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.
I have 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.
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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 opportunity to invite your body to let go of tensions and patterns which it has been holding onto.
Sanctuary Yoga
A Sanctuary Yoga class for everyone
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
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.
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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.
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.
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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