The Only Certainty Is Change

26/07/2022 by Suzan

The Future is yet to be Written

Life has a wonderful way of catching our attention. What was certain becomes uncertain. Unexpected, unwelcome or ‘oh no not again’ situations shake our world – relationships, work, health.

Yoga teaches that the only certainties are change and death. Resisting ‘what is’ impacts our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is exhausting. Accepting saves a huge amount of energy. We don’t have to like it. Remember it too will change. View with curiosity. Something new may arise – perhaps even better than before.

“Everything is here to help you”. Matt Kahn.

Change can be a catalyst – an opportunity or a gift. Granted this ‘gift’ can be very heavily disguised! Consider it as a ‘wakeup call’ from the universe – time to do things differently. Take a leap of faith.

Well-being practices are more important than ever although they can be hard to maintain in times of turmoil. It is important to be resourced and calm. When we are in stress or overwhelm objectivity is impossible or unreliable.

The body holds your story and history. It holds great wisdom too.

Practice calming breathing techniques
Learn to relax.
Take time for yourself – be still, quiet, walk, meditate, and notice.

The answers lie within.

Raja yoga the yoga of Patanjali prescribes Self-study/ discovery. As we align with our true Self and intuition, we see beyond the egoic mind. This entraps us in old, outdated ways trying to keep us safe. We may feel ‘safe’ but stuck too. Struggles, stress, and drama may be our ‘familiar’/ ‘normal’. The place we subconsciously return.

The first step is Awareness accompanied by Acceptance.

Mindful yoga is a wonderful way to get to know our Self ‘warts and all’. Notice feelings and sensations in the body. What thoughts and emotions are present?

Return to Wholeness

Start with movement. Notice what is happening in your body right now.

“I feel in harmony with my body”.
“Yoga allows me to land and connect to my body and release”.
“I now know what it is to be present!! 🙂 :)”.
“I enjoyed being in my body”.

Breath connects the body and mind. Techniques can calm, stimulate, or balance. Your breath reveals more subtle information than the body. It is the yogi’s best friend.

Relaxation completes the nervous system reset to rest and digest, parasympathetic state.

Meditative practices develop our relationship with Self. With compassion, curiosity, and acceptance the soul wisdom can be heard.

The most important relationship is with Self. By nurturing our connection to Self we can create a new future.

Is it time to upgrade, start or kick-start your yoga journey?

Email me to find out more.

Filed Under: Stress, Yoga

7 Fascinating Yoga Facts!

11/04/2022 by Suzan

In these times of increasing change I smile and remember that yoga says the only certainty is change! Yoga has a vast arrays of tools and potential to support us as we navigate life, health and change.

Did you know?

Ancient Yoga texts 4 list paths to yoga: –
Karma – the yoga of action
Bhakti – the yoga of devotion
Gyana/jnana – the yoga of knowledge/wisdom
Raja – the royal path – an eight-step path to Self-realisation – Patanjali Yoga.
Asana – Sanskrit for posture – means a comfortable seated position.
Patanjali’s Yoga does not include any postures – it states postures should be both steady and comfortable.
Yoga was taught 1 to 1 to men only.
Indra Devi was the first western woman to be taught yoga in the early 1900’s (by Krishnamacharya of the viniyoga tradition).
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a much later text which describes 15 postures, breathing techniques, mudras & bandhas.
Yoga means unity – joining all parts of self with soul and the oneness.

Are you surprised?

Want to know more? Email me to find out how yoga can support you.

Filed Under: Addiction, Anxiety, Fatigue, Healing, Pain, Stress, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

It’s Invisible, Magic & Can Change your Life

13/12/2021 by Suzan

You are so much more than a body or mind. X-rays, kirlan photography etc. reveal an electric/electromagnetic energy field – prana, chi or life force energy. Everything including the earth have their own individual field which is part of the oneness/collective consciousness.

YOU CAN CHANGE IT POSITIVELY AND/OR NEGATIVELY

Each interaction whether in-person, online or tv has an impact on your energy.
Every thought and belief are imprinted in your energy field.
An automatic hug, rubbing a child’s grazed knee are ways you use energy for healing.

Developing your awareness with energy brings potential to positively upgrade your life.

Energy is invisible for most – some see a shimmer or colours, others feel, sense, know or intuit. No way is better or more advanced.

