To expect everything in life to stay the same forever is unrealistic, and so any change is something to embrace. As the next chapter opens it seems that the only thing to do is to release into it. I have a feeling motherhood is going to be one long journey into surrender! 💖
Read MoreWe are often drawn to the things that we relate to, but sometimes this can lead us out of balance. For example, someone who is always busy and needs constant stimulation will likely have hobbies that are also very active and fast moving. However, what they often need is something to slow them down and ground them. So how do we find that balance?
Read MoreWhilst it is not a cure for any mental health illness, yoga and mindfulness often helps young people to cope, developing positive lifestyle habits that they will be able to carry forward into the rest of their lives.
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I love new beginnings and always see the end of the year as the start of the next. It's a time that I look back on what has passed and reflect, whilst using this to look forward and think about what I want for the coming year. Learning from what I have done, I am able to move forward with far more confidence and openness. It's an exciting time of year, marked for me by winter solstice and the beginning of longer evenings, with life quietly growing under the surface, waiting to blossom again. Plans are hatched, seeds have been sewn, the future seems to stretch out in front of us.
I'm a believer in letting life happen organically, but I also feel that it's necessary to have a focus. If you try to practice Vriksasana (tree pose) with your eyes closed you will wobble and undoubtedly fall. Focus keeps you balanced and gives you a direction in which to move. Knowing when to switch focus, change direction, make new plans and let things go is fundamental to keeping moving, flowing and not stagnating. This is why reflecting and setting new goals is so important.
Making New Year's resolutions can feel a bit like 'I want I want I want', so I try to have gratitude for what I've already received. Acknowledging everything we have helps us to welcome more in gently, rather than grasping for it. With Yoga and the Yamas in mind, we are reminded of Asteya (non stealing) and Aparigraha (non possessiveness). When you set resolutions or goals, think about accepting where you are at and not holding on to where you want to be - letting things go if they no longer fit.
We will be running a special 'Intentions setting Yoga workshop' in Amberley on 22nd January, open to all. It will be an opportunity to look ahead, with a deep releasing yoga practice to create space for the new. As the trees shed their leaves before growing new ones, so to must we let go before we can grow. A chance to move, connect and open up again after the hectic festive period! Contact Nathalie@liveloveyoga.co.uk for info and booking or click here for more information.
Wishing you all a wonderful end to 2016 and prosperous beginning to 2017!
Nathalie X
A few weeks ago I set myself the challenge of posting something on social media every day that I was grateful for. The results didn't surprise me too much, but it was a great way to look for the positives each day! Finding things to be grateful for is a sure-fire way to turn your emotions around, by looking at the world through positive eyes.
As the year comes to a close I often look back and reflect on the past 12 months. What were the highlights? What did I achieve that I set out to? What awesome, unexpected things happened? What do I want for next year? I'm a firm believer in setting goals, but I also think it's important to recognise what you have right now.
During our last Youth Yoga teacher training we went through a number of 'gratitude' exercises to use with young people, although they are great for any age! Why not pick one and give it a go... I'm pretty sure you will feel more positive.
#DailyGratitude - If you like taking photos and using social media, why not set yourself a challenge. Whether you choose to post for a week or a month, see if you can find one thing each day that you are grateful for and post a photo of it. This is a lovely way to visually track your gratitude.
Gratitude jar - Find a jar that you like, you can even decorate it. Each day write down one thing (or more) that you are grateful for and pop it in the jar. At the end of the week/month take them all out and read through them.
Gratitude diary - If you like writing, why not keep a diary so that you can write down everything you are grateful for each day. You can go into more depth with this than just writing down a word.
10 finger gratitude - count the things you are grateful for on your fingers. You can do this whenever you feel a bit over whelmed, or just not so positive.
Our minds tend to go where our thoughts go. This works both ways - positive and negative - and gratitude is a simple habit-hack that can create more positivity, contentment and happiness. In the lead up to Christmas, as we are bombarded with all the things we are told we need or want, why not take our 12 day (or any length of time!!) gratitude challenge and remind yourselves of all the things you already have. Share your gratitude on social media and tag #liveloveyoga so we can see what makes you all happy too!
©️ Nathalie Bennett PRIVACY POLICY CONTACT
