Slowing down & seeing moorhens

Dear All,

After the soggiest March for 40 years, April's brighter mornings have been tempting me out on a short and (theoretically!) mindful pre-breakfast walk. 

Last Wednesday dawned especially cheerily, and I wandered off along the Oxford canal towpath. But while I heard the water lapping and felt the glow of the sun on my face, my thoughts dived and rolled and raced about like the birds in the sky above. 

I walked past a row of rainbow coloured canal boats, smiled at a dog sniffing in the undergrowth, and noticed the new buds on the hedges - all the while busily planning my day, writing my to-do list and thinking hard about my shopping order. 

But just as I was debating when to turn back, eight red letters lept out of the grass and into my busy brain.  'SLOW DOWN' they urged! Designed - of course - for any rule-breaking canal traffic  - but just what I needed to see too.

I did indeed stop, stretch, and take some focused breaths before retracing my steps. Not only did I feel more relaxed and grounded, but was treated to the sight of some tiny baby moorhens emerging from the bank on my return.

Slowing down clearly has many more benefits than one - and given we spend nearly half of our time thinking about something other than what we’re doing, taking the time to pause, exhale and fall back in tune with our body and priorities is increasingly crucial in modern life - whether on the mat or by the canal.

Doing just this is always a key focus of our online Thursday classes, and anyone (with a little yoga experience) looking to stretch, slow down (and strengthen and energise too!) is welcome to join our friendly group. All details are here.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend, 

Caroline

Upcoming events and regular classes

Selected Tuesdays. 17.45-18.30: MINDFUL MOVEMENT: A breath-based movement class including elements of vinyasa-based yoga, qigong and pilates to leave you feeling stronger and better balanced.

Every Thursday. 17.30 - 18.30. STEADY AND RELAXED YOGA FLOW. Flowing asana (posture) practice, pranayama (breath work) and relaxation. Options for every level of experience and energy. Leave feeling stronger, more open, balanced, calm and at ease.