New Year, new Yoga

When I got home following the quite high intensity of the FF class, I found that my good intentions to continue and release back pain fell short; winter, snow and hybernation combined to render a lack of desire (which befalls the best of teachers, in my experience, at sometime or another). Then we feel bad, because we, of all people, should be doing ‘more’, never ‘enough’ until we stop and think of what we are about. Often, a break allows us to go back within in any case and find ourselves seeking something new… 

Watching the cat proves to encourage a cat pose (knelt on all fours) and to stretch out through each leg, reaching behind. Returning leg to floor (exhale). Stretch other leg behind and away (inhale) and hold for a couple of breaths, before returning (exhale).

Butterfly and bend forwards (exhale)

Leg lift to surface and stretch

Half and full lotus releases like nothing else, pure bliss in a bottle. This is a v.calming and centering pose.

Restorative Yoga with Mimi 

Is not high impact or intensity with sun salutes etc, more a gentle, slow, releasing method.

We lie in a position, supported by big bolsters, blocks and belts for up to 5 mins. On our sides in a back twist, with bolsters by our sides and block between legs,  legs extended, legs bent (wind position) and crouched over, hugging a bolster, fully supported by the bolster, in supported child pose.

It feels really relaxing and nourishing, to be supported by beautiful deep red, strong cushion-like bolsters.

We lie back on top of a bolster to support the spine and allow the head to rest back and shoulders to reach the floor. It feels opening and releasing across the chest, diaphragm and rib areas.

I feel v. Rested but almost as if it ‘hasn’t worked’ until I find I can twist round when I was looking for a bus. I lay down in bed at night and felt no pain, no lower back pain or shoulder-neck pain at all. The twist helped enormously.

Mimi is a conscientious and knowledgeable tutor who takes great care to support her students’ abilities and personal physical conditions. She has a beautiful, light airy room from which to work and offer sessions, which is also v. conveniently located to rail and bus links.