Ananda~Movement~Bliss
Ananda is a Sanskrit word meaning Bliss. Bliss beyond superficial moods and experiences, Bliss that is a connection to our truest; our deepest Selves.
It is this deepest of connections that we strengthen as we become more Aware of our bodies, our emotions and our thoughts.
Conscious movement is a one path that can lead to this. As we become aware of our movement, as we become aware of our breath we connect more fully to Life.
I love movement! Movement of the body; movement of tissues; movement of Breath.
Ease of movement helps create peace of mind and freedom in the body allowing for optimal function. Integration of movement helps to deepen the body’s Awareness, illuminating the feeling of connection within.
Freedom and integration together create a symphony of stability and Grace in our movements, our bodies and potentially our lives.
When we coordinate movement and breath, becoming more Conscious of the many layers of Being, we become witness to our Being. It is as this witness we see the truth of who we are. It is here in the centre of Being that Ananda, true Bliss, resides.
There are many paths to the centre, many ways to connect body, breath and movement. Yoga, meditation, surfing, bodywork and even dance are all used as tools of connection, undertaken consciously, I believe any movement can become a path.
At Ananda Movement Bliss I would like to explore movement with you. Through Yoga, movement meditation and Structural Bodywork, we can begin or deepen this journey within together.
What is Structural Bodywork?
Structural Bodywork is form of manual therapy that targets the fascial system of the body. This is the fibrous connective tissue that operates in a complex matrix or web throughout the body, connecting head to toe, inside to out and offering a framework that helps to support and protect the muscles, the organs and the entire body.
The aim of Structural Bodywork is release of fascial restrictions resulting from individual postural patterns. It takes years to develop these patterns and they can be un-wound over time helping to bring all the body’s parts into more smoothly functioning relationships.
Soft tissue manipulation, conscious movement and awareness exercises combine to release holding patterns and re-educate the tissues while increasing their strength, adaptability and resilience.
Over time decreases in pain, especially chronic pain, increased freedom of movement and deepening awareness of the physical structure are hallmark results of this type of bodywork. In this day and age when we expect so much from our bodies, structural bodywork is not a luxury, it is a necessity!
Yoga as I see it
There are many styles of hatha (movement based) yoga practice. This is a wonderful thing as there are so many styles of bodies! Finding the best fit for you can open the practice up in a way that creates maximum accessibility to your body.
Yoga means union, union to Self, finding what works for you and exploring movement of body and breath within your framework is yoga. At Ananda we will never stop the exploration! Being a beginner forever is how I see yoga: constant curiosity, surrender and awareness.
Using alignment based practice we will delve into this exploration one class at a time creating a steady container; allowing safe movement and thereby a deeper opening and freedom within.
Class Descriptions
Please Note: Classes will be small and intimate to allow for maximum personal attention and guidance helping you to connect to and explore your structure safely. Booking is therefore necessary to ensure availability.
Beginner’s:
Foundational class helping to establish or remind the body of certain alignment principles that offer a stable base of support as you flow through your deepening practice. This class will have an emphasis on strength from the ground up, creating a steady container to allow for deeper opening of the body in the safest possible way. Balancing the strength component there will also be an emphasis on allowing softness and finding deep release as the flip side of containment.
Flow Exploration:
Intermediate class for those who enjoy discovering and playing with movement. Using a foundation of alignment we will go deeper into the flow of breath and rhythm of the body using music to connect to movement as a meditation. We will create a safe space to allow, to give ourselves permission to FEEL movement and through feeling we will open a portal within.
Understanding of basic alignment principles and an urge to deepen practice are recommended for this class.
Yoga for Surf:
As a surfer and a Yogini I’ve come to realise many similarities between my two favourite activities. They both benefit from strength, flexibility and coordination of the body; they both allow a deeper connection to the Flow of movement becoming meditations in themselves and they are both also addictive… Only a surfer (and a Yogini/Yogi) knows the feeling!
In this class we will aim to develop balance, breath and muscular endurance, focusing on surfing specific muscles and concentrating especially on a deep core connection. A key focus will also be on developing flexibility relative to surfing helping to prevent injury and relieve overuse.
An open mind and a willing heart are recommended for this beginner/intermediate class.
Melting Yoga:
Come, Breathe and Melt. This will be a very gentle, breath infused class. Perfect for complete release and relaxation, softening of fascial patterns and melting into the Earth. All levels are welcome.
Private Yoga:
Private yoga classes are available by appointment for individuals or small groups. Receiving full personal attention to assist in deepening specific areas of practice or particular injury rehabilitation and support.
Meet Jodie
Jodie began her journey into body work when she studied Sports Science at Oaklands College in St. Alban’s. She then went on to gain a Bsc honors in Sports Rehabilitation at St. Mary’s College (University of Surrey), Twickenham. On her return to her home in Barbados she began to practice Anusara yoga and instantly fell in Love, she has since practiced and studied a variety of styles through 11 years following this path of Bliss.
Through her love of the body she went on to complete a 500hr certification in Kinesis Myofascial Integration (KMI/Anatomy Trains) in Seattle finding through this practice an even deeper appreciation and Love for structure, function and integrated movement.
This deepening awareness led her to complete her yoga teacher training (RRYT200hr) with School Yoga Institute in Peru as well as continue her self study through various retreats, trainings, immersions and workshops. She aims to combine her knowledge of the body, especially the fascial connections throughout, with freedom of breath and movement helping to assist others in making these connections themselves.
Continuing to follow her Bliss has led her to Newquay, Cornwall where she now lives, surfs and moves all with Love.
