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Yoga is about making friends with life and with yourself. There is no lifestyle, no occupation, no situation that cannot be greatly enhanced by yoga. Yoga is not something that should be set apart from one´s life. Rather it should become the taproot from which the other aspects of your life are nourished and regenerated.
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Godfrey Devereux
Yoga introduction
In today´s world we are all too often rushing, worrying about the future or agonising about what has happened in the past. We hardly ever take the time to be present in the moment, to listen to our inner self – our bodies and minds. The way we live and treat ourselves is far from our fundamental nature which leads to a separation of body and mind. This separation creates an inner and outer imbalance, a void that we often try to fill with artificial, materialistic pleasures which ultimately leave us more disoriented, unsatisfied and in dissonance with the world around us.
The word Yoga means «union» in Sanskrit – the union of mind, body and breath; union of inner and outer consciousness; spirit and matter; male and female. Practicing Yoga can help restore the balance within ourselves and bring back harmony with the outer world. Yoga is a training method not a religion – no special beliefs, ideals or aspirations are required. It is a route of discovery of oneself; a route to the release of physical and emotional tensions, towards an increased awareness of the present and towards a healthier lifestyle.
How Yoga works
Our bodies are full of tension which we have accumulated throughout life. The tension is a part of who we think we are. It is a deeply ingrained part of our sense of self, which then limits our physical and mental capacity. Yoga is designed to release the body and mind from this tension.
The aim of yoga practice is first of all relaxation; physical, emotional and mental. It teaches the individual to how to completely let go and relax at every level of being. It is a process of transformation that works through the five techniques of stillness (meditation), movement (postures/asana), integration (bandhas), rhythm (breath) and attention (awareness).
Yoga posture practice opens up the body, releases stress and tension embodied in the muscles and joints and realigns and balances our bodies. Posture practice in combination with focus on the breath and specific breathing exercises opens up our lungs, the chest, throat and ribcage where emotional tensions tend to be trapped.
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The benefits of Yoga
Regular Yoga practice offers benefits on all levels of being; physical, mental and spiritual. Aside from general relaxation, the different postures increase blood circulation which in turn leads to better regeneration of inner organs, an improved digestion, transport of waste products and a stronger immune system. Yoga practice also increases the muscular potential, develops stamina, stabilises the body weight and leads to a better body posture through realignment.
The postures and breathing techniques also calm down our nervous system and reduce stress. Yoga quietens the mind and leads to mental relaxation, better sleep and improved concentration. With a clear and calm mind we become more present in the moment, more efficient, more sensitive to ourselves and less materialistic and grasping. Yoga can help find our true selves, to relax and reunify our bodies and minds, to find our true potential: physical and non–physical.
The teacher and teaching method
Isabella started practising yoga in 2002 following a sports injury from running. As she discovered the many positive benefits of yoga practice she began exploring different yoga styles until she found Ashtanga yoga which she has been practicing since. In 2006 she encountered the Dynamic Yoga Method in which she earned her teachers´ certificate after studying with its founder Godfrey Devereux. Throughout the years he has also taken part in teacher trainings and workshops with many world leading yoga teachers such as David Swenson, Richard Freeman, Matthew Sweeney and Rolf Naujokat. She currently practices with and assists Eileen Gauthier at Triyoga in London.
Isabella teaches both Ashtanga and Dynamic Yoga at several locations in north and central London. Her classes are flowing and dynamic, but offer a gentle approach with particular focus on breathing, sensitivity and awareness. She adapts every class to the students´ level and needs. Her method allows students to practice yoga safely, to awaken, open, re–align and strengthen their body through a step by step approach. Isabella´s teaching aims to enhance the students´ bodily awareness, and to allow for reintegration of body, mind and breath. Her classes will teach you to become sensitive, how to awaken and open your body in the most direct, and effective manner possible. |
Classes & Private Tuition
For group classes and private tuition please see our schedule on the Contact page.
There is more wisdom in your body than in your deepest philosophies.
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Friedrich Nietzche
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