Creating a Space for Pranayama – Expanding Awareness with the Water Element – led by Liz Williams

Liz has studied and taught yoga and bodywork for over 35 years. She works regularly with stroke survivors and others to improve functional independence and confidence. Since the late 1990s Liz studied with the late Dr M V Bhole, both in Europe and in India, prior to which she worked with many other teachers from various yoga traditions, including “viniyoga” with Sri T K V Desikachar and his principal students. With this combination of ancient tradition, modern research and experience, Liz promotes “self-help” techniques for stress-release, body awareness and mindfulness. Her aim is to help individuals understand how bodies and minds function in order to improve their health, mobility and well-being. Through exploration and curiosity, Liz ensures that everyone learns through doing what they can, and not being frustrated by what they can’t! This is particularly relevant when people have limitations with movement, co-ordination or concentration as a result of genetic and other conditions or trauma of any kind such as strokes, accidents and operations. 

In order to experience the pranic body and subtle energies in our yoga practice, firstly we have to remove the blockages in our physical, emotional and mental bodies (kosas) that inevitably get in the way.  Yogasana are not “performed” as in dynamic physical practice but are used in a specific way as a means of finding these blocks and then minimising or releasing them.  

We are elemental bodies – earth, water, fire, air – often with one element more prominent than the others.  This might cause heaviness, stiffness, restlessness or disembodiment.  Water was regarded as the essential element that needed to flow continuously in order that everything else could move.  It’s not just about our fluid intake although that too is essential for metabolic function and survival.  Water, as an elemental force, relates to creation – procreation, inspiration, curiosity.

The subtle energies and our pranic body gradually reveal themselves because the water element (ap) dissolves the residues of life events that are stored in the physical, mental and emotional bodies.  This opens us to clarity, space and freedom.

Some of the practices will require props (according to personal need) in order to gain the necessary sthira sukha (steadiness and ease) for asana.  The pace will be slow in order to allow experiential awareness.  This can be quite challenging because of habit patterns, personality and prior experience with yoga, exercise, illness and life in general!!  

Are you up for the challenge?  Ready to experience yourself in a different way?

Accessible options will be provided throughout the workshop to ensure everyone can participate comfortably. Please have the following props available for the practices: cushions, blocks, blankets, bolsters, or any other items that support comfort in a variety of positions in movement and stillness.

This event is offered to all members of the Yoga for Health and Education Trust (YHET) and the cost of this event will be borne by the Trust. For further information please email . Non members are welcome to join us for a free taster session. Places on this workshop are limited and Registration closes at 7.00pm on 28th February.

You will require Zoom set up on your PC, tablet or Ipad prior to the session. Please contact us if you need any assistance to do this. Mobile phones are not suitable for these online sessions as the screen is too small.