I hope you are all well with your spirits high.
What a month!
Last week I actively turned on the telly to watch the news channel. Not usually my first choice but thought it best to get with the program.
More than ever, it is so important to look at how we can keep our immunity and faith strong, and our attitudes positive.
It is of no surprise If you are experiencing emotional or mental stressors due to the current pandemic and the consequent ripples of fear that it can bring. The quality of our thoughts and emotions will have a direct link to our state of health and our perception of our world. If you find yourself spiralling into fear and future imaginings then its definitely time to try some something new.
Yoga techniques help to re-centre and reconnect you. With some practice it is possible to give up worrying. TCM(Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Ayurveda are also good guides to find balance.
From an Ayurveda perspective it is the season of the Kapha Dosha. This is associated with the elements of water and earth and when out of balance it has the quality of mud.
If you are experiencing a Kapha imbalance mentally you may feel depressed and very lethargic. If this is the case for you its time to move your body, lift your arms up and dance like nobody is watching. Lift your spirits through song - Sing your heart out like we saw with the the joyful Italians this week from their balconies. If that doesn’t work, call a friend, reconnect and ask for some help. Now that we are being encouraged to self isolate and especially for those living alone. Perhaps go online and join some groups there are so many to chose from. Or join me on Zoom, you are very welcome.
Other conditions that would suggest an imbalance are bronchitis, sinus congestion, sinus headache, diabetes, chronic gastro-intestinal disorders, sore throat and asthma. And other respiratory related conditions.
If you are experiencing any of the above try to cut down/out dairy (Poached egg is good but not fried or scrambled) Opt for more of the pungent and bitter vegetables and herbs like asparagus, beets, broccoli, garlic, onions, parsley, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower and peas.
However, if you are feeling healthy and balanced ignore the above and intuitively eat what feels good for you. Please listen to your own inner teacher, this is just a guide.
Since Covid-19 and based on the above list, I’ve been incorporating 10 minutes of daily Pranayama and including it during class along with the relevant poses that help to open and strengthen the chest. All Kapha pacifying asanas.
From a TCM perspective, continue to stretch the back body to Keep fear at bay and your Kidneys and urinary bladder happy and healthy. We have been looking to the Yin poses that assist the Liver and Gall bladder too this week.
Yoga Nidra has been a Godsend too for keeping anxieties at bay and promoting self healing.
As we approach the Spring Equinox on the 21st March , it is quite natural that the liver will naturally detox so don’t be alarmed if there are a few days that you feel a little unwell. Its natures way of getting you ready for spring.
Incorporate a variation of Twists into your home practice and stay hydrated.
I've been carrying around a flask of lemon , honey and ginger tea.
A good support network and sense of community -
I love to engage with those friends and family who have a great sense of humour and are more likely to see the good even when faced with the hardest of challenges. This type of energy is so positive and up lifting and can be reciprocated in equal measure-keeping our vibrations high.
They are the ones who are always ready to swoop down to help you up if you are having a hard time without any judgement and vice versa. I would love for Lighthouse House Yoga Family and fun loving yogis to offer this support network.
Breathe Mindfully
When we breathe through our mouth everything we breathe goes straight to our lungs which is great if we are running or doing a HIIT workout with fresh clean air. If you find yourself sharing space with smoke, coughs and splutters try breathing through your nose. Your nostrils have a fine layer of cillas which act as a filtration system. By slowing down your breath you begin to slow down your mind. Listen to your breath instead of any unhelpful thoughts.
The Pranayama Ujjayi is a useful tool to warm you up. It strengthens the nervous and digestive systems and helps to keep you present and calm.
Replace unhelpful thoughts with positive, present tense affirmations.
"We are healthy, happy and our immune systems strong."
Choose not to live in Fear but Faith
Faith in science
Faith in your body to heal
Whatever your belief system, Faith that it's all going to be ok.
The only thing we can control is what we choose to focus on in each moment. If we listen to our intuition and make each moment as perfect as it can be the future will take care of itself.
In the words of the Cranberries, "And the Daffodils look lovely today..."
Last week’s Friday class was in the Samsara Studio and via Zoom.
If you would like to take part in the next yoga class from the comfort of your homes please drop me an email or via the website(www.lighthouse-yoga.com) and I will be sure to invite you or share the recording. There will be a yoga class coming soon for Mothers Day - to include some chair yoga and Yoga Nidra.
Last but not least our Goa Retreat has been suspended.
New dates for your diary....
We are flying out Wed 4th-12th November 2020.
The current group of fun loving yogis have jumped a fair few hurdles. They've changed flights, re-scheduled flights, been flexible on dates and still so positive and so supportive - Thank you🧡
Lots of Love, Light & Healthy Vibrations
Trish X
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