One Step At A Time

Winter has been of great comfort this year. I’m not usually so keen on resting, withdrawing and recovering. I often feel affected by the dark days and wait impatiently for the light and warm seasons. However, this time, I’ve obeyed nature and moved with it’s rhythm. How about you?

Winter’s wisdom asks us to use the time to rest, reflect, restore and take time for renewal. It’s a season to nourish ourselves and take a slower pace; use the longer darker days to sleep more and recharge. Maybe even take our time in considering our next steps in life, observe our dreams and work out how they can become a reality. Perhaps even start planning and taking small steps towards making those dreams, aims and plans come to fruition. Simultaneously, nurturing and tending to existing roots that are stable and strong, in order for them to deepen and strengthen, to support the new shoots.

When I plan our classes, I consider what everyone’s needs may be. I contemplate how when it’s been so cold and grey outside, what may uplift us? Energise us? What encourages us to get out of our cosy homes and maintain our practice? What will simply make us feel better on these dark days?

I believe it’s in exploring practices using supportive and inspiring breath work, a combination of dynamic and easeful movement and deep relaxation practices; along with a great music playlist and most of all, a fantastic community! These are our key ingredients to all LYY classes - I hope that they always serve you - during these winter months - and also throughout the whole year!

Right now, classes are busy and uplifting with an expanding joyful community; some class times and venues have been tweaked this year and they’re running smoothly in their new time and place; our new Men’s Yoga has taken off beautifully with a fabulous community, and our monthly Well-Woman Online Classes have had such lovely feedback, my favourite one being “I didn’t want [the class} to end” and our Mixed Ability events have been described as “The best way to start a Sunday!” I have more plans to share as the year goes on, but I’m taking one step at a time before announcing anything. Behind the scenes, I’m also updating my Well-Woman Yoga studies with Birthright, whose Well-Woman Yoga Course I’m enjoying thoroughly. The content is just brilliant and refreshing, as are its tutors on the course. I’ve also been fortunate in re-starting the Michael Stone Mindfulness Training Course with Yogacampus. I had started it twice last year, but had to drop out due to personal circumstances swallowing up so much of my headspace and time. I’m on my fifth week of the course and finding it incredibly healing - I look forward to creating a Mindfulness Course in the future to share with you all.

Read on to get details of the Spring Schedule, Mixed Ability & Well-Woman Yoga Events, Health & Wellness Column; celebrating International Women’s Day/Mother’s Day, and a poem…

Tuesday Night Mixed Ability at The Parochial Hall

Spring Class Schedule

Monday 24th February ~ Friday 11th April (7 Week Term)

Men’s Yoga

Our new Men’s Yoga Class has been slowly growing as word is spreading. They’re a very warm and welcoming group - a newly created community - and there are still spaces as we’re in the large hall at The Kenilworth Centre.

Both new and those with experience are welcome - do contact me to enquire for more information - or head to my website to book online info@livingyouryoga.co.uk/www.livingyouryoga.co.uk

Next term dates: 28th February ~ 10th April 2025 (7 week term)

Mixed Ability Events

I had planned 3 Mixed Ability Yoga Events for the start of this year. I’ve been running one a month, each with a different theme. Next month is the final of the trilogy of events, focussing on themes of Spring! We’ll be practicing Kriya’s, combined with strong and steady movement sequences, meditation with intention setting & visualisation, and relaxation. You’ll also receive a home made energy ball (which are proving to be quite popular!)

If you’re booking a term of classes, you’ll receive a £5 discount from this event.

Contact me for more details/your discount, or head to my website to book your place (see details below)

Well-Woman Events: In Person & Online

This year we have two Well-Woman Yoga in person events planned for the Spring and Autumn Equinox. These events and classes are created to be completely unique experiences, designed for women to receive and learn practices to nourish , release tension and restore a sense of joy and inner calm. Practices include flowing and static movement (asana); breath work, pelvic floor practices, joint release practices (pawanmuktasana), meditation and relaxation.

The events are aimed at bringing a community of women together to experience a unique, nurturing and shared experience. The event is always catered for by Cafe Desa and we have visiting therapists and wellness coaches that provide short talks at every event. These events sell out every time. Book soon!

The online monthly Well-Woman Yoga Classes are a wonderful way to reconnect with our online community and encourage a self-practice. Each month, following the class, everybody receives a hand drawn scribe of sequences from our class together for you to practice at home. We have a lovely community that is always growing.

Our next monthly online class is on Sunday March 9th 6-7.15pm and will be part of a celebration of International Women’s Day!

Bring a friend/family member to class free of charge to celebrate :)

Do drop me a line for more information.

Well-Woman Yoga Event at Leek Wootton Village Hall

Health & Wellness Column

For this terms Health & Wellness Column, I’ve finally managed to have the wonderful Cynthia, founder of Cafe Desa, provide a little write up about her work and her fantastic company. Cynthia caters for all of our Well-Woman Events, she catered for one of my retreats, and will be catering for next years Well-Woman Yoga Retreat too (more news on that later in the year). Cynthia will also be giving a talk and answering any questions at our March Well-Woman Event. Read on to find out what she has to say …

I founded Café Desa in 2022 after retraining as a Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach during the pandemic. Nutrition and food have always been a big factor in my life. Having moved to England from Indonesia when I was a teenager, I struggled with the food choices available and was overwhelmed with the amount of processed convenient food.

I discovered my passion for wholesome cooking using natural ingredients and honed my skills at  Daylesford Organic and Raymond Blanc Cookery School.

My mission at Café Desa is to make healthy eating delicious, simple, and accessible. With my nutritional knowledge, I cater for those with specific dietary requirements. It gives me immense pleasure to be able to provide delicious food to those who struggle due to allergies, food intolerances and health conditions.

I believe that we have neglected to listen to cues in our body, due to the vast amount of choice and noise surrounding nutrition. My aim is to encourage people to eat healthily, simply- to eat a variety of food using natural ingredients to ensure nutritional diversity.

Desa means village in the Indonesian language. It’s the coming together of family, friends, and community. My vision is to gather family and friends together around delicious, nourishing food and replenishing drinks, to create a space that feels just like an extension of home.

Food is not merely a source of fuel- food brings people together and that connection is as vital as nutrition is for your overall wellbeing.

Cynthia Tamraz  Desa Warwickshire Ltd www.cafedesa.com

International Women’s Day&/Mother’s Day Gifts

March is a great month to celebrate the wonderful women in your life, whether it’s your mother, daughter, wife, lover or your best friend! I’ve realised that LYY has a lot to offer in the form of gifts and in celebrating or showing love and support for the women in your life. Below is a little list of what I have to offer.

Drop me a line if you’d like to purchase any of the following and I will help you share your purchases in the form of a gift to your friend/family member or to yourself :)

Well-Woman Events ~ Classes, Events, Online

LYY Candles ~ Full Size Candles Available

Gift Vouchers ~ For Events, Classes, 1:1’s

Asquith Discount with LYY Code ~ use code Livingyouryoga for 10% off

All in Asquith Clothing: soft, comfortable, great design!

I think that’s all for now. Thank you for reading if you’ve made it this far!

I wish you all a great week ahead and I look forward to seeing you on the mat.

Much Love,

Lucy xx

Exhale

Breathe out, you are tired

give your worry to the moon

breathe in, be inspired

feel the safety of this room

breathe out, lose your fear

to the coming of the night

breathe in, dawn is near

we embrace the morning light

breathe out, exhale

Mother Nature knows your soul

breathe in, inhale

let her loving make you whole

breathe out, be at ease

with the cycle, with the flow

breathe in, give your load

to the wild to let it go.

Donna Ashworth ~ Growing Brave

Greetings & Welcome to 2025!

Hello and Happy New Year to you all!

Welcome to a short and sweet letter to start the year just to give you a welcoming update on upcoming classes and events, bookings and discounts, new classes and venue updates for this term..

Starting with….

Jump Into January!

