Children’s & Adults Yoga
Chelmsford & Across Essex

What we’re exploring in class this week ✨

DOING LESS

You know you can do more… but how might it feel to do less?

In what seems like an act of rebellion in the ‘season of busy,’ we are exploring how it feels to do less.

Slowing down to feel, explore and sense what is needed in this moment. Not pushing, striving or moving without awareness, but gently enquiring: how can I honour my energy?

In mindfulness, we often talk about being stuck in auto-pilot. We can be like this for hours, days, weeks, months or even years, and it’s in this going from one thing to the next without pausing that robs us of the present.

These practices over the month of December are all about the sacred pause.

#littleyogastudio #yogareel #yogareels #yogajournal #doingless #doless #mindfulness #mindfulliving #mindfulmovement #mindfulnesspractice #vinyasaflow #vinyasa #yoga #essexyoga #colchesteryoga #chelmsfordyoga ...

This yoga journey is one that ever evolves; changes shape and creates new meaning, but one thing it never fails to do is enable me to be with myself through the difficult times.

As in truth, some of the most powerful shifts I’ve experienced through yoga have come when I’m barely moving at all.

I practice not for a desired shape, but to cultivate resilience for life’s inevitable ups and downs.

For whatever reason you come to your practice, or you decide to try a class, know that there is so much to inwardly explore ✨

#littleyogastudio #chelmsfordyoga #colchesteryoga #yogateacher #yogastudent #yogajourney #essexyoga #mindfulyoga #mindfulnesspractice #shadowwork #vinyasayoga #vinyasaflow ...

YOGA & SOUND NURTURE EVENINGS at @patchcolchester 🧘 🌸

Unwinding, taking time to nurture ourselves in amongst all else there is to do, couldn’t feel more important right now.

As how often do we really take time for ourselves? When do we create space to slow down; to connect inwardly and to receive how we’re feeling with compassion?

Our Yoga & Sound Healing evenings are dedicated to exactly this: time carved out of our busy schedules to choose ourselves; to choose rest and time to nurture ourselves, inside and out.

Excited to share that myself and Siobhan @balancedhealthhut will be back at the cosy @patchcolchester monthly, so make a note in your diaries:

December 17
January 7
February 4

Join us for a soothing, gentle yoga flow, breathwork, sound healing and meditation.

New dates are now booking, so head to the link in the bio to book your spot.

#littleyogastudio #relaxation #soundhealing #colchesteryoga #yogacolchester #essexyoga #yogaandsound #yogaevenings #yogareels #yogaworkshop ...

Ive found life has felt like A LOT lately.

And while it’s not one big thing, the smaller things are tough. The constant worry of loved ones’ mental health, motherhood pressures, the endless to-do list that ramps up at this time of year; other people’s expectations of what they want you to do right now.

Like many people, I’m a natural people pleaser. But I’ve really had to give this part of myself a talking to lately.

I’ve been down the road of burnout one too many times. So now that I sense overwhelm building, I’m putting into place all of my non-negotiables - even though that still feels hard, but thankfully no longer impossible, after all these years.

And the common theme behind them all, is doing less. Resting. Putting in place important boundaries. Saying no. It can almost feel counter-productive when there is so much to be done, but it’s these practices that make us more resilient to cope with the building pressure.

Lots of breathwork, constructive rest (my teacher calls the above “the world traveller plus of constructive rest” - I love this), meditation and Yoga Nidra are daily non-negotiables.

As really, it’s all OK. Life is full of ups and downs. But when we pay more attention to our inner landscape, to listen to all that our bodies are telling us, we can learn to ride the waves a little better.

This week’s practices are all about DOING LESS. Join us online or in person via the links in the bio.

#littleyogastudio #yogareel #everydayyoga #yogapractice #meditation #mindfulmoments #selfsoothe #yogaessex #chelmsfordyoga #colchesteryoga #yogaforanxiety #yogaeveryday ...

