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Sankalpa - A Yogic Resolution

1/6/2017

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So it's January again! And as ever, we are all thinking up of our New Years Resolutions and goals. Both Aya and I write our usual list of a billion of things to do, goals to achieve, places to go, things to stop doing, things to start doing, our lists are endless. We can imagine we are not alone with this. So what if there was a way to work towards all of this at the same time in a simple and even relaxing way? Well there is. In the practice of Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra can be described as practice of deep relaxation or 'Yogic sleep'
"You can say that the main purpose of Yoga nidra is to realise one’s sankalpa. Whether this is true or not, sankalpa has the potential to release tremendous power by clearly defining and focusing on a chosen goal. Its effect is to awaken the willpower within by uniting the conscious awareness with the unconscious forces lying dormant." (Satyananda)
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A Sankalpa is a Yogic resolution, in some way it is similar to our News Years Resolution. The difference is that this one is a life long affirmation, that will grow to improve all areas of your life. 

Sankalpa, described as a golden seed, is planted during Yoga Nidra, into the fertile soil of the subconscious mind. (This is when we are asked to repeat our sankalpa during Yoga Nidra/Relaxation). Our subconscious mind is most 'fertile' when we are in that almost asleep state. You can also use a sankalpa in your day to day life by repeating it in the mind, or setting it as an intention during your physical Yoga practice. 
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So why not take some time to have a think about that one special sentence that could manifest joy, peace, abundance and love  in all areas of your life. In fact if you had all these things wouldn't all your goals and dreams already be coming true? And if you already a sankalpa, stick with it, keep it with you and keep it in your practice. It is sure to grow and emerge into lots of wonderful things!

If you would like to practice more Yoga Nidra with us, we always do plenty on our Yoga retreats and workshops. We even have a very special New Years Workshop coming up this Sunday 8th Jan  5-7pm at Islington Arts Factory, checkout the link below to book your place!
Book Resolve and Renew, New Years Workshop!
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Stop, Drop and Savasana!

1/26/2016

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In times of stress and struggle, triumph and joy, transition and change and basically in any moment of our lives Savasana can be key to gathering ourselves together and coming home. Savasana can create the time and space for us to let go, move on and surrender to whatever is happening in the wonderful world around us . In fact in times of stress, if everyone in your workplace would just stop and lie on the floor in silence for 5 minutes, we are sure that the world would be a better place!  We would say, when in doubt, 'Stop, Drop and Savasana!' 
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Benefits of Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Despite its grim name, Savasana can be one of the most uplifting and feel good postures there is. Yes it is an actual Asana (Yoga posture) rather than just lying on the floor! Here are some benefits;

Stress Relief- The body holds stress in the form of muscle contraction. As you lie on the floor and relax, the body can begin to let go of this tension. No need to hold yourself, or hold anything at all, let the floor hold you. This can leave the body and mind feeling safe, calm and free.

Decompress the spine - Gravity is pushing down and compressing our spine everyday. Sitting at a desk for long hours and carrying heavy bags (especially on one shoulder) can really take its tole. The poor body needs to be decompressed. When you lie down, gravity will be pressing down on the whole body in your favour (spreading you out, rather than squashing you down from the top of your head), making space in the spine and your joints. 

Self Acceptance - After working so hard in your Yoga class, or your day at work, savasana is a moment where you can just be. No need to do more or do anything at all. Just be in your body, in this moment and breathe. 

Top tips
*Keep the back on the neck long, lightly tuck the chin towards the chest.If this is too difficult you may need a block or pillow behind your head.
*If you have a bad lower back, you maybe more comfy with the knees up, or an extra mat under the knees. See the picture above.
*When coming out of the posture roll to the side first and use your hands to help you up. See below.
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So why not add a little savasana into your daily life? Its so simple, easy and so worth it. When you have 3-5 minutes to spare, simply stop, drop and Savasana. It can leave you refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for anything! ​
Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.
Chinese Proverb
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 Aparigraha -Letting go of what is not needed 

