Cleansing Rituals....take the opportunity this June to renew and refresh....

 


What have you done for yourself lately?  That is a question we don't often ask ourselves... I would like to recommend taking time during the month of June to cleanse your body, mind and soul.  There are so many ways you can rejuvenate and refresh if you take a little time to plan ahead and fit it in to your busy schedule.  Make a real difference in the way you feel, look and perceive the world taking as little as 5 minutes a day to do so.  If you have more time... indulge for longer... the benefits are infinite... when you take care of yourself you have so much more to give to the world.  Here are just a few ideas.... 

• Juice with green vegetables and fruits try new recipes
• Facials with mud, hot oil, yogurt, honey and oatmeal, avocado and olive oil
• Cold shower / bath or ice bath... wake up big style!
• Wild Swimming.... take a dip on the wild side lake, river, ocean or maybe a run in a rain storm...
• Salt foot scrub 
• Hot oil foot bath
• Sage Smudging Ritual... cleanse your sacred space
• Self Massage with aromatherapy oils
• Dance like no one is watching in your kitchen, garden or living room... anywhere... anytime...
• Meditation... on a person, goal, feeling, dream...
• Visualisation... Imagine your deepest hearts desire coming true.. see it unfold
• Yoga Nidra.... Focus on breath and deep relaxation...
• Write a letter to a loved one... tell them how you really feel...make their day as well as your own...
• Smile at strangers... say hello to someone who looks sad or troubled.... lift their spirits and your own... 
• Small acts of kindness towards everyone... but especially those who have hurt or disappointed you... forgiveness is the most profound cleansing ritual... feel the healing power of letting go...
• Be the change you hope to see in the world... 

When you make a positive change it will have a ripple effect throughout your body, mind and soul and on all who know and love you ... seek joy, give joy and be joyful...  

Namaste      Luma

Come to Hot Power Yoga at 9.30 or Holistic Yoga at 11 am tomorrow morning in the Dome!

   YOGA IN THE DOME AT THE MEDICINE GARDEN TOMORROW FRIDAY 29 MAY AT 9.30 AND 11.00 AM


Don't miss your chance to practice Yoga during half term.  Tomorrow I will be teaching classes Hot Power Yoga at 9.30 am and Holistic Yoga at 11 am in the dome at the Medicine Garden. Bring a friend or family member. See you there!

Namaste          Luma 

What is Ayurveda? And what is the connection between Ayurveda and Yoga?

Ayurveda

ˌɑːjʊəˈveɪdə,-ˈviːdə/

noun

1. The traditional Hindu system of medicine (incorporated in Atharva Veda, the last of the four Vedas), which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.

According to Depak Chopra the two most important ideas behind Ayurveda are first that the mind and body are inextricably linked and second that nothing has greater power to heal the body than the mind.  

Yoga is the practice recommended by Ayurveda for preparing the mind for meditation through movement and breathing.  

Yoga is essential to optimal health according to Ayurvedic Medicine.  Yoga is one of five essential practices.  The other four are: healthy diet, meditation, massage and cleansing rituals.  

If you are serious about your yoga practice you should research the Ayurvedic system of medicine. You will discover a treasure trove of information and guidance to improve your health, well being and longevity.  

Namaste     Luma

Yoga and balancing difficult emotions... grief, mourning, bereavement, betrayal, anger, self doubt, frustration, despair, depression....

When you hear the word Yoga what comes to mind? Health, well being, great exercise, peace, tranquility, the breath... But have you ever considered Yoga as a tool for dealing with difficult emotions? 

I know that in my past Yoga has been the anchor holding me steady in my life when all else was in chaos and upheaval.  I think it is easy to forget the power behind the practice of Yoga.  Yoga is so much more than a daily routine.  It is a powerful weapon we have at our fingertips... day or night... good days and bad.  

No matter what is going on in your life you can pull out your mat... commit to your practice and find what you need in that moment.  

