The yoga Sheetal offers is a deeply reflective style of Hatha Yoga. Unravelling through the layers of the subtle body; subtle yet strong with an interplay between the breath, gravity and the spine.

 

It is inspired by the work of Vanda Scaravelli, a student of Iyengar and Desikachar who went on to develop her own distinctive style to awaken the spine. The focus of her work is to release and undo tensions held within, working with and through the body rather than imposing preconceived ideal positions on to it.

 

“Yoga must not be practised to control the body: it is the opposite, it must bring freedom to the body,all the freedom it needs.” Vanda Scaravelli

 

When practised with intention and presence, yoga becomes a moving meditation – one that anchors you into the now, breath by breath. It’s less about touching your toes and much more about touching something far deeper.

 

As illustrated in Patanjali’s yoga sutras, this takes yoga back to its roots: a practice of deep meditation.

​

MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE

​

Demonstrating shapes or movements doesn’t excite me as a yoga teacher. I am much more inspired to teach yoga as a vehicle to guide others to develop their power of internal awareness. To undo habits and remap movement patterns. To become aware of their power of choice to enable them to respond rather than react to life situations. 

 

On a practical level, yet with far reaching emotional impact, building healthy patterns of movement to enable us to move with ease and grace is essential for creating a foundation for long term independence and vitality. Watching my own parents and elders face the enormous challenge of old age and limited mobility has deepened my appreciation of the gift to be able to move freely.