"Awake my dear, be kind to your sleeping heart, take it out into the vast fields of light and let it breathe"
hafez
James Cassidy
My Passion
Yoga found me about 13 years ago. It started as a purely physical practice then slowly, slowly, bit by bit the more subtle aspects of yoga revealed themselves to me. My body became stronger, my breath deeper, my mind stiller and my attitude, or spirit, more positive. My once a week practice turned into twice a week, three times a week...every day. You get the picture!
I don't just mean standing like a tree or balancing on my head either. You can 'do' yoga walking down the street, interacting with others, doing your job or hobby, watching a sunset and yes, balancing on your head!
After yoga became integral to my being I journeyed to India to study for my 200hr Yoga Alliance Teaching Certification with Tribe Yoga, where ancient teachings were married with modern anatomical focus.
After establishing my teaching practice, I returned to India and travelled to Rishikesh at the foothills of the Himalayas where I completed my 500hr Yoga Alliance certification. Since then I have studied with some of the worlds leading teachers including Richard Freeman, Shiva Rea, David Swenson, Jason Crandell, Max Strom, Rod Stryker, Anodea Judith, Manju Jois and Mimi Kuo Deemer amongst others. I have also completed my advanced Yin Yoga teacher training with the wonderful Norman Blair
In subsequent trips to India I studied Buddhist meditation at Tushita in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama. Also vinyasa flow, meditation and mantra chanting with Shiva Rea in the holy city of Varanasi. Most recently I spent a month at Kopan Monastery in Nepal in Buddhist study and meditation.
As well as teaching studio classes, I offer private tuition and am an associate teacher on the Centric School of Yoga 200hr TTC.
I continue to be a diligent student of yoga and feel blessed to share my knowledge with others. Namaste to you all.
"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders."
Lao Tzu
News, Workshops, Retreats
SPRING SADHANA APRIL 27TH! 2 ROOMS LEFT ON MY BLISSFUL BORDEAUX RETREAT :))
We are heading back to Chillac, a rural idyll, an hour from Bordeaux in France next June, this time for a whole week. Join me at this spectacular former cognac estate dating back to the 16th century. I'll guide you through a full week of yoga and meditation with a chance to really get into the full practice, leaving physically and mentally renewed and invigorated. With luxury accommodation, a dedicated yoga barn, a heated swimming pool and beautiful French countryside to explore on foot, bike or by car, this promises to be the perfect way to relax and escape hectic London life. The wonderful Charlotte from Oat Kitchen will be along to do the healthy, yet delicious food - overnight oats, eggs, fruit and pastries for brunch, delicious salads or tortilla and quiches for lunch, then 3 courses every evening.
To book, email info@resetretreats.co.uk quoting JUNE 2019 RETREAT in the subject line. Before the end of Feb 2019, secure your spot with a £100 deposit (balance to be paid 12 weeks before).
PRICES AND DAILY SCHEDULE HERE!
Join me for a walking meditation in the natural surroundings of Walthamstow Wetlands.
Whether you have an established seated meditation practice or not, this walking meditation will bring you home to your connection with nature and your own inner equilibrium.
we will walk mindfully, as i guide you, sometimes in silence and sometimes with suggestion, surrounded by the elements that compose the energetic body; the support of the earth, the water that gives life to all, the warming fire of the sun, the air and oxygen from the trees and plants and the space of the ether above us. We will consciously connect with and embrace nature, discovering that each step is indeed a journey home to the self.
If you haven’t tried walking meditation, this is a wonderful opportunity. it’s truly amazing, especially if you find seated meditation difficult, to be able to connect with nature and find a moment of mindfulness.
I look forward to being your guide.
Namaste,
James
“There is a great difference between just practicing and sadhana. Sadhana is the way of accomplishing something. The end of yoga sadhana is wisdom”
BKS IYENGAR
Sadhana is a great chance to balance the more philsophical and subtle aspects of hatha yoga with the stimulating asana you know and love. A chance to embrace the budding energy of the Spring season and awaken the energetic bodymind after the resting Winter state. During our 2 hours together I will share with you a hatha yoga sadhana as I experienced during my studies in India with my Brahmin teacher, incorporating techniques from my most recent studies at Kopan monastery in Nepal.
We will incorporate kriya (cleansing techniques), pranayama (extension of the breath), led chanting and meditation, hatha yoga asana with awareness of the subtle (energetic) body and conclude with a long, blissful savasana.
The practice is open to everyone although some experience of yoga will be useful.
“Long, uninterrupted, alert practice is the firm foundation for restraining the fluctuations of the mind.”
PATANJALI YOGA SHASTRA 1.14EAST OF EDEN PRESENTS YOGA WITH LIVE MUSIC: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE CHAKRAS, EXPLORING OUR ENERGETIC BODY THROUGH MOVEMENT, BREATH AND A LIVE, INTEGRATED SOUNDSCAPE
Join James and come together as a local and universal community, celebrating not just the physical body but the energetic bodymind. James will guide you through a hatha tantric flow, establishing foundation in the breath, body and mind, before exploring the energetic centres, known as chakras, or wheels of energy, that are governed by the 5 elements. We will move from the Earth element, through Water, Fire, Air, Ether and Light, discovering our true, transcendent quality. We will be accompanied on our journey by Layil on viol and Manudo playing bansuri (indian flute), creating a live music soundscape, complementing and stimulating the vibrational qualities of the chakras. This will be a stimulating and ultimately balancing practice, bringing equilibrium and harmony to the bodymind complex.
This workshop is open to all except complete beginners. 10 – 11.30am, £15.
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN YOGA MAT
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Photos & videos from my journey.
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