My wish for you is that you will use your practice at home, in the quiet, when you need a beacon, a lighthouse to shine out into your darkness... Yoga will give you strength and clarity to find your way to the light. 

Namaste               Luma

Bank Holiday Yoga! Join me in the Medicine Garden Today!

Hot Power Yoga today at 9.30 am in the Medicine Garden!

Holistic Yoga today at 11.00 am in the Medicine Garden!

See you in the Dome!

Namaste          Luma

Six Reason why rest days are critical for injury prevention and recovery...

Do you feel guilty when you take a day off exercise?  Do you feel you are being lazy and should get out there and do a workout?  I am here to tell you that if you exercise consistently your rest days are just as important as your workout days.  In fact, if you do not take enough time off from exercise you will actually reap less benefit from your workouts.  

1..  Rest Prevents Injury – It’s common sense that resting is beneficial for injury reduction, but why? Well for starters, rest days prevent overuse. That extends from running to lifting weights, yoga and even walking. If you’re a regular runner, you know how much your legs and feet can take until you just need a day off. If you push it too hard without a break, your muscles and joints suffer from overuse and that’s where injuries can happen.

2. Your Muscles Need Rest – Hot Power Yoga is strength training for your entire body. When you train with body weight you are tearing muscle fibers. But without a proper period of rest for your immune system to repair and grow the muscle, you’re not going to get the benefit of your training.

3. Your Performance Won’t Suffer – In general, it takes your body almost two weeks of non-activity before you start losing a noticeable amount of your progress or performance level. So don’t think that taking a day or two off from exercise will be detrimental.

4. Over-training Affects Sleep – Is your sleep pattern erratic? Over-training could be the culprit. Too much exercise can put your body in a constant state of restlessness or on high alert making a good night’s sleep difficult to achieve. A telltale sign is an increase in your resting heart rate. Taking those rest day can help bring down your alertness and heart rate, which can help get you a night of sound sleep.  Sleep is essential for muscle repair and growth.  

5. Your Immune System Can Overheat – During periods of heavy activity, our immune systems are constantly activating to repair muscles and joints. Without proper rest, your immune system can’t make all the repairs your body needs. The end result is injury or illness.

6. Mental Edge – From a psychological standpoint, taking a rest period can rekindle your hunger for exercise and help prevent burnout. Mental fatigue can be every bit as detrimental as physical fatigue and taking a rest day helps to recharge the psyche.

Yoga Classes are on during Half Term! Including Bank Holiday Monday!

Dear Yogi's

I have great news! I am continuing Yoga classes as usual throughout the half term week.  I will be holding classes this bank holiday Monday ... 9.30 Hot Power Yoga and 11.00 Holistic Yoga.

Wednesday and Friday I will be holding classes at the same times... 9.30 Hot Power Yoga and Holistic Yoga at 11.00am.

I can't wait to see you in the dome keeping fit and healthy throughout the holiday.

Namaste           Luma

Holistic Yoga or Hot Power? Which class is right for you?

             The Benefits of Holistic Yoga  


 Deep Breathing, Deep Stretching, Deep      Relaxation, Deep Calm... 
            


Holistic Yoga offers a chance to slow your practice right down and focus on deepening and holding postures to maximize flexibility and strength.  Attention to detail, perfecting and adjusting postures and greater concentration on the breath are just some of the opportunities available during a Holistic Yoga class. If you are looking for a change of routine and have never tried Holistic Yoga you will be pleasantly surprised. Take the time to slow down and focus more intensely on your practice.  Classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Medicine Garden from 11 to 12 noon. 

Namaste          Luma 

Are you dehydrated?

Are you Dehydrated?

Symptoms of dehydration can sneak up on you and you may not realise that lack of water is the cause.  Feelings of lethargy, headaches, dry mouth, muscle fatigue, irritability and increased appetite can be a result of dehydration.

