Mission:
Opening doors to something deeper

 

A Mission workshop taught by Mission teachers gives students a chance to unpack a particular skill, technique or posture, and linger a bit longer than you would in a regular class. A workshop is a chance to explore and to ask questions. They are generally taught on a Friday night or at the weekend, giving students more time to sink in, reflect and learn.

Currents of Grace
Goddess/Shakti Vinyasa Practice with Bridget Woods Kramer

Friday 31st March: 6-8pm
£40

 

Join Bridget for this mixed asana practice welcoming in the light. We have just passed the equinox, a point of balance that is a time for creativity, for action and for moving forward with all your vibrant power, energy and vitality.

 

Bridget will lead you through an energising vinyasa asana practice and use the practices of mudra, bandhas and pranayama to help you connect to your inner energy and power.

 

This workshop is suitable for everyone and is an excellent workshop to join if you are interested in finding out more about Anusara yoga and Bridget’s 200hr yoga teacher training she is offering at Mission starting April 27th.

Coming Back to Your Centre
An Alignment Workshop with Bridget Woods Kramer

Saturday 1st April: 10am-12pm
£40

 

Join Bridget for this workshop where she will teach Anusara’s key alignment principles to explore how your centre — specifically the play of the pelvis — can affect your whole pose. Working with your unique, individual body, Bridget will help you investigate balanced action, and how you can find your optimal pose in a posture.

 

The workshop will include a core strengthening practice, a focused look at alignment of the pelvis, the role of mula bandha and fascia release practices.

 

This workshop is suitable for everyone and is an excellent workshop to join if you are interested in finding out more about Anusara yoga and Bridget’s 200hr yoga teacher training she is offering at Mission starting April 27th.

Shake your Asana
with Marcus Veda

Saturday 15th April: 2-4pm
£40

 

How to get down on the floor and face up to the “hard poses” you think you can’t do.

 

Building strength means mobility over flexibility. In this workshop, you can expect to work the in’s add the out’s of the most unusual vinyasa poses, and with some tricky transitions too. You’ll look at super pigeons, dancing shrimps, pistols at dawn, jumping crocodiles, hopping frogs, zombie presses, superslides, figure 4’s and a whole lot more. You’ll walk away with greater strength, control and most importantly understanding.

 

For practitioners with at least 6 months under their belt.

Supporting Those Impacted by Breast Cancer
with Vicky Fox

Friday 21st April: 10am-5pm
£95 IRL
£90 Online

 

This day-long course is open to all yoga and movement bodywork teachers and will look at how you can support those impacted by breast cancer in your classes. As more people live longer with cancer and the side effects of cancer than ever before, the support offered is sometimes poor and even non-existent.

 

This CPD course will specifically focus on breast cancer and how to support students who may have had surgery, may be at life-long risk of lymphoedema, and may have limited range of motion and side effects such as cording, peripheral neuropathy or menopausal symptoms.

 

You will look at an overview of breast cancer and cancer, as well as breast cancer surgery and different types of reconstruction.

 

You will also look at identifying where students may need support, and how to modify practices and create a safe space for anyone impacted by breast cancer.

 

You will also gain awareness of:

  • side effects
  • the lymphatic system
  • sentinel node biopsy
  • lymph node removal
  • lymphoedema
  • why range of motion and building back strength slowly is key.
The Inner Landscape of Being: Feel
Restorative Workshop with Anna Ashby

Friday 21st April: 6-8pm
£40

 

The primary intent of Restorative practice focuses on down-regulating the nervous system – shifting out of the stress response into a calmer and more peaceful state. While a necessary and important endeavour, the essence of Restorative can be seen as more than that – a means to realise the intent of yoga practice – to know one’s self at the deepest level.

 

Restorative practice involves slowing down and becoming still – still enough to notice what’s going on at the different levels of embodiment. These monthly workshops focus on a key aspect of Restorative practice that spotlights inner experience and sharpens the capacity to notice subtlety.

