Welcome to YOGA IN HORNSBY
Esther ID:A11752
Hello, welcome to Yoga In Hornsby. Thank you for your interest. Term times run with the school term. I'm a Senior Yoga teacher & Yoga Therapist & an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant. I am a hynobirthing practitioner which not many people will know about as I have only just decided to offer this, having had a recent refresher! I'm also a student of remedial massage therapy and offering free massages this year in return for completing my 90 virtual clinic hours. These are worth about $100 each so you may want to make the most of this offer while it lasts!
I started my teaching journey in 2003 and set up Yoga in Hornsby in 2010. I have two Yoga diplomas, one took me 10 years to complete even though it was a 1440 hr course due to having my 3 children in-between and negotiating residentials around family! I was in the corporate world before this so I understand stress and how to let go of tensions (which is a big focus) and how to energize and rebalance the body. I use & share yoga techniques that help us grasp the reins of life and mind rather than being led by thoughts and emotions. I share little jewels/tools throughout the course to bring into your life and empower you - it is not just about strength, balance and flexibility & relaxation! Some people come for connection to themselves and some like the connection they get with others in their group. Ask me about the classes so I can best steer you to the right one depending on your wants and needs.
Term 2 begins on Mon 19 April and rund for 10 weeks until Fri 25 June. I am away in the break so there will be no holiday classes. I can confirm that we are Covid safe. The studio has sliding doors and windows so plenty of natural air and light and I will only be accepting a maximum of 5 students per class in the studio during these times in order to be able to maintain the 1.5m distance between each person. We are not obliged to wear masks but if you feel more comfortable wearing one, of course do. If you are sick, I ask that you please stay home, instead joining the Zoom live class on Thursday at 12pm or I will send you the recording for that week's class so you don't miss out. You are able to save this to use at any time. If I'm sick, I will teach via zoom if it's just a sniffle or offer you a make up on another day or I can send you a recording or give you a refund for that class.
Click on the tab to the left that reads 'times and prices' for a timetable and for more information about classes and availability or call me if you prefer (I am sorry that I do have my phone off a lot during sessions but if you leave an audible (speak v. clearly) number or text, I'll return your call). Private sessions are available in the studio or via Zoom or another modality you prefer. I ask that you sanitize hands and check in on arrival. There is a lovely hand spray in the bathroom and studio that I don't find drying or you can use the gel provided. The bathroom has one use cloths and the whole yoga area is cleaned after each class including handles etc. There are disinfectant wipes available for your use too. I ask that you respect each other's space in order to maintain the 1.5m distance. There are tape markers for the back of your mat to help with this.
If you'd like to sign up for a spot, email me your preferred time slot (see tab 'times & prices' to left to check preference) and I will confirm your spot and send you information. Don't pay until I've confirmed there's a spot.
The enrolment form is under the tab to left 'more about yoga' or I can email it to you. Yoga nidra (relaxation, the original to modernized eyerest) is $135 for 9 x 90min classes and Yoga classes are $200 for the 9 week term (90min classes). These include yoga nidra, a beautiful relaxation, at the end. If you are late joining and there is still space to joink you just take off the number of weeks you missed.
If you are practicing from Zoom live or by video, you can set up a space at home with a thick mat or carpet and free of objects you might bump into to trip over! Wear comfortable clothing that is a little fitted to avoid it getting in the way. You may like to have a candle, flowers, inspiring quotes to help create a beautiful space for yourself. You will click on the link I email (or copy and paste it into your internet browser and enter the password and then we will start. I will record the session for anyone who misses the class. During the session, the sound is muted so it stays on the large screen and you aren't spotlighted!
If you miss a week, there's the option to make up on another day/evening as available or I'll send you a recording of that week's class.
The enrolment form is under the 'More about Yoga' tab to the left & I ask that you update these atleast once a year and keep me update me of changes to information in writing in-between. If you are not a current student but wish to partake in the online term this term, the practices are very gentle & modifications are offered for certain conditions, but if you are new to yoga and have health conditions, you should check with your health professional as a precaution before practicing and it is recommended to have a private session to see how you go.
