Our Signature Styles & Teachers
A Sentiment of Namasté
I acknowledge the dark
- and honour the light within you -
because is all exists within me, too.
I honour your life force, present here in this moment, as well as your life’s journey; past & future.
I honour your Humanity
- and equally - your Divinity.
“I honour the place within you, where - when you’re in yours -
and I’m in mine
…there is only One of us.”
Sarah
— Somewhere to Be
Pranaa Yoga
is the signature style of Yoga offered at our Somewhere studio. A unique practice that is as somatic (body-based) as it is subtle. It’s a style that is very soulful & intuitive, lending itself either to a more dynamic practice OR slower, more restorative, almost Yin-inspired practice, depending on the energy (prana) present in the room.
Whether it be the dynamism of flowing movement; long, static (but still quite challenging) holds, or a gentler approach using the support of props & the wall - Pranaa Yoga offers an immersive exploration of the felt-sense within the physical body, while connecting to the much more subtle bodies as a way of stilling the fluctuations of mind to enter deep states of “meditation-in-motion”.
By attuning to the aliveness/prana (or life-force) within us, we can start to align ourselves more closely to the ever-present moment, and then the Presence; the conscious awareness that we Are.
Pranaa Yoga was created by Julie Gargano, original Founder of Prana House in Thornbury, whose influences span from form; art, design & dance (predominantly ballet), to formless; esoteric teachings & 30+ years of Yoga/Yogic Philosophy, mentored directly by a living Master Yogi himself…
Yogic Influences
Pranaa Yoga has it’s foundations steeped in Iyengar Yoga (BKS Iyengar), which is of a Hatha Yoga lineage; very alignment & technique focussed. You’ll notice lots of stacking joints upon joints, supporting us to explore each posture safely, in order to move beyond our edge (whether that be physically, mentally/emotionally or spiritually), with that conscious awareness we spoke about before ^
Undoubtedly, when practiced regularly, over time, this approach supports us to expand into the fullest expression of our Authentic Self “both on AND off the mat”. So cliché…
but that’s because it’s so True.
Pranaa Yoga is also heavily influenced by Amrit Yoga; a “moving meditation” and the signature style of Julie’s Guru; Yogi Amrit Desai (affectionately known as ‘Gurudev’).
This particular practice engages pure, Non-Doing Presence ~ “effortless effort” all throughout (even in the most dynamic or challenging of moments; without [spiritually] bypassing our thoughts, feelings, sensations - but rather - developing the ability to Be with them all, fully, with Presence and loving awareness. It is here we cultivate our observing, witness mind and create space between the ever-changing conditions of our humanity and the totally unchanging aspect of Spirit within us.
Inspiring Yoga as a Way of Life & Integration Within…
Pranaa Yoga is inspired by Prana itself (life-force energy), especially with Julie’s ballet dancing background, there’s a certain element of grace and slow flow that informs the entire practice, but possibly more importantly; the emergent nature of Prana as a constant unfolding.
It’s also quite a contemplative practice, often peppered with the wisdom of Yogic Philosophy, so as to stay in touch with the True Essence of Yoga within the Practice itself.
Keyword being PRACTICE, not perfect.
We welcome all abilities and experience levels. And while we always honour the Light; the ever-present, totally unchanging, Divine aspect within us - we also acknowledge the ever-CHANGING nature of being in this human body!
Our “aim” (if you could even call it that), is Presence and practicing the true Path of Yoga, as per Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutras, which is Integration.
Supporting us to move toward an integrative experience, is always some sort of:
pranayama (breath regulation) & chanting (joining in or just listening)
invocation (ritual/intention/prayer)
asana (the physical postures), dharana (sense withdrawal), dhyana (meditation) & (who Knows?!) maybe even samadhi (bliss)
Sarah Noonan
Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Skin & Somatic Therapist, Musician/Vocalist
(we say this cos she loves singing soul; and has such a soothing voice for deep, guided meditation…)
Pranaa Yoga YTT 350hr
Yoga Teacher at Prana House Thornbury 2yrs
Trauma Sensitive Yoga YTT 20hr
Somatic Experiencing (NeuroAffective Touch Certificate) 3yrs
Sarah completed her Teacher Training in 2021 and was offered the New Graduate teaching position at Prana House directly following her graduation.
