Videos — Isabel Lankester Yoga

Isabel Lankester Yoga

STUDIO TALK

STUDIO TALK

Viveka

'Viveka' or true discernment between important versus unimportant aspects of the self is broken down here into several paths. We can all get a little confused in life between the seer and the seen, between Prakriti (nature) and the Purusha (the self/ the non-changing light of awareness) but I hope this helps your ability to see a little more clearly.

Paths of Viveka:
1. Learning about the self before understanding others
2. Noticing that pain and pleasure are the effects of the mind.
3. Realising that knowledge comes from your own experience.
4. Feeling into the sense of flow
5. You become separate from the ego.
6. Loose the mind to find the self - Samadhi;

'When purusha alone remains, resting in its own svarupa - Atmana Atmanam. Beholding the self by the Self, one is satisfied by the Self. This is the highest Samadhi'. Sri Swami Satchidananda.

Code: ILYST006
Props: meditation cushion
5th Nov ‘21

STUDIO TALK, 5 minsIsabel LankesterNovember 5, 2021MOONComment

SUN • POWER YOGA

SUN • POWER YOGA

Anchoring

A strong and powerful vinyasa which focuses on the back body. Here we begin to trust our heels to draw into gravity. Expect an ashtanga / vinyasa style flow, powerful and energising. Go through a sequence of yoga poses hand picked for your thighs and lower back that fortify while still stretching you out. You'll warm up with Surya A's and B's, then power through an energizing sequence featuring revolved half moon, a tree variation of vashistasana, strong font body reaches and tripod headstand. With arm balances and inversions woven throughout, you'll invigorate your body, get your circulation going, and leave your mat feeling completely recharged.

Level 2-3

For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Code: ILYS034
Props: 2 blocks optional + 1 strap
2nd Nov ‘21

SUN, Power Yoga, Level: 2Isabel LankesterNovember 2, 2021SUN

MOON • MEDITATION

MOON • MEDITATION

Periphery

Sink into this guided meditation practise to help find a little more space. Space to breathe, space for thoughts, for the mind to expand far and wide. Can we expand our awareness but yet stay rooted in our mid line, our core, our centre. Here we explore the boundaries of our awareness remembering that we will always return home to the vessel which sees (purusha).

A lovely practice to do in silence or with some gentle musical background.

Code: ILYM033
Props: Meditation Cushion
22nd Oct 2020

MOON, 10 mins, MeditationIsabel LankesterOctober 22, 2021MOONComment

MOON • YIN

MOON • YIN

Earthed

An hour yin class to sink your body into the Earths’ core. Here we use quite a few props to support us in this moon practice. You will need a large blank wall to support you for a few long holds mid way through the class.

Do you have the tendency to feel scattered or ungrounded? This practice is sure to bring your awareness back into your home, the centre of the body which is firmly rooted on the Earth. Let’s connect to the ground, and its great dense form, we’ll cultivate internal warmth, and slowly lubricate the joints to help you stay balanced and calm.

Level 1

For best results play Spotify on a separate device.

Code; ILYM032
Props: 2 blocks + 1 blanket + 1 bolster + A LARGE WALL SPACE
22nd Oct ‘21

MOON, Yin, 60 minsIsabel LankesterOctober 22, 2021MOONComment

AIR • VINYASA

AIR • VINYASA

Soft Throat

A short stretch to open the neck, throat and to release the jaw. When we open up the thoracic spine can we lift the head without tightening up the jaw or collapsing the throat? Here we shall look into some arm binds to create a supportive head rest for the head to relax onto. This is a perfect class if you need to relieve your neck after a busy day at gazing at a screen - its short but lovely.

Level 2-3

For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Code: ILYA016
Props: 1 block optional
6th September ‘21

Vinyasa, AIR, Back Bending, 15 minsIsabel LankesterOctober 14, 2021AIRComment

STUDIO TALK

STUDIO TALK

Karma

Here we discuss the 3 different types of karma and how these have potential outcomes into our material world. Remember that karma is not always bad, there are good outcomes and bad ones - unfortunately we can’t always control it! In this studio talk I will match up karma, samskara and the great cycle of life and death, samsara. A lovely talk to break down this concept.

Reading References;
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translation by Sri Swami Satchidananda
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translation by Edwin F Bryant

Level 1

Code: ILYST005
Props: meditation cushion
14th Oct ‘21

STUDIO TALK, 5 minsIsabel LankesterOctober 14, 2021MOONComment

MOON • SLOW FLOW

MOON • SLOW FLOW

Embrace

A cool slow flow practise to feel completely embraced. If you’re yearning for a physical adjust this juicy and loving moon flow if for you. Let’s remind the mind that even when we are practicing alone we are never in fact so; every part of the atmosphere is with us, we are connected to the great state of flow. We are always embraced by her touch.

