“And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.” Rainer Maria Rilke, Austrian Poet The first Body and Soul class of 2021 (on Sunday 3rd January) introduced this month’s theme: Awareness. We practised the Dru sequence to clear the pathway for change. Energy Block Release 5 is designed to help establish a clear vision so that we can see our goal in life. By creating a natural flow and rhythm the movements can help us to let go of deeply entrenched emotional patterns that so often prevent us from moving forwards. With three distinct sections we were able to expand the subtle body, clear the chakras and embrace change – especially appropriate after 2020’s roller coaster ride. We’ll be working more on the subtle bodies and energy over this month, utilising EBR4 and 5 to release our full potential for the coming year. And also using the Tree of Transformation which is an amazingly powerful but simple sequence enabling you to reclaim your power. The dawn of a new year is an excellent time to turn our attention to the concept of awareness – to extend our thinking beyond our usual world view and to pay attention to what’s surrounding us, as well as to what’s within us. Just as the stars, planets, moon and sun exert energetic influence over the Earth, so everything that surrounds and interacts with us influences how we think and feel as well as how we respond to experiences. Cultivating an increased capacity for awareness in a busy world is no easy feat, but this month’s insights, activities and words of wisdom will encourage you to remain fully in the moment. Don’t worry if at the moment you struggle to stay aware – it just means January will be a particularly purposeful and eye-opening month for you, giving you strategies to help you practise the art of being present. Affirmation of the week: I am aware of what is around and within me. Task of the week: Enrich your life: This week, every day for 5-10 minutes, focus your awareness on one key area in your life. On Monday you might think about your family relationships; on Tuesday your professional growth; on Wednesday your love life; on Thursday your health, and so on. Note down what’s working for you and what’s not. With this knowledge, seek out new experiences or find new energy to enrich your whole year. Taken from Every Day Matters Diary by Dani DiPirro
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Unlimited online and outdoor classes until March!
After the strangest and probably most challenging year of all our lives, 2021 has dawned with new opportunities along with less certainty than ever. To say it's unsettling is an understatement, but let's face it, there's no choice other than to go with the flow and hope for the best! In the words of Reinhold Neibuhr's Serenity Prayer: Grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. In the spirit of accepting the things we cannot change, I'm expecting to continue fully online at least until the end of March and launching the new Body and Soul membership deals tomorrow (Sunday, 3rd January). You can choose between three months unlimited access, monthly or pay as you go. The three monthly option is amazing value and will really help me by simplifying my admin which, frankly, has been a nightmare with people paying in different ways and at different times. Active members will continue to receive the coming week's zoom links via email every Saturday and they can confirm bookings using the online calendar. Best of all active members who pay for three months can share their membership with friends and family which, hopefully, will encourage them to try out my classes. I know some people are still nervous about online classes so maybe they will feel more confident if someone they know is in the class. My attitude to the internet has definitely evolved since March. At the beginning of our first lockdown (yes, we're numbering them now!) way back in April I wrote about online classes and my personal take on them. At that point, I'd only just heard of zoom and was dipping my toes into the online world from both sides of the camera (or more accurately my mobile phone which suddenly became my lifeline). There was nothing new about online yoga - but, to be honest, it had never appealed to me. With plenty of classes at the gym, plus coffee and comradeship what was the point? For CPD and inspiration I had regular BWY workshops to attend. I sometimes used Dru's own online studio to remind me of sequences and recap on lectures but recorded classes just didn't feel the same as having a live teacher in front of me. Then the pandemic hit and suddenly we were all stuck indoors. Gyms and private classes (including my own) were forced to shut. The only option was to go online and the choice was overwhelming. Every time I opened Facebook another teacher was urging me to roll out the mat and join her (or him) from their kitchen or living room. I found my old yoga teacher, Denny Berfield on Facebook Live, and took my phone outside to practice with her every morning. As she led me through the familiar Sivananda and Kundalini sequences I felt my body stretch, my lungs expand and my mind calm. Without Denny I'm not sure I'd have coped with those early bewildering days of lockdown when the whole world seemed to have been turned upside down. There's no doubt that she's a brilliant teacher - I recommend you try her classes, especially if you are looking for a strong and strengthening practice with lots of pranayama (breathing) - but most of all hearing her voice and seeing her online felt like she was holding my hand and leading me through the craziness. It was like being at the gym again when she was my regular teacher and all was well with the world. I realised then that I needed to take my own classes online and reconnect with my students. My first attempts were not as good as Denny's but I persevered. I chose Facebook Live because it was easy to set up a group which gave me some control over who joined but enabled the classes to be free and open to everyone - subject to answering a few simple health questions and a standard disclaimer. I will always be grateful to everyone who supported me during those early, floundering days especially those who used the comments box to let me know when the phone was upside down or I'd frozen. I realised I needed to invest in a proper stand when