Welcome
"For me, yoga is about creating'space'.
Space in the body, space in the mind and a beautiful space in which to practice".
Amanda Anderson-Jones
About Me
Hello, my name is Amanda, thank you for visiting Akasha Yoga.
Let me tell you about my yoga journey. After the birth of my daughter I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease. Conventional medicine (of which I had worked in for 10 years) couldn’t help me. Because of this I started my quest in looking into alternative therapies ….. something very strange for one who had been working in primary care and hospitals for so long!
One day I noticed that my local gym was advertising yoga classes, so I thought I’d give it a go ….I remember thinking " Isn’t Yoga supposed to chill you out? Oooh, i’m not very flexible though!" (Sound familiar?!).
Despite my reservations I gave it a go. After my first class I was hooked. A shift had taken place. My healing journey was beginning.....
Qualifications
After many years as a student, I began teacher training and now hold a 400-hour, British Wheel of Yoga teaching certificate.
I have also gained qualifications in the following:
Restorative Yoga (Beverley Nolan & Tiffany Thorne)
Level 1 & 2 Yin Yoga (Sarah Lo)
Yin Yoga & Meridian Course (24 hrs) (Norman Blair & Kate Henley)
Mindfulness Meditation Facilitation (Michael Stone)
Yoga Nidra (trauma informed) (Barefoot Body)
Anatomy Trains Structure and Function (Fiona Palmer, Tom Myers)
Y12SR (Yoga 12 Step Recovery) (Nikki Myers)
"I have learnt more in Amanda's classes over the last few months than I have combined in all the classes i've attended in the last few years!
Carol H
"After trying out various yoga classes over the last few years I am so happy to have found Amanda's.
She is a knowledgeable and thoughtful teacher who's dynamic classes offer the perfect mix of challenges balanced with calm.
Amanda is a superb teacher.
Highly recommended."
Gemma M
Gentle Yoga
My Gentle Hatha classes are suitable for all levels, including those who are recovering from injury.
I fuse together traditional yoga poses and movements inspired from Qi-Gong. This style of Yoga aims to balance the mind and body with the practice of physical postures (asanas) to increase your bodies strength and flexibility, breathing techniques (pranayama) and the calming of the mind through mindfulness, relaxation and meditation.
Hatha into Slow Flow
My Hatha Slow Flow classes are a sumptuous blend of physical exercises (asana), breath control (pranayama), mindfulness and/or mediation. Our bodies are gently warmed up the body before working into slow flow, linking movement with the breath to create grace and ease within the mind and body. Class is finished with a gentle cool down and blissful Savasana.
Slow flow is slower than vinyasa flow and can be extremely rewarding, since it allows you to be more aware of your body as you take your time with transitions and you hold poses for longer periods of time.
During class we delve into the philosophy of yoga, physical and energetic
anatomy and the fundamentals of mindfulness which then gives
tools and techniques to take yoga off your mat and into everyday life.
Open to beginners.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga classes consist of gentle postures held with the support of bolsters, blankets, cushions and blocks to allow the muscles to soften and let go and the nervous system to come back into balance.
A truly relaxing experience for mind, body and spirit.
During class we approach the fundamentals of mindfulness and relaxation which gives you insights to take off your mat and into everyday life.
Suitable for all levels, including beginners and those with injuries.
Yin
Yin postures are held for a longer period of time; generally anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes. Unlike restorative, gentle sensation (stretch or pressure) is usually present. The aim of Yin is to stretch, pressurise and release the deeper layers of connective tissues of the body (tendons, ligaments and fascia). The poses work as a type of Acupressure as the meridians (energy lines) are stimulated so Chi (energy) can flow freely.
As poses are held for long periods, students are invited to focus on the breath, relax as they experience patient, quiet and mindful enquiry. We go from a state of 'doing' to a state of 'Just being'.
The long pauses gives us time to focus on the breath and develop a meditative state mind
During class we delve into the philosophy of yoga, physical and energetic anatomy and the fundamentals of mindfulness which then gives tools and techniques to take yoga off your mat and into everyday life.
At present I do not teach Yin as stand alone classes, instead the practice is incorporated into my other classes.
Gong Baths
A gong bath is a type of sound therapy that's been practiced for thousands of years.
The term 'bath' refers to being bathed in sound waves – there's no water or soap in sight!
Gong baths are a total mind and body experience. Sound doesn’t just enter through your ears – the vibrations go through your whole body whether your ears are consciously listening to it or not. Gongs are the ultimate sound healing tool as they produce the broadest range of tones compared to any other instrument.
