* Re-root * Re-energise * Rise
This week we continue with our quest to find balance both on and off the mat. We’ll practice finding alignment, and developing strength, focus and patience. Knowing that ‘when we practice all is coming’. Staying with uttitha hasta padangusthasana but maybe moving on to uttitha hasta padangusthasana C and D ? Who knows, we’ll see where the journey takes us. Here is a good article on the sequence.
According to a survey, compiled by self-development and meditation app Anamaya, 55% of mum’s said their stress levels ‘increase dramatically over the school holidays’. Add to this the long term change that many parents may be experiencing as their offspring transition to a new life-stage; moving on to start school, from primary to secondary, or secondary to University and this is exacerbated as roles and needs become blurred and redefined. I can relate: My youngest son moves on from the nurturing village primary school, which we as a family have been a part of for the last nine years, this Friday! I’m anticipating the tears as his class are encouraged to savour their times at the school through song/memoirs at ‘the end of year leavers performance’.
So, turn to Patanjali’s “Eight Limbs of Yoga,” Aparigraha (non-attachment) — the fifth element of the first limb (the Yamas or restraints) — change is the only constant thing in life. Each day, an opportunity to learn and explore. Try not to get attached to habits, and learn to let go of expectations. Subtle changes in ourselves — mentally and emotionally may be noticed— accept ourselves for exactly who we are and where we are in our life right now. Knowing that tomorrow will bring a new experience, embracing change and remembering that even the smallest things can make a big difference.
Audre Lord once said that, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” In defining self-care, Dr. Christine Meinecke at Psychology Today, states it is not self-indulgence or self-pampering, but “choosing behaviors that balance the effects of emotional and physical stressors” —
The Summer yoga classes are ‘all about balance’… in life and on the mat. We’ll catch you if you fall !🙏💕.
Week 1: Pose of the week UTTHITA HASTA PADANGUSTHASANA: THE EXTENDED HAND TO TOE POSE. Check it out here :
https://www.gaia.com/article/extended-hand-toe-pose-utthita-hasta-padangusthasana
This week’s classes are all about finding balance, on and off the mat ! We’ll explore a few balance postures but I’ve chosen Ardha Chandrasana, or Half-Moon, as pose of the week. This is an excellent pose strengthening not only your ankles, legs, glutes, spine and abs but also of course your focus, and as always, we’ll catch you if you fall 😉🙏
Source: Mats and Bolsters
Yoga United has a lovely selection of mats, bolsters, eye pillows and other yoga props. They also have a focus on fair trade and responsible sourcing. For anyone signing up for the Pregnancy yoga courses I will be ordering/offering a pregnancy yoga bundle. Take a look at their website by clicking on the link and feel free to order direct or contact me to avoid postage and packaging.
Big thanks 😘 to all those that came to the SoulShine Yoga Workshop, Cleanse, Awaken and Shine. …Next workshop dates are 02/07/17 and 03/09/17 15.30-18.30pm … Put the dates in your diaries 😉x
The theme / Mantra for this weeks classes is ‘Let go’ / ‘Release’ / ‘Accept’….. (Linked with a Niyama …😍🙏).
Spread the word .. Share the love 💕of the practice 🙏🚀x
Yay ! Spring is in the air and I’m so excited to be sharing this cleansing, awakening and re-energising afternoon with yogis/yoginis old and new at the lovely Robert Monk Hall, Foxton 😍🙏💕. After an afternoon of nourishing, softening Yin, Cleansing Soulful Vinyasa flow and deeply relaxing Yoga Nidra you’ll leave feeling , rebalanced, renergised , lighter and inspired to embrace all that Spring has to offer.
If you haven’t already booked do join us (Click on the classes and events page)
Racheleyoga 