Ashtanga Yoga Liverpool

Guest post from the much missed Victoria Browne

2012-02-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

I have just moved to London after taking Helen's Ashtangaclasses in Liverpool for over two years.

I had never practiced Ashtanga before, and Helen's classesreally have changed the way I understand and relate to my body, and have helpedme to find ways of relaxing that involve being active and mindful. One of themost valuable aspects of Helen's classes is that they are not oriented aroundgoals and targets. Instead, Helen encourages you to be attuned to your body andfocus on your potentials and limitations on that day, rather than on what youachieved the day before, or want to achieve in the future. This so refreshingand empowering, when working life is so tightly structured around timelines anddeadlines and future goals.

Another wonderful aspect of Helen's classes is the sense oftogetherness and friendship amongst everyone there, even in a Mysore-styleclass, where everyone is going at their own pace. This is partly down to allthe warm and lovely people who come to the classes, but it's also due to theenergy that Helen gives and the atmosphere she creates.

So thank you so much Helen, and everyone else who haspracticed with me over the last couple of years. It has been a fantasticexperience, and I will drop in as often as I can when I am back in Liverpool.And if anyone is ever in London and fancies joining me for an Ashtanga classhere, get in touch!

Victoria x

Fast food recipes

2012-01-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you need food to be quick and easy, it's a busy life, for most of us. One of my students asked me to share a recipe with him a while ago and because he has had to wait, I thought I would share two recipes, and while I am at it I would put it out there for anyone else. Both recipes take about 15 minutes to make, are delicious and are vegan. I'm pretty sure that a non vegan would enjoy these too!

These recipes are what I reach for if I get home late from teaching and am hungry and tired. Lately I have been having my main meal in the day time, as in dinner for lunch, and lunch for dinner. This works well for me right now but may not be for everyone.

Peanut Noodles

Ingredients

Peanut butter (lots, about 2 spoons full per person)
Veg/ vegan stock (I use a powder as it's easier than cubes
Chilli flakes (or fresh chillies)
1/2 a lime (optional)
Agave nectar (low GI sweetener)
Tofu
Veg of your choice. I usually pick 3 from (broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, baby corn, asparagus)
Noodles ( I use wholewheat ones)

Recipe

Boil some water. While the water is boiling chop the tofu. Place boiling water over noodles in pan and boil. In a wok/ frying pan heat some olive oil moderate heat. Place tofu in the pan and allow it to lightly brown, turning when necessary. Meanwhile, chop the vegetables. Then place vegetables in with tofu. While they are gently stir frying (you could also steam them) mix some boiling water, the stock, the peanut butter, lime (if you have one), chilli flakes and agave together, I usually mix in a mug, but you can also add it to the vegetables and mix it there. Either way put everything together in the wok/ frying pan, veg, peanut sauce and noddles, mix and serve. Great comfort food, enjoy.

Coconut Nooddle Soup

Ingredients

Coconut Milk (1/2 a tin per person)

Veg/ vegan stock (I use a powder as it's easier than cubes)

Chilli flakes (or fresh chillies)

Marjoram

Tofu

Veg of your choice. I usually pick 3 from (broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, baby corn, asparagus)

Noodles ( I use wholewheat ones)

Recipe

Boil some water. While the water is boiling chop the tofu. Place boiling water over noodles in pan and boil. In a wok/ frying pan heat some olive oil moderate heat. Place tofu in the pan and allow it to lightly brown, turning when necessary. Meanwhile, chop the vegetables. Then place vegetables in with tofu. Open cococunt milk and get the other ingredients together. Once vegetables are almost cooked add cocunt milk, chillies, veg stock and majoram, stir. Drain and add noodles.

I have never written out recipes before, so if you have any questions let me know. If you try either of them, let me know.

Ashtanga Yoga Liverpool Christmas Social

2011-12-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the Egg Cafe, for our Christmas social, last night. It was great that so many of you were able to make it. I had a lovely evening. It was wonderful that the Egg let us hire out the top space to ourselves. It made it much more intimate and easy to talk to and hear everyone. I hope you all had as good a night as I did.