the phone fell off it's precarious perch on top of the sofa midclass. I experimented outdoors to begin with which was great for me (I loved the fresh air) but turned out to be too hot for my phone which overheated. Turning the living room into a temporary studio wasn't a popular option with my family (no idea why!!????) but I quickly discovered the spare bedroom as the perfect space. It is now my very own home studio and completely taken over by yoga "crap" as my son describes it! The live aspect of classes made all the difference to me as a student and a teacher. I still very rarely use recordings preferring the "real" connection of live classes even if the timing isn't always as convenient. I find it difficult to teach with out the buzz of knowing my students are sharing the practice with me in real time. Eventually I found my online teaching voice - following my own classes was an intimidating experience at first (one I've only attempted a few times) but it certainly highlighted verbal twitches. I found out that "so" and "OK" are my go-to discourse markers! I've become less needy over time and trusted that the camera is working and the students are still there. Occasionally they haven't been when the internet froze and I looked up to a sea of confused faces (zoom) and frantic "can you still see her" comments on Facebook. I realised Facebook Live was becoming increasingly unreliable with the slightest fluctuation in power interpreted by Facebook as a complete crash and moved the classes to zoom. Since then it's been much better although there has been the occasional hiccup such as when my son used the internet at the same time which proved too much for our WiFi. Over the year I've had the opportunity to try various classes with many excellent and inspiring teachers online. Denny has been my saviour and guide for daily practice, along with Just Mimi who put together an amazing timetable with a smorgabord of teachers classes on Facebook Live. I signed up for Swami Sarandananda's Yoga Alliance recognised meditation training in September and qualified just before Christmas. Swami is a strict disciplinarian and her course wasn't an easy ride. Online training, I discovered, is not an easy option but bi-weekly zoom meetings kept me on track in a way that recorded training wouldn't work for me. The British Wheel hosted its winter training online and I enjoyed an amazingly full day with brilliant teachers including their ex-chairman, Paul Fox. Best of all I didn't have to travel anywhere! Dru were quick to move their training online and I'm now in the final stages of their Backcare and Wellness programmes. Recently I've committed to Chi Ball training - a programme which uses weighted pilates style balls to facilitate movement to music. It uses the elements of Qi Gong, Felkinstrasse, yoga and pilates with energy flowing sequences. In some ways it is very similar to Dru Yoga and I'm really looking forward to incorporating it into my classes. I've also signed up for 500 Yoga Teacher Training - again online. It means I can access daily live classes with master yogis in India and other parts of the globe. With zoom the world really is our oyster. They are promising additional modules in specialised areas such as Children and Teen Yoga, Chair, Seniors, Pregnancy etc so I can't wait to get into the material they are offering. A lot of it will recap on my previous training while introducing me to other styles like Ashtanga. What are my plans for 2021? Well, I've decided to work towards the end of March and rethink then. That's why I'm offering the three month membership which finishes on 31st March. After that, maybe in person will be possible again. I'm hoping HASWA will invite me back to teach at their centre in Hornchurch on Monday mornings (bookings and payment would be through them). I am looking at possible venues in Romford and Hornchurch with the focus on space, hygiene and fresh air. The Golden Lion is a possibility for Movement & Mindfulness plus lunch if they are able to have us back. Raphael Park Bandstand and Lodge Farm outdoor classes will definitely be back for the seventh year running. We may have to wait a while as groups are out of the question in Tier 4 (although I can take bookings for 1-1 tutorials on Tuesdays if people are interested). But whatever happens I will continue to offer an online programme. There are so many advantages to teaching and practising at home I think we have only just begun to explore the possibilities. It could be that in person classes will be offered online as an alternative or that recordings will be made available afterwards. For the moment, online yoga is the best way to stay connected. I will be opening zoom meetings ten minutes before each class so people can chat and interact with each other and there's always time afterwards for questions if you want to stay on. I've got exciting plans for the Yoga Book Club which has been meeting every three weeks since September. I will be announcing the next zoom meeting - usually Friday evenings 7.00 to 8.30pm which is free and open to everyone. There is a Facebook group available too. Our first book "How Yoga Works" by Geshe Michael Roach has prompted some interesting discussions and enabled us to explore the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in a fun, practical and accessible way. The future is uncertain and it's scary but it's also exciting. I hope you will share the journey with me by joining my yoga community. Wishing you all good wishes for this very new, new year of 2021. Om Shanti, Mary Once again a lovely class !!!! Really enjoyed the chocolate meditation -- we never really stop and take a bit of time out to really appreciate treats !!!! The water meditation was brilliant and very relaxing 😌 Student comment after this morning's session It's that time of year again - the last Sunday class before Christmas is usually a celebration with light hearted, seasonal activations, meditations and, of course, chocolate mindfulness. Today was no different except that the students had to supply their own chocolate and unfortunately the internet let me down slightly by throwing me out a couple of times. I found out afterwards that my son was using the internet downstairs, letting his bosses in Germany know we're now in Tier 4 and all the implications that brings for his business.
