closed private groups of friends and family (currently teaching 3 weekly).

Steps & Stages

On writing this Blog for you, I’ve learnt something new. There are two translations for the word ‘Krama’. One is the Swedish translation, which means hugs and cuddles and the other is the Sanskrit word meaning Succession. Of course, in this instance I am talking about the latter, however, I find it so fitting that the Swedish one could so nicely be used into our Yoga ethos of kindness and compassion for ourselves and others.

So, back on track, the Sanskrit translation of succession, in yoga refers to the stages of a posture (asana) which we move through. This is often linked with the Vinyasa style, repeating sequences of postures slowly progressing to a deeper version of the peak posture. Within our classes I will often break down these Kramas into individual static postures, for you to feel the alignment properly before combining into a Vinyasa flow. This month during class we are looking at some of these Kramas in more detail and combining these with our options to modify the posture to suit our individual bodies.

Modifications? I hear you ask. Don’t worry, when I was training, I too took sometime to grasp the difference between Kramas, Modifications and wait for it, Variations too (but that’s for another time)! Modifications are options within a posture that help you into it, if you are finding it tricky physically. Or supporting you in it, if you have suffered an injury. For example, we may use a prop such a bricks under the hands in Uttansasana (forward fold) if we have a weak back or very tight hamstrings. This is some, yet not all the reasons for the bricks, others might be that they help as extensions for our arms if we cannot reach the floor, or as traction and leverage for folding more deeply. Belts might be used to lift the feet in Dhanurasana (Bow) pose, if we cannot yet reach them. Other modifications might include changing the shape slightly. Ustrasana (Camel) pose classically sends the head back, however those with a sore neck or whom feel dizzy with the head back will modify to have the head upright and the eyes forwards.

I could go on writing forever, telling you about the various Kramas and Modifications, however the true worth is in the doing. Coming to our mats, trying out the options and making the Yoga work for us individually. Choosing the Krama for the stage you are at in your practice. Choosing the modification you require according to your body. So you see, Yoga is for Every Body, it is the practitioner who thinks they cannot come into something and the work of a knowledgeable, skilled, patient teacher to encourage the student along their way.

Namaste

The HUY Way

Come sit close, I have something really amazing to tell you. Have you heard of Yoga, the HUY Way………..

My Mission:

To help individuals who wish to improve their wellbeing, create mental and physical balance, through group classes, 1-1 teaching, retreats and courses.

I wrote this mission statement because I mean it! It’s what drives me to teach and repeat, week after week. And teach I do. Yoga for me isn’t about bodies turning up, telling them what to do and then saying goodbye until next time. It’s about giving people the mental and physical space and the tools through yoga, to learn about themselves, to know a little more of how they can live better in themselves, week on week.

Commitment is needed for this to happen, from me and from the student. Whether to turn up to class or not that week, shouldn’t be an option but a non-negotiable part of the week.

Take this last month for example, many of you may have seen me harping on, through various platforms, to embody a self practice. This has been reflected on our Zoom lessons. Each week I’ve imparted a little information for how the class practice has been structured, what we’re warming up/opening up for and where we are heading with the yoga that day. This might be a physical part of the body or it might be preparing the mind for balance for example. Also each week, I have been sharing with my students, the text ‘Playing The Edges’ by Joel Kramer. This piece of fascinating writing was written in the ‘70s when Yoga was very New Age and little bit Hippie. However it is such a great learning in yoga, how not to aim for the end goal but enjoy the journey and the learning you discover along the way. In our next Blog we can discuss this text more. So come prepared to voice an opinion, I’d love to hear it!

So you see, it’s not just about coming to your mat, being there, pulling some shapes and leaving again. It’s more than that and this is why I teach, love to teach and am so pleased to see my students grow into themselves, sparkle and feel that little bit better in body and mind.

Namaste.

Self Practice - Walk Your Own Path

We Yogis have an honest intention to create a SELF PRACTICE but do not know where to start or how to carve out the time. I invite you to just START. One day, any day, if you have 5, 10, 30 minutes do something yoga-wise, then get your MAT OUT & GO FOR IT.

Why not start by remembering a COUPLE OF POSTURES from your next class and try these or perhaps follow a SUN SALUTATION one of which is as detailed below. The important part is to give yourself PERMISSION. To know you are WORTH this time, just for you. To know you will be a more centered person for the TIME OUT. To know you will feel a more centered person for the time out.

So here’s how:

• Let those around you know you are unavailable for the next, however long you choose.

• Turn your phone off! This is really important. We need to be present and mindful on our mat. Not distracted and mentally elsewhere.

• Pop some music on which you love. Something which reflects the level of energy you have. This might be dance music, Opera, Rock, Acoustic….Whale music. Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter, so long as you love it and get absorbed into it.

• Spray some room spray or light a candle for some sweet aroma to lift your senses.

• Now, start lying on your mat, be still, however uncomfortable you may feel. Don’t think about how long or short you stay here. When you’re ready to move, then do. Take on some lying twists, leg stretches.

• Start to move a bit more. This might be classic standing poses, Sun Salutations, free flow dance.

• Follow with whatever your heart now feels, start to dive into this space and see what comes.

• Do not think too much, do not judge your choices of movement, do not feel self conscious. Just move, feel the energy and go where your heart takes you.

I’d love to hear how you find this, please do let me know in the comments below.

Why Yoga?