 

To understand through what is felt and not seen opens up depth of experience. To learn how to extract the fullness of a moment involves closing the eyes and feeling into what is present without filters or judgement. This workshop spotlights the shift of perception from outside to inside; from what is seen to what is felt.

 

This workshop is suitable for everyone.

Teachers' Intensive: The Art of Assisting Restorative Yoga
Daylong Workshop with Anna Ashby

Saturday 22nd April: 10am-5.15pm
£95

 

Representing an integral and skilful part of teaching Restorative Yoga, ‘assisting’ a posture in a class can either make or break the experience. Whether it’s adjusting the set up of props or offering a physical assist, an adjustment represents an integrating action that supports natural movement and healthy alignment; it reinforces nervous system balance and the sense of wellbeing.

 

This Teachers’ Intensive offers a safe learning environment for teachers and trainees within which to refine teaching skills specifically as it relates to Restorative Yoga and the art of assisting. Whether you are new to Restorative Yoga or have previously taken a Restorative training, this day offers insight and learning on how to offer an assist in the most appropriate way. And sometimes this means not offering a physical assist at all.

 

Come and join the community of teachers to practise and learn more about this unique style of practising yoga, why it’s important, and refine your ability to assist your students in the most respectful way. The day includes:

  • Restorative practice;
  • Contemplation and dialogue with regards to the art of assisting;
  • Teachers’ ‘practicum’ exploring different ways to assist the postures as well as adapting set-ups to suit individual needs;
  • Handout and access to a 25% discount on Anna’s book, “Restorative Yoga: Power Presence Practice for Teachers and Trainees,” 10% discount on Anna Ashby x Yogamatters Restorative Kits, as well as future discounts on Teachers’ Intensives and Restorative Trainings in 2023 with Anna.

 

This workshops counts towards 6 hours of ongoing professional development for both Yoga Alliance in the U.S. and Yoga Alliance Professionals in the U.K.

 

For teachers and trainees – does not require Restorative training. Serves as a taster for future Restorative teacher training, and as a refresher for graduates of a Restorative training or simply a deepening of the art of assisting.

Releasing and Healing our Emotional Body through Postures and Breathwork
with Max Strom

Friday 5th May: 6-8pm
£40 or £195 for the full weekend

 

It is said that the human being has a powerful guiding voice within; it is the voice of our intuition and wisdom.  But this voice is commonly drowned out by the noise in our mind.  The noise is often caused from chaotic or congested emotions from stress, depression, PTS, or anxiety.

 

In this workshop we will begin with a talk by Max, then move into a gentle breath-initiated movement sequence.  In the second half of the workshop, we will focus on floor postures and breath-work to release the mind and body from long-held emotions that impede our happiness and our ability to sleep well.

 

Bring your mat and writing materials.

 

This workshop is suitable for everyone.

First Aid Kit for Grief
with Max Strom

Saturday 6th May: 10am-12pm
£40 or
£195 for the full weekend

 

It is an unprecedented time. We all have someone close to us in crisis, or maybe we ourselves are just barely hanging on. What do you do and say when someone you care about falls apart into grief? What should you not do and say? Most of us lack any guidance whatsoever in this critical, very human, and ever-present emotion.

 

This workshop will show you how to hold space for those who are grieving in a way that makes them feel seen, cared for, and that they belong in your community. The event explains a new understanding of the interconnectedness between grief and intimacy and meaningful connection.


Includes lecture, self-enquiry, writing, and some gentle breathwork. Bring your mat and writing materials.

 

This workshop is suitable for everyone.

Some Doors Open Only from the Inside
with Max Strom

Saturday 6th May: 2-4pm
£40 or £195 for the full weekend

 

“Genuinely life-changing.”
“Turning point in my life.”
“Major breakthrough.”
“Highly valued catalyst in my therapy process.”

 

Just a few of numerous comments of people having experienced a session of powerful breathwork with Max Strom.

