Emma's Winter Yoga and Massage Newsletter

Transcription

1 Emma's Winter Yoga and Massage Newsletter Dear Yogis, welcome to Winter and the end of the year once again! Emma practising Qi Gong, Torremolinos, Spain, Dec 2018 Image by Z.Bajuszova In some ways, I feel like a ship which has been battered by a storm and has now glided into calmer waters- still with the structure intact but stripped back to its essence. My house became a metonym for my life a few months ago-stripped back to the brick work by loss in order to see if it had firm foundations.

2 Back to the start After years of dedication to Yoga practice, I found a solid structure despite the slings and arrows of the storm. Although altered, I am still able to find great solace and happiness in my Yoga practice- a light house which continues to guide me with its light towards the safe harbours of love and community-family, friends and my wonderful and inspiring students of Yoga. Preparing lesson plans and readings, Kissamos, Crete, not a bad office Seriously, some days teaching you has given me purpose and a reason to leave the house. Life can become overwhelming but I feel blessed to have this tool to make life easier and to make me feel

3 good everyday. It is my honour and privilege to be able to pass on what I have learned and experienced so far to you. With that in mind- here is all of the news for Winter and beyond! Lisa Wood Superstar Teaching Yoga and Pilates It was with sadness but also happiness for her, that I taught with Lisa Wood for the last time this year, at our joint retreat in July and at our joint workshop in October. After years of working both day and night, she had recognised through her Yoga journey that this was her time and she has since fallen in love with Ashtanga Yoga and comes on the Crete and Ischia retreat every year. Happy memories on a cruise to Capri

4 Lisa was a huge support for me when I was starting out and advised me on setting up my first ever class at Rye Hills school (still going strong!). Since then she has taught me Pilates, become my physio (the best!) fellow Yogi and friend. I will miss teaching with her but I am happy that she now has more time for herself and more time for retreats! And with that in mind Autumn Escape Yoga Retreat at The Golden Fleece Hotel and Restaurant, Thirsk, October 2018 Fine dining at The Golden Fleece This was a new retreat location although one well known to me for its excellent accommodation and friendly staff, and it didn t disappoint!

5 It was a lovely group who came together for Yoga, wonderful food in the impressive dining room and walks around the picturesque market town of Thirsk. This is a

6 four star location and guests receive a double room for the their sole usage- luxury indeed Enjoying our martini glass desserts and a cheeky shot of Prosecco! I will be running the same retreat in the brochure and booking form can be found on my website

7 Danny Paradise Workshops on Shamanism and Egyptian Yoga, London, October 2018 The more Yoga and Pranayama you do, the less employable you become! Danny Paradise at Tri Yoga, London. Danny was a totally cool dude- a cross between Marc Bolan and Russell Brand in appearance he had much wisdom to impart about Yoga and his travels through life. As is always the case with the original Yoga Masters from the 1970 s, the workshop was very physically challenging in terms of asana and pranayama. A group of about 100 Yogis struggled to keep up with his immense strength, all the hallmarks of a disciplined and life long practice. He was insistent on us not backing away from our edge- he was very hands on, encouraging us to work beyond the boundaries of our minds

8 limitations. Although tired, I felt a wonderful peace at the end of the four hour session laying in Savasana. Danny Paradise in hand stand- age is but a number Weaving a Tapestry for Strength and Flexibility Workshop Guest Teacher for Darlington Yoga Group, November 2018 Emma in Eka Pada Koundinyasana,Darlington, November 2018 It had been four years since I last taught for this varied and lovely group of Yogis. Some still remembered the journey I taught towards Bird of Paradise pose so knew to expect a focus on the lesser practiced asanas.

9 It was a fun morning and I really enjoyed my time there. It was also lovely to have my regular students make the journey to the hall and to see their familiar faces

10 Winter Wellbeing Retreat at Source of Light, El Canuelo, Malaga November 2018 A great bunch of women came together for this retreat which took in back pain, loss, family and lots of amazing food, conversations and laughter. Although the weather wasn t kind to us, this location is beautiful in any weather- a true escape from the bustle of society and a return to a quiet and restoring natural rhythm.

11 Om hasta mudra in The Lake Room It is always rewarding for me to see retreaters arrive tired and a bit frazzled at this healing location and leave with rosy cheeks from the fresh mountain air, new inspiration and full bellies! Final dinner

12 Image by Z.Bajuszova Reflections on the Yoga deck Rich and Betty are such generous hosts and passionate about their messages about nutrition and how we choose to feed ourselves. We even received a packed lunch, a final taste of super sweet tomatoes and rye bread, for our journey home says it all really

13 Thanking Rich and Betty for their hospitality Yoga for core strength

14 Purple blankets are the way forward! David Swenson Hopes, Dreams and Reality of Practising Ashtanga Yoga, London, November 2018 After my travails with my lower back where even child pose and apanasana had become impossible, it was with relief that I came to see my teacher knowing I,as always, would be in wise, compassionate and experienced hands.

