Balance and breathe

Trees are the lungs of the earth. Trees help our planet breathe. Vrksasana (tree pose) enables our chest and lungs to open more, enabling us to find a deeper fuller breath too.
Forests around the world are also our planet’s air conditioning system and help keep the planet cool. In Vrksasana try to breathe through the nose to filter and prepare the air before it enters the lungs. Breathe out through the nose to gently cleanse the nasal passage of any dust or debris.
Practice makes better.
Root your feet into the ground, prepare your base, trunk and mind for a short practice that will help you breathe more easily.
Work to your own capacity and capability.
Breathe and enjoy,
Love and light,
Lucy

Chair pose with a chair

A few nights ago I was on Facebook chatting on the ‘Women with camper-vans’ forum about the idea that a yoga holiday for women with camper-vans might be a nice idea. A lady asked if she do the yoga from a chair. She thought once down on the floor getting up might be difficult. I promised a little video that could be done using a chair (I used a bench in my garden, the weather was just too nice)
There is a lot of ‘Chair pose’.
It’s just a 20 minute practice, but I waffle a bit about G7 summit to begin with. I start teaching the yoga at about a minute in.
Work to your own capacity, be kind to yourself and Enjoy being in your body.
Love and light,
Lucy

A gentle practice for happy knees

Spending a little bit of time observing the body pays dividends.
When the knees are tight, often they need a little more time to allow the tissues to release. Practice and repetition also helps.
Imagine you are giving your knees a treat, listen to them carefully, explore gentle movement, find out what works for each knee individually. Who knows you might even find that the hamstrings will release a little too 🙂
I have been practicing this sequence for a little while now and I find it super relaxing.
Stay with soft attentive movement, if something does not feel quite right just accept it, release and maybe try again.
I usually find that if I gently try a second time, movement comes a little easier.
Listen to your and body practice with care.

Love and light,
Lucy

Campervan Yoga #1

This little sequence is designed to get your head around practicing in a small space. Maybe your standing pose stance will be a little narrower, maybe your space will not allow you to stretch your arms over your head… who knows, only your practice area will let you know.
The poses here are all simple ones I have taught before, and are suitable for a regular practice.
Look around and modify your practice to suit your space. If using support make sure that it is strong enough and will hold you.
Most importantly, maintain your sense of humour.
Love and light,
Lucy

Simple Salabhasana in St Ives Sunshine

Some of you know I have been away for a while. I slipped and fell, messing up the nerve supply to my left leg. It’s now no longer numb but lacks strength and now needs some work 🙂
On the flip side I had a rather indulgent month or so, focusing on my yoga practice and healing journey, I had so many messages from students and friends, many I know and some I do not. I have tried to respond to each one.
Whilst making this little film I remembered at the end to thank Emilie because I had not yet responded to her. Salabhasana (the locust pose) is currently one of my firm favorites, bringing much needed support to the back body. This simple back bend would be one for the emergency (bug-out bag).
If you have read this far, thank you for your support.
Look after yourself, be kind and attentive to your body’s needs.
Love and light,
Lucy

Warrior 2 into Sideways Stretch

In under 5 minutes you can feel stronger and more connected with the earth, I certainly did.
Warrior 2 (the clue is in the name) and sideways-stretch  (guess where you should feel this pose) combine perfectly together to form a mini sequence appropriate for a quick wild “yoga” session.
Complete with walking boots and a warm coat, no mat required
Enjoy

Ardha Chandrasana with a gate (and trikonasana part 2 )

Whilst out and about for my daily exercise, I thought I could make a few yoga shorts combining yog-asana with my walk.
This came naturally after the previous Trikonasana post.
Ardha Chandrasana is divine when it is supported, you can use a wall at home and have your back against it.
Please make sure that what ever you choose to support you, that it is doing just that; safe, secure and you feel comfortable.