Relax and Bloom Wellbeing
Dr Sandra Beale-Ellis
Wellbeing Advocate and Educator, Freelance Writer, Author and Speaker, with a Doctorate in Education specialising in autism, reflective pedagogy and journal therapy.
A warm welcome. I am married to my lovely husband Joe and together we live a blessed village life in Kent with our yorkie Ivy and yorkie-poo Willow, in our beautiful home. I love to spend family time, read, practice yoga, dance, meditate, potter in our garden and home, and watch old and new movies (faves include Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Doris Day, Sandra Bullock and the wonderful and quirky Diane Keaton.
YOGA/MEDITATION
Relax and Bloom Wellbeing is my 'baby'; I have been a qualified teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga and the Yoga Alliance via the Yoga Academy (Simon Low) since 2020. Additionally I am a qualified 'Relax and Renew' Restorative Yoga Trainer (level 1) (Judith Hanson Lasater). My doctorate is in education (specialising in autism). I am keen to continue yoga related study with a special interest in cancer patients and autism and continually developing my knowledge and skills.
I began yoga after a holiday where I put my back out tying a shoelace. Yoga turned into a way of life for me within six months and I have quite simply 'bloomed' since (with a few hitches along the way). I have practised with Emma Slade (aka Ani Pema Deki, renowned Western Buddhist Nun and Yoga/Meditation teacher), Simon Low, Bindie Edwards, Annie Sullivan, Judith Hanson Lasater, Liz Richardson, Gary Carter, Jane Stirzaker Evans and Monica Marini . Gill Lloyd has influenced my philosophy teachings.
I am proof that anyone can enjoy and benefit from yoga. I have an extensive medical history including childhood bone cancer, resulting reduced lung function and muscle growth in my upper body as well as several surgeries; a resurfaced hip following childhood septic arthritis, and cardiomyopathy. I am also clinically diagnosed Asperger's Syndrome (autism). Yoga has increased my lung function and reduced anxieties related to the autism; to name just two personal benefits. During teacher training, I also suffered a debilitating frozen shoulder for many months and have inadvertently become somewhat of a shoulder expert! Over the past three years I have gone through major surgeries following a near fatal embolus in my bowel, a mini stroke. a stoma surgery and a brain bleed. I am now living with a chronic long term diagnosis, but I am a fighter and want to use my experiences to help others gain a new perspective on their mind, body and soul in order to enhance their joy of life.
I am an experienced teacher; of dance for over forty years and karate for over thirty years; children, teenagers and adults. I bring both professional and personal experience to my teaching.
OTHER SERVICES
Since my most recent medical experiences I have been continually studying and will soon be offering new associated services.
Relax and Bloom Wellbeing is my 'baby'; I have been a qualified teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga and the Yoga Alliance via the Yoga Academy (Simon Low) since 2020. Additionally I am a qualified 'Relax and Renew' Restorative Yoga Trainer (level 1) (Judith Hanson Lasater). My doctorate is in education (specialising in autism). I am keen to continue yoga related study with a special interest in cancer patients and autism and continually developing my knowledge and skills.
I began yoga after a holiday where I put my back out tying a shoelace. Yoga turned into a way of life for me within six months and I have quite simply 'bloomed' since (with a few hitches along the way). I have practised with Emma Slade (aka Ani Pema Deki, renowned Western Buddhist Nun and Yoga/Meditation teacher), Simon Low, Bindie Edwards, Annie Sullivan, Judith Hanson Lasater, Liz Richardson, Gary Carter, Jane Stirzaker Evans and Monica Marini . Gill Lloyd has influenced my philosophy teachings.
I am proof that anyone can enjoy and benefit from yoga. I have an extensive medical history including childhood bone cancer, resulting reduced lung function and muscle growth in my upper body as well as several surgeries; a resurfaced hip following childhood septic arthritis, and cardiomyopathy. I am also clinically diagnosed Asperger's Syndrome (autism). Yoga has increased my lung function and reduced anxieties related to the autism; to name just two personal benefits. During teacher training, I also suffered a debilitating frozen shoulder for many months and have inadvertently become somewhat of a shoulder expert! Over the past three years I have gone through major surgeries following a near fatal embolus in my bowel, a mini stroke. a stoma surgery and a brain bleed. I am now living with a chronic long term diagnosis, but I am a fighter and want to use my experiences to help others gain a new perspective on their mind, body and soul in order to enhance their joy of life.
