'Freedom can feel overwhelming: once you step out from under a teacher's wing into the glaring light of freedom, what do you do now?' Judy Hirsh Sampath's playful guide is for anyone in the process of questioning prescriptive teaching methods and practices that no longer serve them or align with their felt experience. Tuning in and listening to the body rather than focusing on 'correct' ways of teaching, it includes exercises to spark inspiration and create an environment of creativity and joy through yoga. Part One looks at the value of the classical form to honour the foundational principles of yogic wisdom. Part Two covers the process of becoming - finding confidence in your own understanding of yoga and trusting the part of you that knows without thinking, to widen your mind and open your heart both personally and professionally. Part Three is a treasure chest of gems for facilitators that comprises formal instruction, creative and playful ideas. It is accompanied by notes and enquiries to inspire teachers and therapists to move beyond prescriptive lesson planning.
During a disturbing time in her life, Judy searched for ways to make sense of what was happening. Through yoga therapy and experimenting with many healing arts, Judy came to a realisation that her body loved her unconditionally and all she had to do was love it back. it shifted her understanding of yoga, her relationships with others as well as her Self. The research and embodied practices she discovered was the starting point for sharing her work with other 'seekers'. Judy's passion is education - to empower health seekers in becoming experts in themselves and celebrate wholeness by breaking free from the self-harm of 'should' and the tyranny of 'trying too hard'. She blends movement and breath, embodied mindfulness, and many other practices with theory and philosophical discussion. Her professional Yoga Therapy diploma and other courses are practical and soulful, and accessible for anyone interested in recovery and empowerment personally or professionally. She runs classes, workshops, 1-2-1 sessions, trainings and retreats in the UK and India. She has worked in schools, mental health and fertility settings with people of all ages, sizes and abilities. Judy is a yoga teacher (British Wheel of Yoga, Relax & Renew), yoga therapist (C-IAYT) trained in the UK, USA and India, life mentor, and co-founder of Yogaunited.
An empowering guide to breaking free from yoga 'rules' and creating an authentic, inspired, practice.