For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Code: ILYM031
Props: 1 strap (is essential) + a bolster and a few blankets optional
9th Oct 2020

MOON, Slow Flow, 45 minsIsabel LankesterOctober 9, 2021MOONComment

STUDIO TALK

STUDIO TALK

True Self

‘The central tension of spiritual life is this: the urge, desire, even need we feel to transform ourselves and the equally pressing urge, desire or need to accept and love ourselves exactly as we are’, by The Recognition Sutras. Here we discuss this valued point between the true self, Atman, inner consciousness v the ego self, the every changing physical matter which we see all us, changing day to day.

Reading References;
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Bringing Yoga To Life by Donna Farhi
The Recognition Sutras by Christopher Wallis

Level 1

Code: ILYST004
Props: meditation cushion
30th September ‘21

STUDIO TALK, 10 minsIsabel LankesterSeptember 30, 2021MOONComment

SUN • POWER YOGA

SUN • POWER YOGA

Embers

Step into your internal glow as we fire up the body in this vitalising and energising power sequence. This practise goes well with ILY Studio Talk - ‘tapas’, notice how moving with an essence of repetition promotes a sense of control through the senses. How fire and warmth created through physical asana leads to purification - a sense of clarity of thought. Stay curious, how does the mind alter from the start of this class to the end? Feel free to taker a longer savasana - you would have earned it!

Level 2-3
For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Code: ILYS033
Props: 2 blocks optional
29th Sept ‘21

SUN, Power Yoga, Level: 2, 50 minsIsabel LankesterSeptember 29, 2021SUN

STUDIO TALK

STUDIO TALK

Tapas

Here we unravel the meaning of Tapas; ‘ fiery cleansing’ into our practise and how (as Patajali indicates) this can be divided into physical, verbal and mental clarity. So many texts which try and explain ‘what is yoga?’ come down to a simple understanding that it is a discipline, a state of self-control which after the expression of Tapas (internal heat and a degree of discomfort) lead into svadhyaya and finally into a state of samadhi - bliss.

Reading References;
The Path of Yoga by Stuart Ray Sarbacker
Is this Yoga? by A Foxen & C Kuberry
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Bringing Yoga To Life by Donna Farhi

Level 1

Code: ILYST003
Props: meditation cushion
25th September ‘21

STUDIO TALK, 10 minsIsabel LankesterSeptember 25, 2021MOONComment

SUN • VINYASA

SUN • VINYASA

Simple Sun

A simple yet energizing sunshine flow, perfect if you’re short of time but looking for a full body stretch. Here we touch upon the concept of Tapas ( fiery cleansing) a topic which re-occurs again and again within the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, as well as Light on Life by Iyengar. Can we use this precious time to cleanse the body, find lightness in the physical self with a little heat and a lot of love.

Level 1-2
For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Code: ILYS032
Props: 1 block
24th Sept ‘21

SUN, vinyasa, Level: 1, Level: 2, 20 minsIsabel LankesterSeptember 24, 2021SUN

WATER • VINYASA

WATER • VINYASA

Teeter

A vinyasa flow to work into the suspension of your hip flexors and explore the unknown sensations of some funky balances. A playful practise which will drive you through some strong repeated movements, building heat slowly, but remaining anchored within the breath and inner stability. Watch as the mind pivots between known (traditional asanas) and the (sometimes wobbly) unknown. Remember it’s ok to fall, this is the type of practise you can just keep coming back to.

For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Level 1-2

Code: ILYW023
Props: 2 blocks optional
10th Sept ‘21

Vinyasa, WATER, 60 mins, 50 mins, 55 minsIsabel LankesterSeptember 11, 2021WATERComment

WATER • VINYASA

WATER • VINYASA

Full Immersion

A live recording from ILY ONLINE. A full water flow, moving as a whole organism from pose to pose, breath to breath. Here we dive into the sensation of flow itself, letting the body fully take over the talkative mind. Prepare to build on a simple to a more complicated vinyasa sequence. Here we’ll brush the floor and fly high into inversions. A great practise to open the hips flexors and to ignite the nervous system as we prepare for some strong heart holds to finish this aquatic dance!

For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Level 1-2

Code: ILYLIVE
Props: 2 blocks optional
9th Sept ‘21

Vinyasa, WATER, 60 minsIsabel LankesterSeptember 9, 2021WATERComment

STUDIO TALK

STUDIO TALK

Practise as Repetition

Here we take a look at ‘Japa’ how a mantra can be repeated again and again to create power and focus. Is this truly a way of turning unmanifest into manifest reality? Here we draw upon 2 yoga sutras from Patanjali* We shall take a peak into how mantra can be used for intensions, and how our one pointed mind can aid clarity, dispelling the mind of vrittis - (the whirlpools of thought).