I am an experienced teacher; of dance for over forty years and karate for over thirty years; children, teenagers and adults. I bring both professional and personal experience to my teaching.
OTHER SERVICES
Since my most recent medical experiences I have been continually studying and will soon be offering new associated services.
Dr Sandra J Beale-Ellis
Teacher/Therapist
MY YOGA mission
I make a promise to you: If you can breathe, you can do yoga. I guarantee there are no restrictions, except for your mind saying you can't do it! My classes practice with a sense of humour.
Take the challenge...today!
I especially love balance work, pranayama (loosely translated as breath work), dhyana (meditation), yoga nidra (deep relaxing sleep) and mantra. I put the needs of my students at the forefront of my teaching but love to add some quirky teaching twists to keep things interesting. My yoga discipline is HATHA (Ha=Sun, Tha=Moon) - balanced yoga. I am influenced by Simon Low's Yin and Yang teachings, and Vanda Scaravelli's pivotal concepts of awakening the spine. Good alignment and safe practice is a priority.
There is no 'hot' yoga here (except for the occasional mid-life flush); I don't show you how to be a 'bendy pretzel'; there is nothing to be scared about. You will learn how to slow down and use your breath and body to calm your mind.
Take the challenge...today!
I especially love balance work, pranayama (loosely translated as breath work), dhyana (meditation), yoga nidra (deep relaxing sleep) and mantra. I put the needs of my students at the forefront of my teaching but love to add some quirky teaching twists to keep things interesting. My yoga discipline is HATHA (Ha=Sun, Tha=Moon) - balanced yoga. I am influenced by Simon Low's Yin and Yang teachings, and Vanda Scaravelli's pivotal concepts of awakening the spine. Good alignment and safe practice is a priority.
There is no 'hot' yoga here (except for the occasional mid-life flush); I don't show you how to be a 'bendy pretzel'; there is nothing to be scared about. You will learn how to slow down and use your breath and body to calm your mind.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
What you might need to know before visiting a Relax and Bloom Wellbeing yoga class. If you need to know anything else, feel free to ask
- Do I need to be super-bendy or fit and healthy?No, our yoga classes are aimed towards everyone; no matter size, shape, and bend-ability, medical or emotional challenges. We want you to feel good inside your own body and mind. We keep it real.
- I have a medical condition. Is this okay?You will be asked to complete a health questionnaire before you start your first class. There may be circumstances where it would be wise to check with your doctor if you wish to continue practising. We can discuss this possibility.
- What do I wear?Wear comfortable clothing which stretches. You may like to wear layers which can be removed if you feel hotter, and added as you relax towards the end of class. Snuggly socks are useful at the start and end of class, barefoot in-between. No jeans.
- What to bring?A water bottle which can be closed/sealed is useful; no cups are allowed in the practise area. A blanket (wool/cotton) is also useful for relaxation and some yin and restorative postures. Mats and props are available although in post covid-19/virus era, we would prefer students to bring their own mat if possible. Mobile phones must be left outside the space and switched to airplane mode so as not to disturb quieter moments. Please do not bring gum in to the class. Class fee.
- Eating prior to class?You should eat very lightly or leave a couple of hours after a larger meal before practicing. Some students who have low blood sugar levels may find a light snack useful - protein bar or something similar prior to a class (this is my own experience, we are all different).
- Arrival Time?Please ensure you arrive at least 5-10 minutes prior to the start of the class to lay you mat and get any props out and ready. Once the class has begun, students will not be admitted until any breathing/mantra has ended.
- Do you offer 1:1 teaching?Yes, of course, we are happy to arrange this to suit your individual needs? Contact us for further details.
Beginner's Course coming soon...
There is a mix of postures (asana), breathing and meditation practices in a friendly atmosphere.
Affiliations and Qualifications
Tel: 01227 376181 07966 403271 sandra@theautisticvoice.co.uk
Photographs by
Vanity Studios, and Dr Sandra J Beale-Ellis
All photograph and video materials are owned by Dr Sandra Beale-Ellis and are used for demonstration purposes only. They must not be used externally.