Posts In: health

We often hear new students share with us that they aren’t flexible enough for yoga. For many of us, being inflexible is the very reason we start yoga! To help our bodies feel freer, so we can move with ease and feel tall, strong and energised.

I didn’t practice yoga when I was in my teens, yet it would have been the best thing for me. Do you remember the sit and reach test? I did a lot of sport when I was at high school but my flexibility was terrible! So much measuring and comparing at school, and PE (physical education) was not immune from this. One of these was the was the sit and reach test – feet against the box with a ruler measuring how far you could reach. I didn’t even get to zero, to my horror I was a minus 🙁 Minus five to be precise, the only female not to touch her toes.

For some reason this day has always stayed with me. Even though my hamstrings still feel tight and I’m not the super bendy yogi in the magazine, I remember how far I’ve come. And also to bend my knees a little – it’s how it is for my practice 🙂

Everyone can enjoy a yoga practice. The simple act of being still and focusing on the breath is a great place to start. You can do this seated, standing, lying down or walking. Our Yin classes are the perfect place to experience this connection. Taking your time to melt in to the postures as you focus on your breathing. Finding softness and release as the minutes drift by.

Yoga is not only about the physical benefits (of which there are many for you to experience). One of the things I love most about yoga is that it allows us to improve our wellbeing on many different levels. Increased mental clarity, emotional balance as well as improved physical flexibility, strength and posture.

Our vision has always been to create a space where students are respected and accepted exactly as they are. Your own range of motion, whatever that is today, is all you need to start benefitting from yoga with us.

Your yoga is completely different to the student that is standing next to you, and that’s what makes it such a beautiful, individual experience.

Tell us in the comments below – what is it that you most appreciate your practice? I can’t wait to hear from you 🙂

San Francisco to Singapore – even before we left the hotel the oils were out and helping me feel even more amazing 😊

Our immune systems can become compromised when we travel. New environments, new bugs, different food… I like to be proactive about staying healthy, both at home or on holiday. My two favourite oils for this are OnGuard and Frankincense.

OnGuard is also called Protective Blend (you can find more information here on the studies confirming the amazing properties of this blend). When travelling, I use the oil on my throat and soles of the feet each morning and as needed throughout the day. And if I need an extra boost, OnGuard is safe enough to add to water (it tastes great in warm water with honey and coconut oil if you have this on hand).

Frankincense is part of my daily self care ritual and I love to place a drop under my tongue in the mornings to support my immune system – I also find it helps to get rid of that morning fogginess (whether travelling or not!).

Using the oils while travelling makes me feel like I’m doing the best I can for my physical, mental and emotional health. And there are myriad of ways the oils can help support us.

I have a special hydrating blend of oils including lavender, sandalwood and a few others, mixed with jojoba oil, which I love to massage on my face mid-flight. During one of my walk arounds the plane, one of the flight attendants asked if I was there to do face massages for them – cheeky!

DigestZen helps with my bloated tummy – rubbed on the skin and also a drop in water. If you run out like I did this trip, Peppermint is amazing for pretty much anything. Tummy complaints, headaches, when you need to clear sinuses and your mind – it’s a daily go to.

It’s rare to see fresh lemons on the plane. A drop of lemon in water helps to provide cleansing and digestive benefits.

Balance is one of the oils I always have in my handbag, promoting tranquility and balance of emotions. I apply Balance to my feet most days and especially before take off to relax and feel grounded.

To aid in relaxation and sleep, Lavender Peace is another amazing blend to calm the senses. Add in an eye mask, this oil will promote sleep and serenity even mid-flight.

The scents from the oils is enough to bring calmness and harmony to a space – the flight attendants thanked me for making the cabin smell so good 😊

I’d love to share more of my tips and experiences on using the oils in your home. Join us at one of our upcoming essential oils classes, you’ll find the details here. Learn how you too can be healthy, grounded and happy – both mid-flight and during normal life. You will be able to glide through life with joy and bliss. And smell amazing at the same time 😊

We were Face-timing our beautiful sister in law and niece this weekend and we got to talking about back pain and how having a child can contribute to this in more ways than one. (more…)