My apologies for a less than ideal class this morning but hopefully it was still enjoyable. Let's face it zoom is never going to be quite the same as being together in person but it is better than nothing. Let's hope and pray that next year we can meet and have a proper party with shared food to finish (and no masks in sight). In the meantime, here are the movements and meditations for you to use again over the holiday. Christmas Activation We went on a journey across the water to a mysterious but beautiful island. We swam or rowed (your choice) to the island - warming up the shoulders. We climbed out of the boat or out of the water and on to the shore. There was a steep flight of stairs to climb and a rope to pull up with suitable actions. Once on the island itself we looked around and saw trees filled with candy cane. Cue Christmas poses with thanks to: https://yogainternational.com/article/view/11-holiday-yoga-poses Candy Cane Stretch (aka standing crescent) Begin standing in tadasana (mountain pose) with your feet either together or hip-width apart and parallel. Stand tall, lining up the back of your head with the back of your pelvis. On an inhale, reach your arms up overhead and hold on to your right wrist with your left hand (your left palm can face up or down, depending on what feels best for you). Bend your elbows to start, and on an exhale, side bend to the left. Keep the back of your head and the back of your pelvis aligned (avoid dropping your head forward or back) as you reach up and over. Once you’re in your side bend, you can let your hips shift to the right a little to enhance the lateral stretch. You can straighten your arms as much as feels comfortable for your shoulders. Breathe into the side and back of your rib cage and keep your face and jaw relaxed. Stay for a few breaths, then return to centre on an inhale, and repeat on the second side. Christmas Tree Star (aka star pose) Stand with your feet wide apart, turn your toes out slightly, and extend your arms up overhead in a “V” shape, spreading your fingers wide (think “jazz hands!”)—making a five-pointed star that’s fit for the top of the tree. Elf on the Shelf Pose (aka standing figure four stretch) Begin in chair pose with your feet slightly apart (about two fists-width is generally a good distance). Glance down to make sure you can see the tips of your toes. If you can’t, shift a little more weight into your heels until you can. Next, bring your hands to your heart and shift your weight onto your right foot, picking your left foot up off of the floor and crossing your left ankle over your thigh. Keep your left foot flexed and active! Sit your hips back evenly (just as you would for a two-legged chair). You can keep your hands resting at your heart or place your elbows on your left shin, even resting your chin on the back of one of your hands, as though you were one of Santa’s diligent helpers, gazing down from your perch. Remain here for a few breaths before repeating on the second side. Ice Dancer I (aka digasana, or “airplane” pose) From mountain pose, keep your left leg as it is and bring your right toes to rest on the floor behind you. Turn your palms to face forward. Inhale here, and on an exhale, begin to hinge forward, shifting weight into your left foot, and maybe allowing your right toes to lighten away from the floor. Avoid lifting your right leg higher than hip-height. Aim to keep your hips level (avoid rolling your right hip open). Broaden through your chest and keep all sides of your neck long. Imagine that you’re an ice dancer, gracefully gliding across a frozen pond! Enjoy a few breaths here, then switch sides. Garland Pose (malasana) Begin in mountain pose with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart and turned out a little bit (try about 45 degrees to start). Bend your knees and sit your hips back and down (as far as you’re comfortably able) to come into a low, deep squat. Bring your elbows inside your knees and your hands into a prayer position. Press your elbows out against your legs and lift your chest up toward your thumbs. To ensure that your knees are pointing in the same direction as your toes, narrow or broaden your stance as necessary (you may need to come up out of the pose to do this) and turn your toes more in or out as needed. It’s okay if your heels lift up off the floor a little bit, though you may find that by adjusting your stance slightly (making it a little wider and/or turning your toes out a little more—still ensuring that they’re tracking in line with your knees) you can enable your heels to touch down; however, if your heels still don’t