Claire - Louise Symonds

About

My name is Claire-Louise and I have been teaching Scaravelli inspired hatha yoga classes in Bristol since 2006.

I see yoga as more of an art form than a form of exercise. If we can engage our curiosity whilst moving with the breath, then yoga is like experimenting with the melody, tone, volume and pitch of the body. In this way our practice can become more like a meditative dance where the breath, body, and mind are interconnected and we become more in tune with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Through exploring our bodies in this way, we can truly know ourselves and connect with the world in a more authentic, peaceful and joyful way. The body can begin to heal itself from pain and disease that results from continued stress and strain. We can become truly in tune with ourselves.

I have been practising yoga since 2000, initially studying with a Iyengar teacher.  In 2005, I discovered the hatha yoga style taught by the Inner Yoga Trust (Scaravelli inspired approach) and I trained with them as a yoga teacher and then yoga therapist so now practice both Mindful Yoga and Restorative Yoga. I have completed training to teach Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction / Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy training with Bangor University Teacher Training Programme. I am a recognised Mindfulness Practitioner that follows the UK Good Practice Guidelines. I have trained as a facilitator in a number of parenting courses and have worked in a supportive role with families since 2004, particularly supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse and violence.