Mindfulness Yoga

What is mindfulness yoga? Mindfulness is defined as the capacity to intentionally bring one’s attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment. It is the ability to observe things as they are: without choosing, without comparing and judging, without evaluating. All thoughts, feelings and sensations are like clouds passing through the sky. As a yoga teacher I bring mindfulness into my physical practice, to help my students reduce stress as well as strengthen their body.

JUMP TO SCHEDULE

Why are mindfulness techniques important in yoga?

Mindfulness teaches us that we do not have to react to our thoughts as if they are the permanent truth, which is how it might feel when we experience them. Instead of reacting to our thoughts, we cultivate a place for them and treat them as experiences in their own right. Here are a few ways in which your yoga practice can help cultivate mindfulness:

Focus on breath (pranayama): Synchronising movement with breath in yoga encourages a meditative state. By focusing on the inhale and exhale, you will anchor your mind to the present.

Body awareness: Yoga postures require attention to alignment and balance. In my classes I invite you to mirror the mindfulness practice of observing thoughts, and to notice areas of tension without judgment.

Acceptance and non-judgment: Yoga can involve challenging postures or moments of discomfort. Learning to stay present, breathe, and adapt fosters a mindset of acceptance and non-judgment, key principles of mindfulness.

What format do my classes take?

You can attend my classes either in person at Wanstead Quaker Meeting House or online. Each week I introduce a variety of postures. Sometimes we’ll focus on a particular area of the body like tight hips or tense shoulders, other times we’ll hold postures.

Good alignment is crucial and, whether in person or on Zoom, I’ll be observing how you move, making sure that you’re not taking yourself to a place that your body is not ready to go to.

On Tuesday evenings I run a longer, candle-led yoga session that ends with a 15-minute silent meditation. This is perfect for anyone wanting to explore the mindfulness part of their yoga practice further.

Which levels do my classes cater to?

All levels are welcome. I take care to adapt each posture to the needs of each student, including those who are new to yoga or working with an injury. Yoga is all about practice and patience. All I hope for is that you show yourself patience, don’t judge yourself if you can’t do a particular pose and enjoy the class.

And maybe what you uncover on the mat, you can extend into your everyday life too. I look forward to welcoming you to my class. If you have any questions please email me at helen.georghiou@mac.com.

Weekly timetable

Mindfulness Yoga

Monday: 8pm – 9pm VIRTUAL
Tuesday: 8pm – 9.15pm IN PERSON & LIVESTREAM
Thursday: 9.30am – 10.30am IN PERSON

IN PERSON classes held at
Wanstead Quaker Meeting House, Bush Road E11 3AU

Price: £16/10 drop in or £70/50 for 5 consecutive weeks

GET IN TOUCH Join the whatsapp group

TESTIMONIALS

“What I especially like about your teaching is that you put so much thought into your lesson plans. Your teaching comes from a heart full place where you want people to have a real journey through the practice.”

Astra Farquharson

“Yoga really helps me to connect, relax & sleep a bit better. Thank you for helping me on so many levels, I look forward to your yoga classes, as part of my essential self care.”

Justine John Henry

“Helen Georghiou’s classes feel well planned and are easy to follow. I like the focus on mindfulness and breathing. I always feel relaxed afterwards and have a good night’s sleep.”

Fiona Day

“Helen’s calm and clear approach to teaching yoga is amazing. Her guidance is supportive to help improve technique even via a zoom session. Helen’s yoga practice has transformed my breathing and taught me to take a moment to learn how to ‘stop the chattering’ and focus on the present moment.”

Monica Secretan

“I’ve been attending Helen’s classes since 2014. I appreciate Helen’s down to earth and warm manner, the extremely accessible yoga and the mindfulness element to the classes which helps to foster my attention and self-compassion. Helen is approachable & supportive and the classes are well organised. I’ve been so grateful that her classes have continued to run online over the lockdown as they’ve really helped my well-being during this difficult time. Thank you Helen!!!”

Deborah Peters

“I have been practising yoga with Helen since 2016. I like Helen’s approachable manner and how the yoga postures can be adapted to suit how flexible you are feeling on any given day . I also love the mindfulness which helps to give some respite from a busy mind. I definitely feel calmer and refreshed after one of Helen’s yoga sessions.”

Felicity McSherry

“Helen’s classes are unlike any other yoga class that I’ve attended. The poses are a mixture of challenging & soothing and even though I attend remotely, Helen always explains each pose super clearly so I don’t have to be looking at the screen all the time. I attend her evening classes and always have the best night’s sleep afterwards! I highly recommend this class to beginners and seasoned yogis alike.”

Henrietta Richman

“I look forward to Helen’s weekly class which is gentle and meditative but often quite strong and challenging with emphasis on breathing and holding poses and thereby building strength and balance. As I get older this is so important to maintain and I can’t imagine how I would manage without it. Helen is really amongst the best teachers I have known so if anyone wants a recommendation from me you’ve got it!”

Wizzo Denholm

“When I joined the classes with Helen, I was in a period of recovery. Mindful yoga not only nurtured my body but also my mind, and I am grateful to Helen for offering online classes. A couple of months later, when I learned that I was pregnant, it felt that I made the best possible start in this new chapter of my life.”

Emy Korda