Yoga SHINE

22/07/2025

I am not teaching at this time. If you have anyone offer classes saying it’s me, it’s not!

Last week was strep B awareness week. Testing in pregnsncy is not automatic but can sometimes get picked up. You can request a test or pay for testing. Take a look online for information regarding strep B, what it is and how to get tested in pregnancy.

10/04/2025

There are eight limbs of yoga.

The first four are external Practices.
The first two are about values, both external and internal.

1. Yama

2. niyama,

These are principles that can help in representing moral Guidelines for regulating our behaviour, navigating the world with integrity and cultivating kindness and compassion. It’s worth studying these before stepping into yoga and a good way to practice off of the mat. I also believe that we learn more about yoga as we practice and the practice supports the limbs coming into action. For example the more you practice the more you are steered towards healthier choices and feelings that support the principles of yoga

3. Yoga postures

4. Pranayama, breathing practices.

5. Pratyahara, withdrawal of the senses.

6. Dharana, concentration.

7, Dhyana, meditation.

8. Samadhi, self realisation.

There is normally a progression through the practices. However we teach to incorporate the slow movement and breath bringing about mindfulness in the practice according to individual needs or therapy.

If you would like to explore the teachings of yoga philosophy, please refer to the yoga sutra of Patanjali. The authoritative text on yoga.
💚🧘

04/04/2025

Could you tell me of a time when you used yoga to relieve stress/anxiety? How it helped you.

It’s for a project I’m working on.

Thank you
Claire 💚🧘

16/03/2025

There wasn’t social media or a 24/7 lifestyle when I grew up and we spent time bored! It made me realise that with little choices, it was simpler. Today’s children have it full on! If you have teens you know exactly what I mean.

It reminds me of the value in the practice and teaching of yoga. Discernment, making choices.

Simplify, switch off more and sit quietly.

The yoga sutra of Patanjali is the basis of yoga. Viveka is a Sanskrit term that translates to "discernment" or "discrimination." In the context of yoga and spirituality, it refers to the ability to discern between the real (the eternal self or soul, often referred to as Atman) and the unreal (the temporary, material aspects of life, such as the body, thoughts, and emotions).
Understanding Reality: Viveka enables individuals to differentiate between what is permanent and what is transient. It encourages a deeper understanding of one's true nature and the nature of existence.
Clarity of Perception: With viveka, practitioners develop clarity in their thoughts and perceptions, allowing them to see beyond illusion (Maya) and understand the underlying truths of life.
Decision-Making: Discernment aids in making choices aligned with one’s higher self and spiritual goals, rather than being swayed by temporary desires or distractions.
Spiritual Growth: Cultivating viveka is crucial for spiritual development. It helps in recognizing attachments and aversions that can hinder progress on the spiritual path.
Meditative Practice: In meditation and mindfulness practices, viveka allows practitioners to observe their thoughts and emotions without attachment, facilitating a deeper understanding of the mind and its processes.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, viveka is discussed in:
Sutra 2.26: This sutra emphasizes the importance of discernment in recognizing the difference between the eternal soul and the temporary aspects of existence. It highlights that through practicing viveka, one can overcome ignorance (Avidya) and achieve liberation (Kaivalya).
By incorporating the practice of viveka into daily life, individuals can cultivate a more profound sense of awareness, leading to greater peace and understanding. It is a foundational aspect of many spiritual traditions and plays a vital role in the journey toward self-realization.

09/03/2025

Develop the breath.

Stress shows up In the system as breathing as short and shallow. The breath is a good tool for allowing you to rest and digest. Deeper breathing will release high cortisol and help you discharge stress.

When you need to focus : begin by taking some deep breaths into the belly.

Placing the hands to feel the breath move the space beneath them.

Inhale chest to abdomen.
Long Exhale abdomen to chest.

Directional breathing can be used during your yoga practice or as a simple stand alone practice taking 12 breaths. 🧘💚

08/03/2025

If you feel it’s difficult to relax and sleep.yoga movement. Yoga sun salutions can be a great support for releasing nervous energy.

Yoga can be physical
Or gentle. It really depends on the needs of the individual.

If you or someone you know is preparing for exams, try getting into good habits.

My teacher says three things.
Practice, lifestyle and attitude

Practice yoga daily

Lifestyle which supports health and well-being. Getting out in daylight, eating healthily. Staying hydrated. Switching off the socials and technology a long time before bedtime. Getting a minimum
Of 8 hours sleep.

Learn to be your best friend. A good
Attitude. 💚🧘

07/03/2025

The supports to BREATHWORK

Asana : yoga posture, including movement to support breath.

A comfortable seated posture and you can sit in a chair, or on the floor, easy pose or full lotus. Which one suits best.

Counting : a minimum number of breaths. A support to counting so you can focus on the subtly of the breath. I can honestly say this is one of the greatest tools in BREATHWORK.

Mudra : Mrgi Mudra is a hand gesture used in nostril controlled pranayama techniques. Stong arms are required to hold the Mudra. Or choose a simple practice.

Pranayama breathing techniques according to the individual. Starting simple is great. Adding breath to movement is the way we introduce breath. Learn ujjayi breathing.

Ratio: the length of the breath is chosen according to the individual and the desired effect.

A quiet space and making time for a regular practice.

It’s taken me almost thirty years of practice to fully understand the subtlety of breath. I’ve practiced almost everyday since 1998. If you would like to develop a practice or learn how to teach pranayama as a yoga teacher, please get in touch.
💚🧘

06/03/2025

Simple breathing to start your road to releasing tension. When we are stressed we do not breath so deeply. Breathing more deeply will help discharge tension.

If you or your students/children have exams coming up, these simple techniques can support.

I will be sharing some tips and yoga movements to support pupils/ students working towards exams. Deep breaths before exams can release stress and help focus. 💚🧘

06/03/2025

05/03/2025

That feeling when you’ve enjoyed your yoga practice. It’s brought you into the present moment.

How to achieve this. Patanjali 1.30
talks of the obstacles to practising yoga, and how to overcome the obstacles. In Sanskrit they are called “Antaraya”.

One obstacle we will face at sone time is physical illness. At this time we need practice, but it might not be within our reach. Perhaps modifying the practice will help overcoming the obstacle of illness.

Stress in the body can be supported with the practice of yoga. I’m
going to share some simple practices in the coming days/ weeks that will support stressful times.

If you or someone you know is preparing for exams then this will be a great support. 💚🧘

04/03/2025

The power of the present moment.

Yoga comes from The teachings of a great sage called Patanjali. The teachings are called the Yoga Sutra, this is an ancient text explaining the journey towards “Samadhi”.

The yoga sutra opens with the first sutra. “Atha yoganusasanam” now yoga. We need to learn to be here now.

Your yoga practice can be a good mirror for you in the now.

What does your practice reveal to you in this moment? Or perhaps it brings you into the present. 💚🧘‍♀️

02/02/2025

BREATHWORK can help alleviate stress, anxiety I and help you relax.

Do you often wake up during the night. Using BREATHWORK can help.

Reducing cortisol using BREATHWORK is a great support for our female body and mind. We go through so many hormonal
Changes it’s good to have an anchor to support us through times of stress and illness. 💚🧘