 

There’s a time for talking, and there’s a time to let our breath work for us and go beyond what we can rationally grasp to release our congested emotions from stress, depression, anxiety, or PTS. Emotions affect our breathing, for example: crying and laughing. But did you know that changing the pattern of our breathing influences our emotions?

 

An innovative method, simple techniques, and incredible results. The practices you will learn in this workshop take you to a calm and inspired state with new depths of insight. This workshop will include lecture, standing and seated breathing exercises. Bring your mat and writing materials.

 

This workshop is suitable for everyone but not advised if you are pregnant.

The Sunrise Within Training Part 1: The Secret of Using Movement & Postures to find Stillness Every Time
with Max Strom

Sunday 7th May: 9.30am-12pm
£50 or £195 for the full weekend

 

The intent of our practice is not only to increase our strength and flexibility, but also to transform our thoughts from chaos to a quiet stillness, a peaceful sense of arriving home. The practices you will learn in this workshop will take you to new depths of insight and inspire you for weeks to come.

 

Class will include lecture, Inner Axis yoga, wisdom beyond the mat, breathing patterns, and focus exercises. Anyone interested in these techniques for their own practice and relief from suffering is invited.

 

Topics covered:

  • Opening the chest and shoulders to release withheld emotions
  • Key phrases to connect with students to lead them inside themselves
  • Max’s algorithm on sequencing postures to release emotions suppressed in the body.
  • Total relaxation.
  • Q&A

 

Bring your mat and writing materials.

 

This workshop is suitable for everyone.

The Sunrise Within Training Part 2: How to Teach Cathartic Breathwork
with Max Strom

Sunday 7th May: 2-4.30pm
£50 or £195 for the full weekend

 

Guide your students to the next level of healing. Safely. Help them to access their interior world and memories in order to release the mind and body from long-held emotions. Show your students the way to a future that is free from anxiety, depression and sleeplessness.

 

In this training you will learn how to lead cathartic breathwork that is specifically designed for emotional healing. It will re-inspire and reignite your own practice and bring new confidence and passion to your teaching, reminding you why you chose to be a teacher.

 

This is a training especially designed for teachers, teachers in training, psychologists, and healthcare givers. However, anyone interested in the topic is welcome.

Ashtanga Yoga
Exploring the FUNdamentals with David Swenson

Friday 12th May: 6.30-8.30pm
£40 or £270 for full weekend

 

This class is an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga and open to all levels of experience (or even lack thereof.) The building blocks of Ashtanga Yoga will be explored through what David refers to as The Five Elements of Practice; Breath, Bandhas, Drishti, Asana and Vinyasa.

 

After the short discussion David will conduct an introductory flow through an abbreviated sequence from the First Series. This is a great way to gain a taste of Ashtanga under the guidance of one of the world’s most renowned and compassionate instructors.

 

If you are curious to know more about this dynamic and flowing system then come and join David for a fun, flowing, user-friendly adventure into the basics of Ashtanga Yoga.

Fully Led Primary Series
Dancing with the breath in a first series rhythm with David Swenson

Saturday 13th May: 9.30-11.30am
£40 or £270 for full weekend

 

This class is designed for those already familiar with the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga, yet it is open to all levels of proficiency from the daily-practising aficionados to the novice fit-it-in-when-I-can weekend warriors, and everyone in between.

 

The class will be conducted like a choreographed dance flowing all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing savasana. David will spend time at the beginning of class to introduce alternatives to some of the more challenging asanas as well as offer user-friendly vinyasa options.

 

Class will be followed by an open discussion allowing students to ask David questions about any topics of interest.

Flying Floating and Handstanding
A fun-filled exploration of Vinyasa and arm-balances with David Swenson

Saturday 13th May: 1.30-4.00pm
£50 or £270 for full weekend

 

One of the greatest challenges of the Ashtanga flow is the vinyasa. In this class David will break the vinyasa down into its basic components in order to explore techniques for creating greater lightness and efficiency of practice while using less effort to achieve greater ease.