reach the floor, you may find it more comfortable to prop them up with a rolled or folded blanket. And if going super-low bugs your knees, you can practice goddess pose with your hips at or above knee-level. Enjoy a few breaths here (and maybe hang a few of those ornaments while you’re at it!). Diver Stand on tip toes, raise arms to the side, look forwards into blue, clear waters and slowly tip the upper body forward from the hips as though you are going to dive into the water. Only tip as far as you feel comfortable and can keep your balance. Slowly return to standing and lower your heels to the mat. Repeat two or three times challenging your balance a little more each time. Then came the Chocolate Meditation: Try to keep quiet during the exercise and focus all of your attention on the chocolate. Approach the exercise with an open mind and a gentle curiosity.
How was this different from your normal way of eating chocolate? What did you notice during the exercise? Any thoughts about how these principles might apply to eating or other areas of your life? Finally, savasana to find your tranquil place: We might complain of others disturbing our peace, but there is always a place of tranquillity within. Scan your body for a point inside you where you feel complete stillness. It might be at your brow, at your heart or in your belly. visualise a candle flame softly glowing there. This week, whenever you need a moment of peace, close your eyes and envision the flame burning there brightly. Quote for this week: Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Task and quote both taken from Every Day Matters 2020 Diary by Dani DiPirro Wishing you all a peaceful and restful Christmas to find that tranquil place within us all. Om Shanti "Lovely Sunday session again on this rainy dull morning. Lifted the spirit," much appreciated feedback from one of this morning's yogis This morning's Stretch and Flow celebrated the new moon due to appear in the sky tomorrow. We practised Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutation), part of EBR2 and Flowing Tree before seated stretches, Flowing Bridge, Belly Twist and blissful Savasana, Dru style. The Moon Meditation In the new moon I feel at peace with deepest self. I let go of regrets and things not done or said, and look back at how things have unfolded this year. I feel love for who I have become this year and accept all of me. Taken from Moon Journal 2020 by Ingvild Skodvin Pretegard. When Ingvild prepared her diary she couldn't have imagined how strange the coming year would be. Spend some time reflecting on her words. Do you feel at peace with your deepest self? Do you know yourself better than you did a year ago? Do you have regrets? There are so many big and little things we planned but couldn't do this year, from every day shopping trips and coffee with friends to elaborately planned wedding celebrations and dream holidays abroad. It's not wrong to be sad but we shouldn't get stuck in regret. How do you feel about the future? Do you want to dwell on what didn't happen and couldn't be or are you excited to move into next year with different plans, new skills and a determination to succeed? Most of all do you love who you are and accept yourself? Our affirmation is: "The pursuit, even of the best things, ought to be calm and tranquil." Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman Statesman Your task is to do it slowly We often rush excitedly into the things we love only to find they are then too quickly over. Embrace the notion of slowing down this week by savouring your favourite time of day. If it's the start of the day, get up a little earlier to enjoy the sunrise or a longer breakfast. If it's lunchtime, take more time over each mouthful of your lunch, enjoying the food mindfully, noticing all its flavours and textures. Taken from Every Day Matters 200 Diary by Dani DiPirro This morning's class completed our November theme of hope and included EBR2 focusing on the here and now as well as the Moon Salutation/Chandra Namaskar and Eagle/Garudasana. Apologies for my disappearance during the Cat/Cow sequence. I gather that people could still hear my voice but not the picture for a short while. They say you learn from mistakes and I certainly try to (I have plenty of opportunities after all and this whole year has been one long learning curve as I've struggled to adapt to new ways of doing things I took for granted before). I can't blame the internet as it was all my fault! I plugged my phone into the power but it was the wrong lead! Note to self - allow more time to set up next week and check everything. I