Recent Articles in 1-20 minutes

Duration: 7 minutes

Emphasis:  A simple meditation using counting from 1 to 10 to help quieten the busy mind.

Props needed: A block, blanket or chair to enable you to sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A breathing practice to calm and soothe you. In this practice you will inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right. Breathing in through the left nostril links to the right hemisphere of the brain, promoting a sense of peace and relaxation. Please note: holding the breath is contra-indicated for those with blood pressure issues. Please do not retain the breath at the end of each inhale and exhale but allow the breathing to flow in a smooth rhythm without interruption. Please note also that in the video I am not mirroring you, so listen to the instructions rather than copying the arm movement I am doing - I hope that makes sense!

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A breathing practice to stimulate and energise you - inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. Breathing in through the right nostril links to the left hemisphere of the brain, bringing a sense of being brighter and more alert. Please note: holding the breath is contra-indicated for those with blood pressure issues. Please do not retain the breath at the end of each inhale and exhale but allow the breathing to flow in a smooth rhythm without interruption. Please note also that in the video I am not mirroring you, so listen to the instructions rather than copying the arm movement I am doing - I hope that makes sense!

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A relaxing meditation to bring about feelings of calm and wellbeing.

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 20 minutes

Emphasis:  Strengthen your core muscles in this floor-based sequence.

Props needed: None required

Mat direction: Long edge facing the screen.

Duration: 11 minutes

Emphasis:  A quick tutorial on this balancing pose - some tips and warm-up exercises that will help you wrap your arms and legs a little more easily and stay still and focussed like an eagle fixed on it's prey!

Props needed: None required but if balancing is proving too challenging then stand next to a wall to help steady yourself.

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 10 minutes

Emphasis:  This practice will take you deep into relaxation - your awareness will be guided around 61 points of the body, pausing briefly at each one before moving on to the next. You'll become less aware of the outer world and just have a quiet awareness of your inner world, hovering on the edge of sleep. Note: there is the possibility that you will fall asleep so you might wish to set a timer in case you don't hear the end of the class. Yoga Nidra is a helpful practice to do if you find meditation challenging because your mind won't quieten down. You'll feel deeply relaxed and refreshed afterwards.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 10 minutes

Emphasis:  Learn how to do this kneeling backbend (Sanskrit name Ustrasana) with good alignment so you don't hurt your back or neck.

Props needed: A blanket to kneel on, a bolster (or a pillow rolled in a blanket or towel - I'll show you how to do this).

Mat direction: Short edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  Step-by-step guide to come into this deep backbend with good alignment.

Props needed: Possibly a blanket beneath your hips if you are practicing on a hard floor.

Mat direction: Short edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 15 minutes

Emphasis:  This short sequence will help improve your balance. You'll strengthen your legs and your core and improve your concentration.

Props needed: Blocks to put your hands on if you need it for standing splits.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  The first in a series of Philosophy classes - an introduction to the roots of yoga and the ancient text the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. We will be using the Yoga Sutras to explore the 8 'limbs' or steps of yoga over the next few months, discovering how we can use them to guide us through modern day life - think of it as life-coaching the yoga way.

Props needed: A comfortable place to sit.

Mat direction: n/a.

Duration: 9 minutes

Emphasis: This pranayama practice will ensure you are using your diaphragm fully - it's an important part of your breathing apparatus which, if you always breath quite shallowly can lose its flexibility and movement just like any other unused muscle. This is a very relaxing practice and will leave you feeling spacious and calm.

Props needed: A block and space to lie down.

Mat direction: n/a.