Hi! My name is Sue Watson and this is Yoga Health Wirral.

I'm a qualified teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga and also a BWY Foundation Course Tutor and trainee Diploma Course Tutor with the BWY. I am also a trainee DCT and will be running the BWYQ LEVEL 4 Teacher Diploma Course from September 2020.

For me, yoga and mindfulness offer simple techniques and practices for connecting the mind to the body. It can help people to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life, and can totally revitalise the body and mind.

Yoga is for all ages and abilities, providing a calming and soothing influence, and helping to develop and improve powers of concentration and sense of relaxation and well-being. 

Yoga Health Wirral runs weekly yoga classes throughout the Wirral and teaching gentle Hatha Yoga and monthly the  BWY Foundation Course Level 1, see further details for applying for the Foundation Course below the next course will run from January 2020. The BWYQ LEVEL 4 Diploma Course will run from September 2020.

Click on the buttons below to get in touch with me and to find out more about the sessions I offer throughout the Wirral. I look forward to hearing from you!

UPCOMING EVENTS

CLASSES

Yoga Health Wirral's classes take place at the following centres on the Wirral at set times throughout the week:

GREASBY: Greasby Community Centre -

Mondays 11:15 am - 12:25 pm

Tuesdays 7.15p.m. - 8.15p.m. 

PRENTON - Total Fitness Gym: (Members Only)

Tuesdays 11:15 am - 12:15 pm

Wednesdays 6.15p.m. - 7.30p.m.

 Wednesdays 7.45 pm - 9p.m  

Thursdays 10.15a.m. - 11.30a.m.

Sundays 10a.m. - 11.15a.m.

Gentle restorative Hatha yoga for all ages and abilities. classes are very gentle using props and supports to enable all students to access the healing power of yoga.

Sue has been practising yoga and mindfulness for years and is a qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher and Foundation Course Tutor. Sue is also a yoga therapist with the Clear Mind Institute. She has earned a Teacher of Mindfulness Level 1 certificate with the Institute as well as her Teacher in Mindfulness with Mindfulness in Schools Project .b and Paws .b. Sue is also a qualified teacher of baby and children's yoga.  

THE BRITISH WHEEL OF YOGA FOUNDATION COURSE LEVEL 1

Who it is for:

The Foundation Course 1 is run nationally (in England, Scotland and Wales) and is suitable for anyone who wishes to develop their personal practice of yoga and widen their experience. It provides a comprehensive grounding in basic practical techniques taught in the context of the philosophy that underpins Yoga.  It is an ideal preparation for those who may wish to train as yoga teachers in the future* but equally suitable for yoga students who do not wish to teach.

Award:

British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course 1 Certificate of Attendance.

Pre-requisites:

1.         Minimum of two years’ class attendance with a suitably qualified and experienced yoga teacher from whom you will need a reference before starting the course

2.         Students must join the British Wheel of Yoga if not already a member.

The Length and dates of the Course:

The course is 60 hours over a 10 month period taking place each first Saturday of each month.

The Course:

The core syllabus is 45 hours and includes preparation for practise, asana (postures), mudra (Sealing gestures), basic breathing, kriya (cleansing practice), pranayama (Breath control), concentration techniques, relaxation techniques, chanting, talks and discussions on the context and meaning of Yoga. There is a further 15 hours – total 60 – in which further discussion, talks, and practices will be explored. Students are required to practise regularly throughout the course and are encouraged to reflect upon and make notes on their practice in journal form.  Other than this there is no home written work and the course is not formally assessed. A minimum of 80% attendance is required over the length of the course in order to gain your FC 1 Certificate

Refreshments will be provided on each course day.

You will be required to bring with you the following:

·         Yoga equipment (mat, belts, blocks, etc),

·         Lunch,

·         pens/pencil/notebook,

·         iPad or laptop if you prefer to use electronic equipment,

·         A folder (preferably with dividers for the different course materials.

How to apply for the course

To apply for the course please contact me via email: sue@yogahealthwirral.com

ETHOS

Ethos 

The aim of the course is to equip you both professionally and practically to teach yoga asanas, breathing practices, pranayama, relaxation and concentration/meditation to students of differing abilities and experience, with an underlying knowledge and understanding of yoga principles and philosophy. 

