The first Yoga Teachers Together gathering went ahead in the rain and drizzle of a typical Lake District Summer from the 28th – 30 of June. Held at Brathay near Ambleside, we were able to enjoy the beauty and expansiveness of our setting alongside a huge range of yoga teaching, highlighting the array of styles practised within our evolving community.
Vice Chair, Conrad Freese ran the opening session and kicked things off with a strong Forrest Yoga style class, which allowed us to shake off any tension brought on by travel and begin to relax into a packed schedule of classes.
Yoga Elder Karen Hadgett worked her psoas magic teaching after dinner, beginning in constructive rest and spending an hour working on techniques designed to get our psoas nice and ‘juicy’. This was followed by YTT Chair Debbie Farrar showcasing her very unshowy somatic style. This had us writhing on the floor as we attempted to find space in our shoulders. There were lots of satisfied groans.
Tamara Ashley revitalised all those who woke early enough on Saturday morning with a gentle Mysore-style Ashtanga class, allowing time for personal practice. She shared some of her dance infused Buddhist practice with us later in the day during a meditative hour that got us out of our practice hall to feel the wet grass under our feet.
Conrad built on previous sessions with a second hour teaching inversions. His structure enabled us to find support and strength in our shoulders and for some, try things they hadn’t done in a while.
It became clear that Karen Hadgett wasn’t the only one who came with magic and sparkle – Chelsea Canovas joined us to lead a Shamanic yoga class. With the help of the beautiful scent of the Egyptian Blue Lotus flower – she guided us to find our inner animals before speaking to us about the origins of Tantra, its tarnished reputation and its future, in a friendly, fun-filled Saturday night which culminated with singing, dancing and drumming in our cosy yurt. Debbie’s Sunday morning Movement Malas were far from, as she claimed, ‘ boring’. Concentrating on grounding, lengthening, broadening and softening whilst following the simple movements can mean there is a lot going on – but once you have the technique, it can become a moving meditation. We were brought to stillness to conclude the weekend, with a seated group meditation led by Trustee Joy Charnley, which allowed us to manifest our gratitude for the time we had spent together and all that enabled it, individually and collectively.
Plans were made, food was eaten. Gracious Grub were not the only ones providing the nourishment. It came through fantastic teaching, a relaxed atmosphere, a glorious location and enthusiastic yoga teachers taking part - wanting to deepen their practice and expand their communities. The folk singing, chanting, guitar playing and drumming provided connections and energy – enough for a twilight dip for some! We are aiming more of the same, but different next year. Join us – we will let you know when and where soon!