I started the yoga social because when I first moved to Liverpool and began practising yoga here, I met some lovely people that I would have to have socialised more with! In yoga classes I saw the same people week after week and yet have very little opportunity to talk to them. Yet, when you practice with other people you share so much. So when I became a yoga teacher myself I wanted to create a social get together so that yoga students could connect outside of class. It is nice to be able to share your yoga journey not just with your teacher but also with other yoga students.

Last night, I taught my last classes of the year, although I admit to feeling tired and in need of a break, I also felt quite nostalgic. I love teaching yoga so much. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who has attended my classes this year. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Yoga classes resume on Tuesday January 3rd. Hope to see you then!

If you are interested in practicing Ashtanga Yoga in Liverpool, please visit Ashtanga Yoga Liverpool for more information.

Ten Inspiring Books

2011-12-04T08:41:00.001-08:00

As many ofyou know. I love to read, people whoknow me well often joke when I say I can’t do something, “maybe you should buya book?” I usually do! I am very grateful for the ability to read asit gives me the ability to learn how to do almost anything, given time. Over the years I have read some insightfuland interesting books which have changed the course of my life or the way Iview it. I am now going to try and pickmy ten favourites to share them with you. A difficult task! I would love to hear what your favourite booksare too!

JonathonLivingston Seagull by Richard Bach

I read thiswhen I was still a child and have re-read it many times since. It is a small book and a very easy read witha simple yet inspiring message.

Illusions:The adventures of a reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

As abovethis was first read when I was a child and re read later, each time with adifferent insight. I was told as a childthat I would understand this book better when I was older but now as an adult Ithink I may have understood them better as a child. Children are much more present than adults,usually and so can understand and notice the wonders and wisdom of the universemuch more readily.

Siddarthaby Hermann Hesse

A beautifulstory based on the life of the Buddha, short insightful and a delight to read.

TheProphet by Kahlil Gibran

A beautifuland insightful book, divided into short chapters on different topics from loveto happiness. The book is deeplyspiritual but is not religion-specific.

AshtangaYoga Practice Manual by David Swenson
A lifechanger! My first introduction toAshtanga Yoga, need I say more....If you are thinking of getting a book onAshtanga, I would highly recommend this one, especially if you are just startingyour journey with Ashtanga. If you areinterested in getting a book on Ashtanga please visit Ashtanga Yoga Liverpool for recommendations.

Heartof Yoga by T.K.V Deskichar

Desikicharis the son of Krishnamcharya, who taught Pattabhi Jois. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois brought Ashtanga Yoga tothe West. Krishnamcharya also taught BKSIyengar and can be considered the grandfather of modern yoga as most of theyoga currently practiced in the West originated from his teachings. It is not an Ashtanga book but is a bookabout the yoga philosophy and history from someone with a deep understanding ofthe teachings. It is also very wellwritten and easy to read and contains a translation of the Yoga Sutras at theback.

BringingYoga to Life by Donna Fahri

A wonderfulan honest book about applying yoga to daily life.

Freedomfrom Exile by the Dalai Lama

The DaliaLama’s autobiography. An inspiring andinsightful read which is very well written and easy to read. I have read a few books by the Dalai Lama andenjoyed every one of them.

Awakenthe Giant Within by Anthony Robbins

A bookabout personal transformation. A greatbook and if you do the exercises he suggests a life changing one. If you feels stuck or are finding itdifficult to navigate through life this book could really help you make lastingpositive changes.

ThePlaces that Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness by Pema Chordon

I read thisbook this year and have since read and listened to more of Pema Chordon. She isan inspiring teacher from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, although much of whatshe says is applicable on the yoga path. Sometimes the spiritual path can lead us to face our fears andsadness. Pema gives wonderful guidanceon navigating this aspect of the path in a down to earth yet inspiring way.

Readingbooks is a great way to enhance our knowledge but wisdom comes fromexperience. Each time I read the YogaSutras I understand them in a deeper way but this is not because I have readthem again, it is because of all the hours I have spent on my mat and off it,applying the teachings of yoga to every aspect of my life. As Sri K. Pattabhi Jois is famous for saying“99% practice, 1 % theory”

Which books have been an inspiration to you inyour life; please share in the comments below so that we can all learn aboutthem.

For moreinformation about Ashtanga Yoga classes in Liverpool, please visit Ashtanga Yoga Liverpool.

