In the middle of a busy summer schedule it feels good to break pace and have a change of scene. Last Sunday I took an early morning drive to Devon, plunging through wooded valleys and lush pastureland, leaving the chaotic, creative swirl of Glastonbury for the smarter, sophisticated vibe of Totnes and an all day workshop with Scaravelli yoga teacher Bill Wood.
The session was held at the Forge Yoga Studio, at the top of Totnes High Street, tucked down a narrow lane. It is a beautifully designed yoga space with natural light, a wooden floor, plastered walls and thoughtful details throughout; an abundance of yoga mats, blankets, bolsters, a kitchen area for drinks, satisfyingly solid crafted wooden doors.
The theme - the breath. Explored through the classic tenets of the Scaravelli approach: relaxing the diaphragm, resting down through feet and hands to find hips and shoulders, witnessing, letting go of outcomes, finding the ‘internal dynamics’ of yoga, moving with fluidity and freedom.
Bill’s warm encouragement enabled all present to access the poses in a safe and enjoyable way. He moved around the studio delivering precise, sensitive adjustments which were frequently shared with the group. Comments were invited and spontaneously offered throughout the day to the extent that workshop felt like a continuous, dynamic dialogue between Bill and ourselves.
A subtle infusion of Buddhist teachings gave a rich texture. I found myself engaging with powerful inversions such as handstand and forearm balance with confidence and enthusiasm as my breath progressively relaxed and my body opened to new possibilities. Wonderful. I hope to practice with Bill again, soon.
Bill holds drop-in yoga classes, workshops, retreats and teacher training in Devon and the southwest.
www.billwoodyoga.co.uk
www.forgeyoga.co.uk
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