The Building Blocks of Somatic Yoga

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Introduction

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Alongside the practical side of the classes, I also want to share where my approach comes from and why this yoga is different from most other forms. Somatic yoga brings together restorative yoga postures, embodied mindful yoga, self-massage with yoga balls, somatic movement, and meditation. It is a method that is not about performance, but about experiencing, releasing, and restoring.

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1. Restorative yoga postures

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In my classes we use soft, restful postures that fully support the body. With cushions, blankets, and bolsters, the body can let go of tension and feel safe. These postures work deeply on the nervous system and are a source of healing and renewal.

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2. Mindful Yoga

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My approach to mindful yoga has been shaped by years of study and experience. From my background in Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga, I learned precision in building postures, the use of props, and how to adapt poses to different body types and alignment needs. Later, I integrated somatic methods, which brought a softer and more body-oriented way of teaching.

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In practice, this means that each posture is built slowly and with care, so the body feels supported and comfortable. We work with precision, but always in a way that suits your body rather than forcing it. At the same time, mindfulness and somatic awareness are invited in: you learn to listen more deeply to the subtle layers of sensation within. This creates a yoga practice that is both clear and precise, yet gentle and mindful — helping you connect with and understand your body from the inside out.

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3. Self-massage with yoga balls

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Working with yoga balls feels like giving yourself a deep massage. We use small and large balls to release tension in the fascia, relax trigger points, and support the body’s natural resilience. The balls help you consciously release tension and open the body.

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4. Somatic movement

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Somatic movement focuses on slow, conscious movements where the internal experience is central. By gently retraining old movement patterns, the nervous system can discover new possibilities. This increases freedom of movement, lightens posture, and helps release tension.

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5. Meditation

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At the beginning and end of each class we take time for meditation. This can be ten minutes of silence or a breath-focused exercise. Meditation provides a quiet ground in which everything we have moved and released during the class can integrate. It brings you back to yourself and gives a sense of inner peace and presence.

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Closing

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These building blocks – restorative postures, embodied mindful yoga, yoga balls, somatic movement, and meditation – form the core of my yoga classes. It is yoga that helps you not only become stronger or more flexible, but above all more connected, more present, and more yourself.