Day & Date: FRIDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2022
Time: 1900-2100Venue: YOGA WITH SOUL STUDIOInvestment: £20This sacred Cacao Ceremony will give you the opportunity to connect to your heart space as well as share the experience with other participants in a safe and nurturing environment.
ABOUT CACAO
Raw cacao is a natural plant medicine that has been used for thousands of years in the Mayan culture of South America for medicinal, spiritual and ceremonial purposes.
Cacao is a true heart opener, a soft and gentle medicine that has been used to heal physical, mental and spiritual illnesses. Cacao has been shown to boost the immune system and lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as leading to deeper spiritual connection. Cacao increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain and induces the release of endorphins and dopamine, our feel-good hormones. As a result, we are happier and our creativity can reach peak states.
The Cacao I will be using for the ceremony is 100% Organic Ceremonial Grade and has been grown, harvested, fermented & dried by Ashaninka families. Directly sourced from ancient Cacao gardens in the Rio Ene region of Peru.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This ceremony falls into the New Moon period. This is a good time to set intentions for connecting to, creating and manifesting the future our hearts truly desire.
The ceremony will begin in a sacred circle - connecting to ourselves and each other. We will be setting intentions and calling upon the powerful life energies through the shamanic practice of honoring the Four Directions, The Gods and the Five Elements.
We will then practice a powerful heart opening Breathing Technique followed by Shaking Meditation and Ecstatic Dance, freeing our bodies and our minds from daily constraints of conditioning and limitation of the mind, allowing the expression of our nature of joy and love to shine through dance and movement. This part of the ceremony is both, a sacred offering and a celebration of LIFE.
We will sit in meditation, simply observing what arises from the space inside and outside of ourselves - no judgment, followed by deep relaxation - lying down on the floor, eyes closed and body in stillness. This is an opportunity to rest, relax and allow the sacred medicine to really integrate into every part of the body, mind and soul.
We will finish the ceremony in a Sharing Circle, welcoming both tears and laughter, grief and joy as well as the creative flow of anything that wants to manifest from the group.
WHAT TO BRINGBlanket, comfortable clothes, notepad & a pen, a bottle of water.
Please eat lightly during the day and if possible please keep an empty stomach for at least 3-4 hours before the cacao ceremony. Ideally, just light fruit and veg nothing too heavy on the day.
Avoid coffee during the day. Drink herbal tea without caffeine and do not consume any other stimulants.
It is good to drink plenty of water before, during and after otherwise a headache is a possibility
Antidepressants are not compatible with strong doses of cacao.
The ceremonial cacao is contraindicated for those with a current or past history of a psychiatric condition
If you are pregnant or have high blood pressure please let me know so you can have a smaller dose. The energy will still be uplifting!
It's also an option to just have water and still be a part of the flow.
I LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING THIS EXPANDING EXPERIENCE WITH YOU
FULL MOON YOGA ON THE BEACH
+
VEDIC FIRE CEREMONY
JACKSON'S BAY BEACH FRIDAY, 12 AUGUST 2022
1900 - 2100
£20
This is a 2-hour yogic event designed to connect you to the Full Moon energy this August.
This month's full moon is the last SUPERMOON of the year. Supermoons are defined as full Moons that occur while the Moon is at its nearest point to Earth.
This month's full moon was traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon because the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this part of summer. It symbolizes gratitude for the bounties of nature, asks us to step into the flow, and appreciate the fruits of all seasons and the unique beauties of the cycles of life.
August's full moon is also connected to the sign of Aquarius and signifies the time for initiating change and progress. Now is a good time to reconnect to your spiritual side and take a step back and really appreciate everything.
The events consist of three parts:
- Full Moon intention setting. You will be asked to contemplate, focus on and write down three intentions, including something to let go of, something to develop greater gratitude towards, and something you want to be transformed in your life.
- The YOGA practice with attention to the 3 specific topics above.
- Vedic Fire Ceremony, HAVAN, - a sacred fire purification & invocation ritual during which we will be making a fire-offering of our intentions, fuelled by the power of a sacred mantra.
