Online Classes Begin

​I’ve now created a smaller email group containing those of you who have expressed an interest in joining online sessions. Future emails relating to these sessions will only go to the smaller group, so if you’d like to be included, please let me know.

We had our first online class last Thursday evening and, apart from a few technical challenges, it went well. Participant feedback was very positive and I think a lot of us were surprised by how connected we felt across the miles. There is something quite special about connecting with one another in real time, particularly during this time when many people are feeling very isolated. Somehow, during a live session, the energy of the group can be sensed even at a distance, which is something that you don’t get when using a pre-recorded session. Having said that, as it seems likely that this period of social distancing will continue for some time, I will endeavour to record a few videos which you can purchase to practice at home. For now, however, the extra admin involved in running online sessions is keeping me very busy, so please bear with me – I will let you know as soon as I have produced anything new. For this same reason, I may not be able to respond to individual emails. I’m currently receiving considerably more than usual, many of which are asking the same questions. If your question is not answered in this email, please let me know.

Details of forthcoming online yoga sessions:

Tuesday 31st March 5.30pm – 7pm
Thursday 2nd April 6pm – 7.30pm

Week beginning 6th April - I'm having a week off

Tuesday 14th April 5.30pm – 7pm
Thursday 16th April 6pm – 7.30pm

Tuesday sessions will be mostly floor based, slow-paced and very relaxing, with a full 30-minute yoga nidra (deep relaxation) at the end of the session.

Thursday sessions will be slightly more dynamic, with some standing postures and a focus on pranayama (breathing techniques) before a 15-minute relaxation.

I am accepting pre-payment for sessions via Paypal or bank transfer - please check with me before using Paypal. Once I receive your payment, I will send you a link to the relevant session. For those who have already paid for the Spring term, the sessions I owe you can be offset against online sessions. Please note, bookings must be made a minimum of one hour in advance of the session you wish to attend. Late bookings will not be able to be processed in time. 

The cost of sessions is on a sliding scale from £7 - £10 – pay what you can afford. If you, like me, have lost all your income as a result of Covid-19 and need a concession, please get in touch. It is my hope that the classes will be well supported by those who can pay, so that I can offer reduced price places to those who really need them.

For those on Facebook, it's looking like Facebook Live is a good place to share kirtan, so make sure you've liked my page if you'd like notifications of when we'll gather. 

As always, I will be taking a break over Easter so there will be no classes the week beginning 6th April. 

Resources

Here are three good resources, which you may find helpful in navigating the current situation:

1. Stephen Porges (polyvagal theory) on the importance of connecting with others via voice calls or video rather than just text message and email. https://relationalimplicit.com/porges-social/?fbclid=IwAR0SEErQbEdot_aHN_Bi9yVzjDr1heHMRyEId4rnRca8rO699YDvetlYDdI
2. A wonderful yoga nidra by Richard Miller. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lobts8xZl6Q
3. Tara Brach, psychologist and spiritual teacher, on embracing and processing our fear https://youtu.be/PcZwg10WYx0

If you haven't already expressed an interest in online sessions, do let me know straight away if you'd like to join the group. If so, I'll see you online soon! 

Warm wishes

Louise