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

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

Anti – Anxiety Breath for Panic Attacks

The first thing to remember is there is nothing wrong with you, your body is simply doing its job. The problem originates from your nervous system being out of balance. Your body is designed to react very quickly to get you away from danger. The problem with a panic attack is that the danger is perceived and not real, although the on set of attacks will usually be based on a past event.

I used to suffer myself from crippling panic attacks and anxiety. This technique is very easy to learn.

Every 'in breath' is connected to the flight or fight response and every 'out breath' is connected to the relaxation response. People suffering from anxiety and panic will find that their 'in breath' is more dominant. Our approach is to bring both sides of the nervous system back into balance. People suffering from panic attacks and anxiety are habitual shallow breathers. they are also generally very creative and imaginative people.

The philosophy is simple, change the way you breath and you change the way you feel.

Anti – Anxiety Breath for Panic Attacks - How to do it

As the name suggests, it is excellent for counteracting anxiety and averting panic attacks.

It is also very useful for helping to cope with other difficult emotions such as apprehension, frustration and anger.

Sit upright with the crown of the head uppermost. Close your eyes or keep them open. Relax your jaw.

(You may also practise this exercise in any position, depending on the circumstance.)

Inhale quietly through your nose, as slowly, smoothly and deeply as you possibly can, without strain.
Exhale through your nose as slowly, smoothly and completely as you can, focusing attention on your abdomen, near your navel.
Before inhaling again, mentally count ‘one thousand’, ‘two thousand’.

(This prolongs your exhalation and prevents hyperventilation.)

Repeat steps 2 to 4 again and again, in smooth succession, until your breathing rate has become slower and you feel calm.
Resume regular breathing.

Notes

If you wish, you may combine imagery with this exercise. Visualise filling your body with positive qualities such as courage, patience and hope as you inhale. As you exhale, imagine sending away with the outgoing breath negative influences such as fear, gloom and disappointment.

Instead of exhaling through your nose, you may try doing so through pursed lips (as if cooling a hot drink), with your jaw relaxed.

References Stella Wella: The Breath Book