Saturday

Yoga for balance (Ivan)

• Beginners & Intermediate Level

The workshop will focus on Sivananda style of Hatha Yoga, explaining the details of Surya Namascar, 12 basic postures, as well as a number of asana variations, mudras and bandhas. We will do the actual yoga practice as we go through the demonstrations, holding the postures a bit longer for e deeper effect. Good for beginners and intermediate

Book in advance, mats are provided, you may want to bring a notepad to put things down and make sure you only have a light breakfast. Starts at 11 am, so arrive a little earlier.

Pranayama and Meditation (Niamh)

• All Levels

Pranayama, according to sage Patanjali, is an art of controlling one’s energy through controlling one’s breath. It is applied to prepare the body for Meditation (Dhyana). The taught techniques belong to yogic and tantric traditions, and enhance deeper awareness of one’s true nature and that of the world. During Meditation we experience joy and bliss of the subtle body, revealing peace, love and freedom.

Book in advance; bring a shawl or a scarf to wrap yourself up and a cushion to sit on, if you need one. Starts after a brief tea break.

Vedas and Sanskrit Talk by Rev Dr Stephen Thompson
Ayurveda and Meditation Talk by Linda Thompson

• All Levels

Reverend Dr Stephen Thompson is an Anglican priest with a PhD in Sanskrit grammar and is a co-founder of Sanskrit Institute. He argues that the Sanskrit language along with the Upanishadic teaching on the unity of Self and Brahman is the key to the New Renaissance, as it is the most refined language and at the same time each word can be seen as deriving lawfully from the Absolute Word 'Om'.

Linda Thompson, Msc Ayurvedic Medicine, has a private practice and also teaches at The School of Economic Science in London. The holistic approach of Ayurveda presents vital information for a balanced and healthy life in mind, senses, body and soul, through philosophical and spiritual healing which connect the personal to the universal, and the so-called ‘mundane life’ to the reality of the inner Self.

Om Healing Session

• All Levels

Introductory course on the theory and an hour practice of Om Healing. This technique of Kriya Yoga uses the cosmic vibration of OM and this aligns all the vibrations within us, which are out of harmony with the resonance of OM. OM Healing has a combined effect of not only balancing and healing all the people within the group, but everywhere within the surrounding area, people and animals living in the vicinity, buildings and nature.

Be prepared to sit (chairs available) and chant OM out-loud, but in a relaxed manner, for an hour or so. No experience necessary, moreover, it's a lot of fun and has a deep meditative effect on the body and mind. More details on OM healing: http://www.om-healing.org

Sunday

SUNday Yoga (Ivan)

• By Yogadom and RUSSIANSinUK, in Russian and English, Beginners Level

This beautiful open-air class in taught in Shivananda style of Hatha Yoga and is suitable for beginners (0-6 months of regular practice), but will be interesting for intermediate students as well, due to original and complex approach to Yoga as ‘a system of development for Body, Mind and Spirit together’. Taught in the traditional North Indian style of Hatha Yoga, it balances dynamic exercises with static postures and breathing development techniques. And the Hyde Park location makes it real SUNday Yoga: that is, full of Sun!

Please, bring a yoga mat or a beach towel with you, would be a lot more fun that way.

Belly dancing (Ariadna)

• Beginners Workshop

Find out what belly dancing is all about. Learn some of the key belly dancing movements and put them together in basic combinations. See how it can help you become flexible in your upper body and move your chest & hips in the isolation from the rest of the body. Enjoy great music and have fun!

Ariadna is a great teacher, performer, and also writes for the famous wellbeing guide www.thebaoli.com.

Meditation (Olga Steblin)

• All Levels

Meditation with elements of Pranayama, mantras, visualization and concentration develops deep relaxation, inner peace and wisdom. Each session taught is unique, depending on the particular group and everyone's state of mind. Teas and Q&A session to follow.