Therapeutic Yoga with Hazel

07/09/2025

Sometimes we just want to feel connected in some way. A sense that another human maybe understands how we feel. Is listening fully. A yoga therapy intake session starts with some questions and discussion around your history and what you would like to achieve with the yoga therapy approach and usually some movement of some sort too. Perhaps a guided journey through the body to help you say (or start saying) hello to yourself. Often introducing rest. It's quite remarkable how many students tell me they are so wrapped up in their thinking minds during the week that it's a relief to visit their bodies during class.....Are you interested to see how the tools of yoga therapy might sit alongside your physiotherapy, psychology or other professional support? Or perhaps you are a professional with a client who may benefit from a Bio-psycho-social-spiritual model to complement your work. Please get in touch for a no obligation exploratory chat.

05/09/2025

I was so surprised how good this felt along my back. Feet are flat on floor. Perhaps on yoga bricks or books if the chair is high. Sitting on front edge of chair and resting my forehead on another seat. Perhaps add a cushion under your forehead to suit you. You want this to feel comfortable. Resting forehead and arms. A nice shape for many of us to rest, to feel length in the torso and to be able to draw attention to the breath in the back body when our knees are challenged when kneeling or when the floor is out of reach.
thanks to Jivana Heyman for introducing this to me on one of his courses. It's gone down a treat in the studio. Terrific example of "sometimes the simplest are the most useful asanas". Interested to know more about how I teach at Therapeutic Yoga Illawarra? Private classes, group classes, yoga therapy. In person and on line. https://therapeuticyogaillawarra.com.au Or drop me a DM.

24/08/2025

We all have different ways of feeling connected to something larger than ourselves. For the surfers its out there with the ocean, swimmers in the flow of moving or floating in water. For yoga practitioners it might be during a yoga nidra - that sense of neither asleep or awake. But definitely rejuvenated and refreshed afterwards. How soft the sky here.....it certainly called me to pause for some moments. Soak it in. If you're interested in a fuller yoga practice....yoga across your daily life, please call out. https://therapeuticyogaillawarra.com.au

21/08/2025

Take a moment please to take in this image and think about your asana practice..... maybe the internal sensations you experience in a stretch or in a challenging shape. Or the internal cues your teacher (me hopefully!) offers. The US based artist (Katherine Bampfield) calls it "Rooted Reach" and writes "There's a quiet strength in the stretch, a moment where grounding meets movement. Inspired by the gentle power of a downward dog pose, this piece reflects the balance between holding and releasing, pausing and pressing on. It's a breath drawn in colour. A reminder that sometimes, reaching begins by rooting yourself first." Maybe take another look and see what arises for you. If you'd like to explore a more internal approach to your yoga practice please call out....here to help. Private studio with individually or small group classes and 1:1 yoga therapy.
*https://therapeuticyogaillawarra.com.au*

17/08/2025

Garudasana or 'eagle pose' & what it represents is our asana focus in group classes this month (with steady even stabalising breath). Epitomising Balance. Strength and Centredness. In mythology across Asia, Garudasana is a divine creature. A huge mythical bird - King of the Birds - a friend to humans and enemy to snakes. The vehicle of Lord Vishnu. They have an eagle-like nose/beak, powerful wings. In Indian mythology Garudasana is a symbol of immense power and strength and protection on our path (dharma). We are called in the asana to withdraw and coil ourselves (arms and legs) using our core strength (having done a number of preparatory movements). And as you linger in the asana - whichever variation you take - can you explore being fully centred, balanced and focussed. Steady. Strong. You might even imagine yourself riding a powerful eagle across the escarpment or ocean (or being that eagle) and finding a stillness in the movement. We are so blessed with nature here in the Illawarra and with a studio with views of both the escarpment and ocean it's fantastic to draw on nature in our practice (as well as some traditional mythology now and then)
The beautiful images are by Devika Menon in "The Stories behind the Poses" (Dr Raj Balkaran [standing Garudasana] and Raja Revi Varma [flying Garudasana with Vishnu seated].
If symbolism piques your interest in yoga - please call out.I'm always interested to talk with people interested in the benefits of a yoga practice and see *https://therapeuticyogaillawarra.com.au* Private studio in Thirroul.

13/08/2025

So much interconnection between our bodies, our breath, minds and emotions. And in these times where many of us are worrying more - finding ways to connect, settle, and ease through our bodies breath and mind is SO useful. And once these ancient tools are learnt you are on the way. Tools of yoga are a terrific option to find more ease.
A micro example for me is in the dentist chair. I notice my legs tensed, I consciously breathe more deeply and flex/release ankles and muscles - softening the body ....feel less tight and restricted....heart settles....feel more ease and then a few minutes later notice once again I'm tensed... and so the cycle continues breath - release, notice, breathe, release...notice. Getting me to the end of the appointment. My dentist is a delight and very gentle practitioner by the way!
Like to learn some skills to reduce the busy cycling in your mind? Or ask about how yoga or yoga therapy can support you? Please have a look at the website and or send me a message and let's talk. Zoom sessions available too.
https://therapeuticyogaillawarra.com.au

12/08/2025

Healthcare professionals, yoga practitioners, yoga therapists and teachers -International Yoga Therapy day is on 14th August. It's a free annual event with an interesting program. Learn more about how yoga therapy is used alongside traditional health modalities. Conference is US time so night for us but registration will give you a catch up link. https://www.iayt.org/page/globalyogatherapyday

06/08/2025

The summary enquiry ……..”Can we embrace stillness within the distraction of aging?” Could inform practice & my own enquiry for years to come….

06/08/2025

I can recommend these free Wicking Institute dementia courses - whatever way dementia is on your radar. I did them a few years back to help build my understanding. The content is terrific.

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05/08/2025

Thanks for interest in this offering. Sorry - now sold out.
If you'd like to find more about my yoga teaching, yoga therapy, or private classes please see https://therapeuticyogaillawarra.com.au
If you'd like to join the mailing list (monthly) to hear more about our special sessions like the Soothing Sundays sign up here https://therapeuticyogaillawarra.com.au/contact/
Thank you!

01/08/2025

This is a fabulous opportunity to soothe, rejuvenate and find some deeper release or respite in Thirroul with a 2 hour workshop and two hosts. Snuggle in as we hit a cold period! Private studio. Just one place still available at time of posting.
Any questions please DM or via website. This space will go! Booking essential at https://therapeuticyogaillawarra.com.au

01/08/2025

Well that's the end of the week. Time for a little lie-down tracing the breath. Conscious breathing to settle and ground myself. Having spent so much time looking forward this week I'm tuning into my back body and 'giving it up to the earth'. If you're interested in finding how the suite of yoga tools can help you find a different perspective - drop me a line. Let's talk.