Yoga
Namaste all,
Yoga Monday 30th October, Greasby Centre, 11.15a.m. where we will continue with grounding practices working towards a new peak pose and including balance postures which help to focus the mind as we approach All Hallows Eve and the coming of winter.
All Hallows Eve is when we not only have fun with Halloween but also remember our ancestors and our connection to Mother Earth.
Our connection to Mother Earth is not only grounding but nourishing especially during the winter months when a predominance of Vata (cold, dry) energy can leave us feeling cold, ungrounded and unsupported.
Yoga can provide much support in helping to keep us feeling grounded and nourished in addition to being aware of advice given through yoga’s sister science, Ayurveda.
Practices:
Yoga Asana - grounding practices in particular those in which we consciously connect to the earth through grounding from whichever part of our being is rooting down to assist in lifting the body in poses such as hands, feet, sit bones, in addition to feeling as if the tailbone is rooting downwards as we move through asana.
Breathing - connecting to natural in flow and out flow of the breath to help calm the mind and settle the body. Counting the breath in and out and gently lengthening the out breath to assist in softening the tension in the body.
Pranayama - using conscious breathing practices to calm the mind and help us connect more deeply within such as Nadi Sodhana (alternate nostril breathing), Bhramari Bee breath, 3 part yogic breath, with or without retentions will allow the mind to feel calm and the body refreshed.
Dharana - concentration - on asana and or the breath to help focus the mind and support it from wandering or becoming too busy.
Ayurveda - being aware of the wisdom of Ayurveda (the sister science to yoga) regarding food, when we eat and what type of food we eat to balance the energies of the body (doshas), when we sleep and how we sleep and being aware of the subtle changes of our energies as winter progresses. Ayurveda is an holistic approach to maintaining the delicate balance between body, mind and spirit if one has a belief in spirit.
We should try as best we can to keep nurturing and nourishing our whole being in whatever ways best assist in maintaining balance, feeling connected and grounded
Shanti Om
Sue x
Grounding meditation click link to listen to the vats grounding meditation. There is a section of the practice that involves counting the breath in and out. If the count on the video is too slow for your capacity do count at your own speed and level of breathing.