Sarah Ryan Yoga

Yoga Classes

General yoga classes
I don’t teach ‘general’ yoga classes any more.

Individual yoga classes are the best way to effect real change, whether for health, therapy or personal or spiritual development.

Yoga is very holistic, working with body, breath, mind and voice – but it also recognises that there is something deeper, and, when we are in contact with it, our life has more sense and more flow. Yoga, which means connection, helps us with that. The yoga therapist works through giving simple practices which, done regularly, start to change patterns of behaviour and thinking; and also through dialogue, trying to help the client understand themselves better. Ultimately, it is a very self-empowering therapy and practice which you do for yourself.

Generally, several meetings are necessary to evolve a practice which can then serve the person for a while. The first meeting takes longer as I need to get to know you and find out about you. Then a short practice is taught, which the person goes away and practises, ideally every day. Usually the next meeting takes place fairly soon after the first, so that I can see whether the practice needs changing: this may be for a variety of reasons – sometimes the person is ready to progress, sometimes other priorities surface, sometimes the practice needs to be refined, sometimes people just want something different. This pattern of checking and refining continues, with the intervals between classes usually becoming gradually longer. Some people are happy to come for about four classes and then feel that they can be independent for quite a while. Most of us do best, however, if we see someone for longer, as it is always difficult to change old patterns. Others prefer to continue to come back at intervals, which can be anything from one week upward. Every one is different, everyone unique. Everyone can establish their own pattern.

This is what one person said, after only one visit:

“Thank you so much for the breathing exercises. They have made a tremendous difference…and I no longer feel I am breathing through cotton wool. I do them regularly every day sitting up in bed with my cup of tea and it’s so relaxing.”

And another wrote:

“I just wanted to thank you for yesterday. I carried on with slow exhalations all day. By the time I went to bed I was relaxed, normal tiredness, and slept well. I achieved a lot during the afternoon too. Thank you.”

I usually see people in my home in Milborne St Andrew, or on Zoom. It is easy to meet online or Zoom – contact me if you are interested.

Cost: £50 for a session, which can last from 40 to 50 minutes.

The weekend was well-paced. The practices backed up discussion and philosophy in an organic and apposite way, demonstrating sensitive and thoughtful teaching. I find working in this tradition to be considerate and considered, aware and best of all integrated: breath, body, mind, philosophy all given equal importance so practice is very balanced. This means that although I am aware of working at a different level of consciousness, I feel safe and secure, grounded and whole. It just makes sense to me. Rooting the teaching in everyday experience makes it much more accessible.