The Guts of it….
Yoga Philosophy
How do YOU Execute “Down Dog”?
Regular (and non-regular!) yogis, how do you enjoy this pose – Adhomukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) – or not (as the case often seems to be!). If you love it, let me know, if not, tell me why!!
Read MoreVinyasa- Krama = Intelligent Sequencing
Do your hamstrings feel tight and tense sometimes? For a reasonably flexible person, my hamstrings have always felt stiff, but how can this be resolved bearing in mind that “stretching” tight, short muscles is generally ineffective? Just the other day I read an article detailing the results of a recent experiment that demonstrated stretching made…
Read MoreNobody is “Doing” Yoga; as Practitioners, We are Seeking it…
We are often fond of saying that yoga isn’t about asana and has little to do with being on the mat, but if that’s true, then what exactly are we doing? Certainly it’s fair to say that for most of us, that’s what it is. Some people even fear it because we have all been…
Read MoreHave you ever been guilty of this?
A few insights emerged this week and I found my mind heading back about 17 years or so when I had a very interesting friend in my life whom I had met at work. This was all before Facey and social media, but she was a very social girl, if a little unconventional, and loved bringing people together…
Read MoreHow Yogasana Works!
I always tend to offer poses and exercises that are more accessible to the majority in class, so we don’t usually practise this asana – bhujapidasana (swing) pose as part of a sequence, although we may do subtle variations of it in a more doable way that simply recreates the subtle yet powerful activations. Either…
Read MoreOnce Upon a Time I Met a Monk…
Unsurprisingly (or even surprisingly perhaps in the Insta world we live in), even though I look pretty peaceful in this image, believe it or not, I am not meditating, Truly. I am just posing for a photo (and it is a nice photo, thanks Nev). It’s one of the most pleasing things to be able to do; sit…
Read MoreMost “Yoga” Experiences Don’t Happen on the Mat..
You may have heard people say they don’t like “yoga”. Perhaps they maintain an idea that it’s “not for them.” Maybe it’s something you have said! What is really meant by this though, is that it has thus far proved elusive and simply hasn’t been found yet. Of course in its true sense, “yoga” is for everyone – who…
Read MoreWhat Do You Do When You Are Feeling Flat?
We all go through feelings of blah from time to time and sometimes it can seem as if there is no rhyme or reason. I don’t know if that’s entirely true, but it may be that it’s just difficult to identify a specific cause. For lots of us, there are so many thoughts and feelings…
Read MoreWhat is the Difference Between Doing Our Best & Striving to Be Better?
In between the rain and yoga class evenings this winter, you’ll generally catch me down at the beach, walking the dog and running number two son. I’m rarely disappointed with the vista; lots of beautiful sunsets, amazing colours and a sense of peace and space. But every day, even from this exact same angle is different…
Read MoreThe Guts of it….
How many everyday sayings that relate to some kind of emotion come back to a physical feeling in the tummy? – I had butterflies in my stomach – I felt like I had swallowed a lead balloon -I felt sick with fear – It was like being kicked in the guts – What’s eating away…
Read More