WELCOME TO YOUR YH WEEKLY
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The long Summer nights have passed and we are now in a season of transition as we approach the Autumn Equinox (September 22nd). The Season of Autumn will slow things down and lead you to what you need. It is a time of Harvest. As the leaves change colour and the trees shed what they no longer need, the same is happening for you. It’s time to reflect on the year that has passed so far and start to invite in what you desire for the last few months. We have a few lovely events coming up that will help with this…
Our marvellous teacher Imir is launching her next 200HR Yoga Teacher Training. This beautiful course is designed to allow you to explore your practice, understand the true meaning of Yoga and learn so much more about your true self. It spans over 14 weekends from October 2021 to February 2022, the perfect time of year for self care and exploration. More information is below, including details on Open Day’s Imir is hosting.
Alice continue’s our Teacher Asana Series by sharing her love of Savasana. A perfect pose for rest & reflection.
We also have great Autumn Workshops coming up. There are workshops to go deep with in (Sound), to play (Handstand), to nourish (Prenatal) and to energise (oils). Read on to find the Workshop for you.
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200HR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
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For every student of Yoga that has ever embarked on a 200HR Training Course, it will have been a daunting but life changing experience. One they will never forget. The study of Yoga is a life long commitment but giving 200 hours of your life to understand the foundations of yoga will impact your life and the lives of all around you. Even if you never plan to teach a yoga class in your life, this course will shine awareness into your soul and give you tools to take life more lightly and with more focus.
The curriculum includes:
Hatha | Vinyasa | Yin | Thai Yoga | Mediation | Pranayama | Anatomy | History | Philosophy
Imir is hosting two one hour Open Days so you can see in person what to expect from a course. There will be a practice session, followed by Q&As.
Dates of Open Days
Friday 24th September | 12pm | Yoga House Catford
Saturday 25th September | 2pm | Yoga House Catford
To book your FREE slot, email imirfrazer@hotmail.com
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2021
October: 10, 17, 24, 31
November: 14, 21, 28
December: 5, 12, 19
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2022
January: 9, 16, 23, 30
February: 13, 20, 27
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Continuing our Teacher Asana series,
Alice shares her love of Savasana
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You will find Savasana, or Corpse Pose, at the end of almost every asana (posture) practice. Savasana is the practice of becoming still and allowing the mind and body to settle in order to rest deeply. Savasana gives us the opportunity to recognise the shifts in physical, mental and emotional states as a result of one’s practice. It is also an opportunity to let go of ‘doing’ and give permission to simply ‘be’, which can often lead to experiencing bliss, or a complete state of wholeness. Whilst Savasana is most often found at the end of practice it is sometimes offered at the beginning as a way of cultivating awareness and focus in preparation for the practice ahead. It can also be used as a stand alone practice as well as a pose in which to practice pranayama (breathing practices) and meditation, such as Yoga Nidra.
Why I love it
We live in a society that glorifies being busy and productive and rest is often not recognised for its importance in maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle. I have come to appreciate Savasana and how it allows me to slow down and unplug from the hustle. I also appreciate how accessible Savasana is and how most people can benefit from it. For me learning to relax has been life changing and has allowed me to manage pain, stress and anxiety.
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How to prepare for it
Preparation is key in order to enjoy Savasana. One must be warm, comfortable and supported in order to find stillness. It is also best enjoyed for a number of minutes in order to reap the rewards fully. It takes approximately 20 minutes to transition into the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system or ‘rest & digest’. This system dominates when we feel safe and at ease which is why the environment in which we practice savasana is important. When in ‘rest & digest’ we are able to relax, heal, digest our food optimally, and stress hormones are reduced. Whilst we may not be able to practice savasana for 20 minutes at the end of every class, even a few minutes will bring us closer to our body’s state of equilibrium. It’s also important to remember that a dynamic yoga practice mechanises the sympathetic branch of the nervous system, or ‘fight or flight’, the branch of the nervous system that responds to stressors and danger. Activating ‘fight or flight’ in a controlled way, such as in a dynamic yoga practice, and then allowing the body to rest and relax in savasana, is one way in which we can build resilience to stress. So it’s important not to miss Savasana out, especially after a dynamic class.