Sunday 5th January 10-12pm

Leek Wootton Village Hall

£35/£30

A 2 hour workshop designed for Mixed Ability and Ashtanga Yoga Students focussing on Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series: adapting the sequence to suit your individual needs for those with an existing practice; an introduction to the practice for those that are curious; an opportunity to consider how you may use this practice to develop a regular home practice.

Print-outs of the sequence will be provided and home-made energy balls will follow the practice to go home with!

*£5 discount if you have booked onto a term of classes.

Contact me directly for your discount info@livingyouryoga.co.uk/ or book online for full price www.livingyouryoga.co.uk.

Well-Woman Yoga Sunday Session: Online Monthly

Sunday 5th January 6-7.15pm

£12

A 75 minute Well-Woman Yoga Session to unwind from the week exploring a combination of yogic practices including: pawanmuktasana (joint release practices); pelvic floor practices; static and flowing movements to ease the spine, build strength, balance and concentration. Breath work and guided relaxation practices to encourage deep rest.

Contact me directly to book/ask questions: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk/ or book online on ‘Book Classes’ www.livingyouryoga.co.uk.

Ask, Explore & Practice!

Sunday 2nd February 10-12pm

Leek Wootton Village Hall

£35/£30

A 2 hour workshop designed and created by your yoga questions, enquiries, aims and desires to explore. This workshop has a slightly different take in its design as it will be a co-creative practice based on what you would like to explore or awaken in your personal practice alongside your community. On booking, I’ll ask you to write to me (or phone if easier) to tell me what you would like to get out of your practice and maybe what movement, breathing or relaxation practice you’re particularly curious about. I’m really looking forward to creating this with you! I will record the sequence, draw it out and send it to you following the workshop. The session will of course end with home made energy balls!

Contact me directly for your discount info@livingyouryoga.co.uk/ or book online for full price www.livingyouryoga.co.uk.

Class Schedule

Monday 5th January ~ Friday 14th February

Please note:

*New Men’s Yoga Class

**Slight change of start time of Ashtanga Yoga

***New venue for Friday Well-Woman Yoga

Contact me on info@livingyouryoga.co.uk for any class-related questions, or book your space online at Book Classes www.livingyouryoga.co.uk

WELL-WOMAN YOGA EQUINOX EVENTS

*£5 discount if you book onto a term of classes

MIXED ABILITY EVENT SCHEDULE

I’m looking forward to sharing the start of the year with January events for both Mixed Ability and Well-Woman Events!

I’ve moved most classes now to larger venues to accommodate our growing community. Friday morning Mixed Ability Class is sold out this term, but let me know if you’d like to go on the waiting list… or come along to a Well-Woman Class, Tuesday night Mixed Ability, Thursday night Men’s Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga!

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Much love,

Lucy xx

For A New Beginning

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life's desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

~ John O’Donohue

The Spaces In Between

Here we are. My final letter to you of the year. I’ll keep it (fairly) short and sweet as I know there’s an abundance of end of year newsletters falling into inboxes everywhere and it’s difficult to find the time to keep up.

Firstly, thank you! Thank you for another wonderful year in attending classes, events, retreats, or simply for connecting with me in some way through Living Your Yoga. It is our connections and practices together that nurture our yoga community. I’m always grateful to be able to share the practice of yoga that I have been living over the years, and it’s an honour to be part of your journey too. Thank you.

I’m writing as the sky is turning from a vibrant heart-warming pink to a deeper dusk. As we move towards winter solstice, our daylight hours are getting shorter and shorter, creating an opportunity for us to draw inwards and take some time to ourselves to reflect on the year gone by. This may seem like a tall order when we’re busying around preparing for festivities, maybe travelling, and tying up loose ends at our work place, but finding the spaces in between to pause and observe what you can let go of from this year, can create a space for something new in the next.

I know that a lot of us have had an incredibly challenging year - I certainly have - but these challenges have not only brought life-changing lessons, they’ve also deepened relationships with loved ones, and undoubtedly with ourselves. Our yoga practice is a great anchor in supporting ourselves as we move through challenges and change. It’s an opportunity for you to be with yourself. To listen to yourself. To accept yourself and observe both of the internal and external shifts and changes, to step into the flow of the experience, rather than resist, even when it all gets a bit too much.

I’ve found over recent months that deepening my ashtanga practice has helped me remain strong, focussed and grounded, but over the last couple of weeks, walking in nature and my yoga nidra practice have provided me with the space and the nourishment that I’ve needed to heal on the days when I’m feeling particularly fragile. Selecting different yogic practices to suit our needs from day to day is when yoga provides us with a real sense of self-healing. I weave between my practices, listening to my intuition in order to know which practice will serve me best. I guess it’s like when a chef knows exactly which flavours complement a dish, what to add and what to leave out, to create the desired outcome. I believe yoga can work in this way too, but as a healing mode, with the intention of delivering a tastier outcome.

In the New Year, I’ll be serving up a slightly different timetable to suit more needs :) Read on to find out more about the New Year Schedule, Events for 2025, a SPECIAL OFFER, New Classes, Christmas Gift idea’s and wrapping up this year.

CLASS SCHEDULE

January 6th ~ February 14th 2025

• Please note NEW Men’s Yoga Class

• Slighty later Ashtanga Yoga Class

• New LARGER venue for Friday’s Well-Woman Yoga Class

Please see the Class Schedule below and head to ‘Book Classes’ at www.livingyouryoga.co.uk to reserve your space. If you have any questions regarding the classes, drop me an email to: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFER!!

For those that book onto a term’s class, you will receive £5 off each event listed below. To claim your discount, please book the event with me directly via email: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk, or WhatsApp.

Kick-start your year with uplifting intentions by attending the monthly Mixed Ability Sessions; followed by nourishing Well-Woman Seasonal Events.

MEN’S YOGA CLASSES

Men’s Yoga Classes will provide practices designed to help with: Strength, Balance, Flexibility, Mobility, Ease Aches & Pains, Relaxation and build Self-Awareness. The classes are designed for ALL men, regardless of fitness level or experience.

What to Expect:

A combination of moving & static posture practices

Focussed breath work

Deep Relaxation Practices

Guided Meditation

What You’ll Gain:

Improved posture & body awareness

Increased strength & stability

Enhanced flexibility and greater mobility

Mental Clarity & Focus

Stress Reduction

Suitable For:

Complete Beginners

Experienced athletes

All fitness levels & abilities

Men seeking holistic physical & mental well-being

When: Every Thursday 6.15-7.15pm

Location: The Kenilworth Centre

Investment: £72 for 6 week term

Contact me for more details or head to my website to book your place

www.livingyouryoga.co.uk

Well-Woman Monthly Sunday Sessions

I’m launching a Well-Woman Monthly Sunday Class, ONLINE only, starting from Sunday January 5th at 6-7.15pm. These classes are suitable for all levels, no experience necessary. We already have a lovely little online community that has been created over the last year, but the beauty of zoom means that we can expand. The monthly class will include movement practices suitable for all women, including: pawanmuktasana (joint release); flowing sequences; pelvic floor awareness practices; static posture work; breath work; meditation; guided relaxation. Each month you’ll also receive a practice sheet which will have a scribe of some of the evenings practices for you to do between our sessions.

Woman that attend these classes range from absolute beginners, to those with a lifetime of experience. The age range is generally from 30 - 70+ years. You just need a mat, blankets and a cushion and an open mind.

Contact me for more information on info@livingyouryoga.co.uk, or head to my website to book using the Zoom button.

COSY CHRISTMAS YOGA NIDRA

A huge thanks to everybody that attended this months Yoga Nidra Event. It was full to the brim of both new and familiar faces. It’s theme was poignant for this time of year, reflecting on the past, present and future, and an opportunity to give thanks, all held in a safe space created for deep relaxation. Cafe Desa catered for the event…and my Mum, Gaya & Ellie helped immensely following the Nidra Practice.

I will be writing more Yoga Nidra’s next year and recording more too. There’s still a couple to purchase on my website. I will run another Cosy Christmas Nidra next year and am in the process of setting a date for a Mid-Summer Yoga Nidra event too - I’ll keep you posted.

