ABOUT BESS & YOGA
“Bess classes always focus on the connection to breath; by the end I feel like I have completed a moving meditation. Her fluid flows feel challenging and restorative in equal measures. It’s always a unique experience.”
Resident Yoga Teacher at Soul & Surf Sri Lanka- a place close to my heart
Drawing from a deep well of experience, Bess guides balanced yoga classes, workshops and courses for all levels of practitioner.
TEACHING PERSPECTIVE
Bess’s teachings are embedded in the rich soil of Yoga and Tantra. These are known as sadhana shastra - practice orientated scripture. This is an embodied and all encompassing approach to vibrant connected living. We could say Tantra is the science of seeing, feeling and knowing the infinite through the finite. The purpose is to give each individual consciousness ( jivatman) spiritual illumination and knowledge of universal consciousness ( paramatman) by any means that is suitable and available. In a yoga class this is done systematically through asanas, pranayama, mudra, mantra and meditation. When we invite the fullness of every experience to be lead by the heart- Tantra- to infuse our yoga practice we open to the flow of the universe, trust our instinct and inner intelligence, embrace ritual and bow to the mystic love that moves us, creating the ground (aum) for alchemical transformation.
THE YOGA SESSION
Through listening, curiosity and creativity we become deeply connected to our inner constant and elevate gracefully into the present moment.
Each physical practice is a moving meditation, which provides the opportunity for personal transformation and the open space for you to be fully you.
Creative flows that honour lineage and tradition thoughtfully weave asana and movement with pranayama (breath expansion), mudra (physical and psychic gestures), bandha (energy locks). Every flowing session gently builds a cleansing heat that brings clarity and freedom for a more focused and serene meditation or full yogic relaxation.
Through yoga tension and stress are dropped and we experience a greater sense calm and ease in all we do. There is more clarity in our minds and balance in the physical and subtle systems of the body. The breath is the key to our contentment, happiness and the foundation of every class offering. We offer this breath up to something greater than ourselves, so we can be more grounded and open to all that is.
we can explore *movement*stillness*balance*pranayama*nidra*meditation
YOGA FOR SURFING/SWIMMING/HIKING
Bess has been sharing yoga on retreats since 2016 - offering practices to support and balance out the effects of fun and adventurous activities such as Surfing, Swimming and Hiking. These classes are as functional as they are relaxing, hoping to bring awareness, strength and mobility to areas of the body which are used repetitively for extended periods of time as well as increasing focus and calm to help us achieve a flow state.
HONOURING THE TEACHERS
Trainings & Immersions:
The Kashmirian way of the Yogini Tantra- with Daniel Odier 2020- ongoing embodiment Embodying the Flow Alessandra Pecorella for Prana Flow- 100 hours 2019 Prana Mandala & Prana Danda with Shiva Rea - 35 hours June 2019 Soma Prana Flow and Massage Arts with Shiva Rea- June 2018 60 hours Art of Lunar Prana Vinyasa & Prana Flow Massage, Shiva Rea , 37.5 hours October 2018 Embodying Shakti- Healing and empowering practices for women, Shiva Rea, 30 hours June 2018 Kalari Payattu & Soma Rasa immersion & TTC in Kerala with Shiva Rea 40 hours Feb 2018 towards 300 hour TTC The He(Art) of Authentic Teaching CPD with Tanja Mickwitz 6 hours Yoga Campus Dec 2017 Movement Meditation and Circular Power- Prana Vinyasa Intensive , 37 hours with Shiva Rea June 2017 Yoga Fusion Massage ( Thai with some oil holistic) with Spike Warwick January 2017 Geranda Samhita with Rod Stryker 30 hour advanced training November 2016 Bhakti Prana Vinyasa with Shiva Rea 32 hour advanced training June 2016 Mandala Vinyasa & Shamanism & Yin 100 Hour advanced training with The Yoga People April 2016 Strala 200 Hour Training Strala NYC February 2016 Strala Intensive 200 RYT in Sivananda Yoga, Santhi School of Yoga, Kerala, India 2010 ( 1 month intensive)
“From the very first class I took of yours, your serenity and warm, smiling energy was so apparent.
The way you greet your students - to the energy that you create within the sacred space, all come from such a well of love and an inner peace - and your knowledge of your Self.
These traits are the anchored within your practice and your teaching, so your sessions are nourishing and incredibly mindful.
That is not say that your classes are in any way easy. Oh no, siree!
On the contrary, I have experienced some of my hardest classes with you at the helm.
How this happens is not immediately apparent, as your classes weave breath, pranic intention and asana in such a way, as to make it very hard to isolate any one aspect of difficulty. All I know is, sometimes, my entire being has gone through the wringer!
It’s intoxicating and incredibly nourishing”
““Bess’ flows are kind, thoughtful and come from the heart. Bess’ passion and gratitude for Yoga definitely shines through into her classes. I truly appreciate her challenging, yet playful sequencing. Bess creates a warm, safe space to explore all that is Yoga.”
““Bess is a very creative spirit, you can tell by the way she teaches: she always comes up with new ideas, she’s open to improvisation and likes to adapt her classes to her students. I’ve been to so many of them and I always feel like she never repeats herself and often introduces us to new elements. You can also tell she’s a very curious mind, a constant learner who’s always happy to share her discoveries in a cheerful, enthusiastic way, whether it is about asanas, breathing techniques, mythology and ancient yogic texts which she will happily delve into to deepen our practice, especially emotionally; it also makes for great chats at the end of the class if you’re keen to learn more about the many aspects of yoga. One thing I really love about her classes is the way she pays close attention to her student’s progress and needs, and uses adjustments to take you to the next level and leave you even more open and aligned at the end of the session. She’s really helped me with the lower back pain I’d been carrying for months! I highly recommend her classes, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned yogi willing to expand your practice a bit further.”
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