The Art of Breathing - Yoga tuition in Bristol
07866 701047
COMMON SENSE YOGA IN BRISTOL
The Art of Breathing...
Yoga classes and Private one to one yoga tuition in Bristol.
“When we allow ourselves time and space to listen we become awakened to our natural essence. The breath washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”
Ancient wisdom teaches us, the universe comprises of circular movements around a central axis. Our spine is our central axis, our breath moves in spirals within us. Our outer body shows shape to the world, our inner world understands the natural rhythm of our breath. Inside each of us is a garden, when we water, sprinkle gently with breath we grow upwards.
The practise of Yoga allows us to be guided by breath and movement, this allows us to connect with gravity. We develop roots and from roots our spines grow upwards as nature intended, becoming alive with length fluidity and strength. Deep pockets of tension and tiredness release bringing new energy and qualities. The mind learns to give up its constant chatter becoming lighter and refreshed allowing us to live in the moment thus our whole being receives complete rest. When we open up to the possibilities of the breath, its like wrapping yourself in loveliness.
THE ART OF BREATHING
Breathing as a Therapy
'We are breathing beings'
Our breath is a modulator of our mental, emotional state as well as our physical health. We have a lifetime to pick up bad breathing habits. Our adult nervous system is designed to operate at 5 breaths per minute. The typical breathing rate is 12 to 20. Our body is a vessel full of recording our biological past. Re-setting our breathing pattern is therapy for mind, body and spirit without words.
Louise trained as a British Wheel of Yoga teacher and has been teaching for over 20 years. Her unique style and art of teaching has developed from intuition, a tool box of knowledge, techniques and experiences. This allows Louise to get to the heart of each students practice and working together with students empowers the student to flourish emotionally and physically.
The breath and mindful gentle body work with such attention to detail along with touch, releases dullness and old habits melt away.
I look forward to meeting you!
YOUR DIAPHRAGM MUSCLE
"Your diaphragm muscle is the heart and nature of life"
The essence of meditation and yoga is the breath. The major muscle we use for breathing is the diaphragm. We can live without our biceps and triceps muscles but we cannot live without the diaphragm. Thankfully this muscle contracts 22,000 times a day without us consciously moving it, feeling it or being aware of it. Imagine the possibilities if we learn to exercise this muscle...
our breathing pattern changes positively and becomes wise and intelligent.
we infuse every cell of being with oxygen. As oxygen delivery improves this increases the function of every system in our body.
blood pressure lowers.
intelligent breathing triggers the release of endorphins which improve well being and provide pain relief.
When we connect the mind to the diaphragm and feel its internal movement we learn to harness its power and energy. We embody abdominal breathing. We allow our breath to lengthen naturally without force, gently releasing all the air out of our lungs creating space in the lungs to receive to a more bountiful in-breath. This simple action strengthens and tones the diaphragm and abdominal muscles.
Once you develop awareness from your yoga practice the beauty is you can exercise this muscle from sitting, standing wherever you are and whenever you wish.
Please click on this link to watch an informative video of the movement of the diaphragm:
MY STORY
The Journey so far...
My lovely mum sent me to a yoga class in my late teens. She planted a seed and the seed grew.
Having practised yoga since 1993 and taught since 1999, I have an understanding of how yoga and healing are fundamentally the same.
Curing is what mainstream or complimentary medicine may or may not do. Healing is what happens after the Doctors, medicine, surgery and technology have finished. Healing comes from within.
I have been through many life experiences including illness, surgery, bereavement, divorce, loss of job, loss of income and bringing up two lovely daughters now in their twenties. Yoga has given me inner strength at times of stress and difficulty for which I am grateful. This has taught me to take life's ups and downs as periods of growth and change.
As a teacher I offer my experience of yoga to help explore the possibilities for you.
I have contracts to teach yoga to employees of several large Blue Chip Corporations.
I currently teach group classes each week in Bristol, as well as private one to one sessions.
The breath is the heart of yoga practise. Breathing affects every cell of our being. It brings vital energy into the body. As we learn to watch our breath we let go of old patterns and new energy flows creating new possibilities.
I look forward to meeting you!
Louise Shaw
YOGA IN BRISTOL
The Art of Breathing...
All ages, abilities and fitness levels welcome...
Private one to one tuition is now available.
Yoga classes in St Werburghs, Bristol on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
7.00 pm to 8.30 pm.
