February 2018

Mini Workshops - Stay 10 minutes after normal finish time     

I found I didn’t have enough time to bring in all the new elements to class and thought it might be good to add them on at the end. That way if you want to stay and practice you can or if you are not interested or have other commitments then you can leave on time.

*The first workshop on Thursday night was a hand massage practicing Dharana - single pointed focus and learning about the nadis and Marma (massage/energy points)

*I will introduce some breathing exercises. Some for beginners but others more intermediate. 

*Yoga constitution charts will be available in February to take home and fill in and find out what your main energies are. Then we can have a few mini workshops on yoga, meditation and lifestyle factors to create balance for your constitution.

*Many workshops will be connected to the class focus. Let me know if there is anything in particular you would like to see included. I love to learn from my students.

MORE DETAILS SOON ON MONTHLY 1 HOUR WORKSHOPS

Yoga Self Massage Workshop.   22/2/18 7pm  includes making your own oil blend.

Yoga/Pranayama

Everyone is aware of the benefits of exercise on the body but most don’t realise the importance of your breath for health of your body and mind. Most people actually do not breath fully because of poor posture and stress. Good breathing or healthy breathing helps maintain and improve your physical health and your emotional and mental well-being in many ways.

Boosts energy and stamina

Relieves tension in the body and enhances your ability to deal with stress.

Brings a sheen of vitality to your complexion and eyes.

Boosts your immunity and releases chemicals that promote healing.

Enhances concentration and your ability to think clearly.

Brings calmness and mastery of your emotions.

“ This is an extract from The Power of Breath    Swami Saradananda”

This is a wonderful and very detailed book, we will be learning some of the techniques in class.  If you want to learn more I recommend it. I found a copy in the library

Ayurveda /Food Therapy

Simple  guidelines for the common complaint of indigestion. This is a Pitta Complaint and more likely to occur if you have dominant fire energy and in summer. Although this is often just seen as a nuisance by most it is actually one of the first warning signs that your digestive system is not functioning well. In Ayurveda the digestive system is all important for good health.

The forgotten taste...Bitteeeeeeeeeer! Bitter foods are eaten very little in our western diet but they are essential for healthy digestion including the liver and gall bladder.

Simple guidelines for treating indigestion

• Eat more bitter foods. Vegetables: radicchio, chicory, arugula, endive, cauliflower, artichokes, broccoli. Fruits: Citrus fruits like grapefruits, oranges, lemons, limes. Herbs: turmeric, basil, nettle, dandelion, aloe vera.
• Avoid ice in drinks and very cold drinks.
• Chew cooling digestive spices after meals or add to food.. Remind me to bring them in for you to taste. I can give you the recipe for digestive and cleansing tea.
• Buy Swedish bitters from a Health Food store.
• Practice kindness and watch your reaction to things. Let go of anger with your exhale.
• Practice yoga for Pitta. Cobra, twists, sitting postures, moon salutations, yin yoga
• Simple breathing exercise for summer . Place your hands on your solar plexus, slow down your breath as much as possible without strain, breath through your nose and as you exhale focus on the word Cooling then next exhale, relaxing then surrendering, forgiving, gentle and diffusive.

Enjoy the last month of summer                         Namaste Julie