My yoga philosophy
Shaped by life experiences
As a Scaravelli-inspired yoga teacher, my philosophy has evolved through 25 years of dedicated practice, study, and life experience. The person who steps onto the mat today profoundly differs from the one who began this journey a quarter-century ago—my teaching reflects this evolution.
my yoga philosophy
The human in the yoga!
Humans are organisms that have evolved in relationship with our environment. We engage with this environment through our nervous system, and this constant interplay shapes us throughout our lives. This ongoing dialogue creates unique neuromuscular patterns in each individual—patterns that yoga can help us reveal and understand.
My approach centres on functional movements that mirror normal human activities. Rather than imposing external ideals, I believe yoga should serve the body as it actually exists. Poses should never prioritise form over function, and our practice should be mindful and intelligent. We discover yoga’s full benefits by working with movements that align with our everyday lives.
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language / And next year’s words await another voice.”
— T.S Eliot – ‘Little Gidding’ (1942 poem from Four Quartets)
An Intelligent, Mindful Practice
In my classes, I encourage students to question why we practice certain poses and to listen deeply to their bodies. If a movement causes discomfort, we explore whether it aligns with our natural movement patterns. This inquiry helps us avoid extreme positions and focus on movements that support our well-being.
By attending to how the body feels during movement and listening to the sensations provided by our nervous system, we learn to move more fluidly and with greater freedom. This approach allows students to embody their practice rather than perform it.
My teaching provides a framework for addressing movement patterns that have become restricted, helping to prevent stiffness and other complications. I create a safe, supportive environment where students can explore and deepen their practice by moving in ways that feel natural and comfortable.
Beyond Physical Postures
While physical movement forms the foundation of our practice, I also offer guidance in understanding broader yoga philosophy and principles. This holistic approach helps students cultivate a lifelong relationship with yoga, one that continues to evolve as they do.
The Scaravelli-inspired approach recognises that yoga is not about achieving perfect poses but about discovering the intelligence inherent in your body. It’s about working with gravity rather than against it, allowing the breath to create space and awakening the spine to its natural, confluent form and flexibility.
Yoga is your awareness – Yoga in action is how well you discriminate between tension, effort and ease when you move in poses
Pete Blackaby_the humanist yoga group
How to work with me!
Yoga Classes, retreats, and one-on-one sessions.
In my classes, I create a space where curiosity matters more than achievement. Whether you join me for group sessions, one-to-one work, or intensive retreats, I emphasise sensation over achievement. Students are encouraged to listen to their bodies rather than striving for deep stretches or advanced poses. This makes my teaching accessible to all levels, regardless of flexibility or experience.
In my view, being a yogi requires no particular physical ability—only a willingness to listen to your body and move in ways that feel natural. By focusing on how movement feels and noticing how our bodies respond to sensory input, we develop a deeper understanding of our own unique patterns. This awareness becomes the foundation for greater freedom in both our yoga practice and daily life.
The power of yoga to benefit the practitioner seems to arise- at least in part from nothing more complicated than the release of physiological and psychological tension and the quieting of the mind.
William J. Broad
William J Broad concluded this in his excellent book The Science of Yoga. I completely agree with his findings: yoga should release tension, and my Scaravelli-inspired yoga approach to teaching yoga has the central aim to do this.
An example of Functional Yoga
Seated Side Bend to Down Dog
Humans evolved to sit on the floor, and sitting on the ground or floor is a fundamental physical process often overlooked in our developed society. We usually prioritise comfort over functionality, but transitioning from a standing to a sitting position allows us to experience a range of beneficial and essential movement patterns.
Seated Side Bend to Down Dog
Humans evolved to sit on the ground, and sitting on the ground is a fundamental physical process often overlooked in our developed society. We frequently prioritise comfort over functionality, but transitioning from a standing to a sitting position allows us to experience a range of beneficial and essential movement patterns.
Sidebending is very beneficial for our spines. We have inherited this pattern from a long time ago in our evolutionary chain. Sitting in this position, we enable inward and outward rotation of the hips, along with a gentle side bend, which opens one side of the body and contracts the other. The spine is stable, and we can notice if there are tensions and release with the breath.
work with me
Your Journey with Scaravelli-inspired Yoga on the Isle of Wight
Discover a transformative approach to yoga on the Isle of Wight, whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your practice. Explore and develop your awareness through Scaravelli-inspired yoga in this serene and beautiful location.
yoga Classes
Experience the energy of collective practice in a supportive community setting, suitable for all levels, held in our peaceful Isle of Wight venue.