Yoga teacher, Sally Kirby shares behind-the-scenes on the online yoga classes here at Azul Guesthouse.
Take it away Sally…
Before my yoga teacher training in 2018, most of my yoga practice was online with the You Tube yogi queen, Yoga With Adriene. I enjoy and value the benefits of an online practice, and have modelled much of my teaching style on Adriene. I love the simplicity and accessibility of her yoga classes.
When it was no longer an option to teach classes to paddled out surfers in person at Azul, it was a natural transition to step into Adriene’s shoes and start teaching online.
I now run teach regular online (and offline) yoga classes, live from our sun-baked, colourful roof terraces in Tamraght, Morocco.
Why join a Zoom class in Morocco?
I chose to live in Tamraght for many reasons, one being the climate, over 300 days sunshine a year. Blue skies and balmy Winter temperatures make it ideal for ocean life and outdoor yoga year-round. Therefore, Tamraght is a peaceful fishing and surfing centric village. One road through and a huge stretch of coastline with world-class surfing spots. It’s a grounded community with strong family values at its heart. We have mountains, locally-grown organic fruit & veg, Vitamin Sea and good vibes in abundance. And space, so much space. During the online classes I invite people to tune into that. People often comment on the blue skies, the background sounds – the Mosque’s Call to Prayer, village life. A sense of place comes through the screen.
Why Zoom yoga at Azul Guesthouse?
Those of you who have visited Azul Guesthouse will know how special it is; the family, the team, the location, the house…. it’s overflowing with creativity and playful spirit. Providing a home-from-home for many travellers, who return again and again, touched by the Berber hospitality of its owners, Bohcine and Hucine Zammor.
For most of 2020 Azul has been under renovation and upgraded on many levels. From the high-speed fibre optic wifi, which essential for Zoom classes, to the roof terrace in the sky! Also, Bohcine and his team of local carpenters have created a whole new yoga terrace with 360 views of the ocean, mountains and surrounding village. Traditional Berber hand-carvings, it’s a living, breathing, work of art. In fact, whatever the weather, indoors and outdoors, there is a space for yoga at Azul Guesthouse.
What can clients expect from a Live Class?
This is constantly changing, but mostly I have found people practicing online want to move a little slower, and be guided mindfully. The sunset classes offer that, a wonderful opportunity to stretch out and wind down after a busy day. To watch the changing colours of an iconic Moroccan sunset on the horizon.
I enjoy surfing and swimming, so teach classes that support these passions. For example, the Wednesday morning – Wake Up Your Core – yoga fitness class. Teaching this has helped me, and others, stay motivated and retain a good level of surf fitness during lockdowns in 2020!
The format of the class depends on time and style, but usually, classes start with a few minutes of breathwork. Inviting students to be present in their body, to be still for a moment and notice how they are feeling. It sets the tone. Then we move through a mindful flow, usually with a theme or focus ie Core/ Surf Fitness/ Yoga Booty/ Finding Balance / Truth/ Forgiveness. There’s always time for Savasana, and in the longer classes we finish with a guided meditation. After class, I like to allow 5 mins for any questions/ feedback.
Christmas & New Year yoga classes, and a special Full Moon meditation
Ho, ho, flow….Christmas yoga is coming. Sally will be offering yoga classes on the below Christmas and New Year dates. We hope you can join her & family & friends on our Azul Guesthouse roof terrace via Zoom.
Please register in advance using Zoom sign up links below:
Sat 19 Dec 10.30-11.30AM
Rise & Shine Yoga Flow
Perfect way to start your weekend
Strengthen, open and improve your balance with this full body flow
€7
Wed 23 Dec 10.30-11AM
Wake Up Your Core Christmas Special!
Join us for this festive fun yoga fitness workout
Wear something Christmassy
€5
Sat 26 Dec 10.30-11.30AM
Rise & Shine Yoga Flow
We will enjoy a gentle Boxing Day flow together
Support and refresh your digestion and energy flow during this season of Christmas feasting
€7 proceeds from this class will go to a local charity
Wed 30 Dec 10.30-11.15AM
Full Moon Release & Let It Go Flow
Extended class to include a special New Year & full moon guided meditation
Take time to reflect on the lessons of 2020. Release & make peace with this transformational year. Set clear intentions for what you want to create in 2021!
€7
Hop into your Christmas PJs and let’s share a practice in Morocco together.
Thank you for reading, any questions or comments, please do get in touch.
