Posts tagged yoga practice
Yoga after covid: tips to help you get back on your mat.

From experience, it is hard to get back into a routine of anything when you've taken a substantial break. For me, I need routine, but I don't always like it. But hey, I am a Gemini after all...

Perhaps you prefer doing your yoga classes on Zoom or maybe you are just not sure about going back to face-to-face classes. If it is a safety thing, remember that all studios and teachers should be regularly cleaning equipment anyway and often enough classes are well spaced out now.

Anyway, hopefully these tips may help or inspire you to give your yoga journey another go.

1) Remember, yoga isn't all about the postures. If you're nervous to get back into your lycras, why not try a yoga nidra class (a sleepless sleep and deeply relaxing yoga practice). Yoga nidra doesn't involve any postures or movement at all. Getting back into a routine of doing some sort of yoga may help you build up that confidence to get back to your vinyasa class.

2) You have changed, as has the world. Perhaps it is time to change it up and find a different type of yoga class. Research what is local to you if you want to attend in person and message the teacher or studio and ask for information on the classes advertised. No question is silly!

3) Reach out to your current or previous teacher. I know that I'd be over the moon to hear from a student and help them get back to their practice.

4) Try a beginners course with your friend or family member. After a while, a refresher or beginners course is the perfect way to remember why you loved the practice of yoga in the first place. Also taking a pal with you is great to keep you accountable.

5) Book a yoga retreat or an event. Something to look forward to is always key! This is also a great way to immerse yourself back into it if you've taken a longer break.

6) The world is your oyster! If you are happy to join a zoom group think of how many amazing teachers, classes and workshops are available to you now. I join in with a teacher in Bali and another in Denver from time to time and it is always so refreshing!

I hope you have found these tips helpful! Let me know below.

Namaste,

Emily x o x

You can join me on Zoom twice a week or sign up to my online library of videos: HERE

Yoga Mudras, what are they?

Mudra means “seal” or “mark”. Yoga mudras help energy move through our bodies and there are quite a few to choose from to help you in your practice. I see it almost as if the mudra seals the energy in your body and directs it to where you need it to go.

 

I have picked the three I used the most in my practice…

 

Chin Mudra:

Chin means “consciousness” and this mudra helps us connect to our higher selves. I find it really helpful when I am meditating to help ground my meditation practice and help me focus my mind. This mudra can also help overhaul a dull mood and lift you up. Sit and focus on your breath for 10 minutes and then touch the tip of the index finger under the tip of the thumb, keeping the remaining three fingers relaxed but slightly extended.

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 Anjali Mudra:

Anjali means “benediction” or “salutation” to your higher self and to others. We put our hands to almost a prayer position. We practice Anjali mudra when we want to bring about a meditative state, i.e. getting ourselves ready for our practice or when we find a natural break in our practice.  

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Prana Mudra:

Prana essentially means “life force” or “energy”, so using this mudra can really help awake any dormant energy. If you are feeling low physically or mentally, try using prana mudra in your practice. This mudra can really help focus your mind too if you’re feeling a little foggy!


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Getting deeper into your Yoga journey will naturally unearth things such as mudras, bhandas and kriyas so let me know if you want to start scratching the surface of anything else and going deeper into your practice! 

 

Love and light,


Emily

X o x