Sadly, a priest in Southampton has banned a yoga class from using his church’s hall because of a perceived threat to the church’s beliefs. Rather, it would have been a great example of inclusiveness in society. See for the whole story. How does the yoga community address these occurrences? A colleague and I have experiencedContinue reading “Yoga Classes banned.”
Author Archives: Sian Rule Yoga - Chepstow
Holidays!
We’re off camping tomorrow (it promises to be sunny and warm – crossed fingers) so some yoga on the beach/cliffs/quiet spot could be part of my day, if I can creep away! And then there’s staying in the moment while organising everyone for the day and smoothing things along in a party with an age range from 5 to 17…..theContinue reading “Holidays!”
Outside for Yoga!
It may be raining in parts of Britain, but we all get a break in the clouds at some point. When the sun shines take yourself into the garden or the park to practise. You can take your mat, or leave it. You’ll get the fresh air (and prana – life energy) and sunshine (plus vitminContinue reading “Outside for Yoga!”
Inspired by the Olympics?
Don’t just collapse while you watch the games and let your muscles get as soggy as your sofa…use the time to build up your own muscles and core strength. Sit on the edge of the sofa (if you’re not already!) lifting your pelvic floor, gently pulling your navel back towards your spine and up. OrContinue reading “Inspired by the Olympics?”
Workshop-Backs and Posture
Whether experienced or first-timers, everyone enjoyed the sunny morning in the lovely Llandogo Hall. We practised yoga techniques for upright sitting, strong standing and developing strategies for easing acute back pain. We then practised postures to develop back strength such as bridges and warriors. And finished with a thoroughly relaxing Yoga Nidra. The chocolate browniesContinue reading “Workshop-Backs and Posture”
Is yoga a pathway to improving our society?
Is yoga a pathway to improving our society?
What can a system for development, that is, perhaps, 5000 years old, have to teach us in the 21st century?
As the author, Amelia Meister, says: “As a society, we are out of touch. We’re out of touch with our bodies, our families, our communities and our Earth. This is one of the reasons such horrible crises perpetuate in our society”.
Through yoga, she noticed how she and others became much more aware of various issues in society and motivated to do something positive about them. Through a raising of awareness, firstly through the body and breath, an ability rose to see the bigger picture more clearly; the inter-connectedness of everything and the true value of the things in life that matter.
She mentions Michael Stone’s Yoga for a World out of Balance, which outlines the ethics of yoga.
She sums up the value of yoga, “In a society that values consumption, constant doing, competition and disconnection, yoga can offer many gifts. The practice of slowing down, accepting our bodies where they are at in any moment and connecting to our breath gives us the space to expand our awareness beyond the small thoughts in our heads about what we need to buy or what we look like”.
For the full article see:
Healthier Airports
Many US airports are introducing walking paths, healthy food vendors and yoga studios for travellers. Airports are recognising they can be stressful places with uncomfortable seating, delays and dry air. To counteract the negative aspects of travelling, let’s hope this trend spreads to the UK (leave a suggestion next time you’re there!) and soon weContinue reading “Healthier Airports”
Shattered?
If you’ve been on your feet all day at work, shopped till you dropped or just need a pick-me-up, try viparita karani. Can’t say it? You can do it! Simply lie on your back and put your feet up a wall or over a chair seat. It’s so simple but so effective. The ultimate relaxing,Continue reading “Shattered?”
Build a Better Body – Workshop
Build a Better Body Yoga workshop for a pain free back & strong posture Do you have constant backache? Have you lost days at work or out on your bike? Through safe, specific yoga exercises learn how to stand tall without tensions, free stiffness and strengthen vital muscles for a strong, healthy back. Saturday 28thContinue reading “Build a Better Body – Workshop”
Laughs in China
Laughter Yoga has taken off in China… Expert Dr Kataria made such an impact he was persuaded to do a session at the new devotee’s workplace. He says a sense of humour is not required, and that just 10-20 minutes has a profound benefit on the human body. Maybe it’s something to put in theContinue reading “Laughs in China”
Sian Rule Yoga Chepstow 