Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Gurus & Guides - Off the mat



When I first came to yoga it was purely on a physical level, I wanted my body to feel better
and move better.
I didn't want to have to live and be defined by my back pain. 
But along the way I became interested in the whole of yoga, physical, spiritual, mental
and ethical.
Some of this made me feel like I was failing as a yoga practitioner and at times I felt like
I was compromising either myself or yoga as I thought it should be. 

Through my journey as a human being I have had several teachers, influencer's, guides,
gurus (whatever word you choose to use here) some well known some just everyday
people who have no idea the impact that they have had on me and some who do know.
Some where yoga related and some where not.
We are all teachers, influencer's, guides, gurus in our own way. I believe we should grow
through and with many teachers and not be totally dependent on one.  I truly believe
we should take the teachings we need and that resonate with us and make our own path.
You don't have to agree with everything or believe everything a person says to benefit
from some of their teachings/offerings. Sometimes we may wonder far from a particular
teaching/lesson that did resonate with us only to return to that teaching sometime later
and realise that the path of life has prepared us more fully for the deeper resonance of
that teaching.
Life is about circles. Sometimes with have to come around a second, third,
fourth or more times to fully understand a teaching. I believe the best way for this to
happen is to have many teachers, to see the teacher in everything. And do not hold someone
else's value/belief as your own, especially if you have your own unanswered questions/doubt
about that belief.

I am constantly a student and I seek new teachers all of the time, some I stay with longer

than others, some I keep returning too, but I keep my mind open to new ideas and new teachers.
Some of my most valued teachers show up in my classes week after week, for this I an eternally
grateful.
It is great to have someone who is wise and offers wisdom when you most need it. It is also
great to get more than one perspective on any situation, Having many teachers will provide
that for you. And I have found the best of all teachers never give you answers anyway, they provide
with the knowledge to know your own answers and offer a straight forward non-judgemental view on
life.

I am authentically me, I evolve and grow constantly.

My back pain is gone and my mind is my own.
I am secure of my yoga journey now.
Through all of this I now believe that that there is no compromise when you are truly being
the best you, you can be.

Sarsha 💖


What's on offer at YMS - Descriptions of the classes and sessions available at YMS


 Yoga Movement Studio/Sarsha - YMS

YMS is my passion

YMS an urban sanctuary for sustainable movement and mindful stillness.

YMS a place where I will hold space for you to explore the potential of your body, mind and soul. 

YMS a place where you can be you without judgement or expectation. 

YMS a modern practice of yoga. 

YMS a space to be.

I have studied yoga and movement with many different mentors over the years. And now teach my own eclectic mix of yoga, Pilates, movement and mindfulness. I love sharing yoga with those who think yoga isn't for them, those who think they are not flexible enough, zen enough, those who have been other classes and left feeling "inadequate" - I know that feeling and aim to deliver classes that empower you on your yoga/movement journey. 

Yoga Movement classes - weekly timetable classes description.

The practice I share is not about advanced poses or technical sequences. It's about becoming aware of you, honouring you, where you are at! Yet also being open enough to explore the capacity and potential that we each hold. Knowing it's about how it feels and not how it looks. 

I often hear people say I'm not flexible enough for yoga - flexibility is a side affect of yoga - not a pre-requisite. You can not run a marathon with out training/practice.  So why do we expect ourselves to need flexibility at the beginning of our yoga journey. The benefits of moving the physical body can also have a positive affect on mental wellbeing too. The only flexibility we need to start a yoga practice is within our belief system - the flexibility to start something new and embrace being a beginner. Trusting yourself in the process.

At YMS all yoga movement classes are suitable for all levels especially beginners - 

* Weekly timetable classes

*Yoga Movement

I take a modern approach and layer the movements and poses, so everyone can explore what feels good for their body on that day and in that moment. 

This class finishes with a space for stillness - you get comfy and spend time in non-movement as a contrast to the movement practice. The stillness is a practice. It's a space where you can tune into you notice without judgement or analysis the impact the practice has had upon you. The breath is weaved through the movement practice and is a key part to the stillness practice. The whole practice is guided. 

*Yin Yoga

Slow floor based yoga practice where poses are held for a while (a few minutes to several minutes) this practice gives the connective tissue of the body time to release and become more pliable. It's not about how it looks it' about the target area we are working with and how it feels. 

A session to gently stretch away the stresses and strains of life. A class that helps to improve joint function and overall wellbeing. this session finishes with a short relaxation. 

The practice is guided with pockets of quiet time for that inner reflection. 

*Yoga flow-ish - loaded yoga

Steady flow-ish because I'm pants at fast flow. Linking one pose to the next with the option to add a weighted stick - this is what loads the yoga. This session is great for adding a stronger sensation to the practice. Guided with options. Using the principles I apply to yoga movement. This session finishes with a power pause - a space of stillness to let the mind and body absorb the impact of the flow practice.

*Pilates & functional movement.

Mat Pilates & Functional movement patterns to improve posture and body awareness. Functional movement patterns lunge, squat, push, pull, twist.

Serenity Sessions - pop up sessions - 6/9 weekly

These sessions are well-being sessions and little longer than a timetable session. 

In these session I share - 

Yoga Nidra - yogic sleep this is a guide deep relaxation, where you get comfy and immerse yourself in nervous system replenishing rest. 

Crystal singing bowls - you get comfy and allow the vibrations and frequencies of the bowls to soothe your being. 

Yin or restorative yoga is often included in these sessions. 

Restorative yoga - floor based poses fully supported with yoga props to ensure maximum comfort. Spending several minutes in each pose allowing time for the body and mind to find deep release and relaxation. 

Serenity sessions can be a combination of one, two or all of the above practices. 

These sessions compliment the timetable classes or are great as a stand alone practice - attend as and when feels right for you. 

No Yoga experience needed - come as you are. 

Sarsha ✨

Visit www.yogamovement.studio for more information or contact via yogamovementstudio@gmail.com

Classes not for you! Well that's ok as I now also offer 1-2-1 & private small group packages - Tailored to your needs. 






Late Summer/Autumn Term at Yoga Movement Studio 2025



Late Summer/Autumn classes at Yoga Movement Studio. 

Yoga with Sarsha.

Yoga as sustainable movement & mindful stillness. 

Classes to promote ease of movement, reduce stress & improve sleep quality. 

20 years of sharing yoga in Gainsborough.



 12 years in a bespoke yoga space - Yes there's a bespoke yoga space in Gainsborough - It's in a building on the riverside walk - 54 Bridge street.

No yoga experience needed. 
All classes suitable for beginners.

All weekly scheduled classes are 75mins.

Reasons people attend classes at YMS - 

Friendly/welcoming groups - 8/12 places.
Experienced yoga teacher.
Safe space/Calm energy.
Improves movement ability.
Calmness of mind. 
Sleep better.
Sense of wellbeing & belonging.
Community.



I know that some times class times don't suit or you prefer/need that more bespoke session. 
 
 1-2-1 & Private small group 
Bespoke Movement & Wellness packages tailored to suit your needs. 

Using Yoga & Pilates for movement and Sound, Reiki & Yoga Nidra for relaxation/wellness.