THEME: CONNECTION AND COURAGE

“We are stronger together”

Welcome to your wellbeing programme. This month is focusing on building up connection and courage in times of challenge just like we are experiencing right now.

We were unexpectedly launched into sudden changes and shifts in many areas of our lives, and were expected to just get on with it! This has been challenging even at the best of times, and has been especially difficult not being able to see friends or relatives to help calm our nerves.

This month, we want to focus on supporting you through the challenging times you might be facing. Now is a time to encourage connection to yourself and also with others, whether that be your friends, family, or community, to provide that all important reassurance we need.

Children are also going through a lot at this time, with missing friends, not having their normal school routine, and maybe not fully understanding what has happened to their everyday. We weren’t really supported with the sudden transition out of school and work ,so we want to help support children and adults alike as we slowly transition back into it.

We will reconnect to our inner strength, our breath, let go of what no longer serves us which might be holding heavy in our hearts, and draw in positivity to replace what we let go of.

We are here for you, for them.

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GUIDED MEDITATION

Watch the short explainer video by Jen, that describes how to settle in with a meditation.

“LETTING GO” MEDITATION: USED to heal ourselves and our heavy minds, by releasing negative thoughtS and drawing in the positive

Time: 8 minutes

When to practice: As often as you need WHEN YOUR MIND IS HEAVY

This month we are connecting to our inner selves, and making space to fill our hearts with warmth and light. The ability to let go and find the inner strength to move forward is what we all need right now.

There is nowhere else you have to be, nothing else to do. Just be here with your body in stillness, and start to slow down your breath.

Grab a blanket and get cosy. You can do anytime yourself, or with your family members too.

Simply click on the video and settle in.

We are here for you, for them.

yoga poses and movement

You might notice that the first post this month is a familiar one to you now. We wanted to focus on it this month because it is one of the best poses to help us connect to our yoga and mindfulness practice. The more we practice it, the more comfortable we will become with being able to come into it and instantly relax.

There is also a short yoga flow this month, rather than just individual poses, called a “Sun Salutation.” We do this to help us feel strong, connected to ourselves and our breath. An important part of the yoga postures when moving through them together, is that we flow with our breath, at our pace, and stay focused and connected to the present. The practice is also known as a “moving meditation.”

EASY POSE

One of the most important poses in yoga. Serving to connect us in an instant to our bodies in the present moment, and the earth below. We can combine practicing this pose with a mantra, breathing technique, or simply take a few minutes to sit in stillness. Find your comfortable seated position, cross legged, sitting up nice and tall. Maybe take a cushion on block underneath the sit bones to elevate the hips. Elongate the spine and the torso, draw the shoulders down and away from the ears. Draw the chin in and slightly down towards the chest. Place the hands on the knees palms either facing down or up. Get fully comfortable. Breathe slowly. Be still here for as long as you need.

SUN SALUTATION

We move through a series of poses here, some of which you might recognise. Remembering as you flow to move with your own breath, meaning as you breathe in you lift and create space, and as you breathe out you move into the space. You can practice this as part of a morning routine, and once you get the hang of it you’ll be able to practice from memory, allowing you also to become more inward and meditative. Put on some relaxing music and flow with the breath. Recommended repetitions, 2-3 to begin with.

Breathing exercise: RELAXING 4-7-8 BREATH

This breathing technique serves to relax us and alleviate any anxiety we might be feeling. It can also help calm us in preparation for sleep.

Find your comfortable seat either crossed legged on the floor or maybe sat on a chair or sofa. Then begin to close your eyes or lower your gaze to the floor. Let’s practice our relaxing breath now, breathing out to prepare. Now breathe in to a count of four, hold the breath in for a count of 7, and breathe out to a count of eight.

Repeat for as long as needed.

watch the video below to FOR GUIDANCE WITH JEN

LOVING KINDNESS MANTRA

A mantra for all beings who are hurting and struggling, including ourselves.

(click on the image to be guided through the mantra, you can also practice on your own ONCE YOU ARE COMFORTABLE DOING SO)

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

CONNECT WITH SOMEONE YOU’VE LOST TOUCH WITH

This month, try putting energy into connecting with someone you’ve lost touch with. For example, an old friend or family member who’s been on your mind. You can even practice the “Loving Kindness Mantra” to help bring positive energy into your outreach.

To get through these times, we must be there for each other.

CONNECT WITH YOURSELF

Take a moment in every day to connect to yourself, whether that be through practicing the sun salutation, taking your relaxing breath, or sending out some loving kindness ~ Notice how this affects your wellbeing throughout the month.

CALMING music

We have offered these music selections, to use during any of your poses, mantras, meditations and/or quiet time. It’s even lovely music to have in the background while you’re doing homework with the little ones, reading, before falling asleep and any time you just need to take a moment and unwind.