The truth is, there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to which time of the day we should aspire to roll out our mat. Each of us have different rhythms and energy patterns, which can change and fluctuate depending on our individual circumstances and the time of year, therefore it’s essential that we take our own personal wants and needs into consideration, when deciphering what time we should aim to set aside for our yoga practise.
Archive for category: Meditation

A Moon Day Practice
Alternatively, taking the moon day as an opportunity to work on a different sequence might provide some insights that could inform your usual practice. On this note, I was introduced to Matthew Sweeney's moon day sequence some years ago and often practise a shortened version of it on moon days. In this sequence, much less emphasis is placed on the upper body in terms of the weight bearing on the hands that you find in the Ashtanga Primary Series or other common vinyasa sequences, providing a way of practising with less pressure being placed on the wrists and shoulders, and with more focus on the hips, lower back, and in opening the front of the body.

Times of Change
Often referred to as ‘winter depression’, triggers can include a disrupted body clock, high melatonin levels (which can cause fatigue), and extreme weather. However, there are measures we can take to combat the often-difficult symptoms linked to a low mood during the winter months

Meditation Analogy of Walking on a Mountain Ridge
Sometimes when we meditate we feel the need to push away thoughts that arise and this year in particular, I know many people have felt this sense of disturbance when taking their seat and literally spend the whole time being caught up in the thinking mind. However we know that meditation and yoga is not about the complete absence of thought but more about the process of finding a place of stillness where the thoughts are still there but they do not concern or require our full attention.

Simple Daily Habits For Autumn
Here are some simply and effective reminders and suggestions to help you feel a little more grounded this season :-) I can't wait to share more on this in Autumn Flow & Deep Relaxation Online workshop on Sunday 18th October 4-6pm at Heather Yoga

Your Safe Space, Join Us For Free Yoga Nidra.
We would like you to know that our yoga centre is such a safe space for you to come and explore your practice in, at any time :-) Right now with the Health & Safety protocols we’ve implemented in the building and changes to our operations, we’ve exceeded the Government guidelines and yet the shala still feels as beautiful and special as ever - even with the new set up!

Getting to know the Sutras
These two books can really help you to access and interpret the Yoga Sutras with fresh eyes. If you can link relevant examples from your own life experience then you are more likely to be able to digest, remember and apply them. They can act as fun and enjoyable introductions to the classical Philosophy of Yoga. Allowing you to capture a little of your own yogic insight which may ignite the beginning of a journey of self-study...

Savasana During Lockdown
For some of us, Savasana is the best part of class. A welcome surrender, an invaluable opportunity to release and rest, a moment of complete suspension as we happily absorb all of the positive energy and movement from our practice... For others however, having ‘nothing to do, nowhere to be’ can become an experience of inner conflict and provokes a deep feeling of discomfort. Given the opportunity it would be part of the class which some might prefer to skip, especially during lockdown!

Beginning Yoga
Beginning Yoga has added to my life. I love the calm and feeling of strength it gives me, but there's more to it than that.

Practicing Seasonal Yoga-what it’s about and it’s benefits
The way we feel and how we move evolves with the seasons. The style and focus of classes change week by week, month by month helping to maintain focus, promoting and maintaining good health of mind and body.