Yoga
I exclusively offer private classes, where the emphasis extends beyond posture-based practice. In addition to postures (asanas), I integrate specific breathing techniques known as pranayama to enhance your practice. Meditations also an integral part of my sessions.
My approach centers on cultivating awareness of your energy, which in turn helps you maintain postures with alignment that suits your unique body, rather than striving for an idealised form.
Contact Sabine to find out which treatment will be most suitable for you or to find out more about her expertise.
What is yoga?
The word yoga originates from Sanskrit. It is translated as a method of discipline. It is believed that the Indian sage called Patanjali collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra 2,000 years ago. It consists of a collection of principles that are considered the basis of the eight limbs of yoga:
- Yamas – restraints
- Niyamas – observances
- Asanas – postures
- Pranayama – breathing techniques
- Pratyahar – withdrawal of the sense
- Dharana – concentration
- Dhyani – meditation
- Samadhi – united with the divine, enlightenment, liberation
However, nowadays, many yogi and yogini are practicing asanas or physical postures mostly for health benefits. Originally, these postures were designed to purify the body and provide strength and flexibility in order to be able to meditate to become enlightened.
Yoga is a philosophy and not a religion, that began in India about 5,000 years ago, designed to provide a framework for spiritual growth and include other philosophies such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
What is hatha yoga?
The word hatha originates from Sanskrit. Hatha yoga refers to postures, specific positions that are aimed at improving balance, strength and flexibility. These postures are also aimed at opening or balancing chakras, which are centre of energy located in the spine so that energy flow freely and effectively.
Hatha is composed of “ha”, meaning “sun” and “tha” meaning “moon”. Hatha somehow refers to balancing our “sun”, active, hot, masculine aspects and our “moon”, cool, feminine aspects within ourselves.
My training in yoga
I studied at the EFY Ecole Francaise de Yoga, Paris. I gained my diploma in 1998 after 4 years of training (900h not taking into account compulsory personal practise).
We thoroughly studied, practised and taught all postures and variations, adjusting them when necessary, pranayama, dharana and guided meditation.
The training also included anatomy, physiology of breathing, psychology in relation to teaching yoga, deontology, history of Indian spirituality (history of Hinduism) and Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras and Upanishads.
I have also trained as a Pilates teacher for all mat levels and all equipment and all equipment levels with APPI (the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute in Hampstead in UK).