Sessions are 1.5hrs and include postures for balance, strength, mobility/flexibility and breathing practices as well as relaxation/meditation which is wonderful for releasing physical, mental and emotional tensions including stress. 20 mins of yoga nidra is said to be the equivalent of 2hrs sleep (!!!) and it prepares the body and mind for sleep & a lot of people report back that they sleep very deeply on yoga nights. There are both beginners classes (suitable for complete beginners as well as on-going practitioners who can develop strength etc using staged practices etc) and stronger progressive classes which are very strong and include inversions, salutations and more advanced meditative and breathing techniques & we dive into yogic philosophy too.
Don't worry if you think you can't do it or are too unfit or too inflexible etc. as there are classes/stages for everyone and options to practice from chair/box or standing instead of floor if this suits you better. Ask to be directed to a gentler/stronger class as they can vary a lot. Yoga is not exercise even though there are physical benefits. It is very much a mind-body practice to be done with awareness which will get easier with practice and you will wonder what took you so long! There are often advanced practitioners that choose to be in gentle classes as well as first timers. A person may do a very physically challenging posture and be in the progressive class but, without awareness it is a beginner's practice just as a gentle (seemingly 'simple') practice can be advanced and have powerful effects when practiced with intention and awareness. It is important to remember we are all different and have different bodies and needs and what is right for one person could aggravate another.
I am also a qualified Yoga Therapist and Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant and also offer private lessons as well as individualized yoga therapy sessions (recognised by AAYT) where we work together towards facing and overcoming your specific physical/emotional/mental/spiritual health concerns or goals using ancient techniques of yoga, that is achievable and fits in with your lifestyle. It's hard to get through challenges alone and I am honoured to be a source of support & guidance on your journey. Sometimes it's just a physical pain and I can offer you specific combination of poses to help. You can come regularly weekly, monthly or just have three sessions in the space of 6 months. Occasionally 1 session is enough, I find this is especially often true with children, possibly as there is less 'build-up' of tension/patterns. You might just want help designing a personal practice or to have a mentoring session. There is a face-to-face session and you will take away a detailed personalized program (including instructions, diagrams or photos of you doing the practice) and any recordings of breathing, relaxation or meditation that can be used as often as you like at home. I will follow up on your progress in case we need to modify anything and to help keep you motivated!
Oh and I'm offering free remedial massage sessions towards my 90 virtual clinic student hours. Usually these massages would be about $100 per hour so enquire if you are interested in relaxation (known as Swedish) or remedial massage therapy which is more specific to your individual needs but is not supposed to hurt despite common myths!
The Hornsby Heights studio (pictured above) is tucked away down the end of a screened walkway at 15a Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights. There is heating / air-conditioning for more extreme weather and classes are small and meditative with a focus on the breath. Beginner classes are also suited to complete beginners as well as those who have been practicing a while as these more experienced practitioners have the opportunity of deepening the practices and stages accordingly.
I also offer 30min deep meditative relaxation class (Yoga Nidra) which is great for those needing nourishing and restoring - it is a really beneficial practice to do if you have difficulty sleeping or don't yet have the energy for yoga or are looking for time out from your busy stressful life/job/caring for others/recovery from illness or just simply to top up your reserves or help with effects of sleep deprivation. Search the tab to the left to explore what yoga therapy is and what a yoga therapist does as this is also great for those needing support through recovery or to develop a personal programme towards total wellbeing. You are welcome to attend casually too as space allows.
I have practiced yoga for about 30 years and eventually started my yoga teaching training journey in 2003 whilst pregnant with my first of three children. I first qualified as a Hatha yoga teacher (Aranya Tibetan tradition). I completed 10 years of extended training in the Satyananda tradition which is my preferred style and the style I teach though I draw from other sources if I feel it will enrich the class. It is a classical style of yoga rich in meditation and breathing techniques and adaptive for different needs. Yoga has helped me in so many ways and I am passionate about sharing the benefits with others. I am a fully accredited teacher in 2 traditions and I am also a member of Yoga Australia, SYTA, AAYT and regularly update my skills attending workshops and further training.
