Yoga at Home
Yoga is an ancient practice that brings together mind and body. It incorporates breathing exercises, meditation and poses designed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress. Practicing yoga is said to come with many benefits for both mental and physical health. Liz has recorded 5 yoga sessions that you can complete in the comfort of your own home.
Breathing from scratch
This is a guide to an awareness of how you can experience your breath in your body.
There are many reasons to breath in and out of your nostrils – the more you do it, the more you can, although it may seem strange at first.
- It slows your breathing down
- It sends a message to your brain to say you are moving from fight/flight mode to more passive mode
- It helps to filter the air coming in
- You can sense how your are through your breathing – if it becomes rapid, it’s possible to keep returning to the invitation to slow.
When you try these practices, continue to invite your belly, lower back and jaw to relax. Gently flatten your tongue on the roof of your mouth; it’s then not possible to lock your jaw.
Click here to listen to this 7 minute recording
Breathing and visualisation for energy conservation
This practice can be as long as you want it to be, once you get the hang of it. It’s to prevent you getting pulled in to others’ negativity, whilst remaining compassionate. You can’t pour from an empty jug. Be patient with yourself. Be kind. Be loving.
Click here to listen to this 6 minute recording
Guided relaxation
This breathing and relaxation practice is about 9 minutes long. All breathing practices are a chance to reset your mind, quieten your body and refresh your spirit (with a small ‘s’).
Find a quiet place without distractions, if possible, wearing comfortable clothing.
Commit to being as focused as possible and keep returning to breathing if/when your mind wanders.
You could try this before you go to sleep.
Click here to listen to this 10 minute recording
Loving kindness
This is a seated meditation, although you could do it reclining. Being seated is to have your spine long, so energy/chi/ life-force can move through you and your body be open to receive it. This practice encourages you to be open to offer and receive love, warmth and support.
Click here to listen to this 9 minute recording
“Silent Witness” Meditation
This practice is a way of rising above the challenges of our lives. It takes patience. Again, be somewhere quiet, and feel comfortable. If you are struggling, it may help to feel you are attached to a whole universe through your breathing.
Click here to listen to this 11 minute recording
