Yoga & Somatic Movement
Slow down and tap into the infinite wisdom of your body
Curious about yoga but concerned you won’t be good at it?
Experienced but looking to explore your practice in a new way?
You’re in the right place.
My Yoga Philosophy
Playfulness, curiosity and kindness underpin all yoga and somatics classes. That means they are perfect both for novices, and those interested in bringing a fresh perspective to their time on the mat.
In classes you can expect a slower, attentive, nourishing pace and invitations for you to connect with your body; you may begin to notice patterns of movement, breathing and thinking.
As you practise a natural meditative quality may arise, along with a unifying sense of lightness and freedom in both body and mind.
According to the ancient yogic texts the objective of yoga is to unite body and mind so as to quieten the body and allow for meditation.
Slowing down the practice may help you. Try for yourself.
My Services
I offer several kinds of yoga & somatic movement:
Scaravelli-inspired Hatha Yoga
Slow and Mindful movement.
SATYA Somatics
Floor based stretches.
Yoga & Sound
1 to 1 and private groups.
“If you are kind to your body it will respond in an incredible way”
– Vanda Scaravelli
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Vanda Scaravelli’s teachings inform my classes.
After studying directly with B.K.S.Iyengar and T.K.V. Desikachar, Vanda created her own interpretation to teaching yoga combining her personal practice and love of Tai Chi, music and nature.
The essence of her teaching is based on movements beginning from the ground up, the flow of the breath and enlivening the spine.
There is an exploratory approach, staying rooted in the present unfolding moments exploring the body and the breath, receiving the support of gravity and allowing it to be expressed within.
It can help us to develop a compassionate connection with the body and mind and feels more organic with less emphasis on finding the perfect pose.
Develop the body-mind connection through somatics
SATYA (Sensory Awareness Training for Yoga Attunement) was created by Tias Little and builds the body-mind connection through slow somatic movements, connective tissue release and neurological repatterning.
Somatic exercises are done on the floor in a flowing fashion without force to increase somatic awareness. The exercises are non-weight bearing and involve sliding, gliding, and circular movements to balance the body structure giving relief from low back pain, tense shoulders and neck aches, reducing myo-fascial holding and fatigue, boosting immunity and creating a sense of ease and relaxation.
Somatic exercises can be taught separately or before yoga classes, soundbaths, meditation and yoga nidra sessions. No experience is needed which makes it a great practice.
Testimonials
What clients have to say
“Joe’s unique style of yoga has helped me get back in touch with my body, and I’m discovering new depths to my practice even after 14 years of regular yoga practice. I’ve also found the somatics work to be gentle and powerful; simple movements that work on deeply entrenched imbalances. The movements have helped me to reduce an intermittent pain that I had plus they have increased my postural and bodily awareness; my body feels whole again. “
“The combined benefits of somatics and Scaravelli-inspired yoga classes have been improved flexibility and strength, more stability in standing postures and an increased range of movement. Small repeated movements help muscles and joints relax into the practice and all with no strain. It feels like a meditative movement practice.”
“I have found the somatics work eye-opening; moving slowly, gently, concentrating on the tiniest feelings and changes has helped me to feel much more in touch with the workings of my body and to come to understand better how to treat myself more kindly. I feel more confident with my body this has had a positive effect on my mood and general mental health.“
“I invested in a 1:1 yoga session with Joe, to help me to set up regular home practice. This was most definitely worth every penny. I now wake up looking forward to getting my mat out. I have really noticed the benefits of more regular practice, both physically and mentally. Yoga with Joe is always a voyage of exploration and discovery and it’s a delight to have been empowered to carry this on independently between classes.“
“During the pandemic. I suffered from chronic insomnia for 7 months, often going without sleep for days or getting at most 1 hour of sleep a night. After a 1-hour online Inner Calm relaxation session, it was amazing as I slept a full 6 hours without the aid of medications. I was so relieved! I especially enjoyed Joanne’s lovely calming voice. I highly recommend these sessions to anyone with sleep disorders or having difficulty getting a good night’s sleep. “
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who are classes for?
Classes are suitable for all levels of yoga students.
Anyone interested in exploring or deepening their yoga practice is welcome, from complete beginners to those who have been practicing for decades. You’ll complete a personal history form before your first class, and if there are any concerns or contraindications, we will discuss these.
Classes have a focus on playful exploration and inner wisdom so if you are used to a more dynamic style of yoga practice this might be very different! Though I encourage you to try for yourself and see!
When are classes?
Class times vary depending on the season and demand. The I can offer the following classes:
Slow, Mindful Somatics & Scaravelli-inspired Yoga
Relax & Explore: Somatics & Scaravelli-inspired
Rest & Restore: Somatics & Restorative Yoga
New Moon Stretch & Soundbath
Full Moon Meditation & Sound bath
Inner Calm: Somatics & Yoga Nidra ( deep guided relaxation)
Seasonal workshops & The Rhythm of BE-ing Retreat You can find all the dates and booking information
I am also available for private one to one or group bookings. Just contact me to arrange.
How is yoga beneficial?
Yoga and somatic movements are a wonderful way to down-regulate the nervous systems’ stressed ‘flight or fight’ response that we can operate from, to the more balanced, ‘rest and digest’ response. It is less reactive – which is helpful in all aspects of life, on and off the yoga mat keeping us balanced, calm and more compassionate to ourselves and the world around us.
What happens during a class?
Classes are themed so it is best to check the booking description for specifics. Generally classes begin with a short grounding breath based practice which might be done seated or lying down, if the class incorporates somatic exercises they will take place before any yoga poses (asana). There is time at the end of class to rest in corpse pose or seated in meditation.
Soundbath sessions can vary so again check the event descriptions fully as they may include somatic stretches or a seated meditation before the bespoke sound bath using a variety of different instruments from singing bowls, chimes, sansula, gong, shakers and more! When a themed Yoga Nidra is listed this means that a deep guided relaxation takes place while the sounds are played. Time is included in the session time for you to have some chocolate and tea and ground yourself before heading home.
Unless stated when booking all equipment is provided though you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer to.
What is SATYA?
SATYA (Sensory Awareness Training for Yoga Attunement) is an in-depth programme in the healing arts of yoga that builds the body-mind connection through somatic movements, connective tissue release and neurological repatterning, and reduces fatigue. The SATYA movements are done on the floor in a flowing fashion without force to increase somatic awareness. The exercises are non-weight bearing and involve sliding, gliding, and circular movements to balance the body structure, reduce myo-fascial holding, reduce fatigue and boost immunity.
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra, is also referred to as ‘yogic sleep’. It is a staged, deep relaxation practice in which the body is placed in a comfortable position, lying down or seated, often using cushions, blankets and an eye mask as you become still your attention follows the relaxation. It is a simple and yet very effective way of distracting the busy ‘monkey’ mind away from distracting thoughts. You can use intention setting (sankalpa) as a way of sowing the seeds of intention within the subconscious mind. Often a themed visualisation can be included too.
Depending on the season the class schedule may offer live classes or Inner Calm recordings. It is also possible to work with Joe and have a bespoke recording created, this can offer you specific support if there is something you are working on in your life.