Cosy Christmas Yoga Nidra December 2024

LYY CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

If you’re looking for innovative Christmas gifts this year, or even a gift for yourself, LYY may inspire you :)

You can purchase Gift Cards that can be spent on Classes, Events or 1:1’s; Yoga Nidra’s and Short Practices available to buy from the website and download to keep; alternatively, beautiful Living Your Yoga Candles, created by Rebecca Tracey, are available to buy. Drop me aline to discuss idea’s, buy a candle or head to my website to purchase a practice.

Full Size & Travel Size Available

As ever, thank you for reading if you’ve made it this far. And thank you for being part of the Living Your Yoga Community.

I wish you a beautiful Christmas, a joyful New Year and I hope that you have some time to enjoy some peace in the space in between. See you in January 2025.

Much Love,

Lucy x

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honourably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.

meet them at the door laughing and

invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

Rumi

Softening Around The Edges

I’ve procrastinated a lot over how to start this terms newsletter. The term has been so full both personally and professionally, the two aspects of my life have merged into one another more often than ever, unexpectedly, under both of the positive and negative umbrellas. The last six weeks have brought up an abundance of challenges, some of which have created fear in me facing difficult situations head on, but having faith that these challenges will move me in a new and different direction.

I often find that when fear arises in daily life circumstances, I step onto my mat, and as I move through my practice, that fear changes shape. It doesn’t necessarily go completely. Sometimes I’ll experience fear in a posture where I usually experience vulnerability. I have always found it fascinating how a yoga practice can help you see and recognise what we’re feeling, possibly pinpoint why, find it’s root and sometimes manifest itself by expressing a feeling through a posture, a discomfort, or a struggle in the breath. Often that feeling can soften around the edges, transform into something else, or simply lessen in intensity. There’s plenty of science and explanation behind what I’m writing. I have all of the explanations and theories in the abundance of yoga psychology books on my shelf. But to actually observe, experience and reflect on the effect of a practice in relation to fear - or anything else you may be experiencing in life - is incredibly profound. Not good or bad. Simply profound.

In class, my hope is that you always feel held and supported in our community - and that you also experience a greater sense of stability, ease and joy as a result of your yoga practice. Maybe you also notice your feelings arise and shape your practice, maybe they shift and change as your body and breath moves on your mat, just to help you feel a little better, if nothing else :)

Well-Woman Yoga Retreat at Namaste Barn/Clothing by Asquith

In the last newsletter I announced that I’d be launching a Youtube Channel - quite a few of you have asked about this, but it’s not yet ready. On a funny note, I spent a whole day recording material at the lovely Newson Health Clinic, only for my daughter to inform me, when she watched my filming, that I needed to start again and film in landscape, not portrait! (this sums up my life experience with tech :)) So I’ve filmed everything again - in landscape - and now I just need to record my voice over and get it rolling. Fortunately my dear friend (and virtual administrator) Lucy is all ready, researched and raring to get the channel going. I’ll notify you all when it launches - I promise! Or maybe I’ll ask Lucy to let you know ;)

There are more ideas, people and meet-ups going on behind the scenes of LYY. It feels like quite an exciting time. I’ll let you know more when plans are firmly in place. But, something I can offer you is a discount on Asquith Clothing. The outfit in the photo above is all provided by Asquith. The fabric is so soft and comfortable to move in - and impressively, the company are committed to working with fabrics that have limited social and environmental impact. If you use Livingyouryoga when you order from their site, you’ll receive a 10% discount. Head to www.asquith.com to have a look at their gorgeous collections :)

For now, read on to find out about Next Terms Schedule, Cosy Christmas Nidra Event, Events to kick start the year for the Mixed Ability and Ashtanga groups, Well-Woman Events 2025, Health & Wellness Column, Dates For Your Diary, LYY Candles back in stock and a Poem. But let’s begin with a little reflection on this years gorgeous Well-Woman Yoga Retreat in South Devon.

WELL-WOMAN YOGA RETREAT 2024

Savasana

This year’s retreat was both beautiful and eventful, with plenty of laughter, connection and consisting of a brilliant community of women. Stresses and strains of day to day life were left behind, new friendships blossomed and self-discoveries were made. Most of us had quite eventful journey’s to the retreat, so arriving to the venue and eating delicious food was just what we all needed. The Devonshire views and the sense of space was stunning, Victoria’s holistic treatments were incredible, Virginia’s fire ceremony was a whole new experience for us all, and practising in the yoga studio was just exquisite. We all were totally inspired in meeting ‘Foraging Dawn’: we thought we’d be hiking for miles, but there were so many plants and leaves that could be consumed on the doorstep, we discovered we could literally eat most of the garden of Namaste Barn! We’ve all been inspired! Look out Crackley Woods…there’s new foragers on the loose! ;)

Thank you to the brilliant women that made the retreat so very special!

For more information on LYY Retreats, email me on: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Foraging Fun!

NEXT TERM’S SCHEDULE

Monday 4th November ~ Thursday 19th December

Please see the Class Schedule below and head to ‘Book Classes’ at www.livingyouryoga.co.uk to reserve your space. If you have any questions regarding the classes, drop me an email to: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Graphics developed by Willow

COSY CHRISTMAS NIDRA

Sunday 8th December 6 ~ 8pm

Come along to a little Christmas Event designed for you to take a breather from the build up to the busyness of the festivities that December always brings. This event is designed for you to take some time, reflect on the year and bring it to a gentle close using the practice of Yoga Nidra. The practice is designed to help you release and relax in a welcoming and safe environment, whilst experiencing the deep and healing meditative structure of a Yoga Nidra written by myself solely for this event.

Bring your mat as well as plenty of blankets and pillows to create your Nidra nest in order to experience complete comfort and ease for the body and mind to rest completely.

Following the Nidra, you’ll receive a delicious warm festive drink (non-alcoholic) and a treat to share together to have a mini festive social too! I’m really looking forward to sharing this event with you! There’s a handful of spaces left. Head to ‘Book Classes’ on my website.

Graphic developed by Willow

NEW YEAR MIXED ABILITY EVENTS

It’s been absolutely ages since I’ve ran events for those that attend Mixed Ability and Ashtanga Classes - and also for those that want to attend our classes but can’t make regular attendance - so I thought I’d create a few to help kick start 2025 with some uplifting events!

Each session takes place on the first Sunday of the months January, February and March. The sessions start at 10am (so arrive a little earlier to settle in) and finish at 12pm. You’ll be given a handout of the mornings practice, and also a home-made energy ball and a cup of tea to take away with you! Or to drink before you leave for your next destination.

See dates below and if you’d like to book, head to ‘Book Classes’ on my website: www.livingyouryoga.co.uk

Graphics By Willow

WELL-WOMAN YOGA EVENTS 2025

Next years Well-Woman Events and are now available to book. These events will consist of practices inspired and in tune with Spring & Autumn Equinox. Spring Equinox practices will focus on renewal, reflection, balance, spring cleaning (!) and gratitude. Autumn Equinox practices will be inspired by gathering, rest, reflection, balance, gratitude, nourishment and winding down.

Both Spring & Autumn Equinox each bring our attention to balance (reflecting equilibrium of night and day); gratitude for nature and its restoration of balance; and the pivotal times of changing pace in life.

Spring stimulates, whilst Autumn soothes and slows us down. These workshops will reflect the shifts in nature in our movement, meditation and breathing practices. Both will also include Yoga Nidras especially written for these events.

Graphics developed by Willow

HEALTH & WELLNESS COLUMN

I would like to introduce Jill O’Hagan in this edition of LYY’s Health & Wellness column. She’s a fantastic Craniosacral therapist which I discovered when she started attended my Well-Woman Classes. I’ve received treatment from Jill and highly recommend her! Please read Jill’s write up below to find out more about the therapy and how it works.

Upledger CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle hands on therapy, which is suitable for all ages, that releases restrictions in the client’s tissues.

It is very useful in babies who instinctively stretch out tightness retained in their bodies from pregnancy and birth. Adults too, when relaxed and supported by gentle touch, have a self healing tendency to release tension in their bodies.

