Fusion Yoga

f many styles of Yoga including: IYTA, Iyenga, Ashtanga, Acro, Tantra and Oki-Do. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Japanese Shiatsu and Western Anatomy and Physiology are also woven into the fabric of the classes. My classes are tailored to counter the stresses that each new season places on our bodies and minds. During the warmer months with longer days we do cooling practices that help to regulate our circulation and keep us calm. Whereas, during the cooler, darker months, we do practices that stimulate and warm us up, to lift our spirits and help ward off the 'Winter blues'. In accord with the dynamic, ever-changing nature of our Cairns climate, and the needs of those attending, every class will be different and somewhat improvised. This variation keeps the classes relevant and interesting, and prevents us from plateauing in our development from too much repetition. Each new class builds on your knowledge. The flow of a typical class would be something like this:

• a brief talk
• a short relaxation practice
• physical warm ups for strength and mobility of muscles and joints
• classical Yoga asanas such as: twists; side, back and forward bends; balance and inverted poses – all taught in a graded style to accommodate any level of ability
• pranayama (yogic breathing practices)
• yoga nidra – deep relaxation, to calm emotions and clear 'mental clutter'

Classes may also include solo, partner and group exercises as per the individual's preference. Benefits of Yoga:
Yoga is about alignment, as much in a physical sense as in a metaphysical sense. You’ll develop your physical self with correct alignment in the poses, and you’ll also become aware of misalignments with respect to your direction in life, and the activities and relationships you’re currently involved in. Yoga students may find themselves questioning their past decisions and making positive changes in their life direction. Or, if they’re already on-track in their lives, they’ll be inspired with more energy and passion for life. Yoga classes can also provide new social opportunities and help develop existing friendships between students. It’s worth keeping in mind that practicing Yoga at the appropriate level of exertion usually returns more energy than is expended in the process. Therefore, tiredness from a hard day’s work is not a valid reason to skip a class, as you’ll likely feel better after the class than you did before it. An exception to this guidance would be for those fighting off infections like colds and flus; better to rest at home in that case. In summary, you'll get a good, all-round physical workout with a healthy balance of active and restorative poses including breath coaching to leave you feeling energised, relaxed and mentally focused. Supporting materials
Free information about Yoga practice and photographic sheets for home practice can be emailed to you by request once you’ve attended classes. And you can also supplement your Yoga practice at home, or whilst travelling, by purchasing a copy of my audio-based, Yoga program, available on MP3 format: perfect for your computer/ MP3 player / smart phone / tablet. There are only a few Yoga mats available for use, so please bring your own if you have one. A small number of Yoga blocks are provided. All shared props are to be sanitised with supplied disinfectant spray and wipes by the student before and after use - inline with Australian Department of Health Covid-19 prevention guidelines. Please wear comfortable, loose clothing and arrive with an empty stomach. Your instructor, Gregory Barnes' background:

I like to include a sense of fun in my classes: never too serious. We need to be mindful of what we’re doing with proper alignment and flow, but the enjoyment factor is also important. My best yoga classes blend elements of work and play. I also like to weave Tantric practices into my classes, such as partner stretching and breathing, as this approach quickly breaks the ice and gets people interacting and co-operating. The two disciplines of Tantra and Yoga can dovetail beautifully. During our interactions, I’ll encourage you to develop a better relationship with yourself: body, mind and spirit. My background in wholistic therapies underpins my beliefs that we are an intricate mix of physical substances, thoughts, memories and feelings all held together by our spiritual self: the essence of who we are. We're all on this journey called 'life' and my intention is to be a strong positive influence – a patient and encouraging support to you through our knowingness of each other. I was born and raised in Perth W.A. My first qualification was Horticultural Tradesperson in 1986. I topped my class three years running. I then achieved distinction level in my English Degree in 1992 and have spent the ensuing years building on my skills in Natural Therapies and Yoga Teaching. My other qualifications include:

• Advanced Diploma in Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies (CIT)
• Diploma of Yoga Teaching (IYTA)
• Certificate in Massage Therapy (Om Shanti College)
• Certificate in Reiki (level 3)
• Certificate of Advanced Theta Healing
• Certificate of Tantric Yoga Teaching (Heart of Shiva Tantra Yoga, Vic)

I’ve also completed the relevant units from Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training (Wisdom ACT). My most inspiring Gurus to date have been: Sw. Satyananda Saraswati, BKS Iyengar, Sw. Nityananda, Shizuto Masunaga, Dr. Mikao Usui, Keith Foley-Chell (Acupuncturist and Sound Healer) and the current Dalai Lama. My professional activities include: managing a busy natural therapies clinic, providing workplace therapy and yoga to various local businesses, and teaching weekly Yoga classes from my home and various locations around Cairns. Outside of work hours, I meditate and do my own yoga practice most mornings. When I’m not beautifying local gardens, I like attending regular improvisation and French language classes and enjoy photographing and making recordings of natural landscapes and soundscapes. When time permits, I play keyboards, hand drums and harmonium, and love contributing at local kirtan events. I like playing tennis, swimming, cycling and resistance training.