 

In addition to vinyasa the class will also explore elements of handstands and arm-balances. It is common to feel intimidated or even frightened by balancing on our hands. David will address this issue and offer practical methods of approach to allow for greater confidence and ability that can be carried away and applied within a personal practice. There will be partner work as well as individual techniques offered. There is always plenty of laughter and fun as well as a depth of information in David’s classes.

 

All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.

Breath, Bandhas and Pranayama
Exploring the subtle yet powerful internal realms of energy with David Swenson

Saturday 13th May: 4.30-6.30pm
£40 or £270 for full weekend

 

Our first act of life as we enter this world is to inhale and our last act before departing is to exhale. Breath is our most elemental form of life and unites all of humanity yet we think little about it. The ancient yogis gave it great thought and in so doing developed intricate methods of harnessing breath to gain control of the mind and to see the world with greater clarity.

 

This class will delve into the realms of specialized Yogic Breathing as well as the subtle and highly misunderstood internal energy valves known as Bandhas. There is much confusion surrounding these mystical tools and the part they play in the regulation and control of pranic flow. David will share a series of practical exercises he has developed himself to assist the practitioner in gaining a greater understanding of these subtle yet powerful energy gateways of yoga. David has an amazing ability to convey complex ideas in simple terms.

 

All are sure to leave with new insights and useful tools for personal practice regardless of their system.

Nadi Shodhana: A Second Series Guided Tour
An Introduction to the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga with David Swenson

Sunday 14th May: 9.30-11.30am
£40 or £270 for full weekend

 

Students should have a regular practice of the Primary Series in order to attend this class. There will be an introductory discussion of the dynamics inherent to the Second Series. David will then lead the class through a portion of Primary Series, acting as a springboard into as much of the Second Series as seems appropriate.

 

There will be a variety of options given for each posture in order to allow multiple approaches.

Inversions and Backbends
Building roots and growing confidence with David Swenson

Sunday 14th May: 1.30-4.00pm
£50 or £270 for full weekend

 

Whether you are frightened of inverting or love to hang out upside-down, and whether you have a flexible back or a stiff board-like spine there is much to be learned from David’s insightful tools for building confidence and gaining control in inversions and  backbends. David will take the class on a journey of exploration into the unseen world of gravity and share methods of how to utilize this perpetual energy as a stabilizing force for establishing our roots from which we can grow into inversions and backbends with greater ease and more confidence.

 

He will teach the participants methods to expand the front of the body and open the heart rather than collapse the back in order to discover greater depth in a backbend with less effort and more grace and efficiency.

 

David likes to encourage patience when he teaches. He phrases it like this: “The strongest trees in the forest grow the slowest!”

Eight Limbs and Daily Life
Ancient solutions for modern challenges with David Swenson

Sunday 14th May: 4.30-6.30pm
£40 or £270 for full weekend

 

Underlying the mysterious and complex philosophy of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras there is a truly profound simplicity that may be applied within the context of our daily lives.

 

This class will discuss the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and explore their applications within the challenges of life. What is the use of philosophy without real application? We may memorize quotations or stanzas from great writings but unless we can apply them within the fabric of our life they are merely words spoken rather than knowledge realized.

The Inner Landscape of Being: Follow
Restorative Workshop with Anna Ashby

Friday 19th May: 6-8pm
£40

 

The primary intent of Restorative practice focuses on down-regulating the nervous system – shifting out of the stress response into a calmer and more peaceful state. While a necessary and important endeavour, the essence of Restorative can be seen as more than that – a means to realise the intent of yoga practice – to know one’s self at the deepest level.

 

Restorative practice involves slowing down and becoming still – still enough to notice what’s going on at the different levels of embodiment. These monthly workshops focus on a key aspect of Restorative practice that spotlights inner experience and sharpens the capacity to notice subtlety.