Guest Post From Michelle Macnamara in Austrailia

2011-11-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

Liverpool, ENGLAND. Home of the Beatles, the Everton Football Club, the Superlambanana and the best Ashtanga Yoga class in the North-West.....
I was there to get involved in the art scene, party and get famous. It was the last place in the world I expected to start looking inside, not outside for answers. And I wasn't even sure what my questions were.

I didn't want to go to that first class. I made so many excuses up until that point, putting it off for a few weeks, while I just “talked” about doing it. The day I went to my first class was the day things started to change.

I was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga by my teacher, Helen Aldred. Although I don't see her much these days, as she is 16,666.23kms away (that's 10,355.91 miles), I will always refer to her as my teacher. She created a safe, welcoming environment to introduce and teach the basics of the Primary Series.

I was a complete beginner, although Helen would probably disagree, I certainly felt like one (i'm not sure that will ever go away).......but I was keen as mustard. I was full of questions and excitement at my newly found challenge and Helen took it all in her stride.
After a few months of beginners classes, Helen filled me with enough knowledge to begin a Mysore style practice.

In the short time I'd been practising, another transformation was occuring. I was finding my spiritual path.
I'd heard about “spirituality”. I'd read a bunch of books. I'd had some conversations and listened to a few people who had found their paths but nothing ever stuck.

All of a sudden, there I was, becoming a small portion of the person I'd been seaching for since I was little.

I'm a long way from Liverpool now, living in Byron Bay, Australia. I practice Mysore style at Dena Kingsberg's shala. My teacher's name is Sam, he is kind and has a great depth of understanding. There are many dedicated and also advanced students that practice there. (which is, most days inspiring and intimidating on others, depending where my mind has led me that morning)

There is something to be said for having a teacher who believes in you. Helen believed in me and my practice and now Sam believes in me and my practice. I didn't have to ask them nicely or do anything untoward, I just have to turn up.
Finding that immense support from and connection with people that you barely know outside the shala, is mind blowing. You could be anyone but inside you are no different to anyone else and your practice is just as important.

Ashtanga isn't easy. I joke to my husband that “it's my punishment” to make up for all the bad stuff. But all jokes aside, Ashtanga Yoga is the single most challenging and rewarding experience of my life so far. And I haven't even touched the surface, let alone scratched it.

For more information on Michelle and to view her amazing artwork visit Michelle Macnamara's website.

For more information on Ahtanga Yoga classes in Liverpool visit Ashtanga Yoga Liverpool

Change of venue

2010-09-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

As most of you already know, next week my Monday and Friday yoga classes will be at Liverpool wellbeing centre, 37 Hope Street for one week only. That's Monday 13th September and Friday 17th of September.

Thanks,
Helen

August 2010

2010-08-14T02:04:00.000-07:00

There will be no class on Friday 20th August, sorry for any inconvenience caused. Please see timetable for an alternative.

New Beginners Ashtanga class in Liverpool

2010-04-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new beginners ashtanga yoga class at Liverpool wellbeing centre. The class will start next Thursday the 29th of April 7:30 -8:30. I will update my website on Friday to avoid anyone turning up a week early!

Yoga Social and new class

2010-02-09T05:35:00.000-08:00

Hello,

This Friday I am organizing a yoga social after my Ashtanga Yoga Primary class on Friday. This is an opportunity to meet and socialize with other people from my yoga classes. It is open to any of my students from any class and there is no need to come to the class beforehand. We will meet in the Everyman from around 8:15 onwards. If you want to come please contact me, yoga@planetholistics.co.uk as I need to book a table.

My Ashtanga beginners classes at Liverpool Wellbeing Centre have been very busy recently, thank you for your dedication and commitment. I am starting a new Ashtanga Mysore style class at Liverpool Wellbeing centre in March. The class will be 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. and will begin on March 3rd.

Here is the class description, any questions please contact me.

Wednesday 7:30 -9:00 Liverpool Wellbeing Centre- starts Wednesday 3rd March

Ashtanga Mysore Style - A traditional Ashtanga yoga class as taught in Mysore, India. Students work through as much of the sequences as is appropriate for them. Helen adjusts and advises the students individually rather than leading the class as a whole. There is no need to have memorised the sequence before coming to the class, this will come with practice. All levels welcome.

