Elisa Williams Yoga

Promote Your Page Too

YOGA FOR SPRING 
“Go outside, to the fields, enjoy nature and the sunshine, go out and try to recapture happiness in yourself and in God. Think of all the beauty that’s still left in and around you and be happy!” 
Anne Frank  

It sounds such a wonderful idea doesn’t it? Just a few short weeks ago we all thought that Spring was well and truly on its way. At the moment however it feels as though we are regressing back into winter. No sooner than the use of hosepipes was banned here in the South East than the heavens opened and ever since the rain has shown little sign of easing up!

The endless drenching is certainly bringing on the Spring growth however and we can see nature bursting into life all around us.
Despite the current cold snap, Spring is still my favourite time of the year as it is full of new hope and new beginnings. To enjoy a healthy Spring ourselves, we need to make a few lifestyle changes as well as working on our yoga practice. At the end of this newsletter I have included a list of some yoga poses that you might like to try to kick start your body out of its winter hibernation. 
SPRING CLEAN ON MY ONE DAY YOGA RETREAT IN THE COUNTRY 
I am running another One Day Rural Yoga Retreat & Country Hike in the South Bucks countryside this Spring. This will take place on Saturday May 19th in the tranquil setting of Latimer Park Farm just a 45 minute car journey or tube ride away from Central London. There are still a few places available however you places can only be guaranteed upon receipt of your payment. For more infornation about this and my Autumn retreat in October please click on this link: http://www.elisawilliamsyoga.compage9.htm
  
Summer Term Small Group Yoga Courses 
My small group yoga courses in Notting Hill, Shepherd’s Bush and Fulham have now all recommenced but there are still a few spaces available in in some of the classes if you would like to join us. Particularly in St Peters Hall in Portobello Road  on TUesday and Friday mornings at 9.30am . Please visit my web site page http://www.elisawilliamsyoga.com/page6.htm for more details. These classes are open to beginners and anyone who likes to practice yoga with a beginners mind! Newcomers are always welcome to join in if there is space in the class throughout the current term and can try their first class on a £10 drop in basis. 

YOGA IN TURKEY 2012 October 1st – 8th 
My next yoga holiday to Turkey is fully booked but I am already making plans to return there in once again 2013. Do let me know if you are interested in receiving the proposed dates for next year. I am also taking a few names on a reserve list for this year just in case anyone has to cancel.
This is going to be a wonderful week of dynamic and restorative yoga, relaxation, sightseeing and delicious organic food in guaranteed sunshine staying in a beautiful venue perched high on the stunning Turquoise Coast on the route of the Lycian Way. I will be in touch with everyone who is booked on the holiday very soon to update you. 

SOME TIPS YOGA FOR SPRING

Finally here are some yoga asana and breathing tips for spring: Practice poses like chair pose (Utkatasana) , garland pose (Malasana), and lion pose (Simhasana) to create heat, improve your joint mobility, aid digestion and elimination, and increase circulation. Also practice seated twists and deep, rhythmic victorious breath (Ujjayi breath) , which can be done in poses such as warrior I, sun salutations and cobra.
Similarly, inverted forward bends such as downward-facing dog pose (adho mukha svanasana), standing forward bends (uttanasana) and plough pose (halasana) all strengthen the diaphragm and encourage excess mucus to be excreted through the mouth and nose. Fire breath (kapalabhati) is an excellent pranayama practice for strengthening your lungs and clear your head and sensory organs.


warrior 2

   page2image14576      
chair pose

  page2image16256 
 standing forwards bend
   
 page2image14856  
raised mountain pose

 page2image16536
plough pose
  page2image16256 
 standing forwards bend
   
 page2image14856  
raised mountain pose

 page2image16536
plough pose

DEEP BREATHING SPRING CLEANING 
Fire breath (kapalabhati) is an excellent pranayama practice for strengthening your lungs and clear your head and sensory organs.
Also breathing deeply where you fill your belly and expand your diaphragm downwards. This powerful breathing technique really helps us to activate our lymph system which helps to detoxify our body.
Our lymph system is like our own personal waste disposal unit. Practice 10 slow deep breaths counting 4 seconds as you inhale then hold the breath for up to 8 seconds if can and then 8 seconds as you slowly exhale. Breathe long slow deep breathes as mindfully and as often as you can. 




In fact up to 70% of our body’s waste products are eliminated via our lungs. The rest is through the urine, skin and faeces. When the efficiency of our lungs is reduced due to shallow breathing then less oxygen is available to our cells. The circulation of blood which carries waste from our kidneys and lungs is slowed. Our lymphatic system which fights off viral and bacterial invaders is weakened and our digestive process is slowed down.

ADD GREEN JUICE TO YOUR DIET

Green juices are a valuable way to detoxify you body in Spring time







Some Green Juice Recipe Ideas taken from Ayurveda:
Celery, lemon and pear (or apple)
Celery, cucumber, lemon (leave the skin on) and pear (or apple)
Celery, cucumber, kale, lemon and pear (or apple)
Celery, cucumber, lemon, parsley and pear (or apple) 

Put everything into a juicer or a blended and give it a good mix and serve

Thank you for taking the time to read my Spring 2012 Newsletter. If you would like anymore information about yoga, my weekly class schedule, private one to one classes in your own home for individuals or small groups of friends then please contact me via email or phone Tel 07885933037. 

You can also now follow me on TWITTER Elisa Williams @ yogimummy & FACEBOOK Elisa Williams Yoga Mumma for regular tips and updates.