Peaceful Warrior Yoga Therapist

22/01/2022

Thich Nhat Hanh, a caring legend, a Zen master. RIP, you shared so much with so many for so long.

His teachings will remain to guide us.. 🙏🙏🙏

"To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don't need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself"
Thich Nhat Hanh 🙏

30/10/2021

The Nuchal Ligament
✦ The nuchal ligament is located in the cervical region, and is a combination of the interspinous and supraspinous ligaments that runs along and between the spinous processes from C7 to the external occipital protuberance of the skull
✦ It limits extreme flexion of the cervical spine
✦ NOTE: the nuchal ligament can be overstretched in shoulderstand if the weight of the body rests on the neck when the trunk is completely vertical; it is recommended that blankets be used with shoulderstand, or that a variation is practiced where neck flexion is less extreme (“pike-shaped shoulderstand”)

©Anatomy Studies for Yoga Teachers. Top illustrations by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

22/05/2021

A Variation of Anahatasana (Melting heart pose) done as a yin pose its not only a heart opener, but a shoulder opener and back bend for the mid and upper back ♥️

My incredible mother in law at her yoga practice in Spain. She is in her late 70s and still enjoying the benefits of yoga :
~ Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility.
~ Yoga helps with back pain relief.
~ Yoga can ease arthritis symptoms.
~ Yoga benefits heart health.
~ Yoga relaxes you, to help you sleep better.
~ Yoga can mean more energy and brighter moods.
~ Yoga helps you manage stress.
~ Yoga connects you with a supportive community. Thanks to for creating a beautiful community for my mother in law in Spain. I absolutely love this picture that Pam shared with me today.

08/02/2021

Mudra - Gesture (Seal or Mark)
Mudra's are said to enhance the flow of energy and are a form of non-verbal communication in yoga and meditation. We often use mudras whilst practising pranayama (yoga breathing exercises) they are also incorporated into some yoga postures.
According to Ayurveda (Science of life) disease is the result of an imbalance in our bodies which is caused by a deficiency or an excess of one of the 5 elements. Space, fire, water, air and earth. Each of these elements plays a specific role within the body and is represented by our 5 fingers.
The Thumb - Fire
The Forefinger - Wind
The Middle finger - Ether (space)
The Ring finger - Earth
The little finger - Water
The fingers are like electrical currents and using mudras adjust the flow of energy which then balance the elements ,which help with the healing process.
There are many mudras used in yoga, but i wanted to focus on the Brahma Mudra the gesture of supreme spirit. It has the power to revitalise the whole body, it will reduce stress and calms you down as well as release negative energy.
Brahma mudra is both a hand gesture and as I learnt from Jo Ramsay-Whale its also a mudra for neck health.
The neck is a vital area for overall health as well as home to the thyroid gland which helps to regulate our metabolism.
Brahma neck mudra is a coordinated gesture of the head, neck mind and the sound of Aum, by synchronising the head, breath and bija seed sounds of Aaa, Uuu, Eee, and Mmm. The neck moves in 4 directions which helps in reducing stiffness, pain in both shoulders and neck.
Something we will be practicing in our classes
See you all soon
Namaste
Much love
Janet

28/11/2020

Restorative Yoga is a practise of healing, by allowing time for longer asanas (postures/poses) and deeper breathing - Restorative yoga helps the relaxation response. This response can help to slow the breathing, reduce blood pressure, and produce a feeling of calming increased well-being.
It activates the parasympathetic nervous system or rest and digest part of our nervous system, that helps keep our basic functions working as they should.

In Restorative yoga the use of props such as bolsters, blocks and blankets are used to help hold passive poses/postures for longer without exerting or tiring out our muscles. It also allows you to feel comfortable and supported, regardless of your experience of yoga.

Like all types of yoga, restorative yoga has many benefits
Relaxes your mind and body, reduces stress and anxiety by lowering the levels of cortisol , the stress hormone.
Soothes the nervous system by shifting the balance from the fight or flight response (sympathetic nervous system) to our relaxation response (parasympathetic nervous system)
Enhances our moods, promotes a deep relaxation and deeper breathing.
Redues chronic pain
Improves sleep
Improves our general well-being

Restorative yoga is gentle on the body and often recommended for people with acute or chronic injuries.
It is also safe to practise during pregnancy.

In Restorative yoga expect to hold each pose for a minimum of 5 minutes, or longer if your body wants to.
The bottom line is Restorative yoga is a passive, meditative form of yoga that allows you to focus on your breath, while releasing tension in your body.

Coming to the Shala soon 🙏

14/11/2020

Happy Diwali
Diwali symbolises light over darkness, light the lamp of wisdom, dispel the darkness of ignorance. Its a time filled with light and love, bringing hope to all.
Namaste

29/10/2020

Gratitude turns what we have into enough and more
It turns denial into acceptance
Chaos into order
Confusion into clarity
It makes sense of our past
Brings peace for today and
Creates a vision for tomorrow 🙏

26/10/2020

Beginnings & endings 🙏❤️