hope it didn't interrupt the flow too much. So as we celebrate the penultimate full moon of the very strange and unexpected year that has been 2020 I encourage you to set an intention. It can be small or big but make it achievable. For me, it is to further establish this yoga community and set it on its way into the new year. I've got lots of plans for January which I'll be sharing with you soon. For the moment my project is to produce the Body and Soul annual Advent Calendar. This year it will be very special featuring my own videos for the first time. Last year's calendar is still accessible on my website and you're welcome to use it any time you want. I'll be following a similar format for 2020 with short (five to ten minute) videos for you to explore day by day. Your challenge is to do them all and note down the secret word. Email your answers to me on Christmas Day for a bonus gift. This week's quotation is: "Everything that is done in the world is done by hope." Martin Luther (1483-1546), German Professor Your task is to take on a project: Having hope means embarking on a process and believing it will bear fruit, even if it's not right away. This week, take on a small project - either something you've been putting off or a fun DIY activity - and see it through to the end. Doing so will allow you to experience three aspects of hope: attitude, aspiration and action. Every time you see the fruits of your labour, let it inspire you to keep striving. Taken from Every Day Matters 2020 Diary by Dani DiPirro Moon Reflection I use the Moon Journal 2020 for lunar references. The journal is produced annually by Ingvild Skodvin Prestegard, a fellow Dru teacher located in Bergen, Norway. She has a Facebook community of her own and I often share her short videos and reflections on the Body and Soul Facebook page. We are now in the season of Samhain when the mother becomes the crone. This is a time for death, endings and hibernation. Samhain marks the halfway point between Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice and is celebrated at the end of October (Halloween). Meditation for the Full Moon (30th November) As the full moon shines I become aware of the beginning of my dreams forming deep within me. I listen to my soul and nurture my dreams, my inner self. Another year is almost over and I have gained much experience, which will nourish my dreams. Affirmation: I listen to my soul. Taken from Moon Journal 2020 (A Lunar Meditation Companion) by Ingvild Skodvin Prestegard Wishing you all a peaceful and productive festive season as we move into Advent. Look out for your advent calendar in your inbox tomorrow (join my mailing list if you're not already on it!). Om Shanti Mary NOVEMBER THEME: HOPE Sunday 22nd November 2020 Stretch and Flow Yoga This morning’s class celebrated male energy in honour of International Men’s Day which was actually last week although it doesn’t get the same attention as Women’s Day in the spring. We focused on the strong powerhouse chakra at our solar plexus, Manipura Chakra with Surya Namaskar, Salute to the Sun. Before that we tested our balance with Tree Pose / Vrikshasana – flowing and the Bikram version of a standing lotus for those who wanted to try it. Join me on Tuesday in Raphael Park’s bandstand for a 1-1 session (the morning is booked but there are still afternoon slots available). Check availability online: https://cal.smoothbook.co/5f1b819caa85381e17743f2c#/class and email [email protected] to confirm. Zoom option for those who prefer to be indoors. This week's zoom classes: Tuesday Backcare Focused Yoga 7-8.15pm Wednesday Wellness Yoga 10.00 to 11.15am Thursday Movement & Mindfulness 11.30am to 12.45 Thursday Yin & Restorative Yoga 7.00 to 8.15pm Our quote for today: “From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow”. Aeschylus (525 – 456BCE), Greek Poet Our Task for this week: Plant a small seed of hope: Hope isn’t just about thoughts or words. It’s also about action! This week, plant the seed of something that will bloom in the future. Identify one improvement you’d like to make in your life (anything from getting a promotion to buying your own place) and set it in motion. For example, talk to your boss about plans for the business or start some research on your preferred neighbourhood to see if it suits you. Taken from Every Day Matters 2020 Diary by Dani DiPirro This morning's class was a Diwali celebration with colour changing candles and a light and hope theme. Unfortunately, I couldn't share sweets but maybe we can do that next year when face to face classes are allowed again. Well, we can certainly hope!
