BruceYogi Yoga Classes

For when you don't felt too well, lack energy, or simply need a gentle, slow yoga practice.

This class takes care of your whole being - consciously breathing, with a deeper awareness of moving systematically into and through your physical, energetic and mental states of being. 

Namaste.

(a class for all levels)

- apologies for some poor audio quality in places-

2 simple exercises that may help.

I received a request from a friend for breath exercises to help a friend of hers that was suffering from Covid. I am always mindful that yoga exercises need to supplement professional medical treatment, so this breath work is intended to supplement such treatment. 

He messaged her afterwards explaining how the exercises helped him during his illness and with his recovery. His encouraging words inspired me to create this podcast that may help others:-

"Hi, I received and jumped straight in. I really appreciate the simplicity first of all. It was easy to follow and felt progress being made. We will be putting this to daily use. I'm Gonna be a champion. So been doing the breathing exercises coupled with some steaming. The results have been amazing!!!!  Thank you again, other than the obvious benefit, the mental strength gained is huge."

Conscious breath-work can help strengthen the diaphragm and other muscles that support breathing. It can assist with respiration through promotion of movement of air in and out of the lungs. The breath-work described is scientifically known to promote the functioning of the vagus nerve, which medically is known to promote well-being. These 2 exercises may help make breathing easier, more efficient and relaxed no matter what your current situation is. 

If you know someone who may possibly benefit from these exercises, please feel free to share this with them. Always ensure that a professional doctor is consulted first. 

Namaste.

Nurture... nourish... attend to... look after.... and be kind.... to your-self.

Because no one else can do this, only you.

Compassion or kindness is the essence of Jivamukti Yoga. If you truly want to know Self, then the only method is to be kind and nurturing to self. Through this kindness, the ego-self perceives no threat and will relax and let go, revealing the higher Self, your true nature, which is loving kindness in the first place. Piercing the veil of illusion, you will finally SEE, all beings as an expression of consciousness, one-and-the-same.

(The converse is - Harm to self, or himsa, which results in the small self re-enforcing the image of small self and building a stronger ego, as a protective facade or veil which hides your true nature. So nurture, be kind and compassionate, it is the only path to truth).

I honor you... all of you... Namaste.

(A class suitable for all levels)

Jivamukti Spiritual Warrior is a classic Jivamukti Yoga sequence. It was taught to me by my yoga teachers Sharon Gannon and David Life.

"This is a brisk, guided, led vinyasa class in which the teacher calls  out the asanas and provides the breath count, but gives minimal  instruction as to how to do the various asanas. The class offers a  well-rounded practice as a set sequence that includes a warm-up, the  setting of an elevated intention, chanting, surya namaskar, standing  asanas, twists, balances, backward bending, forward bending and  inversions, as well as meditation and relaxation, and is designed to be  completed in one hour. Thus, it is suitable for those who have limited  time to devote to a yoga practice, for those who are looking for a  workout to “shape up” physically, and for those who are looking to  include a robust asana practice in a manageable daily routine. Because  it is a fixed sequence that is always the same, a student has the  opportunity to progress to the level of mastery by committing to a  consistent, steady, regular sadhana." ~ Sharon Gannon, David Life.

The first few classes may seem overwhelming, but with time and steady  practice, progress will inevitably come. The Jivamukti Spiritual  Warrior 1-hour sequence is a comprehensive yoga class that transforms,  invigorates and energizes, while at the same time grounding and leading  the student inward on an exploration of the deeper spiritual aspects of  the self.  

~ www.jivamuktiyoga.com 

A fun yoga class exploring half moon pose (ardha chandrasana).

If you are familiar with Jivamukti Yoga, you will be familiar with the sequencing, which subtly pre-programs the mind-body system leading into exploration of deeper poses.

This is a challenging class in places, but is accessible to all. 

Always be respectful of your limitations and practice accordingly.

Have fun, and enjoy your practice.

Namaste.

Wild Thing, a fun pose, "inverting" down dog is an energizing pose that requires open front-body, hips, shoulders, as well as a the strength to maintain steady openness.

This class will prepare you for the pose, slowly, steadily leading you closer to that Wild-Thing Moment.

And if you can't, or don't, it doesn't matter, simply practice what you can (safely) and have fun.

Namaste.

(for all levels, practice within your limits)

Simple, slow, deep. 

Moving into and transitioning between poses with super-conscious awareness.

A Jivamukti Yoga class to be enjoyed by all levels of yogi.

Namaste.

(an easier, yet challenging class, great for beginners and also advanced yogis)

Side Crow and Crow will help build your confidence, concentration, strength and your resilience.

It strengthens your core, is an excellent tonic for your internal organs and will also release tension that is carried in the shoulder area.

Tip- Take your time preparing your core and your shoulders, and use firm ujjayi breath to help engage your core, to bring extra stability to your crow.

Namaste.

(This is a class suitable for yogis who have a consistent practice).

Crow will help build your confidence, concentration, strength and your resilience.

It strengthens your core, is an excellent tonic for your internal organs and will also release tension that is carried in the shoulder area.

Beginners-  will learn crow (bakasana) and gain confidence in your practice.

Adepts- refine your practice to a deeper level of experience.

Tip- Take your time preparing your core and your shoulders, and use ujjayi breath to help engage your core, to bring extra stability to your crow.

Namaste.

(This is a class suitable for all yogis. New to yoga? please take care!)

NB:- never practice if you are pregnant, have injuries, high blood pressure or medical conditions that may be problematic.

"Loving Kindness" and the cultivation of benevolence to all beings is the cornerstone of all great spiritual traditions.

In Buddhism this practice is called Metta Bhavana. In Yoga it is called Maitri Karuna.

Jivamukti Yoga, uses the mantra Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, "may all beings be happy" for compassion - as the method for enlightenment.

Whichever you practice, the intent is to awaken compassion for all sentient beings.

May all beings be happy.

Namaste.

(a more advanced class, but if you are starting yoga, give it a try, but take appropriate care for self).