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Welcome to Serenity Yoga

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Overview



I am a Turiya Yoga qualified teacher and have been teaching yoga since 1998. I endeavour to combine elements of Turiya’s classical teachings and westernised approach in a very down-to-earth and relaxed style. Wherever possible I try to explain the purpose of practices in terms of both the physical and mental benefits and hopefully “de-mystify” yoga.

Students are encouraged to practice only within the boundaries of what is comfortable and suitable for them and the oft-repeated golden rule is “If it hurts, don’t do it!” While specific verbal instructions are given, I do not physically manipulate students in positions. Students are encouraged to simply do what feels comfortable and to make whatever adjustments are necessary in a pose therefore Serenity Yoga can cater for most ages and fitness levels.

I utilise joint conditioning movements, traditional yoga stretches and poses, breathing exercises and a wide variety of meditation and relaxation practices. I also use Kum Nye exercises from Tibetan Buddhist tradition and  practices from the Chinese Chi Kung tradition which I studied for a number of years.

A typical 90 minute class consists of a brief period of relaxation at the start of the class to settle the heart rate and respiration rate.
Then a series of joint-conditioning practices are used as warm-up and preparation, followed by traditional yoga poses and sequences.
The last 30 minutes of the class are used for 10-15 minutes of seated meditation followed by 15-20 minutes of supine relaxation.

If you are a new student you should complete at least one term of Beginner classes even if you have done yoga before. There are many different styles of yoga and even within a particular style there is a huge diversity of teaching approaches. The verbal instructions and written handouts supplied during the Beginner term provide valuable background information which will help you get the most out of classes. The Beginner classes also provide an opportunity to learn practice sequences commonly used in the Intermediate classes so that students can practice with a minimum of instruction. The meditation and relaxation times are shorter in the Beginner classes which allows you to adjust to my voice and style of instruction and provides you with an opportunity to gradually develop your meditation and relaxation skills to the point where you are comfortable for a 10-15 minute seated meditation and a full 20 minute relaxation (laying down) as used in the Intermediate classes. The Beginner term also gives me time to get to know you, and any physical challenges you may have, and to suggest how you might tailor practices to better suit your needs. You are welcome to attend the first night on a trial basis to determine whether it is what you want to do and then pay for the term only if you decide to continue.

I would love to see you at Serenity Yoga!
Bernadette Puglisi 


Timetable

Term 3,  17th July - 21st September 2017


Intermediate Yoga classes are only open to those who have completed at least one Beginner Term or have a background in Turiya Yoga.
Meditation and Relaxation classes and Beginner Yoga classes are open to all.

A minimum of four enrolments will be required per class, classes with insufficient enrolments will be cancelled or postponed pending further enrolments - please contact Bernadette for up-to-date information regarding timetable changes.
Unless otherwise advised classes will be run on public holidays.

Beginners Yoga

Monday: 10:00-11:30am

Tuesday: 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday: 6:30-8:00pm



Intermediate Yoga

Monday: 6:30-8:00pm

Tuesday: 10:00-11:30am

                 8:00-9:30pm

Wednesday: 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday: 10:00-11:30am

Meditation & Relaxation

 Wednesday 8:00-9:00pm class.

FAQ



Can I try a class?
I offer all new students the chance to attend their first class as a free trial. There are so many different types of yoga and it can be hard to find what you want so come and try a class in the first three weeks of a term – but bookings are required.

Can I join a class at any time?
Not at the Beginner yoga level. Classes are run in terms and the Beginners classes are intended to provide an introduction to all the basics needed for moving into an Intermediate yoga class. New students need to start in the first three weeks of a term so they don’t miss too much of the groundwork. Students who have attended Serenity Yoga or Turiya Yoga classes in the past may re-enrol at any time. Students who have attended other forms of yoga are advised to attend one Beginner term to become familiar with the Turiya style (discuss with Bernadette). Those wishing to attend Meditation and Relaxation classes may start at any time but again, bookings are required.

I’ve done yoga before – can I join an Intermediate class?
As mentioned above, I prefer new people to start at the beginning. There are so many different styles of yoga that you may find a new style to be completely different to what you have done in the past. Although I have been practising yoga for more than 20 years now, if I were to attend another style I would want to start at the Beginner level because you never know what you don’t know! If you do just one term of Beginners then you and I both know that you have the necessary background and safety information.

How long do I need to stay in Beginner level classes?
New students only need to attend one term of Beginner level classes. The Beginner Term is designed to be a ten-week introduction to yoga in general and specifically to Turiya Yoga. It is important to attend all (or most) of the classes in the Beginner Term to cover the introductory material and receive all the handouts which provide more information. Upon completion of the Beginner Term you can then either repeat it in the following term if you wish, or if you feel comfortable with the format of classes and the material covered, you can move into the Intermediate classes – it’s up to you. The Intermediate classes follow the same format as the Beginner classes but are on-going in nature, with new material being introduced on a regular basis.

Do I need to bring anything?
No, I provide mats that are designed for a wooden floor but you are welcome to bring your own mat if you have one and place it on top of the studio mat. I also have a supply of blankets, cushions and meditation stools, but again, you are welcome to bring your own. In warmer weather you might like to bring a water bottle.

What do I wear?
Clothes designed to stretch such as gym or track suit pants and t-shirts. In cooler weather it is advisable to wear layers so that you can rug up during the meditation and relaxation elements and peel off during the physical elements.

I have a back injury – can I do yoga?
That will depend on the type and severity of the injury however I have many students with various back conditions that have found yoga very helpful. Where certain postures are too difficult I can usually recommend an alternative practice and you will always be encouraged to only do what feels comfortable.

I’m pregnant – can I do yoga?
Not at Serenity Yoga unless you are an existing student in the first trimester of pregnancy and this is not your first pregnancy. There are many risks to be considered when undertaking a new exercise regime when you are pregnant.  I encourage pregnant women to seek out an antenatal yoga class as that will be designed specifically for your needs.


News & Events


Enrolments are now open for Term 3, 2017. The final timetable will depend on the number of enrolments per class so please enrol early!


2017 Wellbeing Retreat

Once again we are returning to The Country Place in Kalorama for our wonderful biennial retreat!  This year’s retreat will commence at 5:00pm on Friday the 15th of September and conclude at 2:00pm on Sunday the 17th of September. As always, the activities for the retreat will include Yoga, Meditation and Chi Kung classes and our creative “Art Therapy”. My yoga mentor Marg Beasley will present on Yoga Philosophy and Kum Nye (Tibetan Yoga) and our special guest speaker, Dr Wayne Todd,  will present on the "SD Protocol".   Although the retreat is currently fully booked sometimes there are cancellations so please let me know if you are interested in going on the waiting list.


Fees


There are two payment options for classes.
You can elect to pay either by the term or casual (per class).
Casual students are not guaranteed a place and will only be accepted in a class if there is sufficient space available  as priority will be given to term-paying students.
The term fee varies from term to term depending on the number of weeks in the term but it equates to $12.00 per class.
You can pay by EFT or by cheque or cash at classes (sorry, no card facilities).

Yoga

$120 (10-week  term)
or
$15 per class (casual)
The term fee entitles you to one 90-minute class per week and
must be paid by third week of term.

    Meditation & Relaxation

    $100 (10-week term)
    or
    $12 per class (casual)
    The term fee entitles you to one 60-minute class per week and
    must be paid by third week of term.

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