Embrace the totality of Spring this year with this four-week Yin + Sutra’s series designed to clear blockages in the body and mind, and live a life aligned with yogic thought.

In honour of spring the practice will focus on the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, the two pathways related to bringing your Wood energy back into balance. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Wood is the energy of Spring – it’s an uplifting, dynamic energy that enables new growth and new life.

When our Wood energy is balanced, it reawakens us after the stillness of Winter and helps us to be flexible and adaptable, and in love with life! If not, we can feel sluggish, grumpy, and possibly a bit frustrated about the change of season.

The Yin Yoga practice on offer is a very gentle all-levels class for even those new to yoga or pre-post natel, with modifications and props offered. You will be held in a supportive, welcoming space for your 75 minute Yin practice.

Acessible and mindful breath and meditation practices will be weaved in either side of the Yin practice to support your connection to Self.

Sutras:

Ahhhhhh the helpful (yet largely unknown-in-the-west) Sutras!

Each week your Yin Yoga practice will include vedic teachings from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, namely the Yama’s and Niyama’s from the eight limed path – these are moral and ethical gems that give direction to a well-lived life, full of wonder, peace, and harmony, and a must for spirutal evolution according the great rishies and sages.

In fact, in yogic philosophy, these jewels sit as the first two limbs of the eight limbed path towards samadhi (enlightment) that precede yoga pranayama (breathwork) and asana (poses). They are the foundational to all yogic thought and should not be overlooked.

Yamas (restraints) include nonviolence, truthfulness, nonstealing, nonexcess, and nonpossessiveness. Niyamas (observances) include purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender.

While your practice will be newly themed each week to help you sense into these teachings (as you minfully Yin), you will also receive weekly online resources and journal prompts outside the class, to help you explore and practice the Yama’s and Niyamas in your life.

All equipment is provided (mat, blanket, and block). However you are welcome to extra BYO props for your comfort.

This series is held at the Yoga Spirit studio space (Aramoho Rowing Club) on the Whanganui river front with uninterrupted views to the Awa. Parking on the riverbank is possible.

Please wear comfy clothing you can move in. The space will be nicely warmed and lights dimmed with lamps/fairy lights. Bring layers you can put on or take off to suit.

Benefits of Yin:

Yin Yoga addresses the connective tissue, which reduces pain and stiffness, improves body posture, strength and endurance and creates elegance, harmony, greater mobility, and health. It follows Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) wisdom, working with the meridian pathways of the body for healthy Qi (prana or lifeforce).

Further benefits include:

• Reduces stress relief
• Decrease stress
• Lengthens muscles
• Reduces adhesions
• Hydrates tissues and muscles
• Thickens and strengthens ligaments
• Lubricates joints
• Hydrates skin
• Detoxifies
• Reduces degeneration of tissues
• Normalises curvature of the spine
• Reduces osteoporosis
• Helps to prevent fusion of joints
• Calms the nervous system and the mind
• Increases the level of GABA (help the body respond to stress)
• Assists meditative practice

Testimonials (from Habits of a Yogini Series July-Aug):

“Simone is an excellent teacher and communicator and I would highly recommend this series to others. It is a great introduction to the basics of Yoga and Ayurveda, and the balance of theory and practical is perfect. I loved accessing the additional weekly resources and replays – this was an inspiring 6-weeks that has gifted me with new positive healthy living habits. Thanks Simone!”
– Deborah (July 2022)

“Everything flowed well from one session to the next, the resources were great, and I felt well supported – there was always a good amount of time to share or ask questions. The room was set up beautifully each week, which added to the specialness of this series. What an awesome opportunity to know myself better and make small changes to my daily routines that work for my body type.”
– Maree (July 2022)

“An unexpected but very welcome positive change in my thought patterns and motivation was reveled during Habits of a Yogini. I feel mentally rejuvenated and well equipped to build on the amazing and vast knowledge and practices shared by Simone. I loved coming together as a group and the discipline and commitment that brought.”
– Heidi (July 2022)

“Simone offers a wide variety of holistic approaches from the yoga traditon that has helped me extend my knowledge for my body, mind, and spirit wellbeing. I really loved the session recordings and other material available online – it provided the flexibilty to engage outside the sessions and re-enforce learnings. Simone is a wonderful, caring, and thoughtful teacher.”
– Sharon (July 2022)

“What a wonderful and enlightening experience! I loved so many of the different elements of the course – the Yin poses, breath work, meditation, the cacao ceremony. Over the six weeks I experienced some wonderful releases and felt a shift in some old, unhelpful ways of thinking. Simone is a wonderful teacher and the classes always felt peaceful and welcoming, I wouldn’t hesitate to do another course with Simone.”
– Tina (July 2022)