Yoga news from the Season…

Hello lovely people…Welcome to Autumn

I hope you feel strong, centred and nourished by your Late Summer/Earth element practice as we now move into the cooler Yin months of the year.

In Chinese Medicine Autumn is associated with the Metal element – an element of refinement and discipline. The natural energy of the Metal element is about consolidation – letting go of what no longer serves; and holding onto what is precious, to see you through the Winter. 

Sometimes that process can lead to feelings of grief…the emotion associated with the Metal element. It isn’t always easy letting go and much of the time we think of grief as being an undesirable emotion, but as with all emotions, it has its place and issues only arise when the grief is stuck, unresolved or not processed. 

Working with the Metal element can help us to do that processing. It makes sense that the organ pair of the Metal element is the Lungs/Large Intestine, both being associated with “taking in and letting go” (think about it!).

This can be a good time to bring projects to a conclusion and move on so you have a bit more time for reflection.

What are you ready to let go of this Autumn?

Warm wishes
Rachel

• Take 8 big deep breaths each morning to get your day off to a good start – move your arms! 
• Finish up any projects or courses you have been doing over the Summer 
• Get stuff off your chest! – in a constructive way of course 
• Let go of old (perhaps unhelpful) habits to make space for new ones 
• Allocate more time to quieter (more Yin) pursuits such as meditation or reflective journalling 
• Focus on breathing practices (pranayama) which will strengthen and nourish the lungs 
• Consider any areas of your life where you are having trouble letting go and take some time to work on them. 
• Optimise your digestion – make sure you eat plenty of seasonal fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, beans, peas and pulses.
• Spend time walking outside, breathing deeply 
• As the temperatures drop, wear a scarf round the neck and chest to protect the lungs which are considered very delicate 
• Watch out for – low spirits, avoiding going outside, getting chilled. Instead – get outside for short brisk walks, and make sure you wrap up warm. When you get back have a warm drink and snack and enjoy the glow. 

The Metal element is also related to the skin (sometimes described as the 3rd lung) so this is a great time to start skin brushing which is very beneficial to the skin and to the lymphatic system (please don’t use a hair brush, you can buy brushes specifically designed for the skin)

Seasonal Yoga Teacher Training Course.

We are really proud of our graduates and current students and super excited to be delivering this beautiful training. 

I’ve seen some criticism recently of 200 hour Yoga Teacher trainings – from experienced teachers who feel there is not enough emphasis in many of these courses upon personal practice or self reflection. I must say that our course absolutely includes and concentrates on these aspects and I feel proud that it is so comprehensive.  

The course is open to anyone with a sincere interest in Yoga 😊 You may not want to teach, you may just want to have a year of personal evolution, devoted to you and your wellbeing. Either way we’ll support and nurture you through the year and you will have an amazing time. As Alison, one of our first graduates says, this is “A joyful, demanding learning experience!”