The Essence of Yoga
"We continually look outward for places of simplicity and peace. Through the regular practice of yoga we learn how to turn our focus inward and find such places within our selves".
Life style stressors caused by workload, inter-relationships with family and friends, and sometimes seemingly insoluble problems all contribute to the stress so many of us experience in our daily lives resulting in mental, physical and muscular tension.
Essence of Yoga teaches students to practice in a non-harmful way (Ahimsa). Offering a safe and supportive environment students are guided to rediscover their own bodies natural intelligence. Students are encouraged to let go of striving for the 'perfect text book pose" (asana) and develop a more congruent practice suitable for them in the present moment. A strong focus on breath awareness encourages students to listen to their bodies intuitive knowing joining mind and body in unison.
Yoga Benefits
Regular ongoing attendance to class helps to
- Increase body strength
- Build Stamina
- Increase flexibility
- Helps to balance the body's Energy System
- Calms the Mind
- Improves Health by releasing Stress and Tension
- Brings a deep feeling of Peace and Tranquillity
Class Content
In all levels students may be given guided sequences of exploration helping them to understand their unique movement patterns increasing body awareness, and finding body alignment.
Class content includes gentle warm up movements, techniques to strengthen and increase flexibility in the body and may also include flowing vinyasa (posture) sequences to build stamina. Breathing practices (pranayama) may also be given and ending with a deep relaxation, all contributing to an outcome of total wellbeing.
Restore and Relaxation classes on occasions may substitute the regular practice.
Teachers
Sandra Bryant is the principle teacher of Essence of Yoga and has been practicing for over 14 years, commencing an informal apprenticeship with Rebecca Richards, director of Yoga Spirit Studios in 2003 and completing formal studies with the Integral Yoga Academy of Australasia in 2004.
In 2006, Sandra completed an Advanced Teacher Training Course with International presenter Donna Farhi, author of Yoga Mind, Body and Spirit and the Breathing Book and has continued to study with Donna Farhi. Sandra was one of 6 assistants during the Teacher Training Course presented in New Zealand with Donna Farhi and Marcia Monroe in 2008 and assists Donna during Workshop Intensives within Australia when ever possible.
From this foundation of experience, Sandra presents a fresh and holistic approach to teaching the ancient practice of Hatha Yoga. Offering a safe and supportive environment students are guided and encouraged to rediscover their own bodies' natural intelligence. Student are given time to explore movement patterns that help support the body and variations are given to accommodate their limitations and level of experience.
After dividing her time teaching regular classes at Yoga Spirit Studios and in her local area, Sandra decided in June 2010 to give her full attention to her Yoga School in Golden Grove.
The Essence of Yoga Studio @ 205 The Golden Way, Golden Grove was opened in January 2010, and is a dedicated space for students to practice Yoga, Meditation and Pilates.
Teaching regular day and evening classes Sandra also runs Foundation Yoga Courses, Body Awareness Workshops and Weekend Residential Retreats. Sandra holds membership with the Yoga Teachers Association of Australia and the Yoga Teachers Institute of South Australia.
Sharon Wallace-Yarrow, Sylvia Adler & Leanne McKechnie are wonderful fully qualified teachers that provide Sandra with support and bring to the studio their own teaching style and love of sharing yoga with students. Janet Bridgman is a fully qualified Pilates Instructor presenting regular Pilates Classes at the studio.
Sharon Wallace-Yarrow was introduced to yoga in the 1960s by her mother, 
who at ninety, still practices half shoulder stand and gentle backbends! Sharon recently completed her teacher training with the International Yoga Teacher's Association (IYTA). With a background of dance, education and counselling, Sharon believes her most profound learning has been through raising her three children, and now being a grandparent. She firmly believes that yoga is a valuable practice from before birth to old age, developing not only physical, but also mental and emotional strength and flexibility. In her opinion, no one is too young or too old to practice yoga!
Sylvia Adler brings the yoga school her knowledge and understanding of the profound effects yoga has in shifting moods, elevating the spirit and strengthening the physical body. After a back injury, it was through the regular practice of yoga that her health and strength were restored and encouraged her to become a teacher to share this with others.
Leanne McKechnie has recently joined Essence of Yoga and brings her own wealth of experience to the School. After completing formal study 4 years ago, Leanne has taught a broad range of age groups and is particularly interested in teaching Prenatal, Postnatal and Children's Yoga.
Janet Bridgman is a fully qualified APMA Level one pilates instructor who has been teaching pilates for the past twelve years. She has experience in remedial exercise and comes from a dance background. Janet danced professionally in Ballet Companies in Europe for 18 years before becoming a dance teacher and later, a pilates teacher.
"Exercise should be pleasurable" is her motto. Pilates is the perfect exercise system for people of all ages and all levels of fitness.
