Yoga and Meditation

Stress is prevalent in all socio-economic strata of society and worryingly is affecting people at an increasingly young age. Recent human resource and medical estimates are that 6 million working days are lost per year to stress-related illness. Yoga and meditation are two simple and uniquely powerful ways to combat these effects.

In addition, they provide an opportunity to go inwards, into connection with your deepest self, to experience the texture, sound, space, silence of your being. Why is this beneficial? Because it is in the inner space, the cathedral within, that you find your true desires and motivations, your inspiration and gifts. It is the ability to draw on and express this inspiration that enables us to live healthy, vital lives and to be most effective in our work, community and homes.

Weekly Classes

Classical Hatha Yoga

Classical hatha yoga is a gentle style of yoga which focuses on (generally) slow, deep stretches that loosen up the body, increase strength and flexibility, and bring a deep sense of wellbeing. The inclusion of sequences in most classes enables you to experience a sense of flow and helps you to become attuned to your body and your energy as it changes from day to day. From time to time I will introduce a sequence so we can experiment with a more flowing style.

Classes are mixed ability and run on a drop-in basis:

  • Mondays 8.00-9.30pm £9
  • Tuesdays 6-7.10pm £8

@ The William Hobbayne Centre, corner St Dunstan's Road and Lower Boston Road, W7

  • Wednesdays 9.30-11am £9

@ The Alexandria Healing Centre, Alexandria Road, W13

Meditation

There a numerous meditation styles and traditions, and it is important to find a style that works for you if you want to reap the most benefit from this rewarding practice. These classes therefore offer a range of meditation styles so that participants can get a sense of what works for them. For example, breathing, visualisation, simple mantras or affirmations, journeys, and during the summer movement-based meditation.

Classes are again mixed ability and run on a drop-in basis on Mondays, 6.45-7.45pm, £6.50 @ The William Hobbayne Centre, Lower Boston Road, W7

One-to-one

One-to-one yoga or meditation consultations provide a tailored service that suits your particular want or need. A recent client reports:

"My hour's "stress relief" consultation with Jo provided great tips on reducing the "noise"in my overactive brain and to switch off my multiple thoughts when I don't need them.The meditation class is a wonderful relaxing hour out of my stressful week and helps put that into practice. When I can't make the class, Jo's CD goes on the stereo and there is her calming voicein the corner of my living room, guiding me through a short relaxation or meditation, great to take a few minutes to switch from work to home life and as Jo says, punctuate my day." Louise Taft, JR Jones Solicitors

Consultations are an hour and take place at my office in Hanwell and are £45 or I can come to you (within reason) for £50. Please contact me to discuss your requirements jo@joannesumner.com or 020 8579 7659.

Workshops

Chakra Alchemy: Using your body's crucible to create a golden 2010, 14 March 2010

"I want to feel lighter, happier, on track with my life and I want to let go of old beliefs and griefs, cherishing the past and able to move on."

If this resonates with you, then join Vena Ramphal and Joanne Sumner for a deep dive into your body's wisdom, exploring how to use your chakra system as a tool to create a golden year ahead. Identify the chakra or chakras that are your personal crucible(s) and transmute the rich material of undigested experience into light, energy and joy. The journey will be deepening, darkening, embodied, transformative, and ultimately lightening.

What we'll cover:

  • creating a common knowledge base regarding chakras and a map for your own chakra system
  • embracing the shadow to fully accept, heal and release those parts of ourselves that are often left behind
  • using the powerful feedback of your body to fine tune what you want to bring into your life for 2010
  • learning how to use the chakras as a fast track for transformation to make the journey smoother and easier

Who should attend:

  • You are ready to shift
  • You have some experience of chakras, energy work or ongoing personal development
  • You are willing to take responsibility for yourself

Come away with a process for creating change that you can use again and again and a somatic knowing of your golden 2010.

Walk lightly, feel deeply, choose freely and tap into your embodied joy.

Investment £60. Venue: Neals Yard Meeting Rooms, Covent Garden, London. Book via jo@joannesumner.com