Trying to put into words, why yoga, is a very difficult thing for me as it is hard to word a feeling state, ultimately what we achieve through Yoga. This is why everyone should try it… at least three times, as the first time can seem quite strange. Soon you will then see, or should I say feel, the benefits of this wonderful life skill.

At first you may delight in the release of tight muscles in the body, next the ability to relax, truly switch off. Then comes the beauty of the breath, the belief that you can rely on ‘you’, and the mental release from the everyday to do list, pressures and expectations from others or ourselves. So in a world where we are constantly asked to switch on, be available 24/7 and process everything at lightening speed, we can turn to Yoga, we can look after our mental and physical selves and we can start to thrive, sparkle and reach our limitless potential.

For those who have not yet experienced it, watch the Architecture of Peace (available on netflix), it’s a truly fascinating watch, visually and intentionally. Let me know what you thought, email, facebook, instagram….I’ll await to hear.

Let Your Soul Feel for the Answers and Your Head Will Follow

“This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let It Shine”

— Hymn

There comes a time where you enter a cross roads and you look for direction. All too frequently we stay in the mind in search of a clue and not often enough in the feeling state of our soul.

I recently had some insight from a dear friend who pointed me in the right direction. Indicating my presence in the mind and not so much in the feeling. I have since found myself looking for direction differently, asking myself the question "how do I feel about 'this' rather than what do I think about 'this'." and you know......sometimes they're different. There's less needing to do something because it's ok with others and more doing something because it feels right to me.

So...back to those crossroads, which way should we turn, and the answer is, the way which feels right and not the way others would like you to go. Watch this space, changes are occurring and they're going to be fabulous!

Playlist Time

Not so much as a Blog this time round but a Playlist, a gift for your soul. Having received numerous requests for information on the soundtracks I have below copied the list from my latest outdoor event. All music was purchased on iTunes and can be sampled there:

Om Sanctuary by Jason D McKean

Vasanthi (Sprintime of the Hearth) by Mysore V Srikanth & V K Raman

183 Times by Greg Haines

Living by Sebastian Piano

Gopinatha by Rasa

The Spin by Greg Haines

Durga Violin Solo by Mysore V Srikanth & V K Raman

Om Shanti by Daphne Tse

Saraswati Raga by Mysore V Srikanth & V K Raman

I Giorni by Ludovico Einaudi

Sehnsucht by Greg Haines

Balance by Lisbeth Scott

Abundance by Lisbeth Scott

Horizon by Garth Stevenson

EXPRESS YOUR SOUL

Walking along the street, how aware we are of the being we project, so concerned of how we are perceived and the impression others have of us. WHY? For what does it matter anyway? How often do we feel just as concerned about the image we have of ourselves, the internal impression. Always the self critic and not so often the self believer. Turn to your practice to turn to yourself. Be at one on your mat and realise, you are enough!

“Start being more polite to yourself.If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you spoke to yourself, how long would you allow that person to be your friend?”

— Appleyoga

'THE ONLY THING THAT IS CONSTANT IS CHANGE'

This month sees my yoga journey take a turn in another direction as I learn to relinquish CONTROL of my Yoga World and embark on the beauty of bringing another little ray of light into our family.

CHANGE is not something that falls at my feet with ease. At times looking for words to help digest and appreciate it's mere existence:

'CHANGE is not something we should fear. Rather it is something that we should welcome. For without CHANGE, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they're meant to be' B.K.S

Handing over my classes, to a supremely competent and inspiring teacher, I dive into the UNKNOWN for what this will bring. The UNKNOWN may bring a feeling of unease, yet as the pebble drops into the pond, ripples spread out from it's center creating an energy of positivity and delights.

By RELINQUISHING CONTROL allows this energy to take on it's own current as nature has it's part to play:

'In this moment, surrender to what is, and love it. Know that what is meant to be is already happening - even if it feels difficult or awkward. Experience a miracle simply by shifting your perspective. And know that like all things, this too shall pass.' Appleyoga

So, to my students, whom have been with me through my teaching yoga journey thus far, I wish you a wonder of intrigue and learning while I step down for a few months to focus on my ever so precious family. I look forward to us meeting again very soon and to continue to learn from yourselves as I hope you learn from me.

Namaste

TODAY, NOW, TIME, OPTIMISE

TODAY...........how often do we settle our minds on the here and NOW. Spending most of our TIME thinking of tomorrow or yesterday, this morning or this evening, but what are you doing NOW?

Me.... I'm focussing my undivided attention on my Yoga World. Such little and precious time I truly have to dedicate around my wee one. While my wee one is being looked after my time is spent in a very structured way to optimise it's potential. Sorry to those whom would love a chat, so sorry and guilty I feel for the lack of attention I have to quite simply interact and enjoy.

TIME........amazing how the topic of NOW leads to TIME. So conscious we are of the clock ticking and the day vanishing. I mention the word to OPTIMISE TIME. As if it were to just disappear from under my nose and there wouldn't be another moment for me to complete my tasks.

Does this then mean that we are TODAY living in the NOW so much more than we ever used to or thought we were? Or are we so aware of this afternoons fullness that we have to rush through the NOW to achieve the FURTURE?

Where in all this is our TIME for Yoga. The one thing we should be making TIME for, the one thing which brings us so wholly into the NOW? To create a moment to bring ourselves present on our mat is joyous and fulfilling. So much more than say catching up on everybody elses NOW through the world of social media. Make time for YOU and you will have time for OTHERS.

'The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen' Rumi