Sometimes, I write blogs on the benefits of yoga and meditation, offer tips and answer some of the most common questions that come up in classes. If you recently joined the Practice Wellness family, you may have missed these blogs. So I have helpfully put them together in one place for you!
Welcome to all new subscribers! Below are some short useful blogs in order of publication dates. I hope they answer some nagging questions you may have about yoga, or clarify underlying philosophical reasons for what we do in class. If you would like further information, feel free to comment below or email me directly.
While I am here, I’d like to quickly remind you that Vinyasa Flow and Yin Yoga classes will start in September at Hedley Hall, near Twerton. Bookings are coming in! Thanks to all who have booked in. If you haven’t, please note that there are limited discounted class-passes as places are also limited. The rate for a one-hour class is £6.60 just for September (if you are new to the class). Check out the Events page to find all class-passes, and if you want to pay-as-you-go, head over to bookings page. See you soon on the mat!
Now over to our useful yoga blogs!
What is the relationship between yoga, tight hips and emotions? What does ‘storing trauma in the hips’ mean? Read this blog to understand how yoga asanas (postures) can help you to open the hips and release emotions. This blog brings together science and yogic philosophy.
Getting The Most out of Your Yoga Practice Through Mindfulness
What is mindful yoga? Based on the writings of two prominent ‘fathers of yoga’, namely, Patanjali and Iyengar, this blog discusses the importance of mindfulness in yoga, and the ways in which we can weave it into our regular practice, regardless of our level of practice or ability.
Mudras are often misunderstood or overlooked in yoga circles where the main focus is on asanas (postures). This blog defines mudras (including through an Ayurvedic perspective), the types of mudras, their roles in balancing prana (life force energy) and their contribution to the main goal of yoga, self-realisation.
Which Warrior of Yoga Are You?
Warrior poses stand out from most other asanas. They are dynamic and bring out the best in us; fearlessness, steadiness, calmness and determination. This blog defines the word Virabhadrasana, a Sanskrit word for warrior, lists all the warrior poses, and how to practice them along with their benefits.
This blog explores the second limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, the Niyama (which is about one’s own behaviour towards oneself). Saucha, which means, cleansing, is one of the five actions under Niyama. In this blog, I discuss different ways to cleanse and detox the body and the mind.
The Humming Bee Breathing Technique
The humming bee or Bhramari is a yogic breathing technique, or pranayama in Sanskrit, which complements our yoga practice. Pranayama is an effective method used to reduce stress and anxiety. This blog describes Bhramari and how to practice it on your own.
The Raisin Exercise for Mindfulness
This is a simple mindfulness practice that involves eating a single raisin along with the application of all of our senses. Mindfulness teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn created the technique as a simple way to help people slow down and pay attention to the present moment.
This blog defines the word chakra using helpful metaphors and goes on to describe the benefits of “unblocking” them, including what ‘unblocking’ really means. The blog dives deeper into each of the seven main chakras aligned to the spine and what they stand for.
The role of and focus on breath in yoga
Perspectives from modern scientists and yogi masters; and how breath actually improves your lifespan.
What are bandhas and how do we use them properly in yoga?
Those of you who have ever practiced with me know exactly what I mean! Bandhas are energetic locks that help us direct prana where we require it – to help us with balance and strength.
Grounding or earthing? And why it’s good for you
I highly recommend practicing grounding or earthing before and after your meditations. Read more to learn why.
The significance of yoga philosophy
It is my view that anyone interested in yoga should be aware of its foundation as it gives context to yoga poses, customs and terminology.
“What’s up with the precision alignments?”, “Is yoga compatible with my faith?” and “Why is this posture so painful?”
Do you have any other burning questions? Add them as comment under the blog.
Top nine benefits of practicing yoga
Yoga has been around for more than 5,000 years. Hence it is deeply rooted in tradition but it is also scientifically proven to improve and maintain overall health.
Top five benefits of taking up private yoga classes
With a private tuition, you can have your yoga practice tailor-made so that the sequences are aligned with your unique personal goals and objectives.
A step by step guide to practicing loving kindness meditation
This is a deeply calming meditation that also encourages forgiveness. Definitely one of my favourite meditations.
A deep dive into eco-friendly yoga products
Cork, jute and bamboo are some of the most sustainable natural materials used to produce yoga products. This is much needed because unfortunately in the yoga market, the bulk of products is still made of virgin plastic. This blog discussed how these materials are sourced.
Another deep dive into eco-friendly yoga products
Organic cotton, recycled plastics and hemp are other eco-friendly materials used in yoga products. This blog discussed how these materials are sourced.
Your comments and questions are welcome! Please post them below.
Have a great weekend.
Sossi