Yoga Workshop in Manchester

2010-01-24T04:11:00.000-08:00

I have just been sent some information on an Ashtanga Workshop in Manchester in May with Paul Dallaghan. Here's the information.

yoga -a deeper understanding

PAUL DALLAGHAN

WORKSHOP SUNDAY AND MONDAY MAY 2ND/3RD 2010

Join us for two days full of insight and inspiration - and fun! Sessions will cover key principles of asana (posture) practice; incorporation of bandha (bodyl locks), ujjayi (breathing technique) and drishti (visual focus points) with vinyasa (flow); ashtanga vinyasa in detail; pranayama (breath work) basics; and discussion

on philosophy and practice.

Paul is one of three senior dedicated students of Sri O.P.Tiwari, one of the few remaining classical yogis and master of pranayama. He has practiced pranayama for many years under Tiwariji’sdirect guidance which has led to deep insight and understanding of practice. Paul is also certified by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in ashtanga vinyasa, one of only a few in the world. He uses this as a base for intelligence in asana to be applied appropriately for the student. Paul continues with his regular routine of asana, pranayama and meditation on a daily basis and through love of the subject matter keeps up a keen study of the classical texts and scientific interpretations of what goes on in yoga. His unique offering is to teach direct from the heart with both intelligence and humour. Please visit;www.yoga-thailand.com // www.centeredyoga.com for more details.

Gain a deeper understanding of yoga to enhance your practice. Theoretical explanation based upon direct experience can stimulate your intellect and cause you to reflect deeper on your practice. The outcome is greater understanding and a stronger connection to your self through your own practice.

SUNDAY EVENING 6.30 - 9.30 pm

Pranayama basics and Ashtanga Vinyasa in detail. A led explorative class to deepen the understanding of the material detailed. Discussion on philosophy, practice and a chance for Q & A.

MONDAY MORNING 6 - 8.00am (you can arrive before 6am if you chose, limited spaces)

Mysore style Ashtanga. A chance to put into practice what was detailed in sundays workshop with more personalised input from Paul for each student Students should be familiar with the standing sequence and beyond. (Places are limited please book early to avoid disappointment)

VENUE: St.Georges Parish Hall Altrincham /www.stgeorgesaltrincham.org/directions.html

COST & BOOKINGS: Sun Eve £40, Mysore £30 early bird booking £60 for both by March 31st

contact;Vicki Shields T. 07957361 034 v.shields@btinternet.com www.ashtangamanchester.co.uk

Yoga classes are on

2010-01-07T08:08:00.000-08:00

Hi just an update to let you know that my yoga classes are continuing to run as normal. Take care on the ice

Classes as normal despite the snow

2010-01-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, it's very snowy in Liverpool , absolutely beautiful. I will be teaching my yoga classes as normal Wednesday evening. Take care in the snow and stay warm and safe. Hope to see you all soon.

New Ashtanga Yoga Classes in Liverpool

2009-12-30T11:02:00.000-08:00

I have just made the new website live with details of the new Ashtanga yoga classes including the new mysore style class on Monday evenings. I have also added a page where I have listed my favourite Ashtanga Yoga books, which I hope you find useful.

There is a page with more information about Ashtanga Yoga and Frequently asked Questions and a live feed to my blogs. Hope you find it useful, see you soon.

Christmas Holidays

2009-12-09T07:49:00.000-08:00

I will be teaching up until Wednesday 23rd of December. Classes will start again in the new year on Monday 5th of January, including the new classes. I am currently updating my yoga website and will make it live on January 2nd. I have added a lot more pages to the site.

The new classes will be at Hope Street Limited on Arrad Street, Liverpool the same venue as my Friday class. See previous post for times.

New Ashtanga Yoga Classes in Liverpool, 2010

2009-11-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

In 2010 I will have at least 3 new yoga classes in Liverpool city centre.

The new classes will be on my website in the new year.

They will start the first week of January

Monday 6:00 - 7:00 Ashtanga Yoga For Beginners

Monday 7:30-9:00 Ashtanga Yoga Mysore

Friday 5:15 -6:15 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners

I will confirm and post more details nearer the time. For my current timetable visit Ashtanga Yoga Liverpool timetable