STRUCTURE

Structure: The course is 500 hours with a minimum of 255 tutor contact time and is a combination of tutor-led contact days and home study.

Commitment: once a month for 36 months, Sundays 9a.m. - 5p.m 

DETAILS OF THE COURSE

Pre Course Requirements: 2 years regular yoga practice with a recognised yoga teacher,  preferably the BWY Foundation Course Certificate. If you haven't studied on a BWY Foundation Course yoga may still apply if you have a minimum of 2 years of regular practice.

Good IT skills are essential as all work is presented and assessed electronically and communication is via email.

Induction: successful completion of all aspects of the induction procedure.

Completion of:  the BWY anatomy and physiology introductory course (distance learning). This will need to be completed within the first 3 months of the course start date.  Holding a recognised A&P qualification may exempt you from this component.

Assessment The course is non-graded with the emphasis on competence to teach yoga. Assignments: As well as formal tasks, informal tasks will be set that may be in the form of group work, pair work or individual home study. Integral to this will be the need to evaluate your own practice, and progress through your own reflective self-assessment and through the feedback of your peers. You are required to record at least 30 hours of teaching, planning, content, assessment and reflective evaluation. You may choose to begin teaching when you feel ready and with discussion with your course tutor. .You are expected to keep a record of all teaching you do.

Course Books: you will be asked to buy a selection of books. A list will be given to you as guidance on those preferred for the course. As a minimum, you will need copies of the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, as well as books on asana, and books which contain information on breathing practices, pranayama, relaxation and meditation.

Other Requirements  As a BWY student teacher you must hold a First Aid certificate from the commencement of your class teaching and regularly update the qualification thereafter (usually every three years). 

The Diploma Course can be divided into three areas; Preparing to Teach Yoga; The Teaching and Philosophy of Hatha Yoga; and The Teaching of Philosophy and Meditation. themes and concepts that are explored later in the course are introduced early on

Attendance Requirements  You are expected to attend all course days and you should only be absent for good reason. Except where Special Considerations are in evidence, you are required to register 80% attendance in each year of training. If you miss course days it is your responsibility to make up the content. 

COURSE CONTENT:

Anatomy: Principles of anatomy and physiology, effective teaching of asana, effective preparation and counterpose, understanding differentiation, integration of the breath in asana.

Breathing : The principles and practice of teaching yoga breathing practices (from simple breath awareness through development of breath capacity and control to simple pranayama) 

Relaxation: The principles and practice of teaching yoga relaxation techniques 

Delivery: The planning and delivery of yoga classes and courses. Understand setting up yoga classes, planning a progressive course, assessing, evaluating and understanding what motivates learners

Legal: The legal and professional aspects of yoga teaching. 

Skills: Learning styles, teaching skills and effective communication 

Historical background: The principles and practice of hatha yoga. Historical background, nature of prana, panic system, pancha maya kosher system, principles of pranayama, mudra, bandha, kriya. 

Philosophical Texts:  The philosophical texts of yoga and the integration of key concepts into yoga and meditation teaching. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, integrate philosophical principles into class, lead guided meditation. 

Learning: : Progressing teaching and learning in yoga, understand progression, how to deliver progressive and inclusive class teaching. 

Costs other than course fees:

First Aid: approximately £60 direct to the course. 

BWYQ & BWY Course Registration fees: £150 each (to BWYQ and BWY. None refundable) 

BWY Membership/insurance £94.00 direct to BWY. 

Introductory Day fee £25 

A&P course plus online exam £75 direct with the BWY. 

Set Books approximately £50 depending on how many books or where purchased. 

Assessments (ACT’s) assessment fees: £75 plus travel to venues 45p per mile. 

To apply for the course or for further information email sue@yogahealthwirral.com

Yoga is more than a way to stay healthy. 

It has numerous other incredible benefits including increased flexibility, improved elasticity of ligaments and tendons, stimulates internal organs, improved breathing, tones muscles, and more.

