Yoga: Know You Have Everything You Need To Thrive

“Change only happens in the present moment. The past is already done. The future is just energy and intention.” ― Kino MacGregor
 
Every body is a yoga body!
 
Mantra: I have everything I need to thrive
By using mantra’s when we practice yoga postures, breathwork or when we meditate, we create space to allow the affirmation to take root. Affirmations aren’t self-praise. They are a statement of an energy or mindset that we would like to move towards. Affirmations are about self-belief.
 
Breath: Shoulder breath
Inhale bring your shoulders up, and exhale down. This gentle movement connects you with the flow of the breath, helping to calm the body and release tension in the shoulders.
 
Poses:
1. Downward-facing dog pose
This pose helps to calm the brain and to relieve stress. It energises the body. It stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches and hands. It strengthens the arms and legs. Downward-facing dog is a pose that you grow into. You can’t force your body into submission. It’s about gently guiding and practicing the pose. Over time, you experience greater benefits from it.
 
2. Locust pose
This pose helps to bring awareness to the front of the body. It helps relieve stress. It helps build confidence and mental strength. It strengthens the muscles of the spine, buttocks and back of the arms and legs. It stretches the shoulders, chest, belly and thighs. It improves posture. It stimulates the abdominal organs.
 
3. Kneeling pose
This pose is like a kneeling mountain pose. It helps decrease anxiety through increased focus on breath control. It helps enable the body to move more freely as you build a more secure and grounded practice. It promotes stillness in both mind and body. It brings a feeling of strength and confidence. It’s very opening, which frees you from fear.
 
4. Childs pose
This pose is super calming for the mind. It helps to reduce stress and fatigue. It reminds you that resting is a good thing. It helps digestion. It elongates the lower back. It opens the hips. 
 
5. Cobblers pose
This pose helps relieve fatigue. It stimulates the abdominal organs and heart. It is a lovely hip opener. It stretches the inner thighs, groins and knees.
 

Yoga Safety Tips
1. Take your time, it’s not a competition
2. Your body is the expert. Listen to it where it is now, rather than forcing it to where you’d like it to be.
3. Find the sweet spot of challenging yourself rather than pushing and straining yourself
4. Don’t buy into “no pain, no gain”. Yoga is about connecting body and mind for calmness and stillness. Pain is a sign to take it easy.
5. Allow your yoga practice to unfold over time and allow your body time to adjust
6. If pregnant, seek advice from a qualified yoga teacher
7. If injured, seek advice from a qualified yoga teacher
8. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise
9. Participation in yoga videos online are at your own risk.
 
There are many benefits to a gentle yoga practice.  They include:

1. Decreases the stress hormone cortisol
2. Improves sleep, digestion & immunity
3. Releases tense muscles & aching joints
4. Teaches conscious control of relaxation
5. Increases concentration & focus
6. Balances the nervous system
7. Activates the relaxation response

 
Work at your own pace and comfort level.
Allow your practice to build.
Your body changes day-to-day and some poses feel easier one day than the next, and that's ok.
Do not force postures.
Participation in the class is at your own risk.
 
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