Mince Pie versus Yoga Mat
Dear All,
Lie-ins, frosty walks and mince pies are often rather more appealing than a few rounds of Surya Namaskar this time of year. It’s a season when many of us just want to say 'PHEW' and leave anything that might resemble an asana (posture) practice to family pets, while spending plenty of time in ‘Savasana’ on a comfy sofa.
I know too well it’s hard to keep much of a practice going over the holiday, so here are three ideas for injecting a little bit of yoga into your late December and early January.
Getting out of bed. We all know how challenging this can be over Christmas! Here, some simple pranayama, or breathwork can come in handy. Lying in bed, place your hands on your lower belly and take a long smooth breath in through both nostrils, and a big “HA” or “AH” out through your mouth. Do this at least three times and it might be just a little easier to stumble out from under the duvet.
Keeping warm. Especially crucial in current temperatures, even just a couple of minutes of mobility work or asana practice can help heat up the body. If you can bear it, try a few breaths in Utkatasana or Plank, or just some simple wrist or ankle circles to bring a bit of life back into blue hands or feet.
Stretching legs. Whether due to travelling cross-country by car or train, long festive lunches, or watching TV, lots of time spent sitting down is generally bad news for our hips and lower backs. A few minutes in supine (lying down) Supta Pandangustasna, or Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose can work wonders, relieving stiffness and helping to restore mobility.
If you want a bit more than the above, my last class of the year – Christmas Yoga for Charity - is on zoom tomorrow at 5.30. All profits will go to Riding for the Disabled and The Gatehouse. Everyone is welcome, please book here.
Finally, many of you will know I have not changed the price for classes for well over a year. With inflation now riding high I have no choice but to put prices up a little*. As ever, if these new rates are too much for you please let me know and I can send a code for 50% off. No questions asked! The first class of next year will be 5 January.
With very best wishes for 2023,
Caroline
*to £10.50 drop-in, or £96 for 10 classes (£9.60 a class) or £49 for 5 classes (£9.80 a class).