Mata Yoga

20/02/2024

Curious about the mysteries that lie between seasons?

Join us for a liminal yoga and sound bath experience, where we will tap into the ethereal transition from winter’s introspection to spring’s vibrant awakening. As nature unfolds its new chapter, so too can your inner journey.

📍 Workout Ashton, Studio
🗓️ Sunday 3rd March
⏰ 2:00-4:30pm

Throughout this session, we’ll explore the liminal – those sacred moments of transition. Through gentle yoga and a soothing sound bath, experience a journey from the deep indigo of the night to the bright gold of dawn.

And to ensure we’re fully nourished in body and spirit, we’ll be enjoying delicious refreshments courtesy of Nourished Cafe.

It will be a trip through the subtleties of time and self, offering a path to emerge refreshed and more aligned.

Booking link in bio

15/01/2024

🌙✨ Introducing Cyclical Wisdom: Your Path to Empowerment 🌙✨

Ladies, are you ready to transform your relationship with your menstrual cycle and unlock your true potential? I’m thrilled to announce ‘Cyclical Wisdom,’ a 3 moon-cycle online mentorship program designed just for you.

This journey is about more than tracking your cycle; it’s about diving deep into the essence of your femininity. We’ll explore how to harness the energy of your cycle to show up more authentically in the world, turning any pain into your superpower.

Together, we’ll address physical discomfort, emotional turbulence, and foster mental and spiritual wellbeing. We will also delve into balancing your energies, guiding you away from stress and burnout. Embrace a life where your needs, desires, and self-worth are at the forefront, living authentically in harmony with your natural rhythms.

Join me in this transformative experience where each cycle becomes a journey of discovery and empowerment. Let’s redefine what it means to live cyclically, embracing each phase with grace and strength.

If you’re feeling the call to embark on this empowering journey, book a free consultation call through the link in my bio. Let’s explore the cyclical wisdom that awaits you.

21/12/2023

Today, as we mark the Winter Solstice, I find myself reflecting on a powerful truth: “If we don’t come willingly into darknesses cave, it will find us. Last year I was dragged into darkness of winter, whereas this year I have walked towards it on my own accord, curious darkness I say I am ready to deepen the dance we began last year.”

Just last week, a friend and I delved into a heart-to-heart about our evolving relationship with winter. We explored how our perception of this introspective season has transformed in tandem with our understanding of our inner winter - menstruation.

As we’ve embraced our period, honouring its rhythm, the once-dreaded winter season has unveiled its true gifts. The dark, cold days which I used to loathe have become a cherished time for going within, for reflection, and insightful planning. The coziness of an evening by the fire now feels like a gentle, nurturing embrace.

Our conversation revealed a striking parallel: just as our inner winter, our bleed, brings valuable insights when we slow down and attune to our needs, so does the outer winter. This season, both in nature and within us, offers a unique opportunity - a space to listen deeply, to embrace rest, and to prepare for renewal.

This year, I’ve leaned fully into the energy that winter brings, finding peace in its quietude and wisdom in its stillness. It’s a season that, if we allow it, can teach us so much about patience, introspection, and the beauty of embracing our own cyclical nature.

As we journey through the longest night, let’s celebrate the opportunities our inner and outer winters present. Let them be our teachers, guiding us towards deeper understanding and rejuvenation.

Happy Winter Solstice, everyone. May you find warmth in its wisdom and joy in its journey. ❄️✨

15/11/2023

04/10/2023

Let's softly step into our luteal phase, lovingly known as our “Inner Autumn,” where the gentle descent of energy becomes our guide from days 15-28+ of our cycle. 🌘

As we witness the moon's tender waning, our own vitality begins to retract, signalling a sacred time to prepare and gently nestle inward, readying ourselves for the profound rest our forthcoming bleed will invite.

Guided by progesterone, our bodies prep for potential pregnancy, whilst simultaneously, the thickening of the uterine lining unfolds. During this transition, PMS may arise, intertwining with our winding down energy and leading us to embody our stark authenticity.

In this crucial phase, our truth becomes unfiltered, boundaries solidify, and a firm 'no' may unexpectedly arise as we prioritise preserving our energy.

Swipe left for a deeper journey through the physiological and energetic waves of our luteal phase. ➡️

25/09/2023

As the world around us transitions into the golden embrace of Autumn, we, as women, can intimately connect with this season in the sacred cycle of our own bodies. Just as the trees shed their leaves and the earth prepares to rest, our inner Autumn, known as the luteal or pre-menstrual phase, calls us to reflect, to nurture, and to prepare.

This phase, much like the crisp air and shorter days, can sometimes feel challenging. Emotions might run deep, energy might wane, and we may feel the pull to turn inward. But, this is our body's gentle reminder to slow down, to take stock, and to honour the wisdom that this phase brings.

In this inner Autumn, we are beckoned to listen closely to our needs, to nurture our spirit, and to find balance. It's a time when our intuition is heightened, our insights profound, and our connection to the world around us is ever so deep.

Let us celebrate our luteal phase, our inner Autumn, as a testament to the cyclical nature of life, of letting go, of renewal, and of the transformative power held within us. As the leaves fall and the world rests, may we too find peace, power, and purpose in our own rhythmic dance 🍂

24/09/2023

The dance of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti offers more than just a tale of deities; it's a reflection of the cyclical rhythm we see in nature, especially during the Autumn Equinox. 🍁💫

Shiva, the unchanging masculine principle, and Shakti, the ever-evolving feminine energy, mirror the balance we see as day equals night during this sacred time. Their union signifies non-dualism, an interconnected dance where light meets dark in perfect harmony.

