Mindfulness - Polyvagal Yoga
Explore the role the vagus nerve has in balancing our nervous system function and how it can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Polyvagal Yoga
Practices to balance the nervous system and create holistic health
“Set peace of mind as your highest goal, and organise your life around it .”
~ Brian Tracy
Learning to balance our nervous system can have a profound effect on our overall health and well-being, how we show up in the world and how we deal with stress and the inevitable ups and down of life.
According to the Polyvagal Theory put forward by Dr. Stephen Porges, there is a continual exchange of information between the body and the mind that affects our emotions, stress levels, how we self-regulate and connect with others and ultimately how we build resilience and well-being.
The wisdom traditions of yoga and mindfulness have long recognised the importance of this connection between body and mind and have offered a way to return to balance for centuries. Modern science is beginning to confirm what the ancient yogis have always known and the two are beginning to complement one another.
This 4-week series of classes will explore the Polyvagal Theory and the role the vagus nerve has in balancing our nervous system function. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve connecting to all major organs in the body and is thought of a superhighway of communication between the body and the mind.
Over the four weeks you'll learn*:
- How the vagus nerve impacts mind-body health and well-being,
- Yoga and mindfulness practices to increase vagal tone,
- To develop introception which builds awareness of what’s going on in the body,
- How ancient yogic teachings of the three gunas (rajas, tamas and satva) correspond to our nervous system,
- Kindfulness practices that incorporate kindness, compassion and mindfulness that impact vagal function,
- To ultimately build strength and resilience in mind, body and spirit.
*See more details for the theme for each week below.
What will sessions include?
We will explore a range of the following techniques which have all been shown to increase vagal tone and contribute to a healthy and balanced nervous system:
- mindful movement/yoga asana,
- breathing techniques/pranayama,
- mindfulness/awareness building,
- chanting/humming/omming,
- self-massage/fascia release,
- EFT Tapping,
- eye movements
There will also be suggested practices ‘off the mat’ so that you can take what you learn into everyday life.
When does it start?
This course starts on Tuesday 2 May 2023, and you’ll have 7 classes to choose from, in 5 different styles throughout the week. See the full timetable of classes HERE and below.
* Please Note - Bank Holiday Monday classes will take place on Tuesdays.
Location
IN-PERSON - Classes take place at Heartwood Forest, AL4 9DQ when the weather allows.
When we can't be outside we're at Highfield Park Trust, AL4 0RA for the following classes:
- Wednesdays 10.00-11.00 - Gentle & Restorative
- Wednesdays 18.30-19.30 - Yin Yoga
And at Sandridge Village Hall, AL4 9DD for the following classes:
- Saturdays 09.30-10.45 - Flow & Reflect
ONLINE - Monday Classes are ALL ONLINE
ALL classes throughout the week are also live-streamed and recorded via Zoom.
I use professional sound equipment so it sounds as if I'm in the room with you (according to my students!).
PLUS I'll be on hand to answer any technical issues you may have.
How to join?
You can book this series of classes for £64.00 HERE which will give you:
- Access to one in-person or live online class per week,
- Access to all recordings from this course,
- A friendly WhatsApp group to ask questions and share thoughts.
Or you can choose to join the membership HERE which will give you:
- FREE 7-day trial,
- Access to one, two or limited live in-person or online classes per week (depending on membership level),
- Access to all recordings from this course,
- Access to recordings from four previous courses worth £221.00 and include:
- A friendly WhatsApp group to ask questions and share thoughts.
If you have any queries, please don’t do not hesitate to get in touch – [email protected].
'A unique approach to yoga'
“Louise has a very unique approach to teaching yoga, drawing learning from nature, neuroscience and nourishing spiritual teachings! I love the variety in her programmes, which combine mindfulness practices, movement and postures, readings and poetry, with wisdom and warmth. I am learning so much about how the mind, body and spirit can work together to cultivate compassion, strength and resilience for ourselves and those around us. I always feel calm and uplifted after a class. Informative, insightful and inspiring - thank you Lou!”
'Classes are a life-line'
"Louise’s classes are a life-line! I find myself being able to calm my anxiety, find a new purpose and most importantly accept where we are as a country and continue my daily life. Louise is a very warm, nurturing and knowledgeable teacher. She also integrates elements of mindfulness through various readings, poetry and insights to deepen the practice and allow deep rest to take place. I always feel lifted, yet grounded after each of Louise’s yoga sessions."
What you can expect from this course:
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A unique opportunity to pause, reflect and bring healing to your inner and outer worlds
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Learn tools to reduce stress levels on and off the mat
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Promote quality sleep through reminding your body how to slow down and relax
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Receive expert guidance from a senior yoga teacher
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A variety of insightful, interesting and varied classes that build on a new theme each week
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Become part of a like-minded caring yoga community
'Louise is so kind and caring'
"I started as a complete beginner and was worried I would not be able to follow the moves, but Louise is so kind and caring, plus really knows her stuff so is able to give very clear, supportive guidance. There is never any pressure as Louise always offers alternatives. With care and kindness she has encouraged me to really develop my practice. I always feel really energised after a session with Louise but I am also starting to notice a higher level of peace and tranquility in my day to day life. I feel strong and calm at the same time!"