*no. 28 ‘To repeat it with reflection upon its meaning is an aid’ and no.41 ‘just as the naturally pure crystal assumes shapes and colors of objects placed near it, so the yogis mind, with its totally weakened modifications, becomes clear and balanced..’ from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Translation from Sri Swami Satchidananda.

Level 1

Code: ILYST002
Props: meditation cushion
6th September ‘21

STUDIO TALK, 5 minsIsabel LankesterSeptember 6, 2021MOONComment

STUDIO TALK

STUDIO TALK

OM

Diving into ‘The yoga sutras of Patanjali’ we discuss the vibrational qualities of OM. Why OM is used in practise, the break down of the actual sound and how this fits into our highlighted topic of ajapa - meaning unrepeated or a quiet continuum within. Let’s dive into this topic as we begin to peal open a few concepts from the yoga sutras. This is a perfect Studio talk to do before practicing ‘Humming’ within the Air series.

Level 1

Code: ILYST001
Props: meditation cushion
6th September ‘21

10 mins, STUDIO TALKIsabel LankesterSeptember 6, 2021MOONComment

AIR • VINYASA

AIR • VINYASA

Humming

An active heart opening practise to find length and lightness from the lower back. This vinyasa practise ties nicely to ‘Studio Talk - OM’ as we feel into the vibrational quantities of our internal hum/OM/drum. At our most basic cellular structure is the atomic vibration - a simple hum. This dilates through our entire ecosystem, down into the roots of our very cells. Can you surrender to the natural flow of life in this strong get nourishing vinyasa flow. FULL of heart yet steady in mind.

Level 2-3

For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Code: ILYA016
Props: 2 x blocks
6th September ‘21

Vinyasa, AIR, Back Bending, 50 minsIsabel LankesterSeptember 6, 2021AIRComment

WATER • VINYASA

WATER • VINYASA

Dorsi

A strong yet active vinyasa flow (nearly placed into the sun series!). This vinyasa moves into a repeated sequence sure to awaken your feet, with lots of dorsi flexion (or naughty toes for those of you who remember ballet class). This playful vinyasa looks at building strength within a pose, expect plenty of hip flexion, some yummy forward folds and a new active entry into pincha mayurasana. Even though this practise is relatively short, it’s warm and invigorating.

For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Level 1-2

Code: ILYW022
Props: 2 blocks optional
20th Aug ‘21

Vinyasa, WATER, 30 minsIsabel LankesterAugust 20, 2021WATERComment

SUN • VINYASA

SUN • VINYASA

Seemingly

A gentle sun flow to open the side body through an array of balances, twists and heart openers. Starting with a circular transition from Warrior 2 to reverse warrior to warm up the body, moving towards a creative standing sequence to move you 360 around the mat and finally we finish with some hip stretches. Be prepared for little anatomical instruction in this simple, yet warm vinyasa.
The intention here is to allow the body to stay grounded as we flow from left to right side. Offer up each pose by closing the eyes, send awareness within. Our time on our mats is sacred; here we find balance between the two sides of the physical self - you might wonder where these seams find centre, where opposites collide? (Perhaps this is your enquiry for todays flow?)

Level 2
For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Code: ILYS031
Props: 2 blocks + 1 strap
6th Aug ‘21

SUN, 60 mins, vinyasa, Level: 1, Level: 2Isabel LankesterAugust 13, 2021SUN

SUN • VINYASA

SUN • VINYASA

Firefly

A warm and free flowing vinyasa to get the body ready for titibasana - frirefly pose. Firefly requires equal parts strength and length in the inner legs, hamstrings, glutes, and low back. This sequence is designed to prepare your body for this peak pose. Class includes a heart opening warm up, deep hip openers and static poses to wake up the core abdominals. Finally we cool down through a variety of supine twists and forward folds. While some of these challenging poses require focus, don't take yourself too seriously, this class was designed for play!

Level 2
For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Code: ILYS030
Props: 2 blocks + 1 strap
6th Aug ‘21

SUN, 60 mins, Level: 2, vinyasaIsabel LankesterAugust 6, 2021SUN

MOON • MEDITATION

MOON • MEDITATION

The Seer

This guided meditation practise contemplates the yoga Sutra 1.3—the Self Abides in its Own Nature.
Our mind is full of waves, pattern upon patterns of reflections caught from the outside world but what arises when we really focus on what is catching all of these thoughts; the great field of awareness itself. If you find meditation quite challenging this could be for you, as its relatively short and full of contemplation.

For best results play the Spotify list on a separate device.

Code: ILYM030
Props: 2 blocks
29th July 2020

MOON, 10 mins, MeditationIsabel LankesterJuly 29, 2021MOONComment