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.

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! ​

Plank, also known as a high Chaturanga is one of the simplest and best core and whole body strengtheners and we love it! Here is why;

• Intensely strengthens the deep abdominal muscles, toning the belly. It also works the hamstrings and buttocks.
• Great for improving your posture and preventing bad backs.
• Opens and gently stretches the muscles around the shoulders and upper back, hamstrings and even your toes.
• Leaves you feeling great. Gets the blood pumping,  and endorphins racing.
• There are endless exciting variations on this pose

 
Alignment is very important to do  pose safely and effectively. As in all dynamic Yoga postures direction is key. Checkout Aya in the picture below.We are lifting away from the floor are thinking about a horizontal direction. These directions can transform your plank from feeling like heavy lump to feeling long, strong and light.

 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.

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! ​