A dreamy evening was had at the first of our Yoga & Sound healing nights at @patchcolchester.

Our guests experienced some gentle movement, meditation, breathwork, Yoga Nidra & a sound healing journey led by @balancedhealthhut. To everyone who joined us, hoping you all floated home and drifted off that evening for a good night’s sleep ☁️

A huge thank you to all for coming. It was such a pleasure to see some new and familiar faces.

If you couldn’t make this session don’t worry - new dates are landing very shortly, so keep 👀 peeled!

#littleyogastudio #yogareel #yogacolchester #yogaessex #soundhealing #soundhealingtherapy #gongbath #yogaandsound #whatsoncolchester ...

It’s almost as though the signal for ‘Savasana’ is the same switch for our minds to start taking inventory of the endless to-do list.

When I first started practicing yoga some 20 years ago, this was my mind in Savasana (although then it was probably less food shopping, more ‘my life is SO unfair!’)

But whatever your age and experience of yoga, it’s my belief that Savasana is one of the most challenging poses.

Statements such as ‘empty your mind,’ or ‘switch off your thoughts,’ haven’t helped this - as the hard truth is that those things aren’t possible.

Our minds are amazing, complex spaces. But we don’t need to let them run the show. And if we can begin by simply drawing our attention back to an anchor each time, with less judgement than the time before, we can create a sense of space.

By practicing Savasana in the way we practice all other yoga #asana, we can become more skilful at letting go.

When it becomes a practice, rather than something to master and achieve, we can approach it each time with a sense of compassion, rather than frustration. And that’s when the benefits of the pose can really take hold.

#littleyogastudio #yogareels #yogareel #yogaessex #chelmsfordyoga #colchesteryoga ...

1. Short bursts of practice
Pre-children, I had a regular evening practice of 1-2 hours most evenings. I loved it. So when I suddenly no longer had such a luxury (it’s honestly hard to even imagine now!), I discovered how powerful short bursts of practice can be. Rolling our my mat and moving for 15-20 minutes even has a profound impact on my day. As soon as I let go of my own perfectionist ideal of nothing shorter an hour, the more accessible my practice became.

2. Keeping it varied
In my ever-increasing exploration of yoga, deepening my practice, learning new practices, styles and techniques, continues to pique my interest. The more I read, study, attend classes, the greater my fascination becomes. Ten years ago, I would never have believed I would regularly practice and teach Yin. And with so much to continually learn and explore, the journey continues.

3. Ever the student
When I first started teaching yoga, it was easy to see how my own attendance in other classes could slip away. After all, we’re all busy, right? But continuing to attend workshops and classes with teachers I align with and whose passion and expertise continues to inspire me, ensures that I continue to nurture my own practice.

4. Continuing to show up
Regularity of practice takes discipline; we have to keep showing up - with the knowledge that each and every time we do it’s a new experience. And much like when our thoughts wander in meditation, just come back to it each and every time we stray.

How do you keep your practice interesting? Let me know below 👇🏻

#littleyogastudio #yogareel #yogareels #yogapractice #yogastudent #yogateacher #essexyoga #chelmsfordyoga #colchesteryoga #yogaworkshop #yogaretreatuk #yogaretreats ...

Pressing pause is often one of the hardest things to do.

As let’s face it, there is so much glamorising of the busy. Keeping calm and carrying on; ticking off every item on the to do list; being non stop and getting it all done. It’s easy to see how we can find it more comfortable to keep going, when the narrative to push forward is often the loudest.

I’ve grown more comfortable with rest. Having been to the burnout limit more than once, I’ve learnt the importance and actually, privilege, that rest is. How much it has to offer and nourish all of me, rather than being a guilty pleasure to indulge in once in a while, or worse - when I have no choice but to stop.

We don’t have to earn our rest. It’s a necessity for our nourishment.

Anyway, less ramble… Sunday Sessions are back this Sunday. Join us for a gentle flow with a decadent relaxation, plus tea, cake and community afterwards.

