Sanctuary Yoga
Hinny Wass has created Sanctuary Yoga to be a radically kind form of yoga, through which you can develop a more gentle and accepting relationship with your body.
The practice enables you to find safety in the sanctuary of your body, and to find comfortable movement and breath. It is a blend of breathwork, asanas and sequences from the Forrest Yoga tradition, combined with practices drawn from Cranio-Sacral Therapy and other mindful somatic practices.
During the session you will be guided through poses which stretch, poses which strengthen, poses which aid rest and nervous-system downregulation, and poses which offer manageable challenge.
You will have the chance to let go of the limiting tensions, thoughts and patterns which you have unconsciously been holding onto.
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There are two main aims in a Sanctuary Yoga class: first, through tracking sensation you can get a clearer picture of where your body, mind and heart are currently at. This unlocks the second: now you can decide how to respond to the communications from your body and move towards what you desire for your body, your mind and your heart.
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Through a regular practice of Sanctuary Yoga you can expect to become more comfortable and stable in your body, more relaxed and resilient physically and emotionally, and to feel more like yourself.
A Sanctuary Yoga class for everyone
Sanctuary Yoga Class, all levels
Mondays | 6:30 pm
60 minute class
South Oxford Community Centre, Lake Street
£13/£8 unwaged
Bring your mat and a bottle of water. Wear layers. Payment is by card.
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Our room in the community centre is the Gill Garrat Room, next to the Dojo. Access is via the side door or through the courtyard at the back.
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If you’re pregnant, or think you might be, then drop Hinny an email before booking to check that the class will be suitable for you.
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No need to book - just come along.
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What My Students Say
I came across Hinny’s Sanctuary yoga practice completely by chance. I’d been looking for a yoga class for quite some time, but wanted to move away from the hustle and bustle of a typical gym setting. It only took one session for me to realise I’d found my place.
Hinny’s approach to yoga is gentle, kind, and deeply compassionate. She encourages a mindful connection with our bodies, something that’s so easy to overlook in the rush of daily life, while also explaining the science behind each movement in an accessible and engaging way.
Attending her class every Monday feels like a much-needed reset. The location makes it even more special: walking through Hinksey Park, with views of the river, on the way to the South Oxford Community Centre is a grounding ritual in itself.
If I had one complaint, it would simply be that it only happens once a week!
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Patri
Hinny's Sanctuary Yoga is so appropriately named: the class offers a safe space to explore how my body responds (or doesn't respond) to various types of yoga-inspired movement. Hinny's approach is very wise and respectful, gentle and healing. She honours limits and encourages awareness of what is and isn't possible. It's not what I'd expect from a yoga class, but it's what I'd hope for - I find it very nourishing and supportive. Hinny is the most intuitive yoga teacher I've ever worked with and I love her approach, it's perfect for me.
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Dorothy
Hinny's class is the perfect way to unwind and focus on myself and how I can move more freely.
She has levels of movement and strength to suit all abilities and will also accommodate your needs and requirements when it comes to a particular issue.
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It's also really good fun, with no pressure I find myself wanting to challenge myself more, for example having a target this year of doing a handstand has been great fun.
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Tim
One-to-One Yoga Therapy
In a one-to-one session I will guide you through yoga breathing techniques and poses in a compassionate and exploratory way, creating a sequence which is tailored to your unique needs. Through paying attention to the body, we can work together to help your body and mind let go of that which no longer serves you, leaving you happier, healthier, and more comfortable.
My mindfulness-based approach is equally effective, regardless of whether the discomfort you’re working with is physical or emotional. The process is always supported, caring, agency-filled and respectful.
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Who is it for? Everyone!
Anyone is welcome to book an individual session. Working in this way may be particularly beneficial for someone who:
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wants to practise yoga in a private and completely supported environment
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has persistent aches and pains (especially if your current yoga practice helps ease them temporarily but they keep returning)
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is returning to yoga after a break/ an injury / surgery / pregnancy
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wants to explore healing emotional distress or mental health issues through yoga
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has suffered trauma
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wants help to achieve a particular goal in their yoga practice, for example a particular pose, or greater flexibility
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Yoga and Cranio-Sacral Therapy
I am also a qualified Cranio-Sacral Therapist, and, with your permission, I may blend in elements of cranial work into the yoga session where appropriate. For more information about my Cranio-Sacral Therapy work, visit www.oxfordbabycranio.com.
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How to Book
To book a session, or for more information, email hinny@hinnywassyoga.co.uk.
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About me
I first discovered Forrest Yoga whilst searching for a remedy for the aches and pains inherent in life as a professional fiddle player. I was lucky enough to attend classes led by Jambo Truong and Conrad Freese, which not only helped immensely with the pain in my neck and shoulders but which also helped me feel better in many other ways, and get stronger than I’d ever thought possible. In 2016 (having just completed an MA in linguistics, specialising in syntax and semantics) I trained to become a Forrest Yoga teacher, with Cat Allen and Heidi Sormaz. Since then I have been teaching group classes and one-to-one yoga sessions in Oxford.
Recently I have developed a subtly powerful new form of yoga, Sanctuary Yoga, which is a blend of Forrest Yoga together with elements from Cranio-Sacral Therapy and other mindful somatic practices.
I first discovered the profound healing of Cranio-Sacral Therapy whilst seeking help with pelvic issues post-pregnancy in 2019, and swiftly decided to train to become a Cranio-Sacral Therapist. It felt like a natural step into CST from Forrest Yoga. I trained at the College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy in London, under Thomas Attlee, and graduated in the summer of 2022. I am a member of the Cranio-Sacral Therapy Association.
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Other significant influences on my approach are the works of Tara Brach on Radical Acceptance and Brené Brown on shame, the writings of Gabor Mate, Bessel van der Kolk and Peter Levine on the impact and processing of trauma, and Rob Kelly’s Thrive Programme. My work is also enriched and informed by a lifetime of my own healing, from chronic fatigue, emetophobia, perfectionism and social anxiety, amongst other things. I have an embodied understanding not only that healing is possible, but also how to help it happen.
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I feel immense gratitude every day to be working in the wonderful modalities of CST and yoga, helping people feel better. I would be delighted to help you feel better too!
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Hinny Wass
Would you like to join my mailing list?
If you sign up, I'll send you occasional emails about class dates and times, let you know of any cancelled classes, and give you any other info related to Sanctuary Yoga that I think you might want to hear. I might also mention other work I'm doing if I think it might be relevant. I'll never share your details with anyone.
hinny@hinnywassyoga.co.uk