Many people mistakenly believe that any liquid counts towards their daily fluid intake.  This is not the case.  Soft drinks, coffee, tea, smoothies, shakes, alcohol and beer all put stress on the body and deplete the bodies water reserves.

Restoring your hydration levels is only possible by drinking water or herbal teas.  The additives, caffeine, carbonation and sugar in other drinks use water rather than provide it.  Caffeinated drinks in particular act as a diuretic causing the body to expel fluid rather than retain it.  

So how much pure water should you be drinking each day?  Between 2 and 4 liters a day depending on your activity levels and the external temperature.  Drinking extra water is particularly important in hot weather or after intense physical exertion.  

So drink up! Once you get in the habit of staying hydrated you will be amazed at how much better you look, feel and function.

Namaste               Luma

Reduce stress with Yoga

           Reduce your Stress Levels with Yoga

Stress is a stealthy and invisible enemy which can cause health problems.  

Yoga reduces stress from the inside out.  Yoga flushes out toxins released into the blood stream when we are under pressure.  

Stress without relief can cause many forms of illness. Yoga practice can mitigate and eliminate the effects of stress creating an oasis of calm for your body, mind and soul.

Tis the Season for Sneezin!!! Homeopathic Remedies for Hay Fever......

Ha Ha Ha Haaaaaa CHOOOOOOOOOOO!

Has Hay Fever got the better of you this Spring?  Are you downing copious high powered anti allergy pills and feeling fuzzy and groggy the rest of the day?  Why not try Homeopathy and help your body fight Hay Fever without dubious pills and syrups...  

Contact the British Homeopathic Society to find a licensed local practitioner to ensure Hay Fever is a malady of the distant past...

http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/bha-charity/how-we-can-help/conditions-a-z/hay-fever-a-homeopathic-view/

Keep Saturday June 6th, 2015 from 11am to 12 Free.... I am teaching at lululemon's Guildford Showroom

I have wonderful news... I am teaching at lululemon's Guildford Showroom on Saturday 6th June, from 11am to 12pm.  Do come and join me for a free power yoga class and have a look at lululemon's wonderful yoga sportswear.  

Protein.... are you getting enough?

              Why High Protein?

Most women do not eat enough protein. As we age, it is even more important to prioritize protein in our diet. A high protein diet will increase your energy levels and balance your blood sugar.  Make a list of your favorite protein rich foods.  There are a myriad of protein rich options to choose from... A great tip is to start your day with protein such as eggs, smoked salmon, nuts / seeds, oatmeal... make the change today and feel the difference.  Don't be surprised if you start to feel you can conquer the world. The truth is with a protein rich diet... you probably will!

                     Namaste               Luma

Foods to Cleanse and Detox your Liver

                   

             Cleanse and detox your Liver

Summer is on the way and we are all feeling the benefits of better weather and longer hours of daylight.  Help your body to feel at its best by eating foods which boost your liver function and give you increased energy while lightening the load on your liver.

     Foods which will help your liver function

• Artichoke
• Flax Seeds
• Garlic
• Green Tea
• Leafy Green Vegetables
• Lemons and Limes
• Rosemary
• Sea Vegetables
• Turmeric
• Grapefruit
• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Olive Oil
• Avocados
• Alternative grains such as quinoa and millet
• Cruciferous Vegetables
• Apples
• Walnuts
• Cabbage

Namaste                    Luma

The Ancient Art of Smudging....Book your cleansing ritual today!

  

The Ancient Art of Smudging

Purify yourself and your home with a traditional Native American practice.

Tags: 

Spirituality

Spiritual practices

Native american

Health

Body purification

Sage has been used by Native American tribes for hundreds of years to cleanse both body and soul of negative / destructive energy and release the spirit from harmful influences. The ritual is called smudging.  I am available to conduct smudging rituals at the Medicine Garden in Cobham.  

The ritual is also applied to places where there has been emotional or physical conflict and the desire to cleanse the space of the negative energy.  

Contact me via my website to book a ceremony today and make a fresh start.  

Namaste                     Luma