Organiser(s)
Hazel FAITHFULL
Janine DU PLESSIS
David RUSSELL
Janet JORGENSEN
Mark ROBINSON
Lara LAMBERT
Tutor(s)
Wendy TEASDILL
Lesley ISAACSON
Paul RIDDY
Tessa SANDERSON
Description
Embrace the spirit of transformation this Autumn as we invite you on a journey from chaos to calm. Join us for a series of inspirational sessions featuring insightful talks by award-winning Gardener Yogi, Joe Francis, alongside experiential yoga workshops guided by renowned tutors Wendy Teasdill and Lesley Isaacson, as well as local talents Paul Riddy and Marion Highmore. Immerse yourself in a rejuvenating sound bath experience and explore our vibrant marketplace at your leisure.
Timetable
| Main hall | Tutor / Class content | Room 2 | Tutor / Class content |
| 9.30 – Welcome ceremony | |||
| 10am - 12 noon |
Wendy Teasdill Working with the Kleshas to replace chaos with harmony. This session leads us through breath-infused asanas in which we unpick and contemplate the Kleshas; by viewing them as stepping stones to understanding rather than obstacles to our own gratification, we can shift awareness from the conflict of duality to the harmony of integration. |
10am - 12 noon |
Lesley Isaacson From 4 legs to 2: Transformation of the Ancient texts into modern yogic metaphors. The asana practice will be related to some Upanishad creatures as you explore the transition from the animals’ four legs to your two. You will come closer to answering the question: why this animal? What philosophical message is this animal bringing to us? |
| 12 - 12.45pm - LUNCH | Bring your lunch, refreshments provided | ||
| 12.45 - 1.45pm |
Joe Francis Creating Calm Admist Chaos In this talk, Joe draws from his experience designing show gardens, including his acclaimed work at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show ('Calm Amidst Chaos'), to illustrate life's journey. Learn how cultivating peace and tranquility mirrors coping with our modern, hectic lives. |
12.45 - 1.45pm |
Michelle Dennison-Hall From Sound to Silence: Sound Bath Ancient sounds facilitate deep states of rest and relaxation thereby transforming tension to surrender. |
| 1.45 - 2pm BREAK | Refreshments | ||
| 2 - 3pm |
Paul Riddy Form, function and modification Paul’s Yoga session looks at how modification of asana and pranayama (breathing techniques) practices can emphasise or shift their focus, from both a physiological and psychological perspective. |
2 -3pm |
Tessa Venuti Sanderson Deep Hip Tapas: Playing with Edge |
| 3.30 - 4pm Closing Ceremony |
About the tutors
Wendy Teasdill has been practicing Yoga for over 45 years and teaching since 1987. She has traveled widely and studied Yoga and mysticism in India and Tibet, and was a regular student at the Iyengar Institute in Pune in the '80s, '90s, and early part of this century. When she became pregnant, things changed: she has always worked with Prana, but pregnancy brought a more spiral and organic approach to her original Iyengar Yoga discipline. Wendy encourages each person to work with autonomy and sensitivity. She is particularly interested in the application of yogic philosophy to yoga practice.
Lesley Isaacson is a teacher trainer with the British Wheel of Yoga, with over 30 years' teaching experience. In her teachings, she balances movement with stillness, emphasising the harmony of asana, pranayama, and meditation. Lesley believes in intertwining disciplined practice with mental calmness and breath awareness, engaging the whole being. She encourages exploration of freedom both in and beyond yoga poses, aiming to cultivate joy and self-transformation. With her lively spirit and humor, Lesley connects the practice on the mat to everyday life, making yoga a tool for personal growth.
Joe Francis is a multi-award-winning garden designer who lives in Oxford with his wife and three children. Being highly sensitive and deeply empathic, he uses the challenges he's experienced throughout life to promote a calmer and more peaceful experience of life.
Tessa Sanderson is based locally here in Reading with her young family. Tessa has taught yoga and pregnancy for 20years. She speicalises in womens health and facilitates womens circles. Tessa a life-long learner and loves to share ideas, having writen six books and articles in many publications and academic papers.
Michelle Dennison-Hall is a qualified sound therapist with over 10 years’ experience. She completed yoga teacher training to deepen her understanding of how sound can be used to develop her own personal practice and to facilitate clients if they wanted to combine both modalities.
Paul Riddy has over 30 years' teaching experience. He collaborates closely with complementary practitioners, receiving referrals from health professionals. His expertise spans various yoga approaches and body-mind therapies, enriched by attendance at diverse workshops. Paul conducts workshops, retreats, AYS (formerly Viniyoga Britain) courses, CPD programmes for the British Wheel of Yoga, and Yoga & Walking holidays locally and abroad. As a Diploma Course Tutor and BWY final class assessor, Paul is deeply committed to yoga education.
Market Place will be open early:
Jewellery - Vicky Cumming Silver jewellery inspired by nature using sea glass and semi precious stones
Artist - Andrea Hewes - Multi media Paintings and prints with homemade cards
Potter - Hazel Faithfull hand made and wheel thrown stoneware pots and created cotton bags
Donate Bras for Charity
Donate our old bras to the local Abingdon #AgainstBreastCancer The charity funds groundbreaking cancer research to improve detection, treatment and increase survival after breast cancer diagnosis. New and old bras are gratefully received - it really doesn't matter if the bras are old, grey or tatty - literally every bra helps! It’s a double win as underwire bras are tricky to recycle! Pop yours and collect from friends and family into the box.
Additional Information
Do bring a friend or student who might like to experience the BWY and our full day of yoga. They can sign up for a free membership to browse and purchase their ticket at £60.
Refreshments provided, please bring your own mug/thermos cup to make life easier.
Bring your lunch and water bottle.
Free parking at the venue but do car share if you can.
What to Bring
Please bring yoga equipment and cushions/blankets, especially for your comfort during relaxation and the sound bath. If you have a copy of the Upanishads would be useful for Lesley's session.