Why the learning mindset is essential to expanding your practice, and some simple reflections to play with in yoga, and in life (2 min read).
On the Path of the Divine: Brahmacharya
Often translated as ‘celibacy’, Brahmacharya is one of the yogic principles which causes much debate. More broadly, it is about guiding the right use and conservation of energy. How does this apply to our daily practice of life?
A reflection by Estuary teacher David Gorvett (@daveg_yoga), and some prompts for your own contemplation.
Nadi Shodana (Alternate Nostril Breath) | Balance and Integration
Spinal Extension | Spacious and Steady
Twisting | Contracting for Expansion
Side Bending / Lateral Flexion | Energise and Expand
Back Bending | Strong Centre, Open Heart
Forward Folding | Cooling the Mind, Calming the Body
Understanding The 5 Spinal Movements
Staying Connected in Isolation | Insights from our Teachers
3 Years! A Tribute to Community + Spiritual Hope
Yoga Nidra for Sleep | Relax with Gill Forsyth (Favourite, revisited!)
Yoga Nidra, sometimes known as yogic sleep, is a practice where the body-mind is guided into a sleep state while the mind is intentionally led through a meditative journey. This time to refresh ourselves on a cellular level is integral for taking action in a wise, discerning and effective way.
A 17 minute practice for anyone, anytime you wish to soak into a deeper, more rejuvenating rest.
The Evidence of your Practice | Part 4: A Discerning Self
To reveal and unravel our stories is also to liberate ourselves from being stuck in the same grooves or patterning. This is a pathway towards new possibilities, and deeper layers of understanding.
Part 4 of a series of reflections on how our practice can flow into our lives - and how we can direct these ripples conscientiously.
The Evidence of your Practice | Part 3: The Witnessing Self
The Evidence of your Practice | Part 2: Agency in your Choices
The Evidence of your Practice | Part 1: Manas, the Mind
To reflect on how and why we practice is to investigate how these transformations ripple into our lives, and all the lives we intersect with. This is svadhyaya - a form of self-study.
Part 1 of a series of reflections on how our practice can flow into our lives - and how we can direct these ripples conscientiously.
Your Natural Self: Open, Present Awareness
Journeying Together | A Reflection, 2 Years on
Little self and big Self | 3 Minutes to Re-membering
In the yogic tradition, Self (as opposed to little 's' self) refers to the state of a vast consciousness.
You may have felt this inter-connected, seemingly boundless feeling of peace or contentment as glimpses in your day - when you are most rested, most joyful, most at ease.
What if you’re able to inhabit this space more frequently, and more purposefully?
This practice involves few simple gestures, a few intentional breaths. It won’t ‘fix’ everything, but it will offer you an invaluable wider lens, past habits, fears and habits, on what is truly integral right here.
The Sacred Pause | How Stopping Helps Us Move, With Purpose
We are all too frequently taught to seek what is comfortable, averting from discomfort or challenge. We get caught in this loop of avoiding the things which will eventually need to be dealt with. It's a bit like leaving dishes in the sink, hoping that when you come back they will be a little easier to clean...
A short reflection on the power of pausing at the crossroads of each moment. A way to create purpose in how you direct the course of your day - and thus your life.