Yoga weekends 2012

Our yoga weekends are relaxing and fun.

They are practical and non threatening. Whatever your ability you are welcome. The venues are picked because they offer great food, fine wines and are in areas of outstanding beauty. So for any non yoga person there is plenty to do.
 
There are 6 hours of practical yoga instruction spread over 4 classes
Special attention is given in helping you develop a home practice. learning to relax, using yoga to keep your body and mind in good health and lots more.
 
The classes are suitable for all levels so expect to be challenged in our normal smiley way.
Phil Aston

Yoga Teachers Wanted

We are expanding and are looking for additional yoga teachers to help cover future yoga weekends - read more

The meditation room - from yoga at work

Written by yoga teacher and life coach Phil Aston BWY Dip

If you are interested in meditation, then you are probably aware of the wealth of excellent material there is already on the web.  The purpose of this page is to offer advice and help to those of you who:-

• think you can't meditate, or

• have tried and believe that you failed, or were not doing it right.

The first point to get across is that people who do meditate are not from another planet! Meditation is something that anyone can do, even Buddhist monks have days when they can't get comfortable, or can't stop thinking about a hundred things at once!

90% of meditation is remembering to turn up. If your mind wanders, the mere fact that you are aware of this means that you are having some success! [back]

Breathe deeply, especially when you are a bit rushed, feel rattled or overwhelmed.

Stop time and breath deeply, while you breathe, let your smile come to your lips.

Begin to smile while you breathe. Then you realise how much your face and your mind   have loosened – while you breathe and smile. Let this smile spread throughout your body. Breath and smile with your entire body.

A great magic of peace is generated by your lips as you begin to smile. Practice this smile and breathing daily. Notice how much this smile helps your well-being; and how much it helps others – when you are in a serene mood, after you have breathed and smiled.

There is a power in your smile – the power of peace and inner equilibrium. Activate this power daily, it costs nothing! This inner tranquillity is part of building your confidence, is part of your self-empowerment.[back]

It is important to develop mindfulness in all four postures, sitting, standing, walking and lying down. This month we will take a look at bringing mindfulness to walking.

Walking is something we all do a lot of, whether it is around the house, outside, or at work. It can greatly help with your concentration if you take time to follow the breath while you are walking.

All of us like to visit the countryside, this could be  a simple walk through the park. How many times have you been in the company of nature, but your mind has been going through tomorrows 'to do' list? 

I have seen people arrive, at the most beautiful locations and watched them continue talking about work, take a snap shot and leave. 

There's nothing wrong with that, if that's what you're into, but take a minute to think about it, are you really experiencing the place you came to visit?

The following is by Thoreau and is taken from 'Breath by Breath by 'Larry Rosenburg' and sums up the importance of staying aware of your surroundings and your breath.

'Of course, it is no use to direct our steps to the woods if they do not carry us thither.  I am alarmed when it happens that I have walked a mile into the woods bodily, without getting there in spirit.  In my afternoon walk I would fain forget all my morning occupations and my obligations to society, but it still happens sometimes that I can not easily shake the village.  The thought of some work will run in my head and I am not where my body is - I am out of my senses.  What business have I in the woods, if I am thinking of something out of the woods?' [back]

This is basically practicing what the Buddhists call 'mindfulness'. At various times of the day ,try to focus on your breathing. Notice how the air feels cool when you inhale, and then feels warm when you exhale.  

You can do this while you are doing the washing up, making the beds, waiting at a red light, or even standing in a post office queue etc.  The instant benefit from this is that it brings you immediately to the present moment. It is also very effective if done during or before an important meeting, an exam, or even while sitting in the dentist's chair.  As you breathe out, you will start to feel your body relax, and your mind will become more focused.  So each time you feel yourself getting stressed or find that you have unexpected time on your hands, you can do a quick 60 second meditation.  Try it and let me know how you get on!    [back]