Description

Experiencing, and then abiding in a state of stillness, is one of the biggest challenges of meditation and even for those who find a state of physical stillness the mind can often remain in constant movement around sensory impressions.  The aim of Kaya Sthairyam is to induce a deeper sense of physical stillness that can then lead to a natural stilling of the mind.  The practice is often used as a preliminary or introductory meditation practice, however, it is far more profound than just forcing stillness upon the physical body and it can become a potent meditation practice in its own right. Although translated as 'body steadiness' or 'bodily stillness', the purpose of Kaya Sthairyam is to encourage the stilling of all the senses through focussing primarily on physical experience. The stillness that can be encountered through the practice of Kaya Sthairyam is not one of a forced, or false, stillness of the body and mind but a gradual releasing of any need to make physical movement and, through the potential stillness that arises, a loosening of the impact of all sensory impressions.

This day will start with asana practice to increase body awareness and release tension before exploring how we can use pranayama practices to create a sense of spaciousness and stillness. 

The main focus of the day will be on the practice of Kaya Sthairyam, deep body stillness. Throughout the day various, easily accessible, techniques will be explored which can act as a prelude to further meditation or become a meditation in their own right.

The day will be taught by Tulsi alongside Nick Edge (Sw SatyaDaya)

Nickie (Tulsi) has been teaching yoga for over 20 years and been a yoga practitioner for over 30.  Up until September 2025 she spent 6 years at Mandala Yoga Ashram in Wales as manager and a senior teacher on many of their courses including Yoga Teacher Training, Advanced Yoga Teacher Training, Chakras, Kriya Yoga, Vigyana Bhariava Tantra, Tattwa Shuddhi and the one month residential Developing Sadhana Course. Her passion is enabling people of any background to experience the practices of yoga and meditation to bring a deeper understanding of what and who we are. She has experience of teaching in prisons, day centres, schools and hospital settings, working with people with a wide range of physical and mental health challenges. She works with accessible asana and pranayama in a way that focuses on the energetic effect of practice and naturally create the opportunity for exploring traditional, authentic meditation practices.

Additional Information

What to Bring

Mat, blanket, cushions etc to be comfortable for yoga nidra