Top Tips:
- Cultivate an environment conducive to rest. This might involve dimming the lights, using an eye pillow, lighting your favourite candle, shutting the door for privacy, turning off music or playing something which helps you to feel relaxed.
- Support the body – savasana is usually practiced in a supine position. You may find it helpful to support under the knees with a pillow or bolster and under the head with a folded blanket. Ensure you give space for the arms to either rest comfortably alongside you, or fold the arms in to rest on your body.
- Use the breath and physical sensations as a mental anchor. When becoming physically still the mind can sometimes still remain busy. This is normal, especially if you’re new to yoga or managing stress, anxiety or overwhelm. Bring your focus back to the breath and the feeling of the body on the floor each time the mind wonders in order to bring yourself closer to bliss / complete state of wholeness.
- Keep practicing! Savasana is often the hardest posture as we are not taught the art of rest. If you find your mind is very busy during savasana or you feel physically agitated you might find it helpful to practice pranayama (e.g. breathe in for 4-6 seconds, breathe out for 4-6 seconds) or a guided meditation such as Yoga Nidra. Speak to your yoga teacher who will be able to assist you in finding more ease and make suggestions.
Variations
Chest elevated – if you have a cough or breathing difficulties lying on your back may be uncomfortable. Try lying back over a bolster to keep the chest elevated which may prevent mucus from settling on the chest.
Side Lying – again this can be helpful for anyone with respiratory issues or if pregnant. You may wish to have a pillow or bolster between the legs to keep the hips stacked.
Prone – for some lying on the back may feel uncomfortable or provoke feeling vulnerable. Laying on the belly, either on the floor or over a bolster, may be more suitable in order to cultivate a relaxed state of being.
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Gong Bath
with Junior Valentine
Join our signature sound bath run by our qualified Gong Master Junior Valentine, who will take you on a magical sound journey with his three gongs. Setting intentions for our rebirth back to the world and connecting to the universal energy.
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Friday 1st October | 7-8pm | £25* | Lee Studio
*£25 per person or £40 for pair booking
If booking for two, please email support@yogahouselondon.co.uk
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Finding Flight –
Handstand Workshop
with David Pearce
Do you struggle with the idea of getting upside-down and jumping up in the middle of a room? Want to improve your hang-time or simply start your journey to finding flight? Then workshop is for you.
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Sunday 3rd October | 1-3pm | £20 | Catford Studio
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Detox & Energise Workshop
inc Essential Oils
with Patricia Zafra
You will learn what these pure and therapeutic oils have to offer beyond your yoga practice and discover simple tools and daily habits to take a more natural approach in the way you live your life.
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Saturday 9th October | 4-6pm | £20 | Lee Studio
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Halloween Sound Bath
with Kate Young
Join us for this special Halloween Sound Healing. The healing is hosted by the beautiful Kate Young. Kate creates a journey using quartz crystal bowls and her voice which thread together and unify in their own soul song.
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Saturday 30th October | 5-6pm | £25* | Lee Studio
*£25 per person or £40 for a pair booking
If booking for two, please email support@yogahouselondon.co.uk
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Prenatal Yoga + Nutrition for Healthy Pregnancy Workshop
with Natalie & Zannie
Join us for an afternoon of Prenatal Restorative: gentle & supported yoga followed by Prenatal Nutrition.
This workshop will show you how to nourish and replenish body & Baby.
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Saturday 20th November | 1.30-3.30pm | £20 | Lee Studio
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And finally…
It has been great seeing so many of you getting back into a routine and back to the studios as we build our in person class schedules back up, you will be seeing more classes and workshops being added to the schedule over the next few months. Practising at the studio offers unbeatable learnings above online classes as you can see, feel and hear from the teacher more direct. The teacher can also see you better for adjustments (touch or non touch!). We have decided to keep our class capacity at 60% to give you space around your mat and in reception. Our teas are back and we will soon be launching an intro offer for new clients. We have opened up a few more annual memberships here or you can join as a monthly member here, both give you workshop discounts, access to both studios (hot and traditional) and online including our on demand library and free mat hire in studio. We also have 10 class passes (£110) and 15 class passes (£150) with a 3 and 4 month expiry respectively here . Keep practicing when you can and you will feel in your mind and body much better to deal with the world around us.
We are here for you, please get in touch and
Keep Practising!
LOVE from the YOGA HOUSE team
& Kasia x
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