Yoga and Somatics from the Inside Out
Why “Less Is More” when it comes to releasing muscle tension
A comment I often get when someone comes along to one of my Essential Somatic Movement classes is how much more gently and slowly they explored the movements in class than when they tried them on their own. As a result they noticed their muscles felt softer, they felt...
Martha Peterson Podcast
The other day I had the delight to catch up with my mentor, teacher and fellow colleague Martha Peterson from www.essentialsomatics.com. It was such a treat to talk about our passion for Essential Somatic Movements and how we can all learn to release our OWN chronic...
Ever Said “I Feel So Stiff, It Must Be My Age?” Read On!
Have you ever said “I feel so stiff, it must be my age?” I’m betting that if you’re over 40 years of age there’s a good chance you have. It’s such a common thing to say if you’ve felt your body stiffening up, becoming less flexible or have experienced ongoing muscle aches and pains.
Slowing Down, The Gift Of Autumn
Here in Edinburgh I am beginning to sense the first stirrings of autumn coming...today we are bathed in blue skies and sunshine (a blessing at anytime of the year in Edinburgh!) but there is a crispness in the air and a definite chill in the evening as the nights...
Are Your Computer Habits Contributing To Your Neck & Shoulder Tension?
I am delighted and really happy to let you know that next year, I will be co-hosting (alongside my colleague Aileen Orr) world renowned Yoga teacher Donna Farhi here in Edinburgh for a five day workshop. In preparation for her visit, what hasn’t been so delightful is spending a lot of time on the computer getting all the information up on my website (definitely not my favourite thing).
What’s The First Thing You Do When You Wake Up?
It’s not a trick question honest….do you reach for the alarm clock and hit the snooze button (just five more minutes pleeeeaaaase) or maybe you jump straight out of bed and into your day? Whatever you do, my guess is you’re not starting the day with a fabulous pandiculation, am I right?
Feeling safe, secure and at ease with yourself (just as you are)
You’re having one of those days. You know the ones, where life just doesn’t seem to be going the way you want it to. And you’re not in a good mood to put it mildly. In fact, you’re feeling irritated and downright grumpy. And the last thing you need is someone suggesting that you welcome life, this moment, these emotions just as they are….Right?
A Gentle Somatic Exercise to Relieve Lower Back Pain (or prevent it occurring)
Do you ever find yourself rushing around, feeling busy or overwhelmed? If so and you’re like me, it can create this sense of being on the go all the time, with a mindset that goes something like “I’ll be able to relax once I get (you fill in the blank) done”.
The Fluid Body: Creating Ease In Your Practice
Did you know that at least 50-60% of your body (assuming you’re an adult reading this!) is made up of fluids? I’m guessing that you’re probably aware of your muscles and bones, but how in touch do you feel with the watery environment they live in?
If you’ve ever felt that you’re working too hard or over efforting in your muscles, dropping down into your inner ocean can nourish your yoga practice with a sense of ease, playfulness and spontaneity.
Living Your Heart’s Deepest Desires…
One of things I love to do at the start of a new year is spend time in reflection, resting and just being. I find this period of quietness deeply nourishing, allowing me to listen for the deeper intentions living within me of how I wish to express myself in the world.