Oct 28, 2018

Calming Your Breath, Candlelit Yoga & Blissful Yoga Weekends

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" - Maya Angelou

Happy Sunday to all of you lovely people in our Respira Yoga Tribe!

It's getting cold outside but don't let that get you down, we have a plethora of warming, yummy, yoga-related offerings to share with you. But first things first. How do you feel?

Take a moment, right now, to calm your breath. It's worth it, REALLY. Your breath has a direct impact on your nervous system, your health, your immune system & your mind. Follow the simple instructions below and..

Unplug For Just A Moment

Sit up comfortably, nice and tall with your behind right in the back of a chair so that your vertebrae can stack, like blocks, one on top of each other. Draw the shoulders blades together behind you. Gently slight tuck the chin to find length through the back of the neck. Imagine a piece of string drawing you up through the crown of the head. Your feet are planted on the floor.

Close your eyes. Soften your face, your eyes, your jaw.

Start now by taking a slow, deep, long breath in to the slow count of 4.

Hold for 2.

Exhale for 6.

Repeat this pattern for 2-5 minutes, focusing on nothing but the touch and the sound of the air as it reaches the nostrils and is inhaled and exhaled.

Your mind will wonder, that's natural, but simply draw it back, over and over to the sound and journey of your breath. Each time that you do this is a triumph for mindfulness.

When you feel calm and are ready to come back, open your eyes, take the biggest breath in that you've taken all day. Then open the mouth and sigh it out. Take as many of these powerful, cleansing, audible breaths as you like.

How do you feel now? Has your energy shifted a little? The breath is such a powerful tool so be sure to use it.

Candlelit Winter Solstice Yin Yoga - Sat 22 Dec, 5-7pm

Embrace the longest night of the year and reconnect with yourself in a cosy, candlelit Mini-Retreat celebrating the Winter Solstice. This Yin Yoga practice is designed to restore the nervous system and help release deeply held tensions from the body and mind. We will use blocks, candles, aromatherapy, organic, flaxseed eye-pillows and blankets to ease into a state of deep support and rest.

Appropriate for complete beginners and improvers, this unique, one-off class is designed to centre you for the festive break to come. An opportunity to pause and reset your rhythm, get back in sync with nature and rebalance for the winter season.

Suitable for all levels & recommended for anyone seeking stress-relief or a quiet space to unwind. This class is also a great introduction to Yoga and a wonderful gift idea for a loved one who you think would benefit from the incredible benefits of this ancient practice.

We begin with pranayama (controlled breathing) then a sequence of energy-restoring, floor based restorative & yin style poses, closing with a deeply nourishing & healing Yoga Nidra guided meditation. Space is limited and these events tend to sell out quick, so be sure to book soon! Book here (£25 per person).

Regular Class Schedule

Mon 8.00pm - YMCA, Harrow with Bernie (BeYogaFit)

Tues 7.30pm - Whitmore School, Harrow

Wed 10.30am - Harrow Arts Cent (term time)

Fri 10.30am - YMCA, Harrow (term time)

Sun 11.00am - Harrow Arts Centre

Make time for self-care. Book here for for classes leading up to the festive period.

Cosy Winter Yoga Retreat 14-16 Dec

Not long now until our blissful, pre-festive weekend of yoga, food, rest and coziness at Brooklands Barn in beautiful Arundel. I am delighted to let you know that we have one twin room still available (£395 per person). So go on, treat yourself! Its going to be heavenly.

Enjoy healthy, nourishing meals, twice daily yoga, free time to relax and unwind with a book, a swim in the pool, chill out in the sauna or treat yourself to a massage or other treatment. Surrender into bliss as you allow the layers of stress to peel away in this gorgeous sanctuary. Enjoy beautiful walks, taking in the uninterrupted views of glorious landscape and perhaps explore the nearby quaint, historic town of Arundel, named 'the most mindful destination in Europe', and take in its unique plethora of craft and antique shops and cafes.

If you prefer to plan forward to Spring for your weekend of blissful rest then look no further..

Luxury Spring Retreat @ 42 Acres Somerset 15-17 March

What’s included:

- 3 days of luxurious accommodation in stunning Somerset Countryside

- Morning dynamic yoga practices to strengthen and free up the energy channels

- Beautiful nature walks in the surrounding lush countryside

- Introduction to Yin Yoga allowing you to unfold, surrender & release tension

- Evening Candlelit Restorative Yoga and deeply nourishing Yoga Nidra

- Mindfulness meditations and guided relaxation

- 3 delicious meals lovingly prepared by the inspirational on-site chef

- Unlimited fresh fruit, tea, coffee and water.

- All yoga equipment and use of the stunning indoor yoga studio

- Use of the beautiful, purpose build yoga yurt

- Gorgeous grounds complete with panoramic views of the stunning countryside

- On-site parking

- Victoria Ogilvy Handmade Organic toiletries

- Luxury linen and towels

Not included:

- Travel to and from the venue

- Massage & Spa Treatments which can be booked in advance.

Full Details, sample menu & retreat itinerary here. Space is limited so if you are tempted to come along, book your spot by clicking here to pay your non-refundable £100 deposit, specifying room preference and be sure to put the date in your diary! We will contact you 10 weeks before the retreat to take payment of the balance. If you prefer to pay in full now please email us to arrange. Please read the Retreat Terms and Conditions before booking your spot.