15 Taking notes- Manchester, July 2018 The perfect storm of house renovation ( possible with a little money left to me by my mum-still looking after me!), travels to Bradford to sort through her possessions and clean for dad, and my own grieving process had led to my body bringing my body down in order to rest. This healing process began in Spain as I focused on meditation, gentle moves and lots of pranayama and study. With all of David s modifications memorised and in my heart from teaching my own students, I moved mindfully through the Primary series and half of the Intermediate series, doing breath through vinyasas, bringing my knees down and feeling the prana building with a focus on the ujjayi breath. David appeared as always at the postures which had been a struggle recently and guided me in to Passchimotanasana (forward bend) which had been impossible. I felt the tears well up and the place at the base of my spine where the grief had hidden itself. The ability to let go of this holding on in the hands of my teacher was a liberating feeling.

16 David rejects the title and won t allow any body to follow him but he truly is a Guru for me- the definition being to lead one from darkness to light. He always gives me what I need at a certain point in my life. I was sad to leave him as we hugged for the last time for another year but I also felt the flame of Ashtanga yoga deep inside my heart, a flame I would stoke gradually over the next few weeks as I returned to a stronger asana practice. Throw back pic from my training course in 2015 This was the therapy that sorted me out in the first place from obesity, back pain, stress, anger to where I am now. I never take it for granted and I am humbled every day by my good fortune to be able to practice it and to find such a teacher of the old ways.

17 And talking of Ashtanga. New Class! 3:15-4:15pm Wednesdays Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners at The Earth Beat Centre, Saltburn-by-the- Sea- starts February 2019 I was contacted by Lesley Wood, a teacher whose classes I attended when I first moved to Guisborough and who I will be forever grateful to for guiding me in the direction of teacher training. She asked if I would teach a class at the Centre and the rest is history! Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners The Yoga, Meditation and Therapy Space, The Earth Beat Centre Saltburn-by-the-Sea 3:15pm-4:15pm This introduction to classical Ashtanga Yoga will focus on the Primary Series or Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy) as taught to Emma by the world's leading and original Ashtanga Masters; David Williams, Manju Jois and Emma's much loved teacher, David Swenson. Ashtanga in its original form is a healing therapy and a tool for transformation and as such is suitable for everyone- walking wounded especially welcome! 45 to be paid in advance Places are limited and first come first served. Term dates 6/2, 13/2, 20/2, 27/2, 13/3, 20/3 To book, contact Emma on or emmaliveyoga@gmail.com EmmaLiveYoga

18 FREE YOUTUBE CLASSES Beginners Ashtanga Classes can be found here! I already teach a Beginners class at Serenity, Guisborough but most in the class could now be considered Intermediate in their command of the breath, drishti and ability to modify their own practice. All have moved on to half and in some cases full led Primary. I am very proud of this class and love teaching them but it will be nice to hopefully introduce Ashtanga to people who have never tried it before and teach from the start-bandhas and Breath. Places are limited to 12; do let me know if you d like to book this course. The flyer can be downloaded from my website under Classes Early Dates for the 2019 Diary. Friday 5 th -Sunday 7th April Freedom Yoga Fest BWY Congress 2019 Warwick University, Coventry I have been asked to teach at the above festival which will be headlined by an Ashtanga Yogi called Gregor Maehle who was

19 authorised to teach Ashtanga Yoga by Patabhi Jois in He has written many books on Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama. He will be holding Mysore sessions which I will hopefully be able to get to around my teaching. Zoe Knott, my original strength guru, will also be teaching as well as a wide and varied schedule from many teachers. If you fancy a weekend of Yoga with world-class teachers (and little old me!) tickets are now available at Image by Tori Williams Sunday 7 th July 2019 Yoga by the Sea Northern Yoga Festival The Earthbeat Centre, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS19 1QA

20 I will be headlining this one day festival in our area and will be able to take bookings once details, other teachers and the schedule is finalised. I will also be teaching a varied range of classes with my usual options for all who wish to practice with me. Look out for Zuzana s promotion flyer and the booking form in the new year And talking of Dr Z Eastern Facial Massage with Zuzana, Wednesday 2 nd January Promotion, 30 minute facial 18 only (usually 25 a huge 7 saving!) Zuzana has recently trained and qualified as a therapist in the above with Serenity Therapies, under the eagle-eyed watch and in the very capable hands of Kat and Jonny Wills. She had 9 very willing guinea pigs on the Malaga retreat for her practice as well a case study (thanks Christa) and as such has honed and refined her skills to provide a deeply relaxing and beneficial