The vibrations from the gongs literally massage you inside and out.
I offer Gong baths alongside my Restorative yoga classes and in workshops.
Some documented benefits of Gong Baths
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Reduces stress and anxiety
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Soothes nervous system and decrease blood pressure
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Helps you feel relaxed, balanced, and focused
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May help develop intuition and creativity.
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Gongs facilitate a fast track to the Theta state brain waves (Theta brainwaves occur most often in sleep but are also dominant in deep meditation)- 20 minutes of Theta relaxation is the equivalent to four hours of sleep!
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promotes emotional wellbeing
Amanda’s restorative yoga and gong session was amazing. I highly recommend to anyone who needs to stop and unwind, I definitely feel restored. Her peaceful manner and calming studio really grounded me and the sound of the gong is out of this world! Thank you so much! X
Jess W
Yoga Nidra
Absolutely anyone can practise Yoga Nidra, but it has immense appeal for those who struggle to let go. It also has immense value for those suffering from sleep deprivation, trauma, anxiety or depression (to any degree).Yoga nidra is often referred to as "yogic sleep," a paradoxical state of being between sleep and consciousness that's conducive to deep emotional and physical healing, rewiring your brain, and self-exploration.
Nidra is a powerful meditation technique that draws our attention inwards, and we learn to surf between the states of wakefulness and sleep, where our body finds its natural state of equilibrium, the breath balances and becomes quiet, unconscious and conscious aspects of the mind reveal themselves, and we fall into an innate state of deep, blissful awareness.and one of the easiest yoga practices to develop and maintain.
While the practitioner rests comfortably, this systematic, guided meditation takes deeply into your subconscious, leaving you with a sense of wholeness.
As you can imagine, feeling well rested is life changing, but yoga nidra also improves your overall health. A 2013 study showed that practicing yoga Nidra improved anxiety, depression, and overall well-being. Nidra helps activate the relaxation response and improve the functioning of your nervous system and endocrine system, which affects your hormones, helps cells regenerate and repair, and helps decrease anxiety and improve your mood.
Yoga Nidra is weaved into the last class of the term, Restorative Workshops and can be booked privately.
CLASS TIMETABLE
CURRENTLY ALL MY CLASSES AND ONE-TO -ONES ARE TAUGHT ONLINE OR IN SMALL OUTSIDE GROUPS
Private appointments
Private Appointments are currently held Online Via Zoom , Facebook messenger or my Studio Garden
Private appointments are available for all levels of student from complete beginners to more advanced practitioners. Completely tailored to your specific needs.
Increase Flexibility
Increase Mobility
Increase Strength
Increase Muscle Tone
Improve Body Awareness
Improve wellbeing
Reduce stress
Workshops & Mini Retreats
Keep your eyes peeled for any upcoming events! Please contact me to be added to my mailing list
Contact Me
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me:
Email: akashayogaessex@outlook.com
Private Studio
The Akasha Studio is a brand new, purpose built, fully equipped space where I hold small, bespoke classes and private classes.
Here's what to expect:
Beautiful, Private Studio surrounded by gardens and Countryside
All equipment provided
Small classes- Just 6 students
Underfloor Heating
Healing Environment
Off road, private parking .
What's available:
Help with Asana/ creating a sequence to suit your individual needs
Mindfulness Meditation
Restorative Yoga Sessions
Gong Baths
Yin Yoga
Prices for Private bookings:
£45 per hour 1 student
£55 per hour 2 students
£65 per hour 3 students
Classes must be pre booked
Please Contact me to book
Online Offerings
Restore & Rewind
Join me online for one of my most popular offerings; Restore & Rewind.
A truly relaxing experience for mind, body and spirit.
Don't worry if you can't join me live as you'll be sent a recording after the class.
Next event 17th September 2020
"I am really enjoying your yoga classes and content. Having it online works well for me, it’s a close second to a class :) and you put so much work and thought into them. I find the topics resonate and enjoy the flows and wind down".
L. Stubbings
"I have been doing a couple of classes each week suitable for my ability, and really love that I can do these classes whenever I like, and re-do them to perfect some of the poses, it is a fabulous way for me to practice and learn. I have tried the intermediate class too which is a bit more challenging but I just do what I can. It is great to have the choice. I’m so enjoying being able to practice yoga at home, for me it is perfect".
P. Howard
