Yoga is well known around the world as a practice which boosts our physical and mental wellbeing.
It all started in India 5,000 years ago. Today there are many different styles around, from bikram to boxing yoga, so it’s important you find the approach that suits you best, writes Caroline.
As Jung said, the shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no recipe for living that suits all cases.
I practice Nature’s rhythm yoga in London with a wonderful teacher called Andrea (pictured). On Wednesday afternoons, Andrea leads a 45-minute guided meditation known as yoga nidra which leads you into a state of deep relaxation without actually falling asleep.
It is said that 45 minutes of yoga nidra is equivalent to four hours of deep sleep.
Interview with Andrea, yoga teacher
Q: What do you believe is the essence of yoga?
A: Yoga means union. The essence of yoga is to unite first and foremost with your inner self, the part of you which some people call your gut feeling and others will call your higher self, guardian angel or supreme self.
Then, to unite with others through our interactions and relationships, to treat others with the same consideration, love and respect that we ourselves have been practicing through yoga, and thirdly to discover the unity with the whole of existence, God, the universe and all that is here in the present now.
The essence of yoga is to be fully here now in this moment and to live from our own inner GPR – ground-penetrating radar.
Q: What type of yoga do you teach?
Nature’s Rhythm yoga – based on traditional hatha yoga. I teach yoga that demonstrates the principles of movement, develops awareness of the elements (earth, water, fire, air) and realigns the chakras (energy centres) as part of a holistic approach.
Nature’s Rhythm yoga is comprised of four themed classes that attune you to the moon’s cycle – bringing you into the flow, and coaching you in rhythm with the energies that make up the whole of existence.
Open your heart
On a personal level, Nature’s Rhythm yoga can be a catalyst for transformation. It opens the heart, brings grounded empowerment and a deep connection to your authentic self/divine essence for expanded wellbeing.
All classes conclude with an amazing sound bath using harmonic chimes to the solfeggio frequency of 396hz and 528hz. The sound works at a deep cellular level to release blocks.
It’s an incredible way to completely consolidate the whole experience.
Q: What is yoga nidra?
Deep inner conscious relaxation. Yoga nidra is a powerful technique in which you will learn to relax consciously through a method that induces complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation.
The word nidra in Sanskrit means sleep and yoga means union. So through a special yet simple relaxation technique you are guided to enter into a ‘yogic sleep’. You remain conscious but your body will be so relaxed it’s as if you were in a deep sleep.
Yoga nidra describes the state where everything rests in itself, where you are neither carried away by outer influences nor occupied by thoughts and emotions. This allows you to tune into yourself.
Relax
An open state is one way to describe relaxation. There are good reasons to develop and maintain a relaxed and open state. In this state, blood pressure is normalised, the immune system is strengthened and all organs and senses are rested in a way that sleep seldom provides, so that you feel invigorated afterwards and the brain relaxes and co-operates.
This state of relaxation is healing and strengthening. The mind co-operates and is receptive during a relaxed state, more than is usually possible in normal, stressed or tense states.
As the relaxation deepens, you can access the deeper levels of your subconscious mind. It is here that automatic thought patterns can be changed, and you are open to create your reality. Your mind is open and receptive to the ideas you feed it while using your imagination and a resolve (an affirmation repeated at the beginning and end of practice) can influence your reality in this subtle state.
Chakras
During yoga nidra we visualize symbols, some will have no effect and others may evoke a response that opens the mind to the possibilities they represent. Both abstract symbols and nature symbols activate the mind and stimulate the chakra system.
Just by thinking about the chakras, the whole body is gradually made conscious. The body in itself is one large chakra, a point of consciousness, a whirl of energy. The relationship between body, mind and vital energy (prana) is influenced through the major chakras when they are stimulated.
The liberation from unwanted thoughts, confusion and lack of concentration begins. Once the chakras are awakened, we open up to an unknown ability for communication, insight and creativity.
Q: Do you have a message you’d like to share with the world?
When you have a dream, whatever it is that ignites your passion, overcome any obstacles by taking the first steps and be willing to go for it. Look around you and find the ones that will support your efforts and then take massive action to live life fully and to follow your bliss.
The more people that do this, the more oppression-and fear-based thoughts that have overrun our planet can be crushed.
Be the change you wish to see in the world
The battle takes place within each one of us. Objecting to this reality can prevent people from realising their own power and potential. This is why to be aware and to be vigilant of your inner happenings is so fundamental for bringing balance to your world.
“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu: May all beings be free and happy.”
Class venues
- The Studio at the rear of 60 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5BY
- Nuffields Health, Chingford, London E4
For more info:
http://www.infin8space.com/
Beauty Makes Scents 