Yoga + Somatics

Yoga is an ancient practice with its roots firmly in South Asia. The first recorded mention of yoga dates back more than 5000 years. It sits alongside its sister science Ayurveda which too dates back thousands of years.

Yoga, meaning to ‘yoke/bind’ or ‘union’ and Ayurveda translates to ‘life knowledge’.

Together they bring an understanding about the human existence that is rich, self empowering, crucially self governing and absolutely connecting.

In yoga, when referring to it as an ‘activity’ there is depth, variety of practice + meaningful philosophy that all support a more easeful way of living; of being.

Unprocessed life experiences can have detrimental affects weighing one down emotionally as well as affecting ones health physically, mentally and spiritually. Yoga practices cultivate an internal environment ripe for meditation. This through time successfully supports ones ability to assimilate and eliminate the discomforts life can present and promote the replenishments of vital energy.

When we increase awareness/attentiveness we increase sensitivity and then allow all to be felt and moved through. It is an important process that can truly support you through life.

Bringing space to allow movement of energy/thoughts/emotions is I’m sure compulsory to achieving and living with grace. There are many circumstances that can conjure up spaciousness such as walks in nature, sea swimming, dancing etc for me yoga compliments all of these whilst encouraging and teaching so much more.

The common practice of yoga, certainly in the UK, is Hatha Yoga and tends to be a mixture of asana (movement/posture), pranayama (breath work), dharana + dhyana (concentration + meditation) practices.

These practices combined all help to enable one to begin self regulation, balance and connection.

With commitment, effort and gentle action it is really possible to improve health, wellbeing and connection to self + nature.

Somatics is the felt experience. Tuning directly into sensation offers opportunity to develop the relationship with the mind body. This is a wonderful tool to develop for observing where and when emotional tension perhaps resides and how to then familiarise oneself with feelings of steadiness and ease.

This in turn promotes a deep + useful connection to the body that gradually helps to increase trust with oneself as well as generate useful feedback for understanding one’s own ‘triggers’/challenges.

This increasing self awareness supports the cultivation of agency and sovereignty which are both fundamental elements to self empowerment.

Typically somatic ‘style’ practices are slow, subtle and rhythmic in movement.

One can say that all yoga practice is somatic when practised effectively but certainly not all somatic practice is yoga.

At Sacred Story yoga will always be the foundation of classes.

Visit here for more on the art + science of yoga