yoga4healthyliving

Yoga Breathing

2009-07-27T01:32:39-07:00

Breathing is something we so take for granted, and quite rightly. However, the way we breathe is such an important factor in our emotional and physical well-being. Also, the more I study the Bowen Technqiue and deeper levels and anatomy and physiology, the more I realise how important it is to be sure that the diaphragm is free and relaxed and so aid relaxed breathing.

Read more about the benefits of good breathing here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/wellbeing/5901075/Why-do-so-few-of-us-know-how-to-breathe-properly.html

Yoga Tree Pose

2009-07-01T04:01:01-07:00

Walking in my local woods, near Leighton Buzzard, at 7am this morning I was yet again struck by the beauty of the trees. Whatever shape and size they are they all have this sense of stability of being anchored deeply into the earth. No wonder some people like to hug a tree to help them feel 'grounded' and calm.

There are a variety of ways of performing the Tree pose, depending on how balanced you are feeling and the strength of your core muscle group. Here is a lovely basic pose:

http://www.yogamagazine.co.uk/view_pose.php?id=7

The Living Matrix

2009-06-14T11:47:05-07:00

If you are interested in how the body/mind can heal itself naturally The Living Matrix DVD is an absolute must-see. Marilyn Schlitz is a fascinating interviewee on the DVD telling the story of how she healed herself after a terrible motor bike accident.

“…the role that our intention, our consciousness plays in healing has yet to be understood, and in fact has been largely rejected by mainstream, established medicine. You know it’s time for us to bring these qualities of healing into the mainstream conversation about what is necessary to create an optimal healing system.” Marilyn Mandala Schlitz, PhD

Go to www.thelivingmatrix.com to find out more and to view the trailer.

Marilyn Schlitz

Pranayama

2009-05-16T08:39:00-07:00

A few tips to help you with your yoga breathing. Start with ....breath in, breath out...that will get you going! Take a look here for something more 'technical':

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1708303/understanding_yoga_breathing_techniques.html

Great Brickhill Yoga classes

2009-05-14T08:44:00-07:00

Just a reminder that there will be no classes held in Great Brickhill Parish Hall in week beginning June 22.

Rodney Yee - Walking yoga

2009-05-09T00:55:33-07:00

Take a look at Rodney's beautiful forward fold http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z5VrvqRkf0&feature=related and remember forward folds are perfect for calming the nervous system.

Yoga Music

2009-04-15T12:52:14-07:00

My students seem to enjoy quiet music playing in the background as we enjoy our yoga class together. However I do find it trickly to find the 'right' music for yoga. So frequently I pick up a 'music for yoga' CD and find that it has at least one track that goes into a kind of 'yoga rap' with a thumping beat!

One of the most beautiful I have found is a Reiki Healing CD called, wait for it...Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen.

2009-02-25T00:55:12-08:00

Work is not always required... there is such a thing as sacred idleness, the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected.

George McDonald

I love this quote and wanted to share it with you today. Somehow I feel better calling Idleness 'down time' . For me, this might be cuddling the cat, chatting with my friends/family, or meditating. Whatever does it for you. I see it as a re-charging of your batteries. Doing something (or nothing) that feels relaxing and effortless.

how are you going to enjoy some 'idleness' today? I would love to hear...

Yogic Breathing

2009-02-22T11:00:22-08:00

My friend Maurice is 87 years old and has been practising yoga for over 40 years (and never attended a class!) and is still in fine fettle, playing the odd nine holes of golf and driving himself around. He maintains that yoga has helped him to be in such good health. We chatted today over a coffee at Leighton Buzzard Golf Club and he reminded me that one of the most important aspects of yoga is using the breath to calm and clear the mind. Wise words. Take a look here for ideas on yogic breathing. http://swamibabyboutique.typepad.com/

Exercise and moods

2009-01-16T05:21:15-08:00

Just done the classic new year thing and booked an induction at the gym. Haven't been near the place for 10 years, it has changed somewhat! Anyway was inspired by my 19 year old son who had his induction today (different gym, mustn't cramp his style!). What are my goals at the gym? I am quite clear about these.

1. To release those endorphins, there's nothing to beat the good feeling they give you.

2. 'Tidy up' the tummy are - moving quickly on ...

3. Feel good that I am taking action to be the best that I can be in terms of fitness.