1/18/2016

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Aparigraha is one of the Yamas (morals of Yoga) from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. It can be transalated as,“non-hoarding”, “non-possessiveness” and “non-attachment” This Yama can be related to so many situations in its meaning. Anything from hoarding to many shoes, clothes and lovely things to being over possessive in our relationships, or too attached to our status or jobs. The one phrase I would say best describes Aparigraha is to 'let go'. We can remind ourselves to practice Aparigraha in our physical Yoga class by letting go. Whenever we remember to stop clenching our jaw when balancing, or holding on for dear life by crunching up those toes, and stop holding our breath, we are practicing Aparigraha. 
aparigrahasthairye janmakathamtasambodhah
One who is not greedy is secure. He has time to think deeply.
 His understanding of himself is complete. ~ Yoga Sutra II.39
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When we learn to phyically let go of what is not needed in our yoga practice, we can stop trying too hard. We can get out of our own way and just let it happen with ease and enjoyment. This concept can be seen in our daily lives too. Have you ever struggled with the following? We certainly have at times!
  • Holding on to negative feelings about people and situations that happened in the past
  • Striving for a goal, but instead finding that you are clinging on to a never ending rollercoaster
  • Being who you are not because you have a fixed idea of who you should be
  • Resisting and feeling threatened by change
When we can let go of ideas, thoughts and situations that no longer serve us, we can unblock, unleash and empower all your natural greatness. In practicing Aparigraha both on and off the mat, whatever is needed to live an abundant and peaceful life will surely flow to you with ease. ​
There's an important difference between giving up and letting go.
 Jessica Hatchigan
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Ahimsa - Be kind to yourself

1/12/2016

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 As we strive to keep up with our Yoga practice, what can we do to ensure our intentions and efforts will last a lifetime? We would like to share with you something that we think is key to keeping up, enjoying and fully benefiting from a regular Yoga practice. 

The word Yoga means union, union of the body, mind and soul. The physical practice of  Yoga as we know it, is actually just a small part of many elements that make the bigger picture of 'Yoga' There are many moral underpinnings of Yoga, one of which is Ahimsa- अहिंसा; Non harming and the practice of kindness to yourself and others.
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Have you ever found yourself doing the following in a Yoga class, or even in your day to day life?
  • Comparing yourself to others.
  • ​Thinking you must achieve a certain goal or you are a failure.
  • Thinking you are not good enough.
  • ​Pushing yourself to hard and not listening to your body.
  • Negative thoughts about yourself.
Well if these things are popping up for us in our Yoga practice, we are not being kind to ourselves, and we are not practicing Ahimsa. It's most likely going to be very hard to enjoy, benefit and keep up our practice. Instead we must strive to practice Ahimsa! 
  • Never compare yourself. Don't even compare yourself to how you were yesterday or 3 years ago. Be as you are, here and now. Enjoy the wonderful body you have in this moment. 
  • The goal of a Yoga class is 'Yoga' union of the body, mind and soul. It is not possible to achieve Yoga if you are beating yourself up about not standing on your head, or touching your toes. The postures are simply mini journeys in which you may learn some things on the way to the destination.
  • There is no such thing as 'good enough' A yoga class is not an audition, in fact life if not an audition. To be good at Yoga means you are good at uniting the body, mind and soul. We think that is something very personal and only you alone will know if this is happening and how you feel.
  • Always listen to your body. This is so important. All to often we are stuck in our heads. A physical practice can take us out of our heads and into our body. The benefits of this are incredible. If you are listening, you will feel what is good, what is not, what is easy and what is challenging. The body is a whole other place than your head, enjoy!
  • Stop that negative mind chatter immediately and replace it with good things. Congratulate yourself for coming to class and for taking this time for yourself. Accept compliments and allow yourself to enjoy breathing, moving and being. Be kind to yourself at all times.
Practicing Ahimsa, absolute kindness to yourself and all others, both on and off your Yoga mat can ensure success and longevity in all things.  And for any of us who sometimes believe that we need a daily self beating to encourage ourselves.....checkout one of many Gandhi quotes on Ahimsa! ​
'Ahimsa is the highest ideal. It is meant for the brave, never for the cowardly'
Gandhi
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