Yoga provides us with tools to face the challenges of life. Each person is unique and faces different physical, emotional, mental and spiritual challenges. Yoga supports us through life's ups and downs so that we can live it rather than just survive it. There are variations and modifications to suit us all. There are also many different paths of yoga to suit each personality type. I attempt to share with you practices to bring into every day life in the hope you will benefit as I have.
YOGA IS FOR EVERYONE* (many people worry they are too inflexible/unfit/overweight/old but there are options & stages to suit everyone who can breathe - you can make it your own practice - it's never too late :)
I believe the ancient techniques of Yoga have something to offer all of us regardless of age, creed, physical ability, life experience. There is a wealth of ancient resources which can improve:
Asanas (postures) - Physical Wellbeing
Releases energy blockages in the body, relieving tiredness, tightness and discomfort. Activates healing energies into joints etc. Improves balance, strength, flexibility, endurance and body composition. Throughout the yoga lesson we practice mindfully using breath to draw our awareness into the practice and noticing the effect of the breath on the mind.
Pranayama (breathing techniques) - Emotional/mental Wellbeing
Breathing techniques and practices draw awareness to a deeper, more subtle level having a positive effect on the mind and emotions, alleviating symptoms such as stress, anxiety, hot-headedness, lethargy, in-correct breathing, etc. I can't emphasise the benefits in this age of stress, busy minds and busy lifestyles!
Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation)
Deep relaxation leads to a more receptive mind which is when change can really start to happen and we can let go of further physical, emotion, mental tension. Deep relaxation prepares the mind for meditation helping us to achieve clarity of mind and increasing our awareness. The effects of emotions on the mind is lessened once we start to recognise patterns of thought and response to these thoughts and instead we learn to be the master of our mind and emotions. This yoga nidra is the original Satyananda Yoga Nidra (R) which is a registered trademark, devised by Satyananda.
* Health conditions require doctor approval (Medicare rebates available with a healthcare plan until April 2019).
I started my teaching journey in 2003 and set up Yoga in Hornsby in 2010. I have two Yoga diplomas, one took me 10 years to complete even though it was a 1440 hr course due to having my 3 children in-between and negotiating residentials around family! I was in the corporate world before this so I understand stress and how to let go of tensions (which is a big focus) and how to energize and rebalance the body. I use & share yoga techniques that help us grasp the reins of life and mind rather than being led by thoughts and emotions. I share little jewels/tools throughout the course to bring into your life and empower you - it is not just about strength, balance and flexibility & relaxation! Some people come for connection to themselves and some like the connection they get with others in their group. Ask me about the classes so I can best steer you to the right one depending on your wants and needs.
Term 2 begins on Mon 19 April and rund for 10 weeks until Fri 25 June. I am away in the break so there will be no holiday classes. I can confirm that we are Covid safe. The studio has sliding doors and windows so plenty of natural air and light and I will only be accepting a maximum of 5 students per class in the studio during these times in order to be able to maintain the 1.5m distance between each person. We are not obliged to wear masks but if you feel more comfortable wearing one, of course do. If you are sick, I ask that you please stay home, instead joining the Zoom live class on Thursday at 12pm or I will send you the recording for that week's class so you don't miss out. You are able to save this to use at any time. If I'm sick, I will teach via zoom if it's just a sniffle or offer you a make up on another day or I can send you a recording or give you a refund for that class.
Click on the tab to the left that reads 'times and prices' for a timetable and for more information about classes and availability or call me if you prefer (I am sorry that I do have my phone off a lot during sessions but if you leave an audible (speak v. clearly) number or text, I'll return your call). Private sessions are available in the studio or via Zoom or another modality you prefer. I ask that you sanitize hands and check in on arrival. There is a lovely hand spray in the bathroom and studio that I don't find drying or you can use the gel provided. The bathroom has one use cloths and the whole yoga area is cleaned after each class including handles etc. There are disinfectant wipes available for your use too. I ask that you respect each other's space in order to maintain the 1.5m distance. There are tape markers for the back of your mat to help with this.