Maximum 4 students per class. £10 per class.
Please contact me for further information, details, prices and any questions you may have.
PRIVATE ONE TO ONE YOGA TUITION
Observing, listening and communicating clearly are essential teaching skills.
The beauty of working one to one allows this to happen clearly and vividly so that the work becomes uniquely tailored for the individual.
We will talk through and establish your needs taking into consideration your history and circumstances.
After the initial one to one we can continue to meet as regularly as you wish (subject to availability).
Why have One to One yoga lessons?
Historically yoga has always been taught one to one
Personal attention
Fearful of coming to a group class
Illness or physical disability
Back pain
Structural Yoga Therapy
Convenient time and location
My experience
Over 19 years continual teaching experience including:
teaching teenagers in schools
physically disabled
stroke victims
terminally ill people
5 star hotel guests
corporate sessions
Longer sessions are available.
Discount is given for block bookings.
Private Tuition and One to Ones are currently available.
YOGA CLASSES ON MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY EVENINGS. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS.
All ages, abilities and fitness levels welcome, so whether you have practiced yoga for many years or if you are a complete beginner, please feel free to come along!
Getting in touch is the first step on the path towards a healthier and happier lifestyle.
WHAT MY STUDENTS SAY...
"Louise guided me through one of, if not the most substantive yoga experiences I've ever had. In a subtle and yet powerful way, she showed me how to feel rather than think my way into a deeper sense of total awareness, at the level of mind, body and spirit. I've practice yoga and meditation for many years, seeking insight via books, other teachers, regular classes and a consistent personal practice. Yet it's now, in a profoundly moving sense, that I feel as though Louise has set me on a new, more intuitive path towards realignment. In a world where yoga is increasingly popular yet not always true to its essence, the heartfelt, person-centred way in which Louise relates to the individual in front of her is invaluable. This is real yoga."
Aliya
"
I attended Louise's classes for 2 years, on a regular basis once a week.
My morning of yoga with Louise helped to keep me on track. I do a very stressful job and look forward to 90 minutes of yoga with Louise - a kind of mini retreat.
Louise has a broad knowledge of the physical body as well as being extremely intuitive. She is able to taylor the class to each individuals need - never pushing anybody beyond their capabilities. We laugh too - this is not just physical exercise! Louise manages to incorporate an even balance of gentle exercise, simple meditation and relaxation bringing the mind and body together as one.
I strongly recommend her class to anybody of any age.
"
Lynn M.
"I attended yoga classes with Louise for over two years and I am amazed at the difference it has made in my life. As well as helping me with my sciatica, Louise’s classes have helped me emotionally as well. Louise’s common sense approach to yoga helps you to understand every movement and posture. She has given lessons to both my children and they love her classes. I managed to convince my husband to try a class. He has suffered from back pain for years and has tried every treatment available. The results have been amazing and his general health has also improved.
I could not manage without my weekly yoga class, Louise is a great teacher and the classes are relaxed and friendly. I have met so many wonderful people and would highly recommend giving it a try."
Kiloran C.
"I'm so grateful I found Louise. She is a wonderfully knowledgeable and insightful teacher. She does not teach a class/group, she teaches and guides each individual within the class."
Debbie C.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I DROP IN AND TRY OUT YOGA ...OR DO I HAVE TO SIGN UP TO A SERIES OF CLASSES?
You can do either. Please contact me for prices and further information.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR AND BRING TO THE CLASS?
Wear comfortable clothing. Please bring a blanket and a yoga mat if you have one. A limited number of spare mats are available.
SHOULD I EAT BEFORE A CLASS?
Avoid a heavy meal two to three hours before coming to a class.
WHAT IF I HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES OR INJURIES?
This mindful gentle slow work is ideal for people with back, neck or shoulder problems. For more information please contact us.
IF I'M NOT FIT OR FLEXIBLE WILL YOGA BE SUITABLE FOR ME?
The gift of yoga is that you start from where you are now. As a very experienced yoga teacher each posture will be adapted to suit the individual.
Quote
"The laws of evolution of consciousness in the universe are exactly the same as the laws of Yoga, and the principles whereby consciousness unfolds itself in the great evolution of humanity are the same principles as we take in Yoga and deliberately apply to the more rapid unfolding of our own consciousness."
Annie Bessant
- prominent Theosophist, women's rights activist, writer and orator and supporter of Irish and Indian self rule.