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 also a hynobirthing practitioner and a student of remedial massage therapy. I am offering free massages this year in return for completing my virtual clinic hours. These are worth about $100 each so you may want to make the most of this offer while it lasts!
I've practiced yoga for over 30 years. I started my Satyananda yoga teaching journey in 2003 after falling pregnant with my first child and set up Yoga in Hornsby in 2010 after completing another diploma in Hatha yoga teaching. The Satyananda Yoga Teaching Diploma was very thorough (1440hrs). I took 10 years to complete it and deepen my studies whilst raising my 3 young children who are now gorgeous teenagers!
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 4 begins on Monday 4 October 2021 and runs for 11 weeks until Fri 17 December 2021. During lockdown I will teach the classes as normal but via zoom and once we have the green light we will transition back to the studio. You may wish to join later in the term once we're face to face once again and in this case you will just deduct the weeks you have missed. I can confirm that we are Covid safe. Please sign in with the QR code, although if you forget your phone, I do this electronically too as a back up. 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 4m2 per person. We will wear masks if are advised to or if you feel more comfortable wearing one. If you are sick, and classes are in the studio, I ask that you please stay home, instead joining the Zoom live class on Thursdays at 12pm or I will send you the recording fo r that week's class so you don't miss out. If I'm sick, I will either teach via zoom, offer you a make up on another day, send you a recording or give you a refund for that class depending on your preference. A positive of having classes online is that I am offering unlimited classes whilst we are online at no extra charge although if you are in the position to and would like to, you can instead make a small donation to the wayside chapel fundraiser on my yogainhornsby facebook page and share the love around and feel extra great.
I ask that you sanitize hands and check in on arrival. The bathroom has single use towels and the yoga studio is cleaned before 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 social distance during this transitional phase. I have marked the floor as a guide of where to place your mat.
ZOOM
If you are practicing 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! You can sign up for a weekly relaxation on Mondays to do on your lunchbreak online!
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.
Enroling
The enrolment form is under the 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 if you are unsure.
ABOUT THE CLASS
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.
Yoga Therapy & other modalities
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!
Massage
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!
Where are we
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.
Relaxation
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.
Background
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.
What type of yoga for me
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. Hatha is the most well known type of yoga, the basis for all yoga and more focus on postures. Satyananda yoga is classical and can be strong or gentle and includes the breathwork and meditation. 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've practiced yoga for over 30 years. I started my Satyananda yoga teaching journey in 2003 after falling pregnant with my first child and set up Yoga in Hornsby in 2010 after completing another diploma in Hatha yoga teaching. The Satyananda Yoga Teaching Diploma was very thorough (1440hrs). I took 10 years to complete it and deepen my studies whilst raising my 3 young children who are now gorgeous teenagers!
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 4 begins on Monday 4 October 2021 and runs for 11 weeks until Fri 17 December 2021. During lockdown I will teach the classes as normal but via zoom and once we have the green light we will transition back to the studio. You may wish to join later in the term once we're face to face once again and in this case you will just deduct the weeks you have missed. I can confirm that we are Covid safe. Please sign in with the QR code, although if you forget your phone, I do this electronically too as a back up. 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 4m2 per person. We will wear masks if are advised to or if you feel more comfortable wearing one. If you are sick, and classes are in the studio, I ask that you please stay home, instead joining the Zoom live class on Thursdays at 12pm or I will send you the recording fo r that week's class so you don't miss out. If I'm sick, I will either teach via zoom, offer you a make up on another day, send you a recording or give you a refund for that class depending on your preference. A positive of having classes online is that I am offering unlimited classes whilst we are online at no extra charge although if you are in the position to and would like to, you can instead make a small donation to the wayside chapel fundraiser on my yogainhornsby facebook page and share the love around and feel extra great.
I ask that you sanitize hands and check in on arrival. The bathroom has single use towels and the yoga studio is cleaned before 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 social distance during this transitional phase. I have marked the floor as a guide of where to place your mat.
ZOOM
If you are practicing 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! You can sign up for a weekly relaxation on Mondays to do on your lunchbreak online!
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.
Enroling
The enrolment form is under the 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 if you are unsure.
ABOUT THE CLASS
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.
Yoga Therapy & other modalities
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!
Massage
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!
Where are we
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.
Relaxation
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.
Background
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.
What type of yoga for me
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. Hatha is the most well known type of yoga, the basis for all yoga and more focus on postures. Satyananda yoga is classical and can be strong or gentle and includes the breathwork and meditation. 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)
