Range of meditative classes at New Milton studio

A NEW studio in New Milton is hosting a range of meditative classes including yoga, tai chi, MELT Method and sound meditation.

Yoga teacher Jen Hadland has opened the The Amethyst Cave at 115 Old Milton Road with the aim of renting space for the community.

Jen also runs a studio in Southbourne, which opened in 2017, and following its success decided to launch another.

She was inspired to start the venture while training to be a yoga teacher in India.

“I found myself watching people hula hooping and dancing on the beaches of Goa, singing and practising martial arts, and I became infatuated with the idea that everyone meditates in their own way,” said Jen.

“Contrary to popular belief, meditation doesn't have to be sitting in the lotus position in silence for hours. It is whatever we do that helps us find peace, lets us release our day-to-day worries and routines and just be in the moment.

“This concept made me and still makes me very happy - how empowering that we can all find some kind of practice that helps us get to this blissful mindset.”

Upon her return to the UK, Jen stumbled across a space on Southbourne high street that had just become available, and spent months refurbishing it.

“I have had the most wonderful time running the studio, learning to keep a business going as I went through trial and error and experiencing the incredible patience and helpfulness from other teachers as I found my feet,” she said.

“Then I felt ready to open a second space. I’ve modelled the New Milton studio pretty much exactly the same way; similar decorations, infrared heated floors, music and lights system, and yoga equipment such as mats, bricks, belts and bolsters.”

Classes currently running include Hatha Flow yoga, Hatha yoga, tai chi, two MELT Method classes, warm power hour yoga, Vinyasa yoga, mindful yoga and sound meditation.

Classes booked to start soon are two more Hatha Flow yoga classes, prenatal yoga and mum & baby/post-natal yoga. There is still plenty of space on the timetable for new classes, and Jen welcomes teachers of all kinds of meditation, including Pilates, music, mindfulness, dance, martial arts and circus skills.

Jen said: “I have had the most heart-warming comments from teachers and people attending classes that the space has heart, good energy and a welcoming nature.

“This is all I could hope for - to make people feel comfortable and safe to explore their meditations and therefore, themselves, further.”

Jen rents the space for £15 an hour, going up to £18 between 5.30pm and 9pm, and helps with online class promotion.

For more information or to rent the space, call Jen on 07588 597558.