The craniosacral system includes the bones of the head, the meninges, the brain, the spinal cord and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). As CSF is produced and reabsorbed within the craniosacral system, it causes a rhythmical pressure change which is reflected out to the rest of body, and to the hands of the therapist. This is called the CranioSacral Rhythm (CSR).

The therapist is sensing changes in the body with their hands, allowing gentle release of the tissues and fascia, rebalancing the CSR and rebalancing  the body. The therapy is client led and therapist follows where directed by the CSR.

Dr John Upledger, who developed this form of CST, noticed that some areas of trauma or illness are associated with an emotional component. He developed a technique called Somatic Emotional Release which, rather than separating the physical from the psychological, unites them by releasing any emotional trauma that may have been retained along with the physical trauma. As well as recovery from illness, it helps resolve issues that have caused a lack of potential for health and fulfilment and promotes personal growth. This can be very profound.

I first discovered CST when I was referred by the physiotherapist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwick to a Pilates instructor in Leamington. She gave me an individual session of therapy before I joined her class, following which I could not only move my neck more than I had been able to before, but also felt very emotionally supported. This therapy turned out to be CST and I was intrigued.

Over the following decade I attended many courses and treated family and friends with conditions such as headaches, back aches, tension and stress, vertigo, post hysterectomy, post prostate cancer, Lymes disease and after motor bike accidents, as well as treating pregnant women, children and unsettled babies.

I spent time reconciling what I was experiencing through CST with what I had experienced whilst practising as a GP trained in traditional western medicine. CST does replace appropriate medical care however, as a non prescriptive treatment that follows the need of the client, it can help relieve dysfunction from many sources and can help uncover and address the deeper causes of our symptoms.

I obtained my technique certification in 2022 and became a qualified CranioSacral Therapist and member of the CranioSacral Society.

I now enjoy working with clients of all ages, from babies to the elderly, in Kenilworth and in Shipston Therapy Centre.

If you would like to experience this treatment for yourself please text me,

Jill O’Hagan, on 07967 979372  or email me at jill.ohagan@yahoo.co.uk

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

• Monday 4th November ~ Term Begins

• Saturday 16th November ~ Well-Woman Yoga Event

• Sunday 8th December ~ Cosy Christmas Yoga Nidra

• Thursday 19th December ~ LYY Christmas Social

• Thursday 19th December ~ End of Term

• Sunday 5th January ~ Jump Into January!

• Monday 6th January ~ New Year Term Begins

• Sunday 2nd February ~ Ask, Explore Practice!

• Sunday 2nd March ~ Spring Into Action!

• Sunday 16th March ~ Well-Woman Yoga Spring Equinox Event

• Saturday 20th September ~ Well-Woman Yoga Autumn Equinox Event

Living Your Yoga Candles

I’m excited to share that I now have both full size and travel size Living Your Yoga Candles back in stock ready for the darker days, or for Christmas gifts!

The candle is 100% natural and made up of Black Pepper to calm anxiety; Bergamot to help lift moods of depression; Patchouli to ground & soothe: Neroli to uplift.

I always light my candle for my home practice - it’s part of my daily ritual - and whenever I smell the scent of my candle when I’m not practicing, it invokes a sense of calm and good feeling. This is what inspired a Living Your Yoga candle to be created.

If you’d like to purchase a candle, do drop me a message /email. If you’re not local and would like a candle posted to you, head to ‘Book Classes’ on my website, scroll to the bottom of the page and you can purchase your candle there. www.livingyouryoga.co.uk

Full size candles are £32; Travel size candles are £16.

I will be bringing them to both to the Well-Woman & Cosy Christmas Nidra Events too.

Living Your Yoga Candles

I think that’s all for now. Thank you for reading if you made it this far!

Keep an eye out on your WhatsApp group message for the details of our Christmas social in Kenilworth.

Have a lovely half term break and see you soon.

Much Love,

Lucy xx

fear creates walls for protection

but with an army of love

and the softness of the heart

march head on

intrigue will peep

courage will climb

truth will be standing ready

to welcome whatever comes

with curiosity

and a step

in a new direction.

facing fear

Impermanence

I began to write this blog yesterday and it felt strange as I sat looking out of the window on the last day of August, only to see grey clouds, watch the wind start to whisk the leaves into a frenzy and wonder if Summer just didn’t fancy coming out to play in England this year. Now today, on the first of September, the day looked a little brighter, a little warmer and I had a fun-filled and giggly day out with one of my dearest friends.

Happy Place Festival with my dear friend Emma Collins

There’s something quite beautiful about the onset of Autumn with it’s unpredictable arrival, the changing colours of nature, the indecisive weather and that feeling of gathering and turning inward… yet also something incredibly melancholic about the season and it’s changes.

Moving into Autumn is a perfect example and reminder of impermanence and the feelings that may be associated with change. Just as the wind whisks the leaves off the trees and they find themselves in a new place with a new view and a different perspective, the beauty of impermanence throughout life mirrors this experience. Life moves us in different directions, shifting our perspectives, with its multitude of challenges: resisting change can cause suffering, but too much instability and turnarounds can cause overwhelm. We are continually required to go with a flow and find balance: enjoying moments of stillness and times of predictability, amidst the guarantee of change and impermanence. Your Yoga practice is a great anchor for supporting and navigating change in life: physically, mentally emotionally and spiritually.

Autumn is also the perfect time to return to healthy routines and helpful habits whilst returning back to school, work and home….and your yoga class! ;)

We had a reduced schedule throughout the Summer, but this gave me time to dream up ideas and creative plans as Living Your Yoga is beginning to grow.

Read on to find out about next Terms Schedule, November’s Well-Woman Yoga Event, Cosy Christmas Yoga Nidra, Well-Woman Yoga Retreats 2025, Health & Wellness Column, Yoga For Men, the Launch Of Living Your Yoga on YouTube, Introducing one of the New Members of Team LYY, Dates For Your Diary and a poem.

Autumn Term Schedule

Tuesday 3rd September ~ Friday 25th October 2024

Please see the Class Schedule below and head to ‘Book Classes’ at www.livingyouryoga.co.uk to reserve your space.

If you have any questions regarding the classes, drop me an email to: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Graphic developed by Willow

Well-Woman Yoga Event November 2024

The final Well-Woman Event Afternoon at Leek Wootton Village Hall takes place on Saturday 16th November, 2.15-5.15pm.

These events always sell out and are created to be a beautiful opportunity for you to take some time out for yourself, within a nurturing community environment, using yogic practices to create an unravelling experience for and within yourself.

Practices include: Joint release practices (pawanmuktasana); Spinal release exercises; pelvic floor awareness practices; static and moving posture practice; breath work, guided meditation and a Yoga Nidra. There is also a break that is catered for by Desa Cafe.

Head to Book Classes at www.livingyouryoga.co.uk to reserve your space or email me for more information at info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Well-Woman Yoga Event June 2024

Cosy Christmas Yoga Nidra

I was recently inspired at a LYY team meeting to create an event for Christmas for our fabulous community. I wanted to do something special where we could all come together, take some deep rest and follow this with a festive drink, treat and a mini festive celebration together.

Please read the details below and head to my website to ‘Book Classes’ to book your space. I hope you can make it!

www.livingyouryoga.co.uk

Graphic developed by Willow.

Well-Woman Yoga Retreats 2025

We’re all set and ready to go for this October’s Well-Woman Yoga Retreat which sold out in less than 24 hours!

I’ve been taking bookings and confirming the teams for Living Your Yoga’s Well-Woman Yoga Retreats 2025 which include Yoga led by myself, including Movement, Meditation, Breath Work and Yoga Nidra; catering shared between Virginia Compton or Desa Cafe; Holistic Treatments shared between Victoria Beauty, Virginia Compton and Andrea Ramus; plus Guided Foraging, Health Talks and Fire Ceremonies all in the beautiful setting of Namaste Barn in South Devon.

Do read the information below, drop me an email if you’re interested and I’ll send you a retreat booklet.

info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Graphic developed by Willow.

