Having practised yoga for over 15 years, my understanding of yoga took on an entirely new meaning, 10 years ago, through Sama Yoga, a heart-based intuitive practice developed by Sky Akasha in the lineage of Shri Pujya Swāmi Dayānanda Saraswati, and based on the teachings of traditional Advaita Vedānta. Sky uses Sanskrit mantra and japa (repetition of mantra), elements I still weave into my classes. I find Sama Yoga wonderfully healing, especially for the heart. It is the Sama poses uniquely, that are requested over and over again by students. 

More recently, I have been integrating the teachings of Tantric Hatha Yoga, and often follow these teachings when guiding my Tuesday evening Hatha classes. I use vinyasa krama (wise progression), and tend to work with “Moon” practice: grounding, stabilising and calming Apana Vayu, and detoxifying and assimilating Samana Vayu, and “Sun” practice: joyful, uplifting and energising Vyana Vayu. I find these teachings incredibly powerful and absolutely love sharing them.

Rod Stryker: “Tantra links all of the diverse practices of yoga into a single and integrated system. The core of tantric philosophy – the strategy behind its practices can be boiled down to: 

• the universe, and all that is in it, is inherently Sacred
• in order to truly know yourself, you must dissolve the wall that appears to divide the world of spirit and matter
• the human body is a universe unto itself, a replica of the larger universe outside of it
• if you understand how to systematically ‘enter’ your body and harness its powers, your body can serve as a portal to spiritual awakening
• Tantra’s intention is to empower you to positively impact your outer world, your inner world, your body, mind, emotions, psyche and spirit – all dimensions and all aspects of life.” 

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Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) – I offer yoga nidra sessions for deep rest and relaxation. Rod Stryker explains very clearly the importance of yoga nidra to overall good health and well-being:

“The good news is that the brain is elastic. When it experiences enough of an interruption between stress cycles, brain function returns to a state that supports total well-being. This is where relaxation comes in. An ever-expanding body of research is showing the vital role of relaxation, which at one time was thought of as being little more than a luxurious indulgence or mystical pursuit. Thousands of years ago, the tantric tradition had already recognised the significance of relaxation. Ancient texts (…) outline a detailed approach to systematic relaxation as an essential practice for maintaining health and vitality. This ancient practice was called yoga nidra. It effectively means the deepest state of rest possible (complete effortlessness), combined with awareness.”