Santosha

Practices to create a sustainable form of happiness

“There is contentment and tranquility when the flame of the spirit does not waver in the wind of desire.”
 ~ BKS Iyengar


Santosha is the second niyama and a yogic approach to creating a sustainable form of happiness. Through this 6-week course, we will become aware of what disturbs our minds and work towards creating stability in mind and body. 

Our modern world is filled with desire, and we are led to believe that more is essential for our happiness. How often do we tell ourselves ‘I’ll be happy when… x, y, z…’ This can lead to an inner feeling of lacking or not being enough and create low mood, anxiety and even depression.

Through our body mind practices we can tap into our innate ability for true inner joy and happiness regardless of our outer situation. We can build inner confidence, self-belief and enoughness and go beyond the busyness of life and the mind.

This course is for you if:

  • you feel like life moves at a relentless pace,
  • you often get stuck in spiralling negative thought patterns,
  • you'd like to create or maintain a strong healthy body and mind,
  • you'd like to create space and time for your own well-being,
  • you’d like to re-learn how to slow down and connect to your inner wisdom.


Although fully practical and lived on the mat through yoga and mindfulness techniques, theory will be weaved in alongside our practices so that you can begin to take what you learn off the mat and into everyday life – I have found this is where real change happens.


WHAT’S INCLUDED:

A total of 43 individual classes or 36 hours of a varied mix of yoga and mindfulness practices to tap into your own inner abundance.

Each class is designed to be used on their own or all together to create your own longer class or workshop.

Life-time access included with purchase.

If you have any queries, please don’t do not hesitate to get in touch – [email protected].

Course Content

  • 1

    Week 1 - Philosophy for Happiness

    • Mon AM, Sunrise, Week 1 - Philosophy for Happiness

    • Mon AM, Morning Meditation, Week 1 - Philosophy for Happiness

    • Mon PM, Yin Yoga, Week 1 - Philosophy for Happiness

    • Mon PM, Yoga Nidra, Week 1 - Philosophy for Happiness

    • Wed AM, Gentle & Restorative, Week 1 - Philosophy for Happiness

    • Wed PM, Yin Yoga, Week 1 - Philosophy for Happiness

    • Sat AM, Flow & Reflect, Week 1 - Philosophy for Happiness
  • 2

    Week 2 - Dealing with Desire

    • Mon AM, Sunrise Flow, Week 2 - Dealing with Desire

    • Mon AM, Morning Meditation, Week 2 - Dealing with Desire

    • Mon PM, Yin Yoga, Week 2 - Dealing with Desire

    • Mon PM, Yoga Nidra, Week 2 - Dealing with Desire

    • Wed PM, Gentle & Restorative, Week 2 - Dealing with Desire

    • Wed PM, Yin Yoga, Week 2 - Dealing with Desire

    • Sat AM, Flow & Reflect, Week 2 - Dealing with Desire
  • 3

    Week 3 - Abundance

    • Mon AM, Sunrise, Week 3 - Abundance

    • Mon AM, Morning Meditation, Week 3 - Abundance

    • Mon PM, Yin Yoga, Week 3 - Abundance

    • Mon PM, Yoga Nidra, Week 3 - Abundance

    • Wed AM, Gentle & Restorative, Week 3 - Abundance

    • Wed PM, Yin Yoga, Week 3 - Abundance

    • Sat AM, Flow & Reflect, Week 3 - Abundance
  • 4

    Week 4 - Coming Home

    • Mon AM, Sunrise Flow, Week 4 - Coming Home

    • Mon AM, Meditation, Week 4 - Coming Home

    • Mon PM, Yin Yoga, Week 4 - Coming Home

    • Mon PM, Yoga Nidra, Week 4 - Coming Home

    • Wed AM, Gentle & Restorative, Week 4 - Coming Home

    • Wed PM, Yin Yoga, Week 4 - Coming Home

    • Sat AM, Flow & Reflect, Week 4 - Coming Home
  • 5

    Week 5 - Self-Appreciation

    • Mon AM, Meditation, Week 5 - Self-Appreciation

    • Mon AM, Sunrise, Week 5 - Self-Appreciation

    • Mon PM, Yin Yoga, Week 5 - Self-Appreciation

    • Mon PM, Yoga Nidra, Week 5 - Self-Appreciation

    • Wed AM, Gentle & Restorative, Week 5 - Self-Appreciation

    • Wed PM, Yin Yoga, Week 5 - Self-Appreciation

    • Sat AM, Flow & Reflect, Week 5 - Self-Appreciation
  • 6

    Week 6 - Soul Shine Solstice

    • Mon AM, Sunrise Flow, Week 6 - Soul Shine Solstice

    • Mon AM, Meditation, Week 6 - Soul Shine Solstice

    • Mon PM, Yin Yoga, Week 6 - Soul Shine Solstice

    • Mon PM, Yoga Nidra, Week 6 - Soul Shine Solstice

    • Wed AM, Gentle & Restorative, Week 6 - Soul Shine Solstice

    • Wed PM, Yin Yoga, Week 6 - Soul Shine Solstice

    • PART 1 - Sat AM, Flow & Reflect, Week 6 - Soul Shine Solstice

    • PART 2 - Sat AM, Flow & Reflect, Week 6 - Soul Shine Solstice

'A unique approach to yoga'

by Liz Hobman

“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!”

Themes for each week:

  • Week 1 – Philosophy for Happiness

    Santosha is the second niyama and a yogic approach to creating a sustainable form of happiness. Week 1 will be about becoming aware of what disturbs our minds and working towards stability in mind and body.

  • Week 2 – Dealing with Desire

    Desire is all around us, constantly! We live in a world that tells us more is essential to our happiness. This week we'll practice sympathetic joy, the antidote to desire and be reminded of the 'no mud, no lotus' concept.

  • Week 3 – Abundance

    Asteya and Aparigraha are the two yamas that are related to santosha in the yogic traditions. They can help us to let go of inner lacking and realise we are enough. This week we'll use practices to build inner confidence, self-belief and enoughness.

  • Week 4 - Coming Home

    Resting in Santosha can feel like coming home, a place that we know on a deep level but has been lost through the busyness of life and the mind. Week 4 will be about learning to rest in awareness and natural presence, just like a mountain or mighty tree.

  • Week 5 – Self-Appreciation

    Appreciation is an important part of our practice and can take many forms including thankfulness, celebration of nature and all she provides, contributing to community and living in the present. We'll explore these in week 5 and learn to be okay with where you are.

  • Week 6 – Soul Shine Solstice

    The ancient meaning and wisdom of the winter solstice has been lost and replaced with desire and greed. Our final week will bring us back to the true meaning the solstice and the benefits of Santosha and how we can continue to practice beyond this course.

'Classes are a life-line'

by Cathy Washbrooke

"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:

  • A unique opportunity to pause, reflect and bring healing to your inner and outer worlds

  • Learn tools to reduce stress levels on and off the mat

  • Promote quality sleep through reminding your body how to slow down and relax

  • Receive expert guidance from a senior yoga teacher

  • A variety of insightful, interesting and varied classes that build on a new theme each week

  • Become part of a like-minded caring yoga community

'Louise is so kind and caring'

by Emma Scinaldi

"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.

'Louise’s passion for yoga is infectious'

by Sonia Battaini

“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

  • 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.

  • 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 and Yoga Nidra will be for you.

  • 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.

  • 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'

by Sarah Hall

"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'

by Amy Dodd

“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.”

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