Frequenty Asked Questions
What is Jivamukti Yoga?
Jivamukti Yoga is one of the nine internationally recognised yoga methods. Jivamukti Yoga is a relatively modern school, co-founded by New Yorkers David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1984. You can read more about it here.
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What is ethical veganism?
The Vegan Society defines veganism as: “a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals”. To practice veganism based on values surrounding animal, social and climate justice is commonly referred to as ethical veganism (as opposed to plant-based eating simply for good health). Hence, ethical vegans commonly avoid products such as wool, down, leather and silk, as well as products tested on animals. Most oppose animal-based entertainment industries too like zoos, rodeos and horse racing. You can read more about ethical veganism on my blog here.
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How is ethical veganism related to Jivamukti Yoga?
The practice of Jivamukti Yoga is a path to enlightenment through compassion for all beings. David Life and Sharon Gannon were and continue to be, animal rights activists first and yoga teachers second. Read more about it here.
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How is climate action and activism related to Jivamukti Yoga?
The practice of compassion for all beings includes a reverence for the creative force that birthed all beings, Mother Earth herself. To experience enlightenment is actually just to have the embodied realisation that we are not separate from each other, animals or Earth. We are all part of the interconnected web of life and therefore, climate activism is the privilege of our lifetimes. Read more about climate activism support here​.
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What can I expect in your Jivamukti Open classes?
There are 14 elements of a Jivamukti Open class that you will soon come to recognise, including; dharma (a spiritual discourse or contemplation), chanting, asana (postures), pranayama (breathing) and dharana (meditation). In Jivamukti Open classes I offer hands-on assists. To ensure safety and choice, I use consent cards to establish your preference for hands-on assistance or verbal assistance only, during any given class with me. Read more about Jivamukti Yoga here.
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What is Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY)?
In TSY, classical components of hatha yoga are modified to promote safety and empowerment. Unlike my Jivamukti Yoga classes and many other yoga classes available, TSY does not use hands-on assists, music, incense or any other sensory input that may distract the practitioner from a felt sense of their body. Although TSY includes some classical hatha yoga movements, the emphasis is on safety and choice, predictability and developing trust in self and other. Read more here.
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Where can I attend your classes?
Currently I teach a Jivamukti Open Classes on Saturday morning at the Mindful Movement Hub. Click here for updated class timetable and further details.
Why are you only offering one class a week and will you ever offer more?
I work full time as a Clinical Psychologist. Whilst I love my clinical work, I need to ensure adequate time just for me within my week. I would love to be able to offer 3-4 classes a week as I did previously when I taught at Yoga Dojo. However, my biggest priority is the longevity of my teaching schedule - I’m in this for the long haul. If I ever have any capacity to offer more Jivamukti Yoga, you’ll be the first to know.
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Do I have to be vegan to practice Jivamukti Yoga?
No. However, I have witnessed the practice of Jivamukti Yoga transition countless people of various demographics to ethical veganism. I think that this practice is remarkable in its capacity to awaken us to our interconnectedness with life and therefore, to inspire compassion for all beings. I don’t coerce or shame students into becoming vegan as I consider this a violent/himsic approach to activism. All people are welcome to attend my classes.
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Do you teach online classes?
My strong preference is to teach only in-person classes. However, with the changing world we live in I may consider teaching online classes in the future. You can find a small collection of classes I recorded during the 2020-21 lockdowns here.
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Do you take private individual or group classes?
Absolutely, you can enquire about this via email here.