Just as the Autumn Equinox reminds us of the delicate balance between light and shadow, Shiva and Shakti remind us of the interplay between consciousness and energy. It's a call to honour our own cyclical nature, to find equilibrium, and to embrace both our light and our shadow.

This season, as we witness the Earth in perfect balance, let's also delve deep into our own internal rhythms. By syncing with the cosmic dance of Shiva and Shakti, we can navigate our own cycles with grace, understanding, and reverence.

13/09/2023

🌹 Happy New Moon 🌙

Have you ever stopped to marvel at how your body's cycles align with the moon's phases? This is not mere coincidence; it's spiritual geometry.

Let's delve deeper into this intrinsic connection this month, empowering ourselves through cyclical awareness. 🌕 🩸

11/09/2023

When we talk about women's well-being, we often focus on symptoms rather than nurturing our entire system. But what if I told you there's a powerful pathway within you, ready to bring about balance and calm? Meet the Vagus Nerve.

What is the Vagus Nerve?
This incredible nerve is a core component of your parasympathetic nervous system, which controls functions like digestion, heart rate, and immunity. When activated, it shifts you out of the fight-or-flight stress response, into a soothing realm of tranquility. 🍃

🌻 Why Women Should Take Note
Navigating pre-menstrual tension, mood swings, and the ebbs and flows of perimenopause and menopause can be complex. Toning the Vagus Nerve can be your ally for better hormonal balance and overall cycle health. 🌕🌘

🌺 Yoga Practices for Vagus Nerve Health:
Here are some simple yoga tools to help you tap into the Vagus Nerve's balancing powers.

1️⃣ Pranayama:

Extended Outbreath: Simply lengthening your exhale can activate the vagus nerve, setting the stage for calm.

Belly Breathing: Deep abdominal breathing stimulates nerve endings in your belly, bringing you back to your center.

Bhramari & Ujjayi Breaths: These techniques create a soothing vibration during the outbreath or hum, directly engaging the vagus nerve.

2️⃣ Chanting & Meditation:
Both practices can stimulate the vagus nerve endings in the back of your throat, facilitating deep relaxation.

3️⃣ Abhyanga or Self-Massage:
This is another simple yet effective way to activate the vagus nerve and induce a state of bliss.

4️⃣ Targeted Asanas:
Focusing on poses that engage the neck, throat, chest, and that soften the abdominal area can be especially effective for vagus nerve stimulation.

It's awe-inspiring how one nerve can act like a 'reset' button for our well-being. Let's honor this inner resource with mindful practices. 🌹💖✨

07/09/2023

🌸Balancing Hormones: 4 Essential Tips for Holistic Wellbeing🌸

Let's dive into the wisdom of whole-woman care 🌹

1️⃣ Get more meaningful rest
- Restorative Yoga: This is all about consciously entering a state of deep relaxation. Using props like pillows and blankets, you hold soothing poses that help metabolize hormones and release tension. If you're interested in specific yoga poses to help with balancing your hormones, I have a whole post on this!
- Yoga Nidra: Dubbed 'enlightened sleep,' this practice guides you to complete relaxation. Fun fact: An hour of Yoga Nidra is said to equal 4 hours of regular sleep!

🌟The more you practice, the faster you'll experience the benefits. So, be patient and keep at it!

2️⃣ Limit Artificial Light 🌙
Light therapy is emerging as a way to sync our bodies with natural cycles, improving hormonal balance.

For example...
- Use curtains or blankets to block out artificial light in your bedroom.
- Turn off routers and phones or keep them on airplane mode while sleeping.
- Limit screen time, especially during the evening and early morning, to let your body align with the natural moon cycles.

3️⃣ Nourish Your Digestion 🔥
Ayurveda says that almost all states of dis-ease begin in the gut, including hormonal imbalances.

- Limit stress-inducing foods like alcohol, caffeine, and processed items.
- Add digestion-supporting herbs like ginger, turmeric, and mint to your diet.

4️⃣ Eat a Balanced Diet 🍏
Our reproductive system is the first to go out of balance when our diet is off. Here’s what you can do:

- Cut down on sugar: Hormones and blood sugar levels are intertwined.
- Eat Regularly: Especially if you're working, physically active, or breastfeeding.
- Opt for Good Cholesterol: Foods rich in good cholesterol can serve as building blocks for vital hormones.

Your hormones are like a finely-tuned orchestra; when one instrument is off, it can throw off the whole concert. It's never too late to get back into tune! 🎶💖

01/09/2023

🌾 Welcoming September: The Season of Transformation and the Quest for Balance 🌾

As September unfurls its golden leaves, this season heralds a time for transformation and inner growth. Nature's own cycles are entering a phase of balance as daylight wanes and the Autumn Equinox approaches, reminding us of the delicate equilibrium that exists within and around us. 🍂🌕

The Season and You 🍁
As the Earth finds its balance between day and night during the Autumn Equinox, we too can find equilibrium within ourselves. The shifting seasons mirror our own internal fluctuations. This is not a burden but an invitation to become ever more deeply attuned to your body's cycles and to the greater rhythms of nature. 🌍

Special Announcement: Fall into Balance Workshop 🍂
On Sunday, 17th September, I will be hosting my Fall into Balance workshop at Workout Ashton. This is a unique opportunity to harness the energy of the Autumn Equinox through yin & restorative yoga, pranayama, yoga nidra followed by a sound bath🌟

And as life's winds of change blow through my own journey, I want to share that this will be my last workshop in Bristol before I embark on a new chapter beyond this beautiful city.

So, let's gather one final time in this space we've cultivated together, and take this chance to balance 🌿✨