Please bring warm clothes, blankets etc to keep warm. Also, bring drinking water and a yoga mat + a notebook & a pen.
Why Fire Ceremony?
"Fire allows for rapid transformation. It provides the avenue to let go of the old story and drama, to transform, to renew and to be reborn. Through fire ceremony, you honour your lessons and old belief structures by placing them in the fire and turning them over to Spirit. By releasing these old patterns and beliefs into the fire, you heal deeply at the level of the soul without having to experience them at the literal and physical levels." – Dr. Alberto Villoldo
Fire ceremony, one of the core ceremonies in many medicine traditions, is typically held around the full or new moon of each month when the veils between the worlds are the thinnest.
Havan is an ancient process of fire ceremony in which the herbal things are sacrificed in the holy fire with the purpose of utilizing the subtle properties of sacrificed matter with the help of the thermal energy and sound energy of mantras. Today’s scientific research has also approved the significant potential of Havan in the purification of our internal energy and our environment.
There are two basic energy systems in the external world or physical world – Heat and Sound. While we perform Havan, these two energy elements of the physical world are highly impacted. In performing Havan, the heat from Havan fire and the sound of the mantra are combined to achieve the desired physical, psychological and spiritual results.
Why Mantra?
The Vedic chanting is said to help develop one's mental powers and strength, ease stress, and take one to a higher level of consciousness
Chanting is considered a psychosomatic route to physical and intellectual wellness. Regular chanting of mantras is believed to wipe out fear, anger and depression, and help relieve disorders of the respiratory, digestive, reproductive, circulatory, speech, intellectual and cognitive systems.
Vedic chanting is said to help develop one's mental powers and strength, ease stress, and take one to a higher level of consciousness.
We will be be chanting The MAHA MRITYANJAYA Mantra together. This mantra is considered to be the most potent & powerful Shiva Mantra and the benefits include physical healing, mental strength and longevity. It is also said to bring physical, mental, and spiritual protection.
We will chant the mantra 108 times together. The numbers ‘1’, ‘0’ and ‘8’ separately signify ‘oneness’, ‘nothingness' and 'everything' respectively. Together they depict the ultimate reality of the universe - one, empty and infinite, all at once.
SUNDAY
30 OCTOBER 2022
1600 - 1900YOGA WITH SOUL STUDIO£40Come & explore your unique energetic make-up + learn how to fine-tune your yoga practice, and your lifestyle, to bring yourself into balance and alignment.
Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga. It is the Science Of Life, it teaches us how to live in harmony with nature. Combined, these two modalities provide a complete blueprint for perfect health and wellbeing.
Ayurveda tells us that everything consists of 5 elements - Space, Air, Fire, Water & Earth. These elements combine into 3 Doshas - VATA (Space & Air), PITTA (Fire & Water) and KAPHA (Water & Earth).
The doshas govern our physiological functioning and psychological well-being. Each one of us have all the 5 elements and the 3 doshas, it is just the proportion of the elements that is different.
Understanding your unique proportion will give you a real insight into obtaining and maintaining balance. It will help you choose the right practices for your unique constitution, the time of year and in line with the ever changing external circumstances an interval factors.
CONTENT: 20% THEORY
80% PRACTICE
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Short introduction to Ayurveda & Dosha theory
- Relating Yoga Practice to Energy Movements
- Break: Tea + Find out Your Dosha
- Asana & Pranayama Practice for pacifying Kapha
- Asana & Pranayama practice for pacifying Pitta
- Asana & Pranayama practice for pacifying Vata
- Yoga Nidra - Deep Relaxation Practice
- Q&A, Tea & Treats
WHAT TO BRING:
- A yoga mat
- A notepad
WINTER WELLNESS
AYURVEDIC 2,5 HOUR WORKSHOP
A WORKSHOP DESIGNED TO EMPOWER AND PROVIDE TOOLS TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING THIS WINTER
Wednesday, 25 January 2023
1800-2030
£25
AMARYLLIS SALONCardiff
Welcome to the Ayurvedic Winter workshop!
