Namaste dear lovely friends
I’m sure you will have been getting more out of your shells over the past few weeks as we welcome this glorious time of year when the season of Spring in all her glory shares the wonderful colours and displays of blossoming and blooming, full of vibrancy and vigour as everything renews and returns!
Hopefully our own energy levels begin to mirror and match all that nature is so that we too can be in tune with Mother Earth as we reach up and out towards the returning warmth of the sun and longer days. If you are still trying to shake off some of the past seasons heaviness or endings, ask yourself how you want to blossom and bloom moving forward by introducing small changes that are achievable and realistic.
Nourish the Liver and Gallbladder with an emphasis on the digestive system as you continue to adjust your diet in readiness for summer. Enjoy salad greens, beets, asparagus, chives and avocado.
On the physical side your practice, open your hearts, bodies and minds with some lovely Warriors, Twists and Forward Folds. Incorporate Apan Mudra to feel more energised by stimulating the Liver and Gallbladder supporting the removal of toxins. (Both hands adopt the same position, tip of thumb connects to tip of the middle and ring finger). Try to practice regularly.
Enjoy your breath and invite Bhastrika Pranayama in for energising the body and mind, it can get the energy levels soaring as well as be very cleansing! (sit cross legged if able to, make fists and fold your arms up near your shoulders, inhale deeply, raise your arms straight up and open your fists, exhale slightly forcefully and bring your hands and arms back to shoulders, ready to clench fists again. Continue for 20 breaths then take a few normal breaths and try to continue for two more rounds). Contraindications, practice on an empty stomach, pregnant women avoid, take breaks if you feel dizzy, if you suffer from hypertension and panic disorders, then do this under the supervision of a teacher. This technique pumps more oxygen into the body to give it a boost. Bhastrika Pranayama is the process of rapid inhalation and rapid exhalation.
We will soon be transitioning into summer as I write, so as always trust my recommendations, but only ever act on your own instincts.
I will be returning to my outdoor sessions from Saturday 4th June 2022 with ‘Yoga in the Park’ local to me beside the beautiful Loch Neaton. This is an early morning session from 8am to 8.45am. It is suitable for all, taking any contraindications into consideration. It is a FREE session. Turn up with your mat having an empty stomach too for a glorious morning stretch to set you up ready for the rest of your day. These sessions focus more on the physical side of practice. Adults only.
I have been busy over the past few weeks planning, prepping, hosting and enjoying my Spring Yoga Retreat in the lovely village of Nacton on the banks of the River Orwell in Suffolk staying at the delightful Laundry Cottage. You can read all about it and what we got up to in my blog after this; ‘Nacton Retreat’.
In addition to my regular classes I am excited to announce from 10th June 2022 I will be collaborating with Thompson Hall Retreat to host classes, events, mini day retreats and weekend retreats. Details for all of these will be on my website under blog ‘susanyoga events’ All bookings for any of my classes or events is by contacting me either here on my website or 07776 440542. Keep any eye out over the next few days for all details and information. Lots of things happening!
Be outside at every opportunity that you can, reach up towards the sky as you fill your lungs with fresh air and enjoy being who you are and where you are right now.
Sit quietly for a moment, take a pause in your day and say to yourself “I woke up today with a strong heart and clarity in my mind” and say to yourself “Being calm, energises my whole body and mind”
Come along on your journeys with me and let’s continue to bloom together!
My Yoga Blessings to you all. Keep in touch, love hearing what you have been up to ……. see you on your summer mats!!
With love, Susan xx
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