If you are new to Yoga, You may have so many questions that you don’t even know where to begin. I know how it feels. I have been there.

Here I offer you some of the most common questions and answers.

Please don’t hesitate to drop me an email if your question isn’t answered here. There is no such a thing as silly question to me! I want you to feel as comfortable as possible when you come to practice with me.

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Is Yoga a religion?

Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion. Though it does have a spiritual component. You do not need to be religious to practice. You only need to believe in the possibility that we can transform ourselves, that there is always more to learn and that there is a better way to approach life than the old habits that keep pulling us down. Yoga seeks to put us in touch with our core; our innermost nature of that who we are and to all that there is.

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What does Hatha Yoga mean?

Hatha Yoga is a path towards creating balance and uniting opposites. In which our physical bodies will develop a balance of strength and flexibility. It also teaches us to balance our effort and surrender in each pose and ideally take that off the mat into the world. Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.

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What does Tantra mean?

Tantra – the ancient science which uses specific techniques (pranayama, bandha, mudra, meditation) to expand and liberate the consciousness from its limitations by direct control of Prana (life force; breath, awareness, energy of consciousness…call it as you wish)

 Where the Classical Yoga tradition says ‘’Yogash-citta-vrtti-nirodhah’’ or ‘’Yoga is the control of mental fluctuation;’’ the Tantra/Hatha tradition says ‘’Prana-vrtti-nirodhah’’ or ‘’the control of the fluctuations of prana.’’ This core of understanding of Tantric methodology can be found in the Rig Vedic and early Upanishadic vision of the body as the gateway to self-mastery.

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What is Ayurveda?

Ayu (Life) Veda ( Knowledge) is the combination of balance and harmony of body, senses, mind and soul. Ayurveda is the most sacred science of life and sister science to Yoga.  Ayurveda's concern is alleviating both bodily and mental diseases and promoting both physical and psychological well-being. Yet the ultimate goal of classical Ayurveda, like classical yoga, is Self-realization - the highest form of Self-healing. Ayurveda shows us how to attain optimal health as a wholesome foundation and sufficient energy to pursue the yogic quest.

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What is Meditation?

Please know, that meditation does not mean the absence of thoughts.  Meditation is a process where you slowly teach your mind to become more one-pointed. And in time the mind will be able to see beyond itself. Beyond its regular distractions and conditionings. 

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What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation where we practice entering and staying with the alpha waves of the brain. This allows us to work more consciously with the subconscious mind – where we can work with long-held beliefs and patterns, among other aspects of ourselves and learn to relax on subtler levels of our being.  It really is an opportunity to create more effortless awareness and ease within ourselves. The beuaty of the practice is that sooner or later it will be reflected outward in our lives.

The best part – we practice it in a laying position called Savasana and all we we have to do is make ourselves cosy and warm to help us relax into the practice.

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What is the difference between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga?

The fundamental difference between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga is their 'goal'. Yin Yoga focuses on stretching the deep connective tissue of our fragile or less flexible joints such as hips, knees, and ankles. It’s called Yin Yoga as a contrast to stronger, more “Yang-like” movements of the muscles. Yin Yoga is slow-paced, mainly floor-based practice -calm and still. It teaches us patience and finding an appropriate and safe edge of holding the postures for extra lengths of time (3-5 minutes) to reap the benefit of the practice. On the other hand, the goal of Restorative Yoga is relaxation. This practice is soothing, comforting, relaxing and renewing. It is excellent for reducing chronic stress, anxiety and exhaustion. Props are used to support the body so poses can be held longer (5-10 minutes), allowing the body to open through passive stretching. Postures and their shapes are modified to your individual self with blocks, bolsters, blankets and straps to eliminate unnecessary muscular effort. 

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I am a complete beginner, can I attend your class?

Absolutely! We all have to start somewhere.  I welcome you as you are, providing a space that nurtures and supports you on your yoga journey, whether you searching for a good stretch, peace of mind or just a space for your being to just be… There is a small exception though, some of my workshops and special events are a bit more tuned for people who have been practising with me for a little while. Always check the description of the event or reach out if you are not sure.

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I can’t sit still, my mind wanders all the time and I can’t touch my toes. Is Yoga for me?

One of the greatest things about yoga is that it brings us all to commonality - we all have some struggles and worries, and though everyone comes in a different body, each of us has a path to walk, to make our life a more comfortable place to live in and be.  We are all constantly learning, growing and evolving. Modification/ alternatives of the poses are always offered, to suit everybody. Yoga invites you to make the practice your own, honouring your body, accepting your restrictions and finding what is best for you.

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What should I wear and do I need to bring anything?

Both of the yoga studios are fully equipped. You will find everything you need there for your practice. In the long term, I would highly recommend you purchase your mat for better comfort. It’s more hygienic and, most importantly, having your mat will make it much more likely that you will unroll it at home as well. 

Wear comfortable clothing so you can move and you can easily add or lose another layer. Yes! You can keep your socks on:)

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Can I just drop in or do I have to book? 

The Yoga Tree studio is large and spacious, therefore I can accommodate some drop-ins. The rest of the classes are pre-book only. Some of them online and some through contacting me directly (details are always in the class description).

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I have to cancel my booking, what should I do?

Please note that I have a 24-hour cancellation no-refund policy for weekly classes, 48 hours for monthly events and 1 week for special workshops minus the booking fee (10% of the total).  If I manage to fill up the space, I am always happy to forward your payment to another session.

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I am ready to come along, how early should I come? Where can I park?

Please arrive about 5-10 minutes before the beginning of the class to get familiar with the place. If you are new I will ask you to fill out a health questionnaire that allows me to know your physical conditions/injuries, etc. and then to settle on to your mat before we start. Being timely is important as there is no entry to the class once it starts.

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The Yoga Tree Studio; please note there is no onsite parking available. Sainsbury's on Queens Road is very close by and the easiest option. There is also a pay and display car park on Surrey Street and Ber Street.

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Happy Om studio; Tk-Max car park for free for up to 2 hours and pay and display opposite Toys r Us or any city car park. You may be lucky to park just on Heigham Street in late evenings and weekends.