This workshop is designed to introduce you to the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda
During the workshop, you'll learn about the 5 elements theory and the main principles of Ayurveda. This will give you a deeper understanding of how the natural elements play a role in maintaining a balanced state of health and well-being.
One of the highlights of the workshop will be finding out your individual constitution, known as your "dosha" in Ayurveda. This will give you insight into your nature and any current imbalances you might have. With this knowledge, you'll be able to take steps to bring balance back to your body and mind.
This workshop will also teach you how to put together a daily routine, the best self-care rituals, and the diet most beneficial to you during the winter season. You'll learn about the herbs, spices, and foods that are recommended for the winter, and you'll be provided with basic recipes of the remedies that are beneficial for this time of year.
At the end of the workshop, there will be a Q&A session where you'll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about Ayurveda.
Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to mingle with like-minded people who are interested in this ancient healing system.
Come join us and learn how to take control of your health and wellness using the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda.
Please bring a notepad and a pen.
The workshop will be led by Oxana Weber, a qualified Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle Consultant and a Yoga Teacher.
INSOMNIA NO MORE
SLEEP RECOVERY WORKSHOP
Cardiff Yoga StudioFriday8 April 20221830 - 2100YOGA BY CANDLELIGHT
Tuesday, 14 December 2021
1915 - 2030
Grange Pavilion, Cardiff
A 75-minute Candlelit Restorative Yoga Workshop for YOU
Following the success of the workshop in November 2021, I am running it again in December!
Join us at Grange Pavilion, Cardiff for this unique, deeply nourishing and rejuvenating yoga practice.
The main focus of the practice is on developing a connection to our inner world. This practice will help balance your nervous system and improve sleep.
Please bring a yoga mat, candle, cushions/block, eye pillow + your favorite blanket to the practice.
WHAT TO BRING:
Yoga Mat
Candle
Bolster /Cushions
Your Favourite Blanket
Eye Pillow (optional)
SATURDAY21 AUGUST 20210830 - 1230JACKSON'S BAY BEACHEver tried yoga on the beach? It's amazing!
Weather reports for the UK say that we are expecting another heatwave from 19 August.
I say YES to that!
To celebrate the return of summer I am organizing a half-day beach yoga retreat!
Join me In the morning at Jackson's Bay beach for a practice connected to elements - the ocean, sun & earth!
We will move together through a beautiful morning yoga practice (connected through a sacred mandala circle), we will meditate and then, we will share a picnic - all TOGETHER!
Picnic food I will be sharing will be simple & Ayurvedic - summer salads, bread, dips, and fruit.
Please feel free to bring a dish to share too!
The plan is to meet at Barry Island car park at 8:30AM and walk to Jackson's Bay together.
Please note that the beach location will depend on ocean tide and the event, because it's outdoors, on the weather.
SUN SALUTATIONS AND SOUND
Yoga, Mantra & Morning Meditation Masterclass
SATURDAY, 26 JUNE 2021
1000 - 1200
GRANGE PAVILION, CARDIFF
Level: Beginners- Advanced
Style: Vinyasa flow - Surya Namaskara (Salute to the Sun) with Bija mantras
Content: 80% asana, mantra & pranayama / 20% meditation / 8% magic (a shift in perception) = 108% empowered living & awesomeness!
This is a 2-hour immersive masterclass aimed at awakening and utilizing the solar energy within us. We will focus on learning and practicing the classic 12 posture Sun Salutation sequence with a therapeutic purpose. On the physical level, the aim of the practice is to help you develop strength, endurance and flexibility. On the energetic/pranic level the aim is to release the stagnant energy and harmonize the flow between Ida (lunar) and Pingala (solar) nadis (energy channels) hence increasing the individual pranic flow (life force). The result? More energy, increased feelings of well-being and happiness, suppleness in the body and spaciousness in the mind!