Health & Wellness Column

Victoria from Victoria Beauty

This Health & Wellbeing Column is all about Victoria from Victoria Beauty in Kenilworth. Victoria & I collaborated several years ago creating a Mother’s Day Gift combining a Yoga Nidra (that I wrote) with a voucher for a treatment with Victoria along with some beauty samples by Katherine Daniels.

Now, I’m really excited to announce that Victoria is our joining our LYY Yoga Retreat Team as one of our Holistic Therapists. She will be offering her treatments this October and in next June’s Retreat in 2025.

Here’s Victoria’s introduction:

I started Victoria Beauty in 2014 after working in a health spa gaining invaluable training with beautiful brands like Clarins and Aveda. Beginning my business really to me was so empowering to my personal development and mental health allowing me to work more freely and holistically with the clients I love.

At Alca Lodge in Kenilworth I use a wholly vegan product range by Katherine Daniels who combine ultimate luxury with the finest active skincare ingredients. I always love recommending these high end facials with my signature stress reliving massage treatment.

I can truly say I love my job! I’m so passionate about being a beauty therapist and holding a space with women to relax, renew and restore body and mind. It’s not just about how you look it’s how you feel and I love promising a service that helps empower women’s confidence and well being.

Victoria Beauty is based on Priory Road in Kenilworth.

To book a treatment contact: 07534374745

Yoga For Men

I’m thrilled to announce plans to launch Yoga for Men in January 2025!

Well-Man Classes are designed for men to experience greater ease in mobility, an enhanced sense of balance & inner strength, a release in day-to-day aches and pains through yogic practices, all within a relaxed community setting. Additional tools to ease mental stress include: breath work, meditation techniques, practice guidance, support and humour.

If you are interested in finding out more information about these classes or would like to reserve a place, contact info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Living Your Yoga on YouTube

For many years my children have asked me to create a Youtube Channel - in fact they offered to create it for me, for me to ‘do my yoga stuff for everyone’. Over the years, numerous clients, that I’ve worked with both nationally and internationally have asked me to do the same. So now I’m ready (I think). But I wanted to put a bit of a community edge on it and get a bit creative too (of course I need to scratch that itch!).

As of September, I’ll be releasing two weekly classes: one will be a 20 minute practice and the other will be a 5 minute therapeutic practice. I want to create something that can be helpful, add to your therapeutic toolbox (whether it’s for physical or mental support) and something that will be fresh and inspiring for you to explore each week.

Every month the classes will be filmed from a different venue that promotes Health & Well Being in some way so that there is a positive exchange and support of businesses whose aim is to enhance the wellness of community - whatever and wherever that may be. I’m hoping to film far and wide.

There will be an announcement here and on social media when the channel is launched - I’m looking forward to sharing it with you all!

Living Your Yoga is Expanding: Introducing New Team Members

LYY’s New Virtual Administrator: Lucy Cash

I’m so excited to introduce you to Lucy - an amazing friend and inspirational woman! I feel very lucky to announce Lucy to be joining Living Your Yoga and leading all things administrative. She will be ensuring that the administrative side of LYY will be running smoothly.

Here’s a little introduction about herself:

Hi I'm the other Lucy, a lover of mother nature and big landscapes humbling our presence on the earth. A scientist, academic, quietly creative, pragmatic and spiritual. As a keen fitness person l am a long term practitioner yoga and meditation with a buddhist twist. Navigating life everyday to find my own balance and peace.

Dates For Your Diary

• Tuesday 3rd September ~ Autumn Term begins

• Sunday 22nd September ~ LYY YouTube Launch

• Thursday 3rd October ~ Sunday 6th October Well-Woman Yoga Retreat

• Friday 25th October ~ Autumn Term Ends

• Monday 4th November ~ Winter Term Begins

• Saturday 16th November ~ Well-Woman Yoga Event

• Sunday 8th December ~ Cosy Christmas Yoga Nidra

• Thursday 19th December ~ End Of Term

I think that’s all for now!

Thank you for reading if you’ve made it this far.

Here’s to a beautiful Autumn Term.

I look forward to seeing you on the mat.

Much Love,

Lucy x

Winds Of Change

A wind of change blew in last night

rattling window frames

reminding all who felt its blast

that nothing stays the same

the gale whipped up a frenzy

an air of dread and fear

it swooped up all the status quo

and dropped it far from here

it tore apart my comfort zone

which took me time and toil

it whisked away my safety net

and razed my home to soil

as the new dawn spread its light

across this barren scene

it hurt to breathe the fresh new air

so fearful I have been

but winds of change don’t fly alone

they travel in a crowd

the knowing from our ancestors

their instincts, screaming loud

the memories of past times we flew

when ground was whipped away

our wings that caught us many times

grow stronger every day

and winds of change bring bright new light

and keys to unlock doors

that hide our vast reserves of strength

when we need to find some more

so let it go, flow with the wind

don’t face against her power

these winds they know, to move, is life

that’s how a garden flowers

take time to settle, like the seeds

that soar around the air

your time to rise comes soon enough

dig deep, you will get there.

Donna Ashworth - Growing Brave

Summer Sweetness: A Short Note

The sun may not be shining a lot of late, but there have been plenty of smiles and joy in our classes this term that have lit up the room. I’d really like to thank you all for accommodating quite a haphazard term. I had some large events to tend too, both personally and professionally, and it is always so incredible to return to our classes whereby everyone just steps back onto their mats with ease (usually in their regular places in the room ;)) as though a day or a week hadn’t been missed. Thank you for always coming back.

This blog will be short and sweet. Although I have a lot planned for LYY in the coming months, I’ll share everything with you in the next blog, this will be released just ahead of next term.

Do read on to find out about Summer’s reduced Timetable Offers; Next Terms Booking Dates; Well-Woman Events & Retreats; Health & Wellness Column: Introducing Ayurvedic Expert Virginia Compton; a Poem.

Tuesday Evening Mixed Ability at the Parochial Hall

Summer Schedule

Monday’s 7-8.15pm ~ Hatha Yoga Online Only

29th July; 12th August; 26th August; 2nd September

x4 Sessions are £40 (special Summer offer)/£12 to drop-in

Thursday’s 7-8.30pm ~ Mixed Ability Yoga (In-Person & Online)

The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ

1st August; 8th August; 15th August; 29th August

x4 Sessions are £48 (special Summer offer)/£15 to drop-in

Online classes Monday & Thursday Evenings over the Summer

Autumn Schedule

Tuesday 3rd September ~ Friday 25th October

Mondays: 09/09/24 - 21/10/24 *no class 7th October

Well-Woman Yoga 9.30-11am

Leek Wootton Village Hall, Warwick Road, Warwickshire, CV35 7RB

Well-Woman Yoga 12.15 -1.30pm

Welford & Weston Memorial Hall, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 8EF

Hatha Yoga 7-8.15pm Online Only

Tuesdays: 03/09/24 - 22/10/24

Mixed Ability Yoga 7-8.30pm

Parochial Hall, 28 High street, Kenilworth, CV8 1LZ

Thursdays: 05/09/24 - 24/10/24

Ashtanga Yoga 7-8.30pm

The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ

Fridays: 06/09/24 - 25/10/24 * no classes 27th Sept & 4th October

Mixed Ability Yoga 9.15-10.45am

The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 2JS

Well-Woman Yoga 11-12.30pm

The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 2JS

Head to my website to book your space, or if you’re booking two classes a week, contact me directly for your discount.

Well-Woman Yoga Events

June’s Well-Woman Event was busy and beautiful as ever - such a wonderful group of women coming together to take a few hours in an afternoon to help relax and rejuvenate, whilst connecting to a caring and supportive community. Thank you to all of you that came. A huge thank you to Cynthia’s Cafe Desa for catering as always, and a special thank you to Gaya Neault for sharing her new line of work as a Health & Wellbeing Coach.