If you'd like to sign up for a spot, email me your preferred time slot (see tab 'times & prices' to left to check preference) and I will confirm your spot and send you information. Don't pay until I've confirmed there's a spot.
The enrolment form is under the tab to left 'more about yoga' or I can email it to you. Yoga nidra (relaxation, the original to modernized eyerest) is $135 for 9 x 90min classes and Yoga classes are $200 for the 9 week term (90min classes). These include yoga nidra, a beautiful relaxation, at the end. If you are late joining and there is still space to joink you just take off the number of weeks you missed.
If you are practicing from Zoom live or by video, you can set up a space at home with a thick mat or carpet and free of objects you might bump into to trip over! Wear comfortable clothing that is a little fitted to avoid it getting in the way. You may like to have a candle, flowers, inspiring quotes to help create a beautiful space for yourself. You will click on the link I email (or copy and paste it into your internet browser and enter the password and then we will start. I will record the session for anyone who misses the class. During the session, the sound is muted so it stays on the large screen and you aren't spotlighted!
If you miss a week, there's the option to make up on another day/evening as available or I'll send you a recording of that week's class.
The enrolment form is under the 'More about Yoga' tab to the left & I ask that you update these atleast once a year and keep me update me of changes to information in writing in-between. If you are not a current student but wish to partake in the online term this term, the practices are very gentle & modifications are offered for certain conditions, but if you are new to yoga and have health conditions, you should check with your health professional as a precaution before practicing and it is recommended to have a private session to see how you go.
Sessions are 1.5hrs and include postures for balance, strength, mobility/flexibility and breathing practices as well as relaxation/meditation which is wonderful for releasing physical, mental and emotional tensions including stress. 20 mins of yoga nidra is said to be the equivalent of 2hrs sleep (!!!) and it prepares the body and mind for sleep & a lot of people report back that they sleep very deeply on yoga nights. There are both beginners classes (suitable for complete beginners as well as on-going practitioners who can develop strength etc using staged practices etc) and stronger progressive classes which are very strong and include inversions, salutations and more advanced meditative and breathing techniques & we dive into yogic philosophy too.
Don't worry if you think you can't do it or are too unfit or too inflexible etc. as there are classes/stages for everyone and options to practice from chair/box or standing instead of floor if this suits you better. Ask to be directed to a gentler/stronger class as they can vary a lot. Yoga is not exercise even though there are physical benefits. It is very much a mind-body practice to be done with awareness which will get easier with practice and you will wonder what took you so long! There are often advanced practitioners that choose to be in gentle classes as well as first timers. A person may do a very physically challenging posture and be in the progressive class but, without awareness it is a beginner's practice just as a gentle (seemingly 'simple') practice can be advanced and have powerful effects when practiced with intention and awareness. It is important to remember we are all different and have different bodies and needs and what is right for one person could aggravate another.
I am also a qualified Yoga Therapist and Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant and also offer private lessons as well as individualized yoga therapy sessions (recognised by AAYT) where we work together towards facing and overcoming your specific physical/emotional/mental/spiritual health concerns or goals using ancient techniques of yoga, that is achievable and fits in with your lifestyle. It's hard to get through challenges alone and I am honoured to be a source of support & guidance on your journey. Sometimes it's just a physical pain and I can offer you specific combination of poses to help. You can come regularly weekly, monthly or just have three sessions in the space of 6 months. Occasionally 1 session is enough, I find this is especially often true with children, possibly as there is less 'build-up' of tension/patterns. You might just want help designing a personal practice or to have a mentoring session. There is a face-to-face session and you will take away a detailed personalized program (including instructions, diagrams or photos of you doing the practice) and any recordings of breathing, relaxation or meditation that can be used as often as you like at home. I will follow up on your progress in case we need to modify anything and to help keep you motivated!