She has spent the past 2 years teaching, learning & practicing with the students of Thornbury, building up a loyal and dedicated base of both classroom and 1:1 yoga & meditation students (Yoga-Nidra style - deep, sleep-based meditation is her specialty).
Her style is very heart-centred and beautifully combines the physical with the much more subtle energetic aspects of Yoga and Yogic Philosophy. She’s just interested in Somatics as she is the ineffable…
Bespoke 1:1 sessions are one of her favourite types of teachings, as she’s able to bring in some of that treatment-style TAILORED spoken-word meditation as well as elements such as essential oils, touch (with consent of course), and somatic awareness through with her from the treatment space.
But, perhaps her most loved offering outside of regular weekly classes with dedicated students, are the yoga & meditation events she hosts alongside LIVE ambient music. Collaborating with fellow musicians and hosting /holding space in this way feels to Sarah, almost like making magic - she hopes you feel it too.
Soulful, Intuitive Yoga & Meditation
(6.30pm-8.15pm Wednesday evenings)
This extended yoga & meditation practice (1hr 45mins) marks the mid-way point of many students’ weeks, making it the perfect mental-health check point; a chance to tune into your nervous system with consciousness, so that slowly, over time, you develop a deeper sense of somatic awareness within you. Something that, through such an immersive weekly practice, can profoundly transform and touch into all parts of your life once you’re off the mat and out in the world.
It’s not an express practice, that’s for sure, but with some regular time set aside and a little dedication, it’s becomes easy to sink into this mid-weekly sojourn as a series.
It sets itself apart from your usual 'set menu’ style yoga class, in that there’s time to attune not only to ourselves, but also ourSELVES as a community before we even begin.
This is where the soulful, intuitive aspect comes in…
Sarah loves to improvise (yogically-speaking) and with a deep, embodied understanding of all the different rudiments of Pranaa Yoga, she’s able to take into account collective energy levels, as well as how our bodies have all been feeling (somatically-speaking) to tailor a class on-the-spot without too much planning — instead; plenty of Presence.
This class starts with the Pranaa Yoga Warm-Ups, then moves into a more formal meditation practice (sometimes pranayama, sometimes chanting, sometimes both), before exploring the body in-depth, either by defying gravity and experiencing movement/flow - or yielding into the support of the props with longer-held, more static shapes.
Whichever direction we go, there’s always a balance of both strength and flexibility to some degree; whether one is dialled up or dialled down on the day the make more space for the other.
This particular practice ends with an extended Savasana (30mins or so), the Yoga-Nidra style sleep-based meditation to help recalibrate the nervous system toward regulation and deep restoration.
Sarah’s Offerings on the Weekly Class Schedule…
Sunday Morning Sattva (10am-11.15am each week)
This “Sattva” practice, which translates in Sanskrit to something like “peaceful luminosity”, is inspired by a slow start to Sundays; a gorgeous way to gently awaken with a very accessible slow flowing practice, so you can head off to brunch or maybe the market, making the most of the rest of your weekend with more Presence.
This class starts with the Pranaa Yoga Warm-Ups, a more formal seated meditation (sometimes with pranayama, sometimes chanting, sometimes both), before building gentle energy with a slow slowing sequence (standing poses) then winding down to settle into Savasana (with around a 10min body scan).
Sunday Evening Satya (6.30pm-7.45pm each week)
This “Satya” practice, which translates in Sanskrit to something like “unveiling truth” is inspired by that Twilight-y time of the evening that sees us transition from day to night; where things somehow seem more clear.. where the veils lifts ever-so-slightly… and we can often access a kind of contemplative clarity that perhaps wasn’t there before. It’s a restorative practice designed to help us set the tone for a very intentional week ahead.
This class starts with the Pranaa Yoga Warm-Ups, then moves into a contemplative, intention-setting meditation/invocation before melting into some super restorative shapes using the support of props (bolsters, blocks, straps, blankets and sometimes the wall). We usually finish with gentle chanting to seal the practice after Savasana (10mins, as above).