Cafe Desa will be catering at our November Well-Woman Event and we’ll be hosting another local therapist for you to discover and connect with. They will be announced in the Autumn newsletter. There are only 5 places available now for November’s Event. Head to my website to book your space or contact me for more details. www.info@livingyouryoga.co.uk/info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Well-Woman Event: June 2024 at Leek Wootton Village Hall

Well-Woman Yoga Retreats 2025

Next year is a big year for Living Your Yoga Well-Woman Retreats! There will be 3 retreats held at the beautiful Namaste Barns in South Devon with catering shared between Cafe Desa and Virginia Compton (information about her below); Ayurvedic and Holistic Treatments; Guided Foraging; Cocao Ceremonies; Women’s Health Talks and a variety of nourishing Yoga Practices led every morning, late afternoon & evening. This October’s Retreat sold out in less than 24 hours. Bookings are being taken for next years retreats - contact me for more details or to book your room: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Health & Wellbeing Column

I’d like to introduce Virginia Compton. Many of you have met Virginia several years ago when she catered for a LYY Well-Woman Yoga Event and also delivered an amazing talk on Ayurveda. Since then she has continued to expand her practice and knowledge by running retreats in both the UK and India, continuing treating her clients in South Devon and has also published a book…amongst a lot more! Virgina is originally from Warwickshire, but we met 15 years ago when we were both living in South Devon and have been friends ever since. I’m really excited that Virginia will be catering on some of LYY Well-Woman Yoga Retreats (this October and next June 2025) and will also be offering her Ayurvedic Holistic Treatments during next March 2025 LYY Well-Woman Yoga Retreat. Please read all about her below:

Meeting with Virginia last Summer planning this years and next years retreats!

Virginia is an Ayurvedic practitioner and Devi devotee based in Devon UK and Kerala India. 

She hosts workshops and retreats and offers 121 sessions both online and in person. 

She is the author of Sattvic Soul, a simple and beautiful guide to living an Ayurvedic life in the real world. 

www.virginiacompton.com 

Here’s some of her words on Ayurveda:

The Magic of Ayurveda

We are all unique. And yet there are some things which work well for everyone, how can this be?

The art of Ayurveda (meaning science of life) is sometimes called the ‘sister science’ of Yoga. Practised in India for over 5000 years it is a comprehensive system for mind and body health and wellness. Completely holistic and using natural ingredients and inspiration from nature, how does this work and how can we apply it individually?

Ayurveda incorporates several elements into its system of health and wellness. Although primarily aimed at preventing disease it is also used to treat conditions. It differs from western medicine in that it seeks to discover the root cause of disease and to the rebalance the body and mind. Once the root cause is addressed and the body and mind is rebalanced the body will intelligently rebalance and repair. Sounds simple? Here’s how it works.

We are all made from the 5 elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether. We all have these elements in varying amounts, this is what makes us appear so individual in terms of our physical body and personality. Depending on how much of each element you have you can be viewed as having mixture of different constitutions. These are known as Kapha (earth and water), Pitta (fire and water) and Vata (air and ether). The different constitutions then have specific disease tendencies, emotional traits and physical attributes. When we know and understand ourselves in this way we can learn to prevent disease and to obtain and maintain our optimum state of health.

When we have an excessive amount of one or more of the elements this can lead to the formation of ama (toxins) which then eventually create disease symptoms. When we have ama we might see a coating on the tongue, feel heavy and sluggish, have digestive issues and other symptoms of feeling generally unwell. It’s important to then rebalance the body in order to prevent further ama and disease progression.

The methods used in Ayurveda are simple but incredible effective and powerful. They include:

• Routine, a structured daily routine according to the Ayurvedic ‘clock.’

• Food, which is aligned to your specific constitution and health needs.

• Cleansing, simple techniques to remove ama (toxins) from the body.

• Herbs, to rebalance and rejuvenate as well as to assist the body in recovering from disease.

• Bodywork, massage and other physical treatment to treat the physical body, especially in terms of aches and pains as well as overall rebalancing.

Ayurveda is a tried and tested ancient system that works. Once you know the basic principles you’ll find you can easily apply them in your everyday life. To begin your Ayurveda wellness journey it’s a good idea to consult a practitioner, to discuss your individual constitution and needs.

Shirodhana: a specialised Ayurvedic treatment whereby warm oil is poured continuously on the head (phenomenally relaxing - highly recommend!)

I hope that this short and sweet newsletter brings you some inspiration and good feeling - and encourages you to come along to a class this Summer wherever you are, home or away:)

I thought to end my note to you with a poem that was sent to me recently by a very dear friend - followed by a beautiful photograph taken from my recent work trip to Switzerland.

Have a beautiful Summer and see you soon.

Much Love,

Lucy xx

Cycling Home.

Here Comes The Sun

Despite the term flying by, it feels like ages ago since I’ve connected with you all via the written word. I hope that you’re all keeping well and finding your yoga practice a great anchor in your health and wellbeing: physically, energetically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually!

I listen to feedback from our community about your practice regularly. I like to know what’s working for you and also what isn’t. Both in our group classes and a 1:1 capacity, I am told about how your practice has helped to support recover from illness, help to manage grief, create support in stressful periods of life, or simply allow you some time to switch off from everything else and take the opportunity to listen yourselves and to what you are feeling. The practice to switch off from all of the ongoings and noise around us, often allows us to drop in to our deeper sense of self, our inner wisdom, and hear what we really need…and perhaps work out how to create a space to be able to respond to ourselves.

I write this as I’ve been going through a lot in my personal life. It’s been incredibly challenging for me over the last 18 months or so - and the situation’s just seem to continue to intensify. I’m incredibly fortunate to have loving & supportive family, friends and a yoga community that keeps me going. And of course my practice.

My practices have expanded and deepened since my last blog, so I thought I’d share a little more about how Yoga, and other forms of therapy, help us to navigate, support and become a great anchor in our lives when we’re being challenged, put under pressure and maybe feel somewhat caged in by life’s circumstances. I don’t usually write about myself in these blogs, but thought to share how much yogic practices can really help.

Read on to find out more about Yoga as a form of Therapy and Healing; Next Terms Schedule; Well-Woman Events & Retreats; Newson Health & Dr Louise Newson’s latest book in Paperback; Health & Wellbeing Column (new column); Recent Training “The Pelvis Is Everything”; And a book recommendation …

Gomukasana/Cow Face Posture

Yoga as a Form of Therapy

Ashtanga Yoga has always been the practice that I return to. I danced around Hatha Yoga and various forms of meditation from the age of 14/15, but when I experienced Ashtanga Yoga at the age of 22, I felt a real sense of coming home to myself. Despite exploring so many different movement practices, styles of yoga and enjoying a variety of creative movement structures and play over the past couple of decades, I have always returned to my Ashtanga Yoga practice.

I hope that the practices that I share provide you with a safe space to always return to, and experience the feeling of coming home to yourself too. I encourage all of my students that attend my classes to choose at least one practice to take home with them and practice each day: something that resonates and that they can explore in their own time on a deeper level to reconnect with themselves. This is a really great healing practice.

Physically, for me, Ashtanga Yoga helps me feel strong, energetically I feel uplifted and grounded, mentally I feel a greater sense of clarity, emotionally I feel release, and spiritually I feel more connected to myself and my intuition. For me, it is like a mirror that shows me where I am at. Most of the time I arrive on the mat feeling pulled in so many different directions of what I have to do each day, but as I start to move through my practice, I have more moments where I can just be present and feel.

I practice Ashtanga four to five times a week at the moment. I practice in-person with my long-term teacher James Critchlow once a week. (I originally began his classes in my early 20’s) More recently I began practicing with another teacher as well, to help me deepen, develop and support my home practice. I came across Ashtanga Yoga teacher Adam Keen on his podcast. The first interview I listened to was with Ellen Johannesen with whom I spent an amazing week learning from at Purple valley in Tenerife in 2022. I listened to this podcast loads of times as I love how Ellen teaches: her approach and her knowledge about Buddhism and Ashtanga Yoga is just immense. As the podcast rolled on to the next episode, and the next, I found Adam’s enquiries and interviews really inspiring and felt drawn to attending his online Mysore Classes. After the first week (which is at a very generous introductory price) I felt so connected to my practice: it felt refreshed and I felt re-inspired. Adam is an authentic, encouraging and incredibly knowledgable teacher. I used to practice in the afternoons, or late at night, but now I generally start my practice online with Adam around 7am (after my coffee!) for anything between 30 to 90 minutes. It really helps me start the day and better cope with the challenges that arise. My practice has evolved and my enquiry has deepened, so much so, that I’ll be furthering my practice with Adam’s Ashtanga Yoga Online Course later this year which I’m very excited about!