 

There is a deeper level of intelligence extant in every cell of the body, not just the thinking mind. To turn inwards and presence experience involves following the flow of the breath – a metronome of aliveness – in order to move towards essential experience. This workshop spotlights breath as the enlivening force of connection.

 

This workshop is suitable for everyone.

Yoga for BackCare: How to Build a Strong & Healthy Low Back
with Anji Gopal

Saturday 10th June: 2-4pm
£40

 

Join Anji Gopal, backcare expert & Osteopath, to experience a powerful Yoga for BackCare practice. We will discuss why the low back can be painful, learn some simple practices that you can incorporate in your daily routine & explore how a Yoga for BackCare practice can help you build a strong and flexible back.

 

This workshop serves as an introduction to Yoga for BackCare. You will explore the low back and looks are why yours might give you aches and pain and learn some powerful, yet simple, techniques to relieve low back pain, especially if you spend a lot of time sittin.

 

This workshop is open to anyone with Low Back Pain – beginners and non-yogis welcome. Anji works in the NHS, in clinics & studios – her methods are tried & tested to make your back feel better. Safe & gentle yet powerful.

 

Please contact Anji (anji@backcarefoundation.com) if you have any questions prior to booking. Note that this is a group workshop and will not be possible to give individual clinical advice.

The Inner Landscape of Being: Unify
Restorative Workshop with Anna Ashby

Friday 4th August: 6-8pm
£40

 

The primary intent of Restorative practice focuses on down-regulating the nervous system – shifting out of the stress response into a calmer and more peaceful state. While a necessary and important endeavour, the essence of Restorative can be seen as more than that – a means to realise the intent of yoga practice – to know one’s self at the deepest level.

 

Restorative practice involves slowing down and becoming still – still enough to notice what’s going on at the different levels of embodiment. These monthly workshops focus on a key aspect of Restorative practice that spotlights inner experience and sharpens the capacity to notice subtlety.

 

The body may seem to be a separateness – a disparate collection of parts and activities. Yet when diving deep into the felt-sense of embodiment, something extraordinary a happens – an alchemy. The body becomes a wholeness – a unified entity – that exists in perfect harmony both from within and without. This workshop spotlights the inner landscape of being as a unified whole.

 

This workshop is suitable for everyone.

Supporting Those Impacted by Cancer
with Vicky Fox

Friday 10th November: 9am-5pm
£95 IRL
£90 Online

 

This day-long course is open to all yoga and movement bodywork teachers and will look at how you can support those impacted by cancer in your classes. As more people live longer with cancer and the side effects of cancer than ever before, the support offered is sometimes poor and even non-existent.

 

This CPD course will specifically focus on the common side effects of treatment for cancer and how to support students with side effects such as fatigue, nausea, muscle loss, bone loss, peripheral neuropathy and lymphoedema.

 

We will look at an overview of cancer, types of cancer, cancer diagnosis and treatment, including practicing yoga with picc lines, portacath or a stoma. We will also look at:

  • Key side effects and how yoga can help.
  • Creating a safe environment.
  • How to build back strength slowly and safely after periods of inactivity. Especially where there is a risk of osteoporosis or Lymphoedema.
  • Modifying practices, creating dynamic movements to open armpits and groins, how this can help movement of blood, lymph and nerve impulses.
  • How to fully support your students in a compassionate environment.
Yintrospective: Looking in to Stillness
with Marcus Veda

Saturday 25th November: 2-4pm
£40

 

A 2 hour Yin reclination sound journey.

 

Yin is the passive, mindful meditation in stillness where any movement is a distraction. With no disturbance on the surface of the water, we can see more clearly what lies beneath. It also enables the calming of the autonomic nervous system as you move into a parasympathetic state: rest, digest and healing. You might need it more than you know.

 

This workshop is open to everybody. Marcus will lead you through a two hour Yin practice, giving you a chance to go deeper for longer, alongside a specially curated soundtrack that will enhance the meditative and calming effects of a Yin practice. You’ll float away calmer, more relaxed, and less stressed — a more focused version of the person who walked in.