They say ‘Sunday evening always has a sense of something good about to end…’ well, not here! This Somewhere to Be weekly ritual sets aside intentional time & for soul remembrance; something that never ends.
A significant practice for those seeking to align with their most Authentic Self so as to live from the that place more of time…
Julia Harris
Yoga Teacher, Sound Healer, Astrologer & DJ
Hatha, Vinyasa & Yin YTT 200hrs
Embodied Yin YTT 50hrs
Traditional Tantra & Dynamic Anatomy Studies
Crystal Sound Bowl Healing & Intermediate Astrology
(we say this cos, in addition to her crystal sound bowls, she loves mixing meditative beats to flow to in class!)
Julia has been teaching at multiple studios around Melbourne for the past few years. In that time she’s really found her signature style to be slow flowing, gently-guided embodiment practices and restorative/meditative Somatic Yin.
Julia guides and teaches with calmness and with intention. She draws from traditional training, tantra, the elements and from her embodiment of the knowledge and practices that she is forever learning. Her classes offer an undercurrent of peace and gentle connection to the whole self, the whole way through class. She loves to encourage felt-sense & breath awareness honouring both the physical and the more subtle energetic bodies.
She brings with her, a wealth of knowledge around Astrology. And though her offerings are outta-this-world; she seems to always finds a way to channel the most cosmic constellation of astrological themes into beautifully grounded, earthly and embodied practices.
Aside from mixing the most relaxing yoga beats, another of her specialties is what we like to call Authentic Astrology; where she “tells it how it is” in such a way it’ll leave you contemplating life of late, as well as the actionable next step you (probably already Know you) need to take.
Julia customises your very own personalised Astrology message, based on your ‘Big 3’ (sun, moon & rising signs) with each one of her Full Moon & Sound Bath events.
Julia incorporates her crystal singing bowls into Savasana, following Somatic Yin every Thursday night, so even if you miss the monthly immersion-style events, there’s space to sink into the healing vibration of sound on a regular weekly basis.
Slow Flowing Hatha
(7.00am - 8.15am every Thursday Morning)
Julia’s Slow Flowing Hatha class makes for the perfect mid-week early morning practice and/OR slow way to start your day with gentle movement and flow.
Slow Flow Yoga is rooted in traditional Hatha Yoga where the asana practice (the poses) are intentionally held for longer. We flow slowly and gently, creating time and space to experience the body, the breath and our selves in stillness, slowness, and calm.
Drawing upon the balancing practice of Ha/tha (Sun/Moon) Yoga, Julia will guide you through a sequence of floor-based and standing shapes, gently building energy throughout and incorporating pranayama, mudra, sometimes mantra and of course, meditation. She also brings her ability to match chill, meditative beats with this steady, slow flowing practice.
She, like Sarah, always works somatically - and so encourages you to feel into your body all throughout the practice - allowing time and space to truly sense into what is present and how you might feel empowered to move or shift your body in a way that feels best for you in-the-moment.
This is a beautifully mindful way to begin your day; especially if you have to scurry off to work in/around the city thereafter.
Julia’s Offerings on the Weekly Class Schedule…
Somatic Yin w/ Sound Bath Savasana
(6.30pm - 7.45pm every Thursday Evening)
Somatic (or Embodied) Yin Yoga is a deeply calming practice, involving long held poses, that lends the space within to create a deep connection with your whole Being. The approach takes not only from Traditional Chinese Medicine, but also from Tantric Philosophy and Somatic Experiencing.
Julia’s approach to guiding you through Somatic Yin acknowledges the body as a vehicle for awakening, encouraging those practicing to work with their bodies as they are, rather than trying to transcend or distance themselves from physical sensations and experiences.
Ultimately, Somatic Yin allows us to be fully present with self in each moment, allowing us to create flow for qi/prana which aids in the dissolving of obstructions that prevent us from experiencing the fullness of life with vitality and ease.
Settle into Savasana with Julia’s crystal singing bowls bathing the studio in meditative sound to end each practice (10mins).