I really recommend Adam’s Keen On Yoga podcasts and classes. For more information, and loads of really interesting articles on all aspects of Yoga, check out his website here: keenonyoga.com

Paschimottasana/Seated Forward Bend

I bookend my day with an evening Meditation practice. I’ve been quietly integrating and studying a Foundations In Teaching Mindfulness Meditation Course which was created by the late Michael Stone. I’ve studied many types of Meditation Practices from varying courses, led by different teachers, learned techniques from books and personal practice, but I wanted to find something that had a specific framework to work within to help me as I move through this challenging time in my life to help me process, explore and listen. The course was originally something I wanted to do for myself, but I have shared the beginnings of the practice in some classes, and individually, and have had really beautiful feedback. Practicing Meditation in the evening works for me: it closes the day quietly and with reflection. For me, the practice has been a great anchor and balances out my morning energising practice.

Anyone can practice meditation. At any time. You can sit or lie down, you don’t have to sit with your legs crossed. There are so many books and online courses to dip into to start your practice, even a short 3 minute practice can be beneficial. Start slowly with a realistic aim. Be kind to yourself.

I plan to develop a short online mindfulness course later in the year - I’ll keep you posted.

The course I’m currently doing is available through yogacampus.com where you can find a multitude of brilliant online and in person courses with fabulous teachers. I recommend having a look at what they have to offer - you don’t have to be a yoga teacher to attend all of the courses either.

As a Yoga Therapist, I often recommend my clients to other therapists that specialise in acupuncture, massage, counselling, nutrition, life-coaching, cranio-sacral therapy, reflexology to name a few. We all resonate with different practices individually, and with different people. We have lots of therapists in our community and I’m meeting more all of the time. I’ll be introducing a new therapist/health & wellbeing business in each termly blog - you may find something and someone that aligns with your needs.

Health & Wellbeing Column

I’d like to introduce Gaya in this newsletter. I’ve known Gaya for nearly 9 years now and she is an incredible woman that I’m really very honoured to introduce you to. Please read on to find out what she is currently up to and how she may be able to support you.

Gaya Neault is a Mum of two living in Kenilworth. She is nearing completion of a Level 5 diploma to become a qualified health and wellbeing coach. From a young age, she had an interest in how the body works, leading her to study Medicinal Chemistry at university. Her career included working as a QA manager, ensuring product quality for Lloyds Pharmacy.

For the past 9 years, she has been on a learning journey exploring her Ayurvedic heritage, understanding the body's functioning, the importance of gut health, and how diet, digestion, movement, lifestyle, and finding joy impact long-term health. She is excited to qualify as a health coach to share her knowledge and help people take ownership of their health and well-being to live energetic and healthy lives.

If you are interested in being a case study working with Gaya for either 4 or 6 weeks, please contact Gaya on 07779334478 or drop her an email: gayaneault@icloud.com

Gaya Neault

WELL-WOMAN YOGA EVENTS

We have two Well-Woman Yoga Events left this year. These events are really special and are designed for women to spend the afternoon being guided with yogic practices to release tension, encourage ease of mobility, enhance self-awareness, and take time to relax and connect with others in the community. As well as catering being provided by the fabulous Cafe Desa of Leamington, I invite an independent business that’s connected to wellbeing to each event. Our March event hosted Charlie, creator of F|lux Activewear, to talk and sell some of her range. Our next event in June will host a short talk with Gaya Neault who is developing her work as a Health & Wellbeing Coach (see her introduction above).

Well-Woman Yoga practices include: Joint Release (Pawanmuktasana); Spinal Release; Static and Flowing Sequences (Asana); Pelvic Floor Awareness Practices; Meditation; Breath Work and Yoga Nidra.

There are only a handful of spaces for both June and November Well-Woman Events this year - they have been selling quicker than I expected!

If you’d like to book both, please contact me directly as you will receive a discount, else head to my website to book your space online. Head to Book Classes at www.livingyouryoga.co.uk

Well-Woman Events

WELL-WOMAN YOGA RETREATS

This October’s Well-Woman Retreat sold out in less than 24 hours, so I have booked to run three in 2025. March’s retreat has started to sell, June’s is half full and I’ve been receiving enquiries regarding November’s retreat.

Each Well-Woman Retreat includes a three night stay in the beauteous Namaste Barn in South Devon with 3 daily Yoga Practices, including Yoga Nidra; Nourishing Meals, Snacks & Drinks are Ayurvedic inspired or Indonesian inspired; Guided Foraging is organised; Women’s Health Talks available; Ayurvedic & Holistic Treatments available; Fire Pit Ceremony; Time and Space for You.

These retreats are designed for women that need some time to rest, reflect and restore. We spend so much time working, looking after others, keeping up with all of our daily, weekly, monthly tasks that time can fly by and we are just exhausted and wondering why we are doing what we’re doing! These weekends are an opportunity to unwind and reflect so that you are able to tune in and listen to your own needs: everything is done for you. There is space for you to attend practices, rest, read, walk, meet, talk and laugh with the community, and maybe feel inspired by the health talks, the meals, the yoga and the company!

Do drop me a line for more information or to reserve a space at info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

SUMMER TERM SCHEDULE

Monday 3rd June ~ Thursday 18th July 2024

Mondays (03/06/24 - 15/07/24) *no classes 1st July

Well-Woman Yoga 9.30-11am at Leek Wootton Village Hall, Warwick Road, Warwickshire, CV35 7RB *no class 10th June

Well-Woman Yoga 12.15 -1.30pm at Welford & Weston Memorial Hall, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 8EF

Hatha Yoga 7-8.15pm Online Only

Tuesdays (04/06/24 - 16/07/24) *no class 2nd July

Mixed Ability Yoga 7-8.30pm at Parochial Hall, 28 High street, Kenilworth, CV8 1LZ

Thursdays (06/06/24 - 18/07/24)*no classes 27th June & 4th July

Ashtanga Yoga 7-8.30pm at The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ

Fridays (08/06/24 - 12/07/24) * no class 5th July

Mixed Ability Yoga 9.15-10.45am at The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 2JS

Well-Woman Yoga 11-12.30pm at The tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 2JS

Head to my website to book your space, or if you’re booking two classes a week, contact me directly for your discount.

YOGA & NEWSON HEALTH

As Newson Health’s Yoga Teacher & Yoga Therapist, I was fortunate to be asked to provide all of the staff with mini office yoga classes last month. I created a short sequence of practices for posture awareness and inviting ease into the spine and pelvis; releasing joint pain and tension in the neck, hands, wrists and shoulders; and also some balance and breath work to support focus and concentration. Mini practices like these, that can be practiced in an office environment can just be the perfect tonic to step back from becoming overwhelmed with a workload, release mental and physical tension and help stress levels become more manageable. The staff at Newson Health work really hard in supporting so many women, so it was a real honour to be able to give something to them.

I was due to begin a 6 week Yoga Therapy For Menopause Course at Newson Health Wellbeing Centre. This is on the back burner at the moment due to my current schedule, but it is still going to go ahead at some point. I had received quite a few enquiries about running it online too, so I’m going to work out how to navigate both in-person and online opportunities. Drop me a line if it’s something that you feel you could benefit from and I’ll get back to you when I have confirmed my arrangements.

Dr Louise Newson’s latest book is now available in paperback! I was honoured to be asked to write a chapter in this book on how Yoga can support the Menopause transition. I will be bringing signed copies of Louises’s books to Well-woman Classes & Events this year - let me know if you’d like me to save one for you.

