Yoga is not a ‘workout’ that begins and ends when we step on and off a mat, nor is it a one-size-fits-all that we can monitor or measure with an app. Yoga is deeply rooted in ancient wisdom that teaches that individuals are their own healers. With self-directed care at its core, yoga supports the choices we make and how we meet the world each day. It is made up of ancient texts, asana (postures and mindful movement), pranayama (controlled breathing practices), dhyāna (meditation), philosophy and spiritual practices passed down from teacher to student. 

Part of my commitment to my own self-care is living without a television, using a phone with no internet and minimising time spent online, especially on social media platforms, which are all designed to distract and disconnect us from each other and our sense of self. Yoga provides necessary tools to calm the nervous system and build self-awareness. Noticing sensations in our body, finding stillness in our minds, and connecting with our breath helps bring us back to ourselves. 

The vagus nerve is a wandering nerve that runs from the brain through the chest to the gut. It regulates speech, heart rate, digestion, mood and immune function. Yoga, chanting, meditation and pranayama all strengthen vagal tone. As we stimulate and strengthen the vagus nerve, we signal to our body that we are not in danger so, we have a greater sense of safety. If we make this a regular practice and make beneficial changes to our lifestyle and diet, a reset begins, allowing the entire body to become healthier. When our nervous system is healthy, vitality surfaces. Simple practices repeated with care, either solo or with a therapist, convince the ancient vagus that life is good. 

In his book Yoga and the Quest for The True Self, bestselling author Stephen Cope says, “As we begin to re-experience a visceral reconnection with the needs of our bodies, there is a brand new capacity to warmly love the self. We experience a new quality of authenticity in our caring, which redirects our attention to our health, our diets, our energy, our time management. This enhanced care for the self arises spontaneously and naturally, not as a response to a ‘should’. We are able to experience an immediate and intrinsic pleasure in self-care." 

Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the information on this site and feel free to make contact if you’d like to find out more. Contact me poppyblossom@protonmail.com 022 306 7760