Ahimsa Yoga,
with Senior Yoga Teacher Rachel Williamson.
What is Seasonal Yoga? Seasonal Yoga is a “yang” style yoga practice which is designed to align you with the changing energies of nature and the seasons. The concept was created by Julie Hanson and Sue Woodd in 1995 as an antidote to the stress and anxiety of modern life. It combines Yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi with traditional Chinese ideas about harmonising the energy of nature which is both around us and within us, bringing balance. What is practised in the classes changes each season, with the energy of nature. I came across Seasonal Yoga a few years after starting teaching and became increasingly fascinated with this amazing practice – something clicked! It also fitted seamlessly with my previous trainings. Seasonal Yoga now informs all the classes, workshops and courses that I teach.
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2023 - 15 years of teaching Yoga!
I can’t quite believe it, but I’m in my 15th year of teaching yoga and some amazing people have been with me for a big chunk of that time! It’s been quite a journey so far. I feel blessed to have been around Yoga as a youngster (thanks Mum and Dad)… and then later found my calling in becoming a teacher. To celebrate and mark this I’ve collected some stories and some pictures from across the years…
"...Rachel is a unique and exceptional yoga teacher. I was introduced to her when I most needed a change in the style of yoga I was used to and her approach was ideal. The seasonal way in which she teaches allows an understanding of our own bodies and a greater awareness of the rhythms of the natural world that surrounds us and is so often overlooked..." - S.J. Suffolk
Seasonal Yoga Teacher Training Course
Want to find to deepen your knowledge and practice, or train to become a Seasonal Yoga Teacher...incorporating ancient wisdom from the Chinese 5 Element system with traditional Yoga?
Seasonal Yoga Foundation Course
The Foundation Course teaches you exactly what you need to build a solid knowledgeable home practice and integrate yoga into your life.The sessions run over 5 modules, 1 weekend per month.
“Surpassed my expectations by a mile!... What an absolutely life-changing experience! I’m so pleased I made the decision to sign up. Worth every penny. Such dedication of Rachel and Melissa, absolutely could not have done it without their support and encouragement... Such interesting lectures, good structure, resources and interesting, thought-provoking Personal Evolution Assignments” - S.K.B - Teacher Training Graduate - Hitchin
Seasonal Yoga classes run throughout the week at various times and locations in North Herts...
Here's the latest Seasonal Yoga newsletter with helpful tips and info about yoga and more...
Some of the many benefits of regular yoga are physical, such as improving strength, flexibility and balance...
One of the absolute highlights of the last year or so has been the charity fundraising Yin Yoga class...
Seasonal Yoga ONLINE STUDIO
As well as the live classes, Rachel has a video library of recorded classes for each season, mainly yang classes and some yin classes. More recently Rachel has started a short series of Seasonal Qigong classes which run about 30 mins. These are available separately from the Online Studio.
The Online Studio started in 2020 when the Covid 19 Pandemic hit, everyone went into lockdown and no live 'in person' classes were being taught. Rachel started teaching live classes on Zoom and made a few videos for students to practice at home. As the lockdowns continued, more videos were made until we have a yearful of seasonal videos.
EVENTS and WORKSHOPS
Workshops are run throughout the year and concentrate on a particular aspect of each season.
If there is a particular subject you would like me to run a workshop on please let me know.
What does a workshop involve? Most of my workshops run for 3-4 hours in a morning or afternoon. Do we practice physical postures for all that time? Definitely not! Workshops will offer a variety of practices including breathwork, meditation and information. I also generally allow time for chat and a cuppa together.
“I was thinking about yoga today and the difference it has made to me. I really look forward to your class and always come away feeling calm and relaxed.For me, yoga has given me space to breathe and learning to breathe properly' has helped me put the brakes on my anxiety.My own practise is intermittent at home and yet I find myself doing random bits of yoga during the day and it works. I can breathe more deeply and slow down more easily. So, thank you for that.”
(JH, Baldock)
Rachel is recognised as a Yoga Elder with Yoga Teachers Together. The YTT is an organisation for Yoga Teachers and Teacher Training Schools. As well as offering support to its members, it represents them in any forum that is likely to impact on the future of Yoga...
“I went to two of Rachel's classes at the IYN festival in 2017. Amongst many impressive teachers, her classes stood out. I found my mind calmed and my body opened by one yin and one hatha session, both of which were taught with compassionate and generous spirit. Thanks Rachel.”
T. L., Norwich