The Pelvis Is Everything

Judith kindly wrote me a note as I forgot to take one of her books to sign ;)

Last weekend I attended a training with Judith Lasater at Yogacampus in London. The whole weekend was centred around the pelvis, exploring and experiencing how the movement and positioning of the pelvis, both is asana practice and in life generally, affects every position our body moves or rests in. Usually when we practice yoga asana, the practice focusses heavily on the spine, but interestingly, we can move the spine in different directions and it doesn’t always affect the pelvis, but if we move the pelvis, it always impacts the spine. So the weekend was spent working from this perspective which was really enlightening and once again, has opened my mind to a different way of practicing and looking at posture work.

Something that I love about teaching yoga is working individually with students to best support them in exploring how a posture feels works best for them. The beauty of understanding and delving a little deeper into understanding the anatomy of our bodies, helps us understand (and accept) that sometimes are bodies just aren’t going to ever sit in lotus pose, or maybe we’ll never rest our head on the ground in a wide leg forward fold, because some pelvis’s just naturally won’t allow us to due to the size, shape and structure of an individual’s pelvis. But what we can do in a yoga posture is modify, maybe using props, so that you can find a variation of the posture to experience its benefits, and explore, if that’s something that works for you!

I find that the more I learn about yoga, the less I know! It always keeps me hooked :)

Huge difference between female and male pelvis (imagine how different we all are individually?!)

Finally I thought to close this newsletter (which is now very long!) with a really good book recommendation. I often share Yung Pueblo’s poems at the end of my newsletters as I just find them so thought-provoking and beautiful. I was really excited to buy his latest book, which is also thought-provoking and beautiful! It’s about his personal healing journey and how his meditation practice helped transform his life. There’s lots of really inspiring messages in this book: it’s a great read for self-reflection too as he ends each section with questions for you to ponder on. It’s a really easy read too.

“your immediate reaction

does not tell you who you are

it is how you decide to respond after the reaction

that gives you real insight

into how much you have grown

your first reaction is your past

your intentional response is your present”

Lighter. Yung Pueblo.

Well, if you’ve read this far down, thank you! I hope that it has inspired you in some way :)

Do drop me a line with any feedback or if you have any yoga-related questions that I may be able to help you with.

Wishing you a fantastic half term and look forward to seeing you on the mat very soon.

Much Love,

Lucy x x

Taking a rest - see you next term :)

Hello Spring!

Well-Woman Event 16/3/24

Here we are again - another short and sweet term has flown by, and with it, it is bringing Spring. This Wednesday 20th March is the vernal equinox, otherwise known as the first day of Spring for us in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s also International Day of Happiness - a day that is to promote that humanity’s progress needs to include how to increase happiness & wellbeing.

Research suggests that there are 3 things that make people happy:

1. Quality of relationships.

2. Having a job/hobby that offers interesting challenges.

3. Helping others through volunteer work or random acts of kindness.

I think there’s a lot more that we could add to this list :)

I know that I always feel happier after a yoga practice - and many of you tell me regularly how much better you feel after your class. When we feel better, we are better able to support others, tend to our work and to our relationships. Your Yoga practice always leaves the mat with you on so many levels!

We have one week left of this term, then we break up for two weeks for the Easter Holidays. Read on to check out Next Terms Schedule; Easter Yoga Challenge; Events in 2024; Retreats in 2025; Mandy’s Yoga Charity Fundraiser Results; Living Your Yoga Gift Bags and some sweet words to end.

Spring Term Schedule

Monday 8th April ~ Friday 24th May 2024

Mondays (08/04/24 - 20/05/24)

Well-Woman Yoga 9.30-11am at Leek Wootton Village Hall, Warwick Road, Warwickshire, CV35 7RB

Well-Woman Yoga 12.15 -1.30pm at Welford & Weston Memorial Hall, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 8EF

Hatha Yoga 7-8.15pm Online Only

Tuesdays (09/04/24 - 21/05/24)

Mixed Ability Yoga 7-8.30pm at Parochial Hall, 28 High street, Kenilworth, CV8 1LZ

Thursdays (11/04/24 - 23/05/24)

Ashtanga Yoga 7-8.30pm at The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ

Fridays (19/04/24 - 24/05/24) *please note there are no classes on 12/03/24

Mixed Ability Yoga 9.15-10.45am at The Tennis & Squash Club, Crackley Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 2JS

Well-Woman Yoga 11-12.30pm at The tennis & Squash Club, Crackle Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 2JS

Head to my website to book your space, or if you’re booking two classes a week, contact me directly for your discount.

Easter Yoga Challenge!

As our yoga community loves a little Summer Challenge, I thought to warm us up a little and introduce a challenge over the Easter break :) I thought we could re-open our WhatsApp group and practice 10 Sun Salutations a day for the two weeks that we are off. I’ll add a video the variation of Sun Salutations to choose from, as before, so that everybody will be able to get involved! They include Well-Woman Sun Salutation, Kneeling Salute, Hatha & Ashtanga Yoga Sequences, so that you can choose any, mix and match or work on the same practice every day! Drop me a WhatsApp if you’d like to be added to the group (please check if you’re already in the group).

Then we’ll rustle up a new daily challenge for the Summer :)

Downward Facing Dog/Adho Mukha Svanasana

Events In 2024

Saturday’s Well-Woman Event at Leek Wootton Village Hall was another beautiful afternoon spent with an amazing community of women, delicious catering provided by Cafe Desa, clothing available to buy from F|Lux Activewear and a session designed to nurture, nourish, restore and uplift.

All of the practices for our Well-Woman events are available for all levels and help to release tension, both physically and mentally; create heightened awareness into how the body and mind are feeling and become better connected at tuning in to the self; explore balance, strength and stability within the self on all levels; learn/practice meditation, breath work and relaxation techniques and to give yourself some time, completely for you.

Both June and November's Well-Woman Events are already filling up, so do drop me a line for more details or you can book directly via my website.

www.livingyouryoga.co.uk

or email info@livingyouryoga.co.uk

Summer Get-Together 2024

As we had such a lovely Christmas Social, I thought it may be nice to organise a Summer get-together! I know our diary’s get booked up quickly, so I thought to start putting word out now. I’m just going to confirm a venue, then i’ll share to all our WhatsApp groups. We’ll start with a Yoga practice then have some food and drinks (I’ll check out catering availability) You can choose to attend the practice, or just the social - we’ll look at details later. Thought it might be fun to get together again :)

Well-Woman Yoga Retreats 2025

Due to this October Retreat selling out so quickly, I thought I’d get on with booking retreats for 2025! Do drop me an email if you’re interested or would like to reserve your space. I’m so excited to be running these at the namaste Barn in Devon. I’ll be visiting the location in a few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for photographs that I’ll be sharing! I can’t wait to host these beautiful retreat experiences!

Graphics by:www.magpiemarketinguk.com

Congratulations to Mandy!

I just wanted to say a huge congratulations to Mandy who practiced yoga for 711 minutes throughout February and raised £280 for Cancer Research! Mandy’s been attending Classes with LYY for 5 years now (since we began!) and has a regular twice weekly practice with us - she stepped up her game by practicing every day to raise this money and felt very supported by our LYY community. Well done Mandy!

Living Your Yoga Candles/Gift Bags

There are some LYY Gift bags still available to buy from me or Margaret Hills that include vouchers with Cafe Desa, F|Lux Activewear, Glow Beauty Kenilworth & a complementary LYY Monday Evening Online Class.

Both Full Size & Travel Size LYY candles are also back in stock. You can purchase these in class, or online to be posted if you’re not local to the area.

LYY Gift Bags

Thank you as ever for being a part of the Living Your Yoga community and if you’ve read this far!

I wish you all a really restful Easter break and look forward to connecting with you during our Easter Yoga Challenge and seeing you on the mat next term.

Much Love,

Lucy xx

you can tell humanity is maturing

because more of us are saying no to harm

we are taking our time

to examine our biases,

moving our love from

being selective to unconditional

and expanding our idea

of what is possible

more of us are healing ourselves

and actively helping heal the world

yung pueblo. clarity & connection.