Yoga Teachers: Ella Titman, Lisa Green and Amanda Samson

To enquire about availability of spaces at any of our classes, please contact Ella Titman on 07745 905618.

Yoga with Lisa Green ~ including pregnancy yoga and Blissed Out Fridays

I took my first yoga class in 1994, as an undergraduate at Melbourne University, and have been hooked ever since! I grew up in Australia, studied theatre and education at Melbourne University, and then, as all Australians do, I went travelling! I travelled extensively through South East Asia, specifically Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, thence to London, where I continued studying, began working as an actor, and worked as a supply teacher to supplement my income.

I was offered a place at the Lecoq International Theatre School in Paris – a place of learning which is globally renowned for its unique and thorough approach to performance through physicality - where I was very lucky indeed to be among the last intake of students to study directly under Jacques Lecoq himself. I then returned to London, where I have lived and worked ever since. I have graduate and post-graduate qualifications in theatre, acting and education. I have also worked extensively as an actor in theatre, as a voice artist, improviser, and as a teacher.

Since discovering it, yoga has been of vital and daily benefit to me. My yoga practice has resoundingly informed every aspect of my work as an actor and physical performer. I use yoga in many ways to help my work as an actor; I do at least half an hour before every show, as a method of warming up my body, focusing my energy and relaxing myself. I am a very physical person, and I find yoga to be a direct path to self- and physical awareness: an alignment of mind and body, creation of inner peace, stimulation and therapy. So in 2004, I decided to become a yoga teacher and gained my qualifications with the British Wheel of Yoga in February 2007.

Since then I have worked with a variety of different people and companies; I have recently taught my own regular Hatha yoga classes in Cannons Health Centre in Bloomsbury. During my pregnancy last year I taught yoga for pregnant women at Yogahome in North London; I have taught a local general mixed ability class and students on a one to one basis in my own home; I also have taught for corporate conferences, and for performers in theatre companies throughout London. My teaching experience has enabled me to tailor my classes to suit the needs of different groups appropriately, emphasizing breath work and building strength, as well as flexibility and deep relaxation.

I am teaching yoga at the following times at the centre:

       Thursday evening antenatal classes, at 7 and 8.30pm 75 minutes £10 per class

       Saturday mornings, 11 to 12.15pm.

       I shall be taking over Amanda Samson's Tuesday evening classes from 9th December.

       And 'Blissed Out Fridays'!    Next one on 5th December, booking now.                  Once in a while it's time for a change, and instead of adding to your body's workload on a Friday evening, why not give it a treat instead! We'll start at 7.15, and from then through till 10pm, we'll comprehensively de-stress with a challenging yoga workout, socialising, luxurious deep relaxation, home-made organic veggie soup, and drinks (non-alcoholic, of course!), all by candlelight. The perfect antidote to the previous week's stresses and strains, and the perfect start to a stress-free weekend! All for just £25. And if you can't make it, why not treat a friend or loved one who could do with a lift?!

You can contact me on 07940 571 834 or by email at lisa@thesunflowercentre.co.uk for more information.

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Yoga for Well Being with Ella Titman

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Yoga with Amanda Samson  PhD, B.Ed, Dip Yoga

I qualified as a Hatha yoga teacher at Gita School of Yoga in Melbourne Australia almost twenty years ago.  I moved to London nine years ago and live in the local area.

I teach adult, teen and children’s yoga and have taught in a range of places from yoga centres, fitness centres, schools and privately. I have recently developed a foundation teacher training course and a full yoga teacher training diploma for London Leisure College.

What is Yoga?   Yoga is part of a greater ancient tradition of wisdom and well being that has its roots in India. Most people know its physical practice in the form of Hatha Yoga and some will be familiar of the different approaches to Hatha Yoga such as Ashtanga or Iyengar. Yoga however is a much greater system of living that seeks to incorporate all aspects of the self to improve calm, peace, wisdom and compassion. The practice of yoga can incorporate physical postures (asana), breathing (pranayama), relaxation, meditation, philosophical discussion, and much more.

The style taught at the Sunflower centre is based on the Gita system of Hatha yoga. This style of teaching works to gently integrate the body, mind and spirit and thus integrate the wider picture of yoga practice. It focuses on the physical Hatha form but uses the breath and the mind to help steady the self.

It has great therapeutic benefits for people suffering from illness, injury and stress related problems by working with the body to relax, strengthen and stretch the muscles. Furthermore it is the perfect focus for fitness or well being programmes as it works to tone the whole body, mind and spirit, improving stamina and vitality, flexibility of thought and a sense of peace.

Who benefits from Yoga?   Yoga is for every body. Yoga can bring greater flexibility, improve your level of fitness, relieve stress, and improve concentration. Yoga can inspire you, help you get motivated and deeply relax you. It can help with confidence; issues of self esteem and promote a sense of well being that is more than physical. People of all ages benefit from yoga and the specially tailored programme at the Sunflower centre mean you can find the class that is right for you. Yoga is inclusive and non denominational

What happens in a Yoga session?   Each class begins with some stretching and warming up of the body, followed by a series of ten asanas designed to promote health and fitness as well as balance the mind body and spirit. Classes will include a pranayama to improve breathing and always finish with a delicious relaxation to help you feel refreshed and revitalised.

Every class is carefully planned to match the level of the students and offer progressive challenges for body mind and spirit. Courses can focus simply on the physical benefits or incorporate some of the esoteric concepts that underpin this most ancient of traditions. Each class works systematically through the body and allows students to build on individual levels of flexibility, body awareness and fitness.

How many sessions will I need?  Ideally yoga is practiced on a regular basis throughout one’s life! Students completing the Beginners course will have enough basic understanding to safely practice yoga at home if they wish. Those who prefer the discipline and company of a class may prefer to continue on with either the gentle yoga or all abilities yoga classes as often and a regularly as they like.

Further information

Gentle Yoga   Gentle Yoga is an on-going class for people wishing to undertake a less challenging form of yoga due to age, ability or simply preference! Careful attention is paid to problem areas often found in the body such as backs, knees and hips and the class offers a variety of variation to ensure everyone can participate safely and to the best of their ability. It’s an interactive class where students can freely discuss their physical limitations and work to support and strengthen their practice. It incorporates breathing exercises, deep relaxation, as well as asana and stretching.

Private sessions are available on request and may be useful for people being referred by osteopaths and other complementary or orthodox health professionals.

All Abilities Yoga    This is a general class for every body with some experience of Hatha yoga. It is often the next step after a Beginners course or after some time in Gentle Yoga. It is designed to work through the whole body, balance the mind and spirit and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Regardless of your level of fitness and flexibility, this class will help you improve and deepen your yoga practice. The style of yoga taught at the Sunflower centre builds in success for every body and enables you to progress at your own pace and according to your body’s ability. Classes focus on the physical practice of Hatha yoga while incorporating pranayama, relaxation and more.

People with specific health issues may find it too challenging and should consider the Gentle Yoga classes.

Is it for me?   Some people simply enjoy an hour of deep physical and mental relaxation For others it is an opportunity to tune into the guided visualisations or move into their own knowledge and understanding of a meditative state. This class allows a great flexibility in desires of the students. There is no doubt that all of you will leave the class feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated. It is particularly good for any dealing with stress in all its forms or who need to focus the mind.

Fees and other information     Classes are paid for in 5 week course blocks, (excluding the private consultations).  Students are required to bring a mat and a blanket.

   amanda@thesunflowercentre.co.uk _________________