Your Teacher
'Yoga gives us peace and clarity in order to see the beauty and wonder that is all around us'
Louise Neicho
Having spent the first 20 years of my professional life working in and with Nature I feel a deep connection to the natural world that has promoted numerous benefits in my life. Combining this with a love and appreciation of yoga and mindfulness that spans over two decades has enabled me to share practices that help us connect more deeply with Nature and ourselves. I have completed over 1000hrs of yoga and mindfulness teacher training and in 2023 I received a distinction for my master's degree in Mindfulness where my thesis focused on the wellbeing benefits of connecting with Nature. I can honestly say that yoga and Nature has saved my life on more than one occasion, and I don’t think I would be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my practice. To bring all of this together is simply a dream come true and I hope you will join me and our like-minded community soon.
Email
'Louise’s passion for yoga is infectious'
“Lou's passion for yoga is infectious and her knowledge is incredibly vast. I have been doing yoga for a long time but I am always amazed at the fact that I am still learning something new with Louise’s very detailed explanations. The classes have helped me staying in the moment and achieving calmness within”
Your Questions Answered
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How is this different to other yoga classes?
This course is designed to take you gently and slowly into the deeper layers of the mind, each week building on your understanding of yoga and the tools and techniques that you can use on and off your mat. The difference to regular yoga classes is that we focus on one particular theme, as well as a physical focus in the body each week. You get to explore this theme for a whole week on and off the mat, building your awareness and focus.
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Which class should I choose?
There are 5 different styles to choose from each week and how you choose will depend on whether you have practiced yoga before or not and what you would like to gain from your practice. If you are new to yoga or haven’t practiced in a while, I would suggest starting with the Gentle & Restorative, Morning Meditation and Yin Yoga. If you are familiar with vinyasas then you’ll love the Flow & Reflect classes on Saturday mornings and if you’re looking for more stillness, deep physical stretches and meditation techniques then Yin Yoga will be for you.
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What do I need to begin?
You will need a yoga mat and comfortable clothing that you can easily move around in, PJ’s work well for this! For some of the classes you will need some props, but we have been experimenting with household pillows, cushions and blankets in place of traditional yoga props. I will let you know at the beginning of class what you need.
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How does the membership work?
As a member you are welcome to come to any of the classes on the timetable where we will explore these concepts and themes. All classes are recorded and uploaded to the Exclusive Members Area within 24 hours of taking place so if you miss your favourite class you can catch up at a time suit you. PLUS if you go on holiday, you can still access the live classes or recordings from anywhere in the world (as long as you have internet of course!)
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How does the one-off course work?
If you decide to invest in the one-off course instead of the membership, then you will have access to 1 in-person or live online class for the duration of the course. You will also have access to all recordings from the course for 2 months from the date of your purchase.
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Other questions?
If you have any other questions that are not answered here, then feel free to contact me on [email protected].
'Insightful, interesting, varied'
"Louise's classes are always insightful, interesting and varied as she brings her knowledge and ongoing training and research into each one, combining useful 'off-the-mat' mindfulness tips with yoga poses appropriate to the unique theme for the week as well as catering for individual requirements where needed. They are packed with lots of good advice for day-to-day living as well as for practice on the yoga mat. Now that everything is online and recorded there is the added benefit of being able to participate in Louise's classes wherever you are in the world and the enormous library of recorded classes is a treasure trove of resource"
'Louise teaches from the heart'
“Lou's classes have been a real anchor for me amongst all the uncertainty of the past year. I do like being able to log on to the website and do the recorded classes at any time. The classes cover a specific topic each term, and I’ve found that having a subject to focus on really enhances my yoga practice, off the mat as well as on it! Lou brings some wonderful insights into each class and you can tell she really teaches from the heart.”
Course Content
Classes start on Tues 2 May 2023 and will be uploaded within 24 hours of taking place
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1
Week 1 - Polyvagal Theory
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Mon AM, Yoga Nidra, Week 1 - Polyvagal Theory
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Mon PM, Midday Meditation, Week 1 - Polyvagal Theory
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2
Week 2 - Interoception
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Mon AM, Yoga Nidra, Week 2 - Interoception
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Mon PM, Midday Meditation, Week 2 - Interoception
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3
Week 3 - Three Gunas
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Mon AM, Yoga Nidra, Week 3 - Three Gunas
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Mon PM, Midday Meditation, Week 3 - Three Gunas
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4
Week 4 - Kindfulness
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Mon AM, Yoga Nidra, Week 4 - Kindfulness
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Mon PM, Midday Meditation, Week 4 - Kindfulness
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