Samkhyan Philosophy

I have started a cycle of lessons in class based around the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and space as explained by Samkhyan philosophy.

Samkhya is one of the six major philosophies that originated in India. It describes the full spectrum of human existence by revealing the basic elements that make up everything in the universe, including the components that make up the body, mind, and spirit. Samkhya names each element, teaches us its function, and shows us the relationship it has to all of the others.

Yoga takes the Samkhya philosophy into the realm of experience, starting from the gross or physical level, moving next to the subtler levels of mind and spirit, and then returning to the gross with a higher level of consciousness.

Samkhya states that the individual human being has 25 elements, or evolutes, that develop progressively out of one another.

I gave (what I hoped…) was a very simple overview of these elements in class.
My version, which was a bit like “Spot the Dog Learns Samkhyan Philosophy” went a bit like this….(and don’t worry there is not going to be a test…)

First there was consciousness, from which evolved all of nature.
All of nature is affected by the forces of passion and inertia.
Somewhere in between these two forces is the experience of feeling balanced.
Humanity evolved a higher mind or intellect.
Humanity evolved the ego which connects us to the subtle elements (sound, touch, sight, taste, and smell) and to the gross elements (earth, water, fire , air and space).
Humanity evolved a lower mind that connects us to the world via the organs of perception (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin) and also the organs of action (hands, feet, mouth, reproductive and excretory system).
So there you have it, Samkhya in a nutshell! If you are already lying in a darkened room with a wet flannel across your eyes, probably best not look at the diagram below….

..I did warn you!

We have started work on the earth element, and that will be our focus for the next couple of weeks. I PROMISE there will not be such a long philosophy lecture next week 🙂

Big love

Michelle

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John Pletts: Retired Architect

I have attended Michelle’s weekly yoga classes for several years and always find them uplifting. Michelle often introduces some aspect of yoga philosophy at the beginning and then carefully constructs the class around this. Most surprisingly lessons are never repeated. As well as gracefully demonstrating and leading us through the routines Michelle’s great sense of humour enlivens our classes. She also shows personal consideration to each student with hints and advice on how best to work within the limits of their body. Wonderful !

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I started attending Michelle’s classes about 4 years ago when she covered a class for my then regular teacher. The style and nature of the classes that she covered were so inspiring and fun that I ended up changing my class so that I could practise under Michelle. Since then I’ve regularly attended 1-2 classes a week and also had the joy of having one-to-one sessions which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Michelle’s classes cover the physical practice as well as the more philosophical level and applicability to modern living. It is through her classes that I have managed to develop a deeper understanding of yoga and through her encouragement and guidance I am now undertaking the BWY Yoga Teacher Training Diploma. I really like the depth of knowledge Michelle has for yoga and the application of this through the various different styles and approaches she uses. I find her classes very accessible for all ages and abilities and they have been particularly good during my pregnancy. Her classes incorporate humour and personal experience which makes the classes very enjoyable and leave you wanting more. Having studied under different teachers I’m definitely grateful for having found such a good teacher as Michelle.

Lyndsay: Mum and Mum-to-be

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Mandy Dodd: Practice Nurse and Yoga Teacher

I have been a student of Michelle’s for a couple of years now and love her classes. She is kind and gentle with a great sense of humour! If any body reading this thinks yoga is slow and sitting around in weird positions, take one of Michelle’s classes, She will win your heart and spirit and completely work out your body!!!!!…….

Monique Birley: Mother and Jewelery Designer

Michelle’s contagious commitment and love of yoga, combined with a wicked sense of humour, comes through in all of her classes, inspiring each of us individually to achieve on our personal journeys of emotional, mental and physical well-being. I always leave Michelle’s classes feeling better than when I arrived

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Pia Barrett: Mum and Student Yoga Teacher

Michelle brings all elements of Hatha yoga together for me in a clear understandable way. She combines breathing, chanting, yoga philosophy and posture work in such a way that I feel energised yet relaxed at the end of each session. With her help and guidance I have progressed from dabbling in yoga to living yoga, both with a daily practice being established and tricky philosophical concepts expanded and explained. Her non-dogmatic approach to yoga as well as her humour make her class fun yet challenging. I love my twice a week yoga class as, for me, Michelle has brought yoga alive!

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I joined Michelle’s classes 3 years ago as a student yoga teacher and continue to travel on an amazing journey with her. I have discovered (and still continue to do so) many things about my body’s ability and strengths .I always thought that it was the poses themselves that I enjoyed the most but over the years I have discovered that the philosophy , meditations and modifications used by Michelle to be the highlight of the lesson plan. Michelle has an excellent reputation as teacher, she is caring, compassionate, disciplined and at all times re-assuring, no matter how many students are in the class you feel that Michelle is very aware of you as an individual and made to feel supported and encouraged. I have now qualified as a yoga teacher and still benefit from attending Michelle’s classes twice a week, I always feel physically and mentally refreshed ready to face life’s challenges, it goes without saying that I would recommend Michelle to anyone whatever their ability.

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Simon Piper: Dad, dog lover and Local Government Officer

You offer a safe environment for us to practise in at what ever level we choose and you show the same respect and care to each one of us, whatever the standard of our practice. What’s more you follow us down our path with humour and love. You must have been a labrador in a previous life!

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