25th June : Exploring the Heart Space

with Hannah Penn

“The wise, realizing through meditation
The timeless Self, beyond all perception,
Hidden in the cave of the heart,
Leave pain and pleasure far behind.
Those who know they are neither body nor mind
But the immemorial Self, the divine principle of existence,
Find the source of all joy and live in joy abiding.”
(from Katha Upanishad)

Many philosophies, yoga included, have the concept of an inner spirit / light which resides at the heart space. According to the Upanishads the purpose of life is to realise this inner light.

When we begin to connect with and identify with this inner light, it frees us from our fears and worries and helps us feel at one with our fellow beings and with the universe.

We can have an intellectual understanding off this idea but how do we live it and bring it into our daily lives? The Upanishads tells us that this can only be done through experience.

This will therefore be a practical day designed to develop awareness of the heart space through yoga practice.

The morning session will include a particular selection of Asanas designed to ‘open’ the heart space; there will be flowing sequences, dynamic asana as well as stillness.

We will then use Pranayama, Mudra and Mantra practices to work deeper. This will be followed by Yoga Nidra with visualisation of the Hridrayakasha (Heart space).

In the afternoon we will look at how the ideas from the Upanishads can be used in our daily routines and relationships. This will be followed with chanting some of the Shanti mantras which are used as introductory chants to some of the Upanishads. The Shanti Mantras beautifully and poetically condense the message of the Upanishads.

There will be time in the afternoon to come together for Kirtan.

The day will close with a Heart space meditation to let your light shine and share it with others.

The tutor : Hannah Penn

Hannah is a very experienced Yoga teacher and has been teaching for over 20 years.

She is a qualified British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) teacher and Satyananda Yoga Teacher. She has trained with some of the best teachers in the UK & Europe.

Hannah has taught workshops for many years to Yoga teachers & students and recently helped run a Yoga Nidra teacher training course.

Hannah’s main drive is encouraging people to use the wonderful tools we have in yoga to cope with the stresses and difficulties of modern life.