Oh and I'm offering free remedial massage sessions towards my 90 virtual clinic student hours. Usually these massages would be about $100 per hour so enquire if you are interested in relaxation (known as Swedish) or remedial massage therapy which is more specific to your individual needs but is not supposed to hurt despite common myths!
The Hornsby Heights studio (pictured above) is tucked away down the end of a screened walkway at 15a Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights. There is heating / air-conditioning for more extreme weather and classes are small and meditative with a focus on the breath. Beginner classes are also suited to complete beginners as well as those who have been practicing a while as these more experienced practitioners have the opportunity of deepening the practices and stages accordingly.
I also offer 30min deep meditative relaxation class (Yoga Nidra) which is great for those needing nourishing and restoring - it is a really beneficial practice to do if you have difficulty sleeping or don't yet have the energy for yoga or are looking for time out from your busy stressful life/job/caring for others/recovery from illness or just simply to top up your reserves or help with effects of sleep deprivation. Search the tab to the left to explore what yoga therapy is and what a yoga therapist does as this is also great for those needing support through recovery or to develop a personal programme towards total wellbeing. You are welcome to attend casually too as space allows.
I have practiced yoga for about 30 years and eventually started my yoga teaching training journey in 2003 whilst pregnant with my first of three children. I first qualified as a Hatha yoga teacher (Aranya Tibetan tradition). I completed 10 years of extended training in the Satyananda tradition which is my preferred style and the style I teach though I draw from other sources if I feel it will enrich the class. It is a classical style of yoga rich in meditation and breathing techniques and adaptive for different needs. Yoga has helped me in so many ways and I am passionate about sharing the benefits with others. I am a fully accredited teacher in 2 traditions and I am also a member of Yoga Australia, SYTA, AAYT and regularly update my skills attending workshops and further training.
Yoga provides us with tools to face the challenges of life. Each person is unique and faces different physical, emotional, mental and spiritual challenges. Yoga supports us through life's ups and downs so that we can live it rather than just survive it. There are variations and modifications to suit us all. There are also many different paths of yoga to suit each personality type. I attempt to share with you practices to bring into every day life in the hope you will benefit as I have.
YOGA IS FOR EVERYONE* (many people worry they are too inflexible/unfit/overweight/old but there are options & stages to suit everyone who can breathe - you can make it your own practice - it's never too late :)
I believe the ancient techniques of Yoga have something to offer all of us regardless of age, creed, physical ability, life experience. There is a wealth of ancient resources which can improve:
- physical strength
- flexibility & mobility
- body composition
- balance
- stamina & endurance
- clarity of mind
- stress relief
- total wellness
- evolution of body, mind and spirit
- energy
- mindfulness
Asanas (postures) - Physical Wellbeing
Releases energy blockages in the body, relieving tiredness, tightness and discomfort. Activates healing energies into joints etc. Improves balance, strength, flexibility, endurance and body composition. Throughout the yoga lesson we practice mindfully using breath to draw our awareness into the practice and noticing the effect of the breath on the mind.
Pranayama (breathing techniques) - Emotional/mental Wellbeing
Breathing techniques and practices draw awareness to a deeper, more subtle level having a positive effect on the mind and emotions, alleviating symptoms such as stress, anxiety, hot-headedness, lethargy, in-correct breathing, etc. I can't emphasise the benefits in this age of stress, busy minds and busy lifestyles!
Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation)
Deep relaxation leads to a more receptive mind which is when change can really start to happen and we can let go of further physical, emotion, mental tension. Deep relaxation prepares the mind for meditation helping us to achieve clarity of mind and increasing our awareness. The effects of emotions on the mind is lessened once we start to recognise patterns of thought and response to these thoughts and instead we learn to be the master of our mind and emotions. This yoga nidra is the original Satyananda Yoga Nidra (R) which is a registered trademark, devised by Satyananda.
* Health conditions require doctor approval (Medicare rebates available with a healthcare plan until April 2019).
Location of Studio / Classes
Home Studio: 15a Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights (private purpose built studio)
Home Studio: 15a Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights (private purpose built studio)
