Yogic Philosophy of the Week - Svadhyaya (self study)
I went to a meditation workshop last week about intuition with a great teacher called Jenna Jasso. How our intuition is our best friend and our highest guide and how when we trust our intuition - we don’t need evidence or other people to validate our decisions. We are so open to all sorts of information incoming all the time, sometimes relentlessly so, and yet most of us aren’t attuned to our intuition. One way to get in touch with your intuition is to sit somewhere where you won’t be disturbed, in the dark (or not), with candles and incense if you’d like. Inhale with this mantra in your mind - ‘I trust…’ and exhale with ‘…my intuition’. If other thoughts pop up, way-heh - you’re human! That’s how our brains work with its constant stream of thoughts - inspect the errant thought with loving curiosity, then let it go and go back to the breath and the mantra. Breathe deeply and fully and close your eyes. Sit for as long as you can. Try it out and see how it feels for you!
Pose of the Week - Child’s Pose
In my classes this week, people have been feeling overwhelmed - just always so many things to do in the round up to Christmas on top of our busy lives and the Full Moon has definitely been making her presence known! If this is you - a lovely restorative pose is the Child’s Pose. This pose calms the brain as it sends a signal to your brain that you’re safe and that it’s ok to rest. It also helps to relieve stress and fatigue as well as being great for digestion and circulation and it’s a good stretch for your ankles, thighs, hips, back and neck. Imagine each inhalation lengthening the spine and each exhalation allowing you to release. Stay for however long feels good for you.
