Why yoga?
I hold a deep-rooted love for the connection with self (Atman) and the divine that the ancient practice of yoga brings.
I am passionate about sharing yoga as a whole, not just the yoga-asana but the complete spiritual, scientific and philosophical power behind this beautiful art.
I enjoy the connection that yoga brings to self and others – I love that yoga is a community of like-minded souls journeying together through life.
My experience in nursing worldwide provides me with a unique understanding of how to create a compassionate space for healing and restoration on a mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual level. I am currently offering yoga classes and workshops in Colchester, Essex.
Why yoga?
I hold a deep-rooted love for the connection with self (Atman) and the divine that the ancient yoga practice brings.
I am passionate about sharing yoga as a whole, not just the yoga-asana but the complete spiritual, scientific and philosophical power behind this beautiful art.
I enjoy the connection that yoga brings to self and others – I love that yoga is a community of like-minded souls journeying together through life.
My experience in nursing worldwide provides me with a unique understanding of how to create a compassionate space for healing and restoration on a mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual level. I am currently offering yoga classes and workshops in Colchester, Essex.
Why Dharmabelle?
Belle = My childhood nickname
Dharma = Soul purpose
After many years of seeking my own healing through various courses, spirituality, therapy, counselling and religion I realised that one of the most powerful keys to healing is through a relationship with one’s own body.
Slowly, and passionately, I have been working towards my soul’s purpose – my Dharma. I’ve come to realise it’s not about being a yoga teacher, nurse, sister or friend – it’s about digging deep down inside to find my inner wisdom and discover how to live life through my inherent human nature while seeking a relationship with my inner Goddess.
This journey has provided me the courage to heal old wounds caused by trauma, and thrive in this wild ride we call life.
What’s your Dharma?
I’m Claire
I currently share my yoga offerings in Colchester, Essex.
My classes, workshops and events share the wisdom of Classical Hatha, Yin and Vinyasa yoga, combined with the grounding power of Meditation and Breathwork.
My unique experience as a trained medical nurse allows me to offer my students the opportunity to understand their health and well-being from both an Eastern and Western approach.
Deeper connection to self
Grow a better understanding of how to gain awareness of your body, breath and mind.
Healing
To be healthy we must work on the health of our whole body – mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Combining physical movement with the power that comes from controlling the breath and a guided meditation helps calm the mind.
WHAT I OFFER
Weekly Group Yoga Classes
Using my medical background as a nurse, combined with the mystical power of Yoga, I tailor classes towards a holistic approach to health by combining physical movement with the power that comes from controlling the breath and a guided meditation to help calm the mind.
Private Yoga Classes
A bespoke class tailored for your individual needs in yoga whether you want to learn general flow or specific poses. Private yoga sessions can also be combined with meditation, fitness, or even tools to cope with stress.
Somatic enquiry Workshops
Explore bodywork, breathwork and meditation to help facilitate a relationship with self and to help the mind quieten in order to hear the whisper of your inner divine voice.
Women’s Circle
A Women’s Circle is a safe and sacred space for women to come together, to support, love, heal, and empower each other through their collective divine feminine energy.
Well-Being Yoga Retreats
Stop, reflect and reconnect with your senses and nature. Escape the bustle of modern-day life, and reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit with some wonderful Self-care in nature.
Women’s Circle
A Women’s Circle is a safe and sacred space for women to come together, to support, love, heal, and empower each other through their collective divine feminine energy.
Well-Being Yoga Retreats
Stop, reflect and reconnect with your senses and nature. Escape the bustle of modern-day life, and reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit with some wonderful Self-care in nature.
MY YOGA TRAINING
I have, so far, completed over 700 hours of training in Yoga, and have a Master’s in Nursing.
I offer gratitude and love to all of my teachers from over the years.
Vinyasa Yoga - under Stewart Gilchrist from the East London School of Yoga for my advanced yoga teacher training.
Classical Hatha, Vinyasa, Breathwork under Deepu Siva Mohanan and Swami Taponidhi Saraswati of the Bihar School of Yoga, India.
Teacher Training – Pranayama Teacher Training under Anaahat Yoga India.
Yoga Nidra – Beverley Nolan at Barefoot Body, London.
Yoga Sequencing with Melanie Cooper at The Shala School, London.
Yin Teacher Training with Norman Blair at The Shala School, London
Yoga Questions?
What is yoga?
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to yoke,” or “to unite”.
The practice aims to create a union between body, mind and spirit; bringing balance, and strength mentally and physically. It also improves flexibility and offers stress relief and mental clarity. But at its core is the realisation of transcendental reality, through a profound transformation in each person by going beyond the ego.
Through the philosophy of the 8 limbs of yoga, we can find a pathway to a meaningful and peaceful life, the most well-known limbs in the West are Asana, Dhyana and Pranayama which are the Physical postures of Yoga, Meditation and breath work and my yoga classes offer all 3.
What are the benefits of yoga?
As well as the benefits already mentioned above, yoga tones and improve fitness levels. It can improve breathing, energy and metabolism. It also improves your cardiovascular and respiratory health. Yoga improves posture and can help relieve pain. There is evidence to prove that yoga can positively impact your mental, emotional and spiritual health – through the practice of yoga and from following the 8 limbs, yoga philosophy. Yoga helps you to relax, calm and reduce stress and anger through stimulation of the Vagus nerve. Yoga also helps to encourage self-confidence, self-love, and love for others. Yoga also offers community, so, therefore, can have a positive impact on people who feel lonely or seek a deeper connection with others.
The spiritual benefits of yoga are also key: Yoga teaches you to be aware of what is going on inside and outside of you. Yoga teaches you to be present in your surroundings and open to what is all around – in other words, more mindful.
You will feel some benefits immediately, such as the release of physical tension, the body opening and muscle strengthening – the “feel good” factor that keeps people hooked on yoga. Other benefits depend on how much you practice and every person is different. But most people will feel a positive change after a few weeks, if not before.
I'm not fit/flexible - can I do yoga?
Yes! In my classes I understand that our anatomy is all different, so I offer different stages to poses based on where you are at or what your intention is for your day’s practice. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but this is not true, the more you come the more flexibility and strength you will find in your own body along the way.
I have a health condition. Can I still do yoga?
Yes, Many people practice yoga as a way to manage their health conditions. Yoga is healing. There are many different types of classes which suit different health needs and can also be adapted and modified for injuries. However, if you have a medical condition or injury and haven’t practised yoga before, we recommend that you speak to a medical professional to get advice about any poses or movements you need to avoid.
“Cannot recommend enough. Had my first booking this morning. Couldn't help but feel the enlightenment within the room. Great energy flow and extreme positivity. Thank you Claire for your warming and beautiful vibes”
Sarah
“Haven’t done yoga for many years but shouldn’t have been nervous. I was made to feel welcome and was put at ease immediately. Highly recommend to anyone at any age xxx”
Jean
“I’ve done Yoga a few times but never really felt it was for me. After attending Dharma Belle I was hooked after the first class! Excellent teacher very welcoming and calming while getting a great workout.”
Kerry