The mental benefits of yoga are also well-documented, with even simple meditation exercises helping to de-clutter the mind and improve concentration. It helps to focus the thoughts and relax, providing a greater sense of calmness, tranquillity, and peace of mind.

Mindfulness is being aware in the present moment, moment-to-moment, using the breath as an anchor for the mind into the body.

"Mindfulness is paying attention in the present moment on purpose non-judgementally." - Jon Kabat-Zinn

“Perhaps the most "spiritual" thing any of us can do is simply to look through our own eyes, see with eyes of wholeness, and act with integrity and kindness.” ― Jon Kabat-Zinn, Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

What is mindfulness? - By Sue Watson

Mindfulness is about paying attention to an experience as it happens and as it unfolds, rather than worrying about what has happened or might happen. It trains us to respond skillfully to whatever is happening right now, be that good or bad. The point of mindfulness is to feel calmer, think more clearly, and perform better. It also helps people of all ages to learn more effectively.

Automatic pilot – When we are on auto pilot we are not present in our own life, we are not there fully. 

We can rush through life without seeing, tasting, smelling or touching – we are out of touch with our world and ourselves.

Take a moment to think of a scenario where you have been fully present. What were you seeing, feeling, experiencing?

Take a moment to think of a scenario where you have been on auto pilot. What were you seeing, feeling experiencing? 

Mindfulness offers us a way to wake up from auto pilot. When we are out of touch and on auto pilot the mind is busy – daydreaming or planning, rehearsing or trying to achieve something. 

Our minds are taken over in DOING MODE!

Our minds are working in the background without our knowledge, consent, or deliberate choice. We can explore the mind's lack of attention when we can zoom in with curiosity to what it is doing – exploring what is happening with a sense of curiosity but also kindness.

The ancient Indian philosophy of health and wellbeing, ayurveda, is an incredible way to enjoy a healthier and more balanced lifestyle through good food, yoga, massage, and herbal remedies.

Ayurveda means 'the art of living wisely', and like yoga is an entirely custom and flexible way of living. People that practise ayurveda say that it has helped relieve a number of various ailments including irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, PMS, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, and more.

Yoga Health Wirral works with Sarah Beck, an experienced ayurveda practicioner and teacher, to help raise awareness of the lifestyle. Sarah is a professional British Wheel of Yoga tutor and has trained with some of the planet's leading authorities on ayurveda including Dr. David Fawley and Vaidya Artreya Smith.

Sarah beck provides consultations and massages from £30 with sessions lasting between an hour and 90 minutes.

Sarah can be reached through her website http://www.yoga-ayurveda.co.uk/ or by email at sarah.deva@yahoo.co.uk. 

"Sue balances a beautiful mix of flowing asana which takes you beyond your physical expectations, supported by a meditative connection which help bring body and mind together and discover the self. Bliss!" - Clare Wilson

"Sue's class suits all levels and benefits everyone as she is a wonderful and very experienced teacher, adapting as she goes to suit everyone. My favourite yoga class by far!" - Helen Oliver

"The yoga days Sue arranges are really beneficial . Sue is a great teacher and she can enrich your life with her yoga." - Jan Deighton

"Sue is an amazing yoga teacher she's really helped me to relax and destress! Her yoga days are fantastic and always warm and welcoming." - Angela Jones
 
"Sue is a kind and gentle yoga and mindfulness teacher with many years of experience. She gives personal attention to ensure her classes are safe and suited to each and every individual in the class." - Amanda Muir

"Loving kindness to lovely Sue for putting us in touch with our mindful sides." - Helen Tweedie

"Sue's classes always leave me feeling relaxed, but at the same time, I know I have had a really good workout. Sue's knowledge of anatomy means that she understands exactly how to help individuals get the most from the practice, no matter how much or how little yoga they have done in the past.

"The yoga week in Italy was a wonderful experience: practising yoga outside on the terrace before breakfast and in the garden in the afternoons was fantastic. The house and grounds provided a great setting, and the visits to Venice, Verona and Lake Garda were truly memorable." - Anne Taylor