The class is run in a traditional yogic format, with the use of kriya, mantra and pranayama as well as meditation and a delicious guided shavasana to complete the practice. We will use specific bija mantras (seed syllables) corresponding to each position, to set up powerful vibrations of energy within the mind and body. In addition to the powerful hatha yoga practices that we will be using, these vibrations are known to correct the functions of the exocrine and endocrine systems in the human body, increasing the overall vitality of the major internal organs.
This is a pop-up event and on this occasion, we will gather at the Grange Pavilion Yoga Studio.
Please bring a yoga mat and a blanket to the class.
Contraindications: anyone suffering or recovering from injuries should be mindful when doing the vinyasa portion of the class and modify it to make the sequence easier or more comfortable.
SPRING HEALTH
AYURVEDIC 1/2 DAY WORKSHOP
A THERAPEUTIC WORKSHOP DESIGNED TO EMPOWER AND PROVIDE TOOLS TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING THIS SPRING
£60
Saturday, 19 March 2022
10 AM - 1 PM
Yoga With Soul Studio
Western Industrial Estate, 6, Flex Space Business Centre, Caerphilly CF83 1BE
Transition into Spring in perfect health!
During the workshop, we will be exploring natural ways for maintaining good health in the Spring season using methods that originated in Ayurvedic medicine, a centuries-old science that adheres to natural rhythms and cycles. Ayurveda uses several approaches to bring harmony to our physiology including diet, herbs, spices, yoga, meditation and massages.
The workshop will be led by Oxana Weber, a qualified Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle Consultant and a Yoga Teacher.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
OXANA WEBER
Oxana is a qualified Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle Consultant and a Yoga Teacher. She has trained with Dr Deepa Apte at the Ayurveda Pura Academy in London, qualifying in 2018. Oxana has completed a Yoga Foundation course with Michele Lambert in 2015 and an extensive two year Yoga & Meditation Yoga Teacher Training Course at the International Mandala Yoga Ashram in Mid Wales in 2017. Oxana has facilitated workshops and classes for a number of years and has helped numerous clients and students improve their health and well-being through her innovative bespoke health coaching programmes and consultations.
ESTHER DENNESS
Esther is a qualified Hatha Yoga Teacher, having completed a 200 Hour Teacher Training Course in London and Italy with the Swami Sivananda School of Yoga. She is a certified Yin Yoga teacher and had completed a 100-hour course with Joe Bennett in Wellington, New Zealand in 2015. Esther has taught classes and workshops internationally since 2014 and has a particular interest in the passive yielding movements employed by the yin yoga and its potential to allow us to go deeper and connect inward. She is passionate about sound vibration, kirtan and Japa meditation and has dedicated the last five years to Bhakti and Yin Yoga.
SACRED SOUND
Mantra & Kirtan Workshops
Coming Soon....
Mantras, or simple chants, are short phrases packed with energy and intention - specifically designed to generate powerful sound waves that promote healing, insight, creativity, and spiritual growth.
During our time together, I will be sharing the knowledge obtained through my experience of daily mantra practice with you. I believe that mantras are the most powerful practices in yoga - using them is alchemy in action! In my practice, I have used mantras to bring about positive changes in all areas of my life for a number of years with amazing results. You can too!
Mantra can help you feel more peaceful or more energised. It can help you cope with illness and it can sometimes help effect physical healing. Mantra can help bring your wishes to fruition and create reality from dreams as well as give you the ability to deal with material concerns and necessities of life. It is a dynamic, non-violent way to approach conditions you wish to change in your life.
My aim with this regular workshop is to help you build your own spiritual practice. Mantras can help to bring focus and stillness into our minds. They can also lead us towards developing a sense of devotion in our hearts. Especially, when they are chanted together with others, like in the practice of kirtan.
Kirtan is a practice of Bhakti Yoga, a path to deeper connection to the divine through opening our hearts to love and devotion. We use mantra, music and singing as means of transforming our body and mind. Amongst its many benefits, the practice of kirtan is known to improve immunity and confidence, relieve stress, cultivate deeper connection with ourselves and others and induce higher meditative states of mind.
