Recent Articles in Pranayama & Meditation

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A breathing practice to calm and soothe you. In this practice you will inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right. Breathing in through the left nostril links to the right hemisphere of the brain, promoting a sense of peace and relaxation. Please note: holding the breath is contra-indicated for those with blood pressure issues. Please do not retain the breath at the end of each inhale and exhale but allow the breathing to flow in a smooth rhythm without interruption. Please note also that in the video I am not mirroring you, so listen to the instructions rather than copying the arm movement I am doing - I hope that makes sense!

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A breathing practice to stimulate and energise you - inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. Breathing in through the right nostril links to the left hemisphere of the brain, bringing a sense of being brighter and more alert. Please note: holding the breath is contra-indicated for those with blood pressure issues. Please do not retain the breath at the end of each inhale and exhale but allow the breathing to flow in a smooth rhythm without interruption. Please note also that in the video I am not mirroring you, so listen to the instructions rather than copying the arm movement I am doing - I hope that makes sense!

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A relaxing meditation to bring about feelings of calm and wellbeing.

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 19 minutes

Emphasis:  Tutorial for learning how to do Ujjayi Breath, otherwise known as Victorious Breath or Ocean Breath, plus a short, slow flow synchronising movement and Ujjayi Breath together.

Props needed: A blanket to sit/kneel on.

Mat direction: Short edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 10 minutes

Emphasis:  This practice will take you deep into relaxation - your awareness will be guided around 61 points of the body, pausing briefly at each one before moving on to the next. You'll become less aware of the outer world and just have a quiet awareness of your inner world, hovering on the edge of sleep. Note: there is the possibility that you will fall asleep so you might wish to set a timer in case you don't hear the end of the class. Yoga Nidra is a helpful practice to do if you find meditation challenging because your mind won't quieten down. You'll feel deeply relaxed and refreshed afterwards.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  The first in a series of Philosophy classes - an introduction to the roots of yoga and the ancient text the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. We will be using the Yoga Sutras to explore the 8 'limbs' or steps of yoga over the next few months, discovering how we can use them to guide us through modern day life - think of it as life-coaching the yoga way.

Props needed: A comfortable place to sit.

Mat direction: n/a.

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  Especially helpful in moments of dissatisfaction, this meditation brings to mind the good things that are already present in your life. It will help you appreciate the little things and, practiced regularly, will help you cultivate a sense of contentment.

Props needed: Blocks or a chair to sit on.

Mat direction: n/a.

Duration: 9 minutes

Emphasis: This pranayama practice will ensure you are using your diaphragm fully - it's an important part of your breathing apparatus which, if you always breath quite shallowly can lose its flexibility and movement just like any other unused muscle. This is a very relaxing practice and will leave you feeling spacious and calm.

Props needed: A block and space to lie down.

Mat direction: n/a.

Duration: 7 minutes

Emphasis: This pranayama practice will help you to make the inhale and exhale the same length. Deeply relaxing for the body and quietening for the busy mind.

Props needed: Blocks or chair to sit on.

Mat direction: n/a.

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis: Take 5 minutes to focus quietly on your tea - it will leave you feeling calm, relaxed and refreshed.

Props needed: Blocks or chair to sit on and a cup of tea.

Mat direction: n/a.

Duration: 11 minutes

Emphasis: This meditation will help when you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or distracted. It will bring you right back to the present moment as you become aware of each of the 5 senses.

Props needed: A block or a blanket to sit on.

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 15 minutes

Emphasis: Deep relaxation for body and mind

Props needed: None necessary but you might prefer to have 2 blocks and a blanket to support your back or maybe 3 rolled blankets to support under your legs.

Mat Direction: Long edge of mat facing the screen.