About Me

My name is Jonathan and I teach Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga.  My influences are drawn largely from classical yoga, with some elements of self-shiatsu; where gentleness and subtlety in practise can have a profound effect on strength and flexibility, both of body and mind.  I practise and teach mindfulness meditation with an emphasis on self-compassion.  I believe great well-being and healing is possible through building trust between body and mind; and with that trust it becomes easier to remain present and flexible through all life's challenges.

I am particularly interested in sharing the message that Meditation and Yoga are for everyone by promoting these practises as a way of supporting both physiological and psychological health.

I discovered Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation for myself some years ago.  I was experiencing a combination of chronic pain and musculo-skeletal dysfunction coupled with the effects of complex PTSD and severe depression.  Somehow I knew these things would assist me but I didn't know why.  I learned that getting in touch with that deep intuition from a perpective of self-compassion was a huge 'missing-link' that brought many aspects together in greater harmony.  Bringing connection to a body I felt divorced from.  I found these practises to be a wonderful complement to other therapies, be it physical or psychological, and yet also offered something utterly unique too.  So it is, perhaps, no surprise that one of my special interests in teaching is supporting chronic illness and supporting the effects of trauma.  Both with those experiencing such issues and also those who support, friends and family. 

There are lots of images around of amazing yoga poses (asana) which can be inspiring or a little intimidating, yet any body can practise yoga.

One massively significant component in the 'missing-link' I described above was developing a conscious practise of self-compassion.  I strongly believe that profound positive change can flow easily and spontaneously when we are kind to ourselves.  Being harsh is stifling.  Does that mean letting oneself 'off the hook'? No.  It does mean treating oneself as a friend and the realisation that being kind to ourselves makes it so much easier to be more outwardly giving.  And so it also could be said one of my special interests is helping share the message that it is not selfish to care for oneself, it means we develop the capacity to be more giving and more patient.

Shanti