All in the beautiful @theoldjoinerystudio space.

#littleyogastudio #rest #yogareel #yogareels #yogateacher #yogastudent #yogaclass #colchesteryoga #essexyoga #whatsoncolchester #chelmsfordyoga #whatsonchelmsford #yogalove ...

It’s no secret that yoga can have a profound effect on our mental and physical health. Here are just 4 of the ways the practices of yoga have drastically improved my wellbeing:

1. Movement creates a powerful shift. Our bodies and our minds are not separate, so when it all feels like a lot, or overwhelm is creeping in, connecting with your body and moving it can literally move mountains. Whether it’s a mindful walk, 15 mins on your mat, time in the gym, or pushing your chair away from your desk for a few gentle movements and breaths, it shifts that energy into something more manageable. Get out of the head and into the body. Where can I feel it? Can I send my breath there?

2. Noticing feelings rather than becoming them. I use this tool in meditation a lot for my very busy mind. Instead of letting feelings of anger, sadness etc take over, I witness and name them ‘this is anger, this is sadness.’ It reminds me I don’t have to become them.

3. Rest, rest and more rest. I ll admit, I don’t find it easy. But since I had a serious illness a few years ago, I value how important it is. In fact, rest is a privilege. Yoga Nidra, meditation and being better at saying no all help.

4. Surrendering. Lately I have been noticing my long-running struggle with perfectionism take over; desire to control. My want to make things ‘perfect’ for my little people. When really, I can’t shape the future. I can focus my energy on what matters though. Journaling, taking pauses in my day, yoga, time in nature, being present to them all helps to remind me that it was never all mine to carry anyway. On repeat - it was never all mine to carry anyway. And again.

#yoga #yogareel #yogajourney #yogastudent #yogateacher #yogaforall #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #worldmentalhealthday #chelmsfordyoga #colchesteryoga #essexyoga ...

We have been exploring twists in class this week and it has been a great reminder of how simple yet powerful these sequences can be. Each class has felt like a deep sigh!

Here are 5 things I love exploring with twists:

1. Twists can bring a great sense of release. Which seems perfectly timed post the Autumn Equinox, when we look to let go of what no longer serves and plant seeds of intention. Notice how you feel after a twisting practice; is there a sense of feeling refreshed?

2. Being creative with twists. With so many variations and ways to twist, it’s a great time to play. Using props, placement of the hands, the wall, exploration of the breath, twists can feel engaging and challenging.

3. The lengthening prep of the spine and opening of the hips that goes into us beginning to twist really helps give the twist maximum impact. These help you rotate more effectively and make seated twists more easeful. They also feel great!

4. Ensuring there are plenty of other poses interspersed between the twists that allow students to feel the spaciousness of the breath.

5. Twists are said to stoke our digestive fire, boost circulation, but they’re also great for the mind. Calling on our focused attention and moving with the breath, they can be a great way to release tension mentally and physically.

#littleyogastudio #yogareels #yogareel #yogaflow #yogatwist #yogastudent #yogateacher #essexyoga #chelmsfordyoga #colchesteryoga ...

Calm a busy mind and ground your energy with this simple practice you can explore anywhere ✨

Slip off shoes and socks and feel your feet on the earth.

Bring your awareness to the soles of your feet. Feel the heels, the sloping arches, the toes. A few times lift your toes, spread them wide and mindfully place them back down. Take a slow breath in as the toes lift, and a slow breath out as they lower. Repeat a few times.

With your feet on the earth, slowly rock forward and back. Inwardly saying the words ‘I am here’ until you slowly come to a stop. Feel all the parts of your feet in contact with the ground.

Take a slow breath in and, with the mouth closed, lightly press your tongue to the roof of your mouth. On the inhalation, feel the body lighten and lift with the breath, and with the exhalation, the strong support of the earth beneath you. You might breathe with your eyes open as you watch nature’s flow all around you, or close your eyes and feel the strength of your body.

Take a moment to notice how you feel after this practice.

