Creating space
Spaciousness in the body and the mind. Also, Yoga weekends in Yamba this year.
Hello friends,
Do you feel like you need to create more space? Do you have the feeling that there is a need for space in your mind and thoughts, or you feel like you need expansion in your body? I certainly do.
When our minds are cluttered, it’s usually the same old thoughts and beliefs looping around and around.
When we feel a lack of space, we are more defensive, more easily triggered by a comment from another person, make things all about us and so on. We are likely to be in our sympathetic nervous system.
To me, feeling like I have more space means I am in a more relaxed state. The parasympathetic nervous system, known as rest and digest. We can become aware that we are looping on the same old thought pattern, rather than just believing them and allow for the possibility of new thoughts and beliefs. From this space we can think more creatively and have more empathy for ourselves and others.
I’ve been thinking about what it means to create space. Is it the same as having more time? Sort of, if we say we crave more space in our day more free time can offer us this. It seems to be a little more than time though, time is one way to allow for more space, but only if we spend this time on letting go of an agenda, or by doing an activity that you find truly restful.
Creating space in the body, creating space in the mind.
As you’d imagine, our yoga practice a way to create space in the body. That feeling of an energising spine extension feels hugely expansive.
For me, a slow but deep yoga practice with postures, breath work and silence followed by a cup of tea and some pottering around a silent house alone is a sure way to feel like I have created space. What about you?
However this is a rare treat for me, and possibly for you too. But we can create small moments of stillness in our day, that therefore create space. The book 90 seconds to a life you love by Joan Rosenberg teaches the reader to allow for time and space to feel the emotion in the body, rather than acting on impulse. This conversation is worth listening to.
Argh, not easy but worth practicing!
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Love Sarah
Yoga weekends in Yamba
I have finalised the dates for two yoga weekends coming up for the first half of the year. They are the 24th - 26th of March and also the 19th - 21st May.
March 24th - 26th and May 19th - 21st
Join me in beautiful Yamba for a yoga weekend!
The retreat will begin on Friday evening to allow for travel to Yamba. Our first class will start with some gentle movement to release tension from the week. We will then take some restorative yoga postures to really calm the nervous system. At the end of class we will take a candle gazing meditation - known as trataka. This is such a lovely meditation that will help you get some quality sleep. After class I will send you off with a nourishing take-home bowl of kichari with some delicious condiments to warm and enjoy at home or in your accommodation for the weekend.
Saturday morning our yoga class will begin at 8.30am for a forty minute practice. We will then meet at our cottage for a shared wholesome brunch on the verandah. This meal includes two courses, such as home made granola followed by a wholesome breakfast salad.
The day will be free for you to spend as you please. Perhaps a massage or facial, wander the shops, enjoy the beaches or settle in with a good book.
In the afternoon we will meet back at the yoga studio. This class will include a little more movement and active breath work.
The evening is free for you to try one of Yamba and Angourie’s excellent restaurants, or you may prefer an early night!
Sunday morning there will be time for an early walk or swim before our last yoga class together.
Schedule
Friday evening
6.30pm: Gentle asana and restorative yoga class followed by a candle gazing meditation.
Take-home bowl of kichari to warm up and enjoy at home or your weekend accommodation.
Saturday
8.30 - 9.15am Morning energising flow
9.30am Shared brunch on the verandah of our beach house.
4.00 - 5.30pm Yoga class
Sunday
10.00 - 11.30am: Yoga class
Retreat ends, we say goodbye.
Venues:
Yoga: 'Free the Coconut' 8 Little High Street, Yamba
Shared brunch: 26 Queen Street, Yamba
Cost: $250 per person.
Includes four yoga classes, a take home meal and a shared two course brunch.
Please note accommodation is not included, please get in touch if you’d like recommendations.