Bring yoga into your every day life

Candle Meditation Mini Workshop 

Easter Monday after 6 pm class

Dave, Rosie and I head out on our 3 week camping trip on Saturday 7th April

Classes begin again on Monday 30th April.   8.15 am

I thought it would be a great idea to give you a few simple routines you can practice while I am away. Only 5 minutes per day can make a huge difference and you don’t have to set aside a special place but start to bring yoga into your everyday life. Don’t take yoga/life too seriously, have fun.

KETTLE YOGA !  A STUDENTS EXPERIENCE   5 minutes

While waiting for the kettle to boil come into the mountain, focus on long slow breaths, make sure you engage your bandha and stay until the water starts to boil. Thoughtfully make your tea, herbal or regular and whilst it is brewing come into the tree position.

 How many activities do you do whilst your mind is somewhere else? Notice how much more  enjoyable life is in the present moment. You can make this into a  wonderful mindfulness meditation by trying to stay focused on every mouthful of your special brew.

SUPERMARKET YOGA  FOR STRENGTH AND STABILITY!

Or anywhere you are waiting. Instead of feeling annoyed or bored by having to wait. Go to your mountain and your breath and gently take 1 foot off the floor. If you have a trolley it will help give you support. I do this all the time now with eyes open and queues are seen as time to focus inwards, let go of busy thoughts and improve my posture.

15 MINUTE BED YOGA FOR FLEXIBILTY AND RELAXATION

This has become a routine I love. Make sure you go to bed early especially if you have insomnia. If my mind is busy and I don’t feel tired then this routine can last for an hour and other times I do a couple of twists and then fall fast asleep.

 Use vayu mudra for letting go if it feels right.

Use Ocean Breath if you are confident with this but otherwise try to focus on the exhale/letting go. Make sure your breath is relaxed, long and soft and try to lengthen your exhale.

I count to 21 breath before changing position or I fall asleep which ever comes first ! If you do wake in the night with busy thoughts see if yoga has given you the will power yet to return to your long exhale and some more restorative yoga, if not be gentle with yourself and practice your bed yoga at easier times. One day you will  be able to step out of your thoughts and into peace and quiet when ever you choose. All it takes is practice.

Bed Yoga Routine - remember this is only a guide. Stay as long as you want, choose your favourite positions and enjoy.

This routine is 15 minutes but add on anything you have been taught and enjoy.

1 Start with butterfly, use pillows to support your knees and maybe 1 or 2  running along the length of your upper spine to open your chest. Arms can be on your chest and belly or if you have space stretch them wide.    21 Breaths or 20 minutes

2 Crescent moon/bananasana. Lay flat on your back, (be careful with this, just a gentle stretch)Walk your feet to the LT,  keeping hips flat on the bed. Then walk your shoulder to the same side keeping your shoulders flat and not lifting. Stay for 15 breaths and then move to the other side.

3 Twists. Bend both knees and slowly turn your legs to one side. Use pillows for support and keep your shoulder flat on the bed. Turn your head too if it feels good. 15 breath and then change sides.

Well- balanced Traditional Hatha Yoga Class 30 minutes

or more if you stay in twist or Savasana longer. Recommended !

 Start sitting. Cross legged.

Even breaths through your nose with your hands on your chest and belly. 10 Breaths.

• Cat 10 breaths
• Dog 5 breaths
• Mountain  5/10 breaths.
• Warrior 1    5 breaths
• Triangle  5 breaths
• Warrior 2   5  breaths
• Tree  5 breaths each side
• Bridge    5 breaths
• Laid on your back Ankle to knee  - really good for flexible hips, minimum 15 breaths each side.
• Laid on your back twists with knees bent - 15 breaths each side.
• Savasana  minimum 21 breaths.

                                                Namaste Julie