#littleyogastudio #meditation #meditationpractice #grounding #groundingpractice #onlineyoga #onlineyogaclasses #chelmsfordyoga #colchesteryoga #yogajourney #mindfulmoments #mindfulnesspractice ...

1. Connections ✨
When like-minded people come together, magic happens. Watching new friendships form and connections being made is so special.
2. The power of the pause ✨
Making space in community creates such a powerful energy. Such a vibe!
3. A new experience ✨
Retreats are so unique, and whether it is your first retreat or one of many, each can bring about a new experience or shift in perspective.
4. Rest ✨
Having more space outside the parameters of a typical class means more time to go slow, unwind and relax deeply.
5. Release✨
Watch your energy after a retreat - have you felt a release?

A huge thanks to @luna.moon_wellness for yet another magical gong bath. And to @lauraroselifestyle for her beautiful retreat gifts.

#littleyogastudio #yogareels #yogareel #yogajourney #yogaflow #ukyogaretreat #ukyogis #essexyoga #chelmsfordyoga #colchesteryoga ...

1. Comparison is the thief of joy. Every time your teacher reminds you to go at your own pace, hear those words. What everyone else is doing around you is their journey. Yours doesn’t need to look the same.

2. Feel don’t force. The moment we ignore how something feels and try to push into something that doesn’t feel good is the moment we risk injury. Just what exactly are we striving for anyway?

3. The journey yoga will take you on can go way deeper than you might expect. Your practice can become a sanctuary; a way of living. This is far beyond the shapes on a mat.

4. Sustainability is the name of the game. A practice that continues to meet us through all the ups and downs of life is a practice that will continue to serve and unfold for many years to come. Some of my most transformative yoga practices have been during times of great challenge when movement has not been possible.

5. Yoga is an internal practice. We create inner resilience and compassion each and every time we meet ourselves where we are.

#littleyogastudio #yogareel #chelmsfordyoga #yogaclasses #colchesteryoga #yogapractice #yogastudent #yogateacher #zoomyoga #onlineyoga #essexyoga ...

Oh September ✨

One of my favourite months, upcoming seasons, but also one of the hardest as we start to let go of summer.

The upcoming Autumn Equinox provides a really potent time to reconnect with our intentions, to reflect on what’s been and what is to come. Like many of us, I find letting go of the summertime, more hours of ☀️, more time with my little family, a really tough transition. Letting go can be difficult, and over the last few years I’ve truly felt the importance of honouring the seasons of our life.

If, like me, you’re ready for the September energy but need some time to ease yourself in, you can join me at one of the below retreats I’m running this month:

Sunday, September 17
Sunday Sessions - a morning of gentle yoga, meditation, tea and community.
@theoldjoinerystudio

Saturday, September 23
Autumn Equinox day retreat & gong bath - Retreat Farm, nr Chelmsford, Essex

Both are suitable when you’re new to yoga, or have an existing practice. More details and booking via the link in the bio.

Here’s to slowing down and embracing more sunsets 🌅

#littleyogastudio #mindfulness #essexyoga #essexyogateacher #chelmsfordyoga #colchesteryoga #whatsonchelmsford #whatsoncolchester #yogajourney #yogateacher #autumnequinox #embracetheseasons ...

We have been talking a lot about sustainability in classes of late. About the importance of our practice being a space in which to continually inquire with curiosity rather than push or force.

As both a student and a teacher, it’s of paramount importance to me that our practice - be that physical, spiritual, mindful - nourishes us and and is one where we move and feel through with a sense of confident self-agency.

In short, it’s a practice that is always there through every chapter of our lives, whatever that might be - our everyday, motherhood, illness, joy, grief etc.

This week our focus is on lymphatic flow and the ways in which yoga can support. A reminder that you can join classes online or in person, whatever suits.

#littleyogastudio #chelmsfordyoga #mindfulmovement #yogajourney #colchesteryoga #essexyoga #vinyasayoga #movingmeditation #yogareels ...