After the usual stretches, we lit up our imaginary sky with fireworks during activations. Then EBR1 to get the energy flowing through our joints one by one and Bouncing Heels, one of the movements I shared in the bandstand this week to remove fear and increase confidence. Well done everyone for standing strong and fast in the Warriors (Virabhadrasana 1,2 and 3). Join me in the bandstand this Tuesday for an "On Demand 1-1" to check your warrior alignment (or go over any sequence or asana of your choice). A Handout with body preps and alignment cues can be downloaded from: warrior_tutorials.docx Today's quote is from Desmond Tutu "Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness". Your task is to create light in darkness We talk of "finding" hope as if it's an external concept, but what if we could create hope ourselves? This week, identify someone who is struggling - someone you know or someone online going through a difficulty - and offer words of hope. This might be a kind phrase, such as "I'm thinking of you" or "I'm sending positive thoughts to you". Even a small light can brighten the darkness. Taken from Every Day Matters 2020 Diary by Dani DiPirro If you can't join me in the bandstand on Tuesday there are still plenty of other options this week: Tuesday evening: Backcare Focussed Yoga - is great for everyone whether or not you have back issues. There's a new zoom class starting on Wednesday morning - Wellness Yoga. I'll be on my patio at 10am (weather permitting) for the live session with a fun focus. The usual two classes on Thursday - Movement & Mindfulness at lunchtime, Yin & Restorative Yoga in the evening - are available for booking. And why not finish the week with the Book Club - free and open to everyone. Have a wonderful week and enjoy the rest of this Diwali weekend if you're celebrating. Happy Diwali everyone! NOVEMBER THEME: HOPE
Sunday 8th November Remembrance Sunday - Stretch and Flow Yoga Last Sunday we remembered the two world wars, and all those who've suffered and sacrificed in the many smaller wars and battles since. We practised EBR3 with the Archer sequence to send our intentions into the future and Flowing Tree before two minutes silence at 11am. It seemed appropriate to dedicate this special class to Harry Matthews who sadly died last December aged 90. Many of you will remember him outside the Tesco Community Room playing his records, raising money for charity and sometimes, I admit, trying my patience! In past years he would let me know when to stop for the two minute silence and, as an old soldier himself who served in the immediate post war years in Egypt (as did my dad) he represented the generation whose normal lives were changed so much by that period in our history. At 11.00am we stopped for two minutes silence and reflection before ending the class with Dru Deep Relaxation / Savasana. Our quote for today: "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart." Anne Frank (1929 to 1945) German diarist Our Task for this week: Create light in the darkness. Poem for Remembrance Sunday Why are they selling poppies, mummy? Selling poppies in town today. The poppies, child, are flowers of love, for the men who marched away. But why have they chosen a poppy, mummy? Why not a beautiful rose? Because, my child, men fought and died in the field where the poppies grow. Why are poppies so red? Red is the colour of blood, my child, the blood that our soldiers shed. But why mummy are you crying so? Your tears are giving me pain. My tears are fears for you, my child, for the world is forgetting again. Unknown source Tomorrow (Sunday 15th November) we’ll be celebrating Diwali, known sometimes as the Festival of Light. Hoping to spread light and love with you at 10am. With the whole world upside down yoga (and fitness) teachers everywhere are taking their classes online. The internet is suddenly flooded with more and more classes every day and, frankly, the whole thing is overwhelming. Two weeks into lockdown I want to share my experience of internet yoga with you. It is my own experience and purely a personal perspective. So far, I've only dipped my toes into the online yoga world but, for what it's worth, this is my take on it. Are online classes safe?The answer is: not always. One of the advantages of a live teacher is for them to personalise the class. A good teacher, whatever their subject, should know their student and mould their teaching around them. Having said that it doesn't always work that way. Many gym classes involve the teacher leading from the front with very little interaction, personalised instructions or adjustments so, in some way, an online class is much the same. If you're a beginner or have health issues or injuries that might affect your practice always check with your doctor before starting an exercise programme (this is the disclaimer you'll find on most online platforms and the old video boxes). The common sense rules apply of listening to your own body and only doing what you feel comfortable and capable of doing. If you feel any kind of pain stop immediately and take a resting pose like Child. Be aware of basic contra-indications ie:
My advice to beginners is to choose your class carefully - don't assume because it's labelled beginners it really is! Opt for a recorded rather than a live class and watch it through first so you have a good idea what it's about before joining in. This is one of the advantages of online yoga that you don't get in a class and remember to take rests whenever you need it or adapt the posture. Most teachers offer easier options so always take them at first to refine your technique and only move on when you're fully confident. Another positive about online classes is that usually (although it's not always the case - more on this later) no-one can see you so there's less peer pressure to keep up with everyone else! If you're sensible and realistic about what you can do there's no reason for online classes to be any less safe than live classes. You just have to take responsibility for your own well being and work within your limits. To pay or not to pay?This is the big question. If you want free classes there are plenty out there and more available every day (every second at the moment!). Obviously there is no guarantee of quality and you might think that a paid for class is likely to be better than a free one but, that's not necessarily true. My opinion is this: if your regular yoga teacher is offering online classes you should support her (or him) financially if you can. Most yoga teachers are self-employed and likely to be struggling to survive during the lockdown. Charging for online classes may be a lifeline for them and your support may make the difference between them continuing to teach after this time or not. Studio owners still have overheads to pay and without an income may go out of business. Payment methods vary enormously as do the online platform teachers are using. There is usually some way of restricting access without paying first. Prices vary from donations (pay what you can) to the usual studio price, which is likely to be £7 or £10 drop in with reductions for a package (weekly or monthly) price. Some teachers offer hardship rates (£5 seems popular). An advantage of paid for classes is that numbers may (although not always) be limited, you may have been asked to complete a Health Form so the teacher knows who you are and your individual requirements, the teacher may be able to see you (Zoom has this function I believe) and offer more guidance than in an open class. Most importantly of all for me is that it's nice to see your own teacher and have a familiar face and voice guiding you at home. In these extraordinary times that can be very reassuring and worth paying for. So does that mean you should avoid free classes? Of course not! The good thing about free classes is that you can do them as often as you want - no worry about mounting costs so mix and match with paying classes or stick with the free classes and find the ones you like and trust the most. Take advantage of the amazing choice of classes out there - this is an opportunity to try different teachers and yoga styles. Just be aware that with free classes you are completely on your own and responsible for your own safety. LIVE OR RECORDED?Until now, I could never understand the point of "live webinars" that expected you to be there at a set date and time. But over the last couple of weeks I've loved joining live streamed classes. Every week day I "have" to get up for my daily yoga (I don't have to get dressed but I do have to get up!) and there's a sense of community as familiar names scroll by at the the bottom of my screen. I know the teacher is there in real time and she can react to the names with a friendly hi - it's all new and quite amazing but, at least while real classes are not possible, it's nice to be part of. If you can't do the class live (I've seen some brilliant excuses "sorry I can't do your class today, I've got a singing lesson at that time"!) you can usually access the class later as a recording anyway (this isn't always possible with paid for classes so ask about access before you pay). I always comment when I arrive at the session so the teacher knows I'm there and close with a thank you and sometimes add my thoughts or a special request. Recorded classes are great when you need to fit in with your own routine. I know we are all supposed to have endless free time now but I've actually been busier than usual! And with recorded classes you can do them again and again. Practice really does make perfect! Are there any Body and Soul videos?Yes there are! I'm a newbie to the recording world and I don't promise anything fantastic. My offerings are free to view although I will be restricting access to some classes when and if I live stream. In the meantime, my You Tube channel is there for all to "enjoy". Please view and leave comments.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O_TEcCKlh0 What crazy times we're living in! Just a couple of weeks ago my classes were going well and my diary was full of upcoming yoga festivals, workshops and events. Everything was good and then the unthinkable happened - movement severely restricted and our health and livelihoods under threat.
We are all having to adapt to a completely different way of living and thinking. Some of it has been amazingly positive. The theme for this month's classes is "gratitude" - easy to say but coronavirus has really brought it's meaning into focus. Health, family, home, sunshine - the things that really matter but so easy to take for granted. As classes, studios and gyms closed their doors the rush to get online started. To be honest, I've found the sheer quantity of classes available overwhelming and maybe you feel the same. However, I'm trying to establish a routine which includes a live yoga class from the teacher who inspired me to train. Before coronavirus I struggled to see the point in a live class but now I'm enjoying reconnecting with my teacher. |
MARY GRIFFITHSI qualified to teach in 2015 but my yoga journey started much earlier, way back in the 1970s. Here I share my experiences and passion about everything yoga. Archives
May 2021
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