Frequently Asked Questions

General

What are the benefits of doing Yoga and Mindfulness?
Regular practitioners experience:

more calm and less stress
lower blood pressure
enhanced immunity
better sleep
feelings of fulfilment and joy
emotional wellbeing
a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life

What do you need to bring to class?

For yoga classes BYO yoga mat, blanket & cushion if you like to use your own.
However, we do provide the above if you're happy to share.
For all other classes, just yourself!

What does everyone wear?

We wear loose fitting or stretchy clothes.
Comfortable and relaxed.
Layers can be good to manage your temperature.

Is there parking?

Yes, all our venues have parking.
See our Venues page for full details.

Am I too old?

What are your opening hours?

Office hours are Monday to Friday 9.30 - 5 pm; closed Saturday & Sunday.
Class times are listed under the Book Now tab.

What is your cancellation policy?
Weekly classes/courses

If you have booked a yoga course but can’t attend, please contact us so that we can discuss your situation and reach a solution e.g. transfer enrolment to another course; postpone until next term; OR refund into your nominated bank account.
Once the course has begun, there is no refund.
If the course you’ve enrolled in doesn’t run, you will receive a full refund into your nominated bank account.

Retreats

If you are unable to attend your booked program, we encourage transferring your payment to another program date. If this is not possible, please refer to the following Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Refunds requested two weeks or more prior to the event are 100% refundable.
Refunds requested one week prior to the event are 50% refundable.
Refunds requested less than one week prior to the event are non-refundable.

What is your Privacy Policy?

Please click here to download our privacy policy.

Yoga

Which Yoga style?

There are various styles of Yoga and our focus is Hatha Yoga.
Hatha Yoga is a traditional style of yoga with roots in the Vedic tradition of ancient India.
Hatha Yoga balances the nervous system using specific postures, breathing practices and relaxation techniques.
Modifications and extensions are given to allow you to participate in a way that keeps you safe and engaged.
Hatha Yoga induces calmness and peace of mind.

What does a "Hatha Yoga" class feel/look like?

Hatha Yoga has a meditative feel.
It's non competitive.
Classes are made up of three distinct elements: postures, breathing & relaxation.
Holistic, because these practices positively influence the whole person - body, mind & soul.
Classes are specifically designed around student needs which progress through a structured term.

I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible…

With a regular weekly yoga class you begin to drop tension from your body and quite naturally become more open and flexible.
You start where you are!
Flexibility is really important for balance and helps prevent falls. It is part of what helps us to age well.

What is yoga nidra and what are the benefits?

Yoga nidra is part of every yoga class.

It's one of the favourite yoga practices amongst students, and shares similarities with the body scan in Mindfulness.
It's a guided relaxation practice that results in both surface and deep tensions being released from the body and mind. In this state of deep relaxation the systems of the body come back to balance.
It enhances immune function, improves digestion and generates a deep calmness of mind and harmony of emotions.
It's traditionally done lying down, but can be performed in any comfortable position.
It's wonderful for supporting your health and wellbeing at every age and stage of life.

When practicing yoga nidra, there is also the chance to make a sankalpa, a positive resolution.

As the mind floats on the borderline of sleep, it is highly receptive, and by repeating the sankalpa at this time you strengthen new pathways in the mind. This is a way of creating positive change in your life and achieving your goals.

Meditation

What happens in a mindfulness class?

Each class is a mixture of theory, meditation and discussion.
We always have a topic.
There is a chance to get to know each other a little and have a laugh.
We also look to see how mindfulness practice has a positive flow-on effect in our daily lives.

Do you have to sit cross-legged on the floor?

In mindfulness classes, we meditate on chairs.
In yoga classes, there is an option of sitting on a cushion, meditation stool or chair.
Always choose what is most comfortable for you so you can concentrate on meditating rather than being
distracted by the discomfort in your body!

I‘ve tried to meditate but I can’t because I have an over-active mind!

The aim of meditation is not to have a perfectly quiet mind. Rather, the aim of meditation is to develop awareness.
Developing awareness leads to greater self-knowledge and understanding.
This in turn leads to better decision making resulting in a happier life.
In fact, an over-active mind is the perfect place to start your meditation journey!

How long and how often do you need to meditate to see results?

A lot of research has been done into mindfulness over the last 10 years.
Most studies look at 8 week beginner courses where participants practiced for 20 minutes per day
Results were profound!
20 minutes is a great place to begin.

Music/Kirtan

What is kirtan?

The word 'kirtan' is derived from a Sanskrit root meaning to call, recite, praise, or glorify.
It consists of call and response singing.
Is a joyful practice that helps to uplift the mind, open the heart and bring inner peace.
As a meditation practice, it is the fastest, easiest and most joyful way to achieve peace of mind.
Mantras are universal sounds that resonate within and remove negative energies.

I love singing but I’m no good at it. I can’t sing...

Over the years I’ve heard so many heartbreaking stories from adults being told that they couldn’t join the school choir, or to just mouth the words. This has made them terribly self-consciousness around their singing, often to the point where they have never sung again!
So, if you are anxious about singing for any reason, and you still have a longing to sing, please come and join in.
All voices are welcome; re-discover how natural and joyful singing can be! No audition, no experience needed for any of our programs.
For details check the 'Music' page.

What are the Dances of Universal Peace?

The Dances of Universal Peace are simple, meditative, joyous, multi-cultural circle dances that use sacred phrases, chants, music and movements from different spiritual traditions to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and
recognise it in others.
These simple circle dances are woven together with live acoustic music.
It's a group practice, much like kirtan, but it is embodied through movement.
Sessions are deeply uplifting, meditative, and a wonderful way to connect with new people.

Retreats

What does a retreat involve?

Retreats are popular as they allow for a deepening of yoga & meditation practice.
They give you some much needed 'time out' to just be.
And enjoy being with like-minded people.
Retreats include a yoga class, yoga nidra, mindful walking, breathing practices & meditation.
Beautiful vegetarian food
Each retreat has a theme including silence, healing, chanting, relaxation.

Where are retreats held?

Regular day retreats are held at the Fern Tree Community Centre, Fern Tree. Check the Retreats page.

Longer retreats are held at Meander Valley Yoga near Deloraine, including the annual three night New Year's Eve retreat.

Organisations

Can I book a session for my workplace?

Yes, you can! Just get in touch.
We can design a session to uniquely meet the needs of your organisation and staff members.
Classes can take place at one of our venues, or at your workplace.
We offer yoga sessions, mindfulness sessions, music sessions, or a full or half day, that can include a combination of all three.

What services have you delivered to previous clients?

Yoga for Cancer Wellbeing on behalf of the Cancer Foundation.

Team-building sessions utilising the Belleplates - a set of 22 hand bells - including singing. No musical experience required!
Yoga in the Workplace: focusing on stress management.
Mindfulness in the Workplace: Introducing the benefits of becoming more mindful in life and at work.
Meditation session for reflection and winding down to conclude conferences.

How much does it cost to book your services?

The cost is calculated based on the duration and location of sessions.
For more information about the cost of services for your organisation, please get in touch.