21 massage which she will be offering fom her beautiful therapy space in Kirkleatham. What is Eastern Facial Massage? Eastern facial massage offers a combination of techniques from both Indian Head Massage and Japanese Anma in order to ease tension from the facial muslces and the scalp. It can help to release blockages in the flow of energy, providing a deeply relaxing experience for the mind. She will be initially offering this treatment for one day only on the 2 nd January Appointments are limited and a few have already gone so do contact me to make your booking. Benidorm Holiday December 2018 Sunset in Benidorm We recently enjoyed a much needed holiday in sunny Benidorm out of season and it was glorious weather. It was wonderful to be able to run and do our Yoga on the beach with the sunrise and explore the old town after sunset.

22 Image by Z.Bajuszova It was a nice feeling out of season and we felt rested after a very busy year for both of us. We also availed ourselves thoroughly of the all-inclusive deal (those of you who have been on a retreat with Zuzana will know the significance of this! I wasn t that far behind though-chocolate pudding for breakfast anyone?!) Retreats for

23 th- 31st March Spring Awakening weekend retreat, Cober Hill, Cloughton, Scarborough (9 places left) 11 TH -16 TH April Spring Wellbeing Retreat at Source of Light above Malaga (1 place left) 14 th -21 st May Sun, Sea and Yoga retreat, Western Crete (FULL!) 22 nd -29 th June Yoga Holiday in Ischia, Italy (FULL!) 13 th -20 th July Yoga Holiday with pool at Source of Light above Malaga (4 places left) 4 TH -6 th October Autumn Escape retreat, The Golden Fleece Hotel and Restaurant, Thirsk (8 places left) 14 th -19 th November Winter Wellbeing Retreat, Source of Light, above Malaga, Spain (7 places available) Adrienne s Sound Bath at Sunnyfield House

24 nd -7 th April Spring Wellbeing Retreat at Source of Light above Malaga (9 places left) 20 th -27 th June Yoga Holiday in Ischia, Italy (12 places left) 18 th -25 th July Yoga Holiday with pool at Source of Light above Malaga (9 places left) 22 ND -29 th September Sun, Sea and Yoga retreat, Western Crete (15 places available) 12 th -17 th November Winter Wellbeing Retreat, Source of Light, above Malaga, Spain ( places available) **A full description can be found under Retreats on my website or in brochures available at classes and workshops. Let me know if you d like to book any of them Do contact Debby or Jilly at Free Spirit Travel for the Crete and Ischia retreats and they will give you all the assistance you need. Extra Info on Retreat Bookings For Crete and Ischia 2020, Free Spirit Travel say you can make a 150 deposit to secure your place but there may be a small price change for Please note: Places are only secure for all retreats when deposits have been made and this is reflected in the places advertised here and on the website. When a retreat is beyond 8 months away, it is fine to write a cheque which I will not cash until the deposit dates stated on the booking form. I have brochures for my own retreats available with all the contact details on if you d like to get one in class or when you see me **

25 Workshops for January and February 2019 Cober Hill retreat in full flow 10am-12pm Sat 5th January Yoga Detox Boot Camp, 15, Sunnyfield House, Guisborough (6 places left) 10am-12pm Sat 12 th January Yoga for the January Blues, 15, Sunnyfield House, Guisborough (12 places left) 10am-12pm Sat 9 th February Chakra Yoga and Sound Bath with Adrienne Woods, 20, Sunnyfield House, Guisborough 10am-12pm Sat 23rd February Yoga for a Healthy Back, Neck and Shoulders, 15, Sunnyfield House, Guisborough

26 What I m up to this Winter, Yoga and otherwise A Winter Solstice get away to York to re-charge our batteries We will be having a family meal out for Christmas and can hopefully support each other in getting through this challenging time A Parkrun at twixmas to see where we are fitness-wise after the festivities! Full Led Primary series for myself and my students followed by a New Year s Day lunch as we see in the new year Spending time in Hungary and being spoilt by my other mama and family- wish me luck in the minus degree temperatures- eek! Continuing to write my mum s journal as catharsis and a way to honour the grieving process Plenty of self-care in the form of massages, Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra and Winter walks

27 Happy memories in Scarborough Wishing you a peaceful and nourishing Yule Tide and a wonderful new year in which you follow your dreams and live your best life now! Thanks as always for your support this year Namaste, and look forward to seeing you on the mat! Love, Emma

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