About the Practice | Sophie Rey Yoga

ABOUT THE PRACTICES

Yoga can seem like an absolute minefield but there's no need to panic!

Check out the class styles below.

We are all different and our practice is our own, so if there's anything you feel you'd like to discuss to really ensure you have full access to a class, please talk to me.

Firstly, what is Yoga?

Yoga is thousands of years old and originated in ancient India. The word 'Yoga' is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘Unity’. It's a spiritual discipline which focuses on bringing harmony and balance between Mind, Body and Spirit and this can be achieved by following the 8 Limbs of Yoga, laid out by Sage Marharishi Patanjali.

One of these Limbs is 'Asana', the physical movement that you generally see and do in most Yoga classes.

There are many Schools of Yoga, practices and goals including Hinduism, Jainism & Buddhism.

The 8 Limbs....

Yamas

Niyamas

Asana

Pranayama

Pratyahara

Dharana

Dhyana

Samadhi

You may have heard of the 'Yoga Sutras of Patanjali'.

Marharishi Patanjali compiled the information of Yoga with the intention of helping people understand it in bite sized chunks

to then be able to put it into practice.

There are around 195 Sutras, which are written in Sanskrit and have been translated in English in a variety of books.

Atha yoga anushasanam
Now (begins), the exploration of the systematic discipline of yoga.
—Yoga Sutra 1.1

Yoga is a way of living. It's a lifestyle and my aim is to embrace the whole of Yoga, in my personal life and in the way that I share it, to help us live in harmony with ourselves, others and the world.

My classes are not 'exercise', although most of us will come to Yoga through the 'Asana' practice and the physical body. My sessions are themed with Yoga Philosophy, which might include learning about the 8 limbs, the inspiration behind postures, Mudra, Mantras and more.

Yoga is a way of life, helping to support our Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health.

The wonderful thing about this ancient practice, is that there is something for everyone, whether you crave the movement and physical elements; helping to build self confidence with your body or being still in the moment; finding softness and peace. You get to choose, that's the beauty of it!

The practice of Yoga as Unity, helps to reduce mental stress and guide you towards a happier and healthier you.

THE STYLES

GENTLE YOGA

A slower paced style of class to help find what works for you. Perfect for beginners, over 60s, those who are pregnant, or those with injuries or medical conditions.

These classes help to improve strength, mobility and posture, aim to help to reduce stress, sleep better and in turn feel more energised.

We explore physical Asana practice in a slow paced and supportive way, warming up the body and learning how to stay safe in foundational postures, finding suitable variations, as well as getting the most out of your practice through the use of props.

We look at how to work with the breath (Pranayama) to help support our movements and ease stress and tension in the body and mind.

SOMATICS

The word 'Soma' is Greek and means body. Somatics relates to the body, but it's not just the physical mechanical functions, it is all that makes up your body; your cells, growth, sensations and all that is stored within your body through your experiences in your lifetime. Somatics refers to body-focused practices and is a bottom-up approach to healing pain and trauma, as it focuses on your nervous system, your bodily cues and sensations and emotions within your body first. This is your body feeling 'unsafe' in situations, whether they are actually unsafe or not. We can get stuck in patterns of holding and feeling unsafe, which can manifest as anxiety disorders, depression, stress and stress related illnesses, chronic pain and other ways our brain tries to protect us.

Somatic body-focused practices help you reconnect to and understand your nervous system and choose approaches, tools and practices to help you feel safe. These are valuable tools in life, and so often we are not taught how to self-resource or regulate when challenging emotions and trauma is present.

FLOW / VINYASA

Move in sync with the breath, flowing from one posture to the next in a creative sequence that is sure to build strength and flexibility whilst aiming to bring you into a meditative state. Explore Yoga Asana, Pranayama (breathing techniques) and Yoga Philosophy.

All classes start and end with an opportunity to slow it all down and simply connect with your breath to arrive in the present moment.

Options & variations are given to encourage empowerment and ownership over your personal practice. If something didn't feel right, or you're not sure about something - Please speak to me! Together we can find the right option for you!

BEGINNERS / BASICS / ESSENTIALS

Introduces you to Yoga and new ways to approach your posture, breath and meditative practice. These classes are similar to Gentle Yoga as the pace is slow, giving enough time to get in and out of postures. The only difference is that they can sometimes feel challenging as we build up strength and start to use muscles that we may not have previously said hello to before!

A variety of variations for poses are given along with opportunities to learn how to use props to empower and support your practice. Yogic philosophy and Pranayama (Breathing techniques) are included in each session.

Perfect for Beginners & Seniors, but great for anyone at any stage in their yoga journey.

YOGA NIDRA

Yoga Nidra or Yogic Sleep, is similar to guided meditation. You are taken on a journey of breath and body awareness, with the aim of staying awake; although you may dip in and out of consciousness, or if our body needs it, we may fall asleep! As soon as we close our eyes, our brainwaves start to change and encourages us into a rest and digest state.

Yoga Nidra involves no physical movement and is suitable for all. No prior experience or knowledge is needed, all you need to do is get comfy in a lying down or slightly reclined position and listen to my voice.

Read more on the Yoga Nidra page of my website!

If you have any questions, do get in touch!

Remember anyone can do Yoga and we can practice it anywhere.

Yoga is always there for you!