Connect with energy with:

Yoga – asana/postures, breathing and meditation.
Sound therapy
Healing

Join our online energy/healing circle to get started

Filed Under: Healing, Pain, Stress, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

The Healing Power of Yoga

13/12/2021 by Suzan

Yoga is so much more than postures. It was the start of my spiritual and healing journey and supports me every day.

Come to the mat or a chair. Arrive in this moment. And notice. You are home. Your breath and nervous system settle. A sense of calm beckons as you move to the rhythm of the breath.

With awareness, curiosity and compassion stress and tightness release. Relaxation is now possible.

Thoughts, feelings, and emotions may bubble. Welcome them all. Give them space. Accept with Grace. Awareness, breath, and movement free the energy. For your body holds the story and answers.

Here and now all that matters is you. Resistance, challenging movement, or injuries deserve your compassion. Be open to emotions. This may be the only time they are heard. Give them space as you mindfully move. Watch but stay out of the drama.

Feel, sense, observe and know it is energy. Let it be ok and flow. Insight and new possibility can arise in this present moment. More movement may now be available. Many report reduced or no pain.*

From movement to breath to stillness.

Your practice takes you inwards. Reconnect with your essential nature and inner wisdom. It will guide you well.

Feeling calm and peaceful with a sense of well-being the session ends. Until next week.

Yoga Courses start 10^th January. We are online with in-person workshops every other month. It is wonderful to welcome members from other countries and those who have moved areas.

✔“I attend far more classes now you are online”.
✔“I like not having to drive “.
✔“It is so easy; I just go into my living room “.
✔“Health issues mean I feel safer at home “.

After class I feel: –

Better, tranquil, more alive, beautifully stretched, upbeat, supple, settled, rested, relaxed, ready for bed, calm, integrated, peaceful, de-stressed, good, tingly, a different shape, ready for bed, smiley, complete.

Testimonials

“Each session brings a big smile; it allows me to land and connect to my body and release. A rare treat in a very full week.”

“I feel very safe in the classes, so my body relaxes as soon as I join.”

“I now know what it is to be present!”.

Your weekly practice will help integrate and ground therapy and healing sessions.

Weekly Online Yoga courses run from w/c 10th Jan to w/c 11th Apr 22

Yoga Aylesbury Online Healing

Mindful Yoga THERAPY & Relaxation
Gentle, therapeutic, and restorative – mostly lying.
Monday 6.00-7.15pm

Mindful Yoga & Relaxation
Relax, unwind, reconnect – from standing to lying.
Monday 7.45-9.00 pm

Chair Yoga
Gentle, safe, fun, and friendly group – no lying or kneeling.
Tuesday 10.30-11.30am

Complimentary breathing session
Tuesday 12.30-12.50pm

Yoga for Recovery
Self-nurture with movement, awareness and sharing.
Wednesday 6.00-7.30pm

Personal Yoga Sessions

Individual sessions tailed to your interests/needs. Develop a home practice or prepare to join a group class.

To find out more and book your place call Suzan on 07795 517157 or email her

*” I have no pain in my shoulder since I have been regularly attending yoga, I had previously been in pain for years.”

“I was in so much pain when I arrived, and it has all gone. I feel brand new.”

“Thank you for being so accommodating and adapting the postures for me, this personalisation means I continue to benefit from the sessions when I have aches and pains”

“I have osteoporosis and suffered from pain in my neck and joints. Since joining Suzan’s yoga class I have become stronger and have a greater range of movement. I have been able to go hill walking again. My latest scan showed that my bone density had increased 3% in the spine and 10% in the hips. I am delighted to have gained so much, usually the best aim is to maintain density and avoid any further reduction.”

“The morning after my first yoga class I got out of bed and for the first time in 3 years had no back pain! I also slept like a log which is very rare”

“I used to suffer regularly with lower back pain, but since joining your yoga class this is now a rare occurrence.”

“As a result of attending your classes I am considerably more mobile, I can carry quite heavy loads and the only time I get joint pain is when I have missed my Monday yoga session.”

Filed Under: Pain, Stress, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

I Might Not Have Made It…

11/08/2021 by Suzan

It could have been very different. I may not have made it this far. The pull of addiction beckoned but even in the depths of my confusion, despair, and darkness I knew deep down it was not for me – not this time anyway… I didn’t have the understanding or later the words to express it but there was something keeping me going.

Beneath my wounding, conditioning and unhelpful habits resides a part of me with great wisdom, my Wise Woman. Untarnished by the ups and downs of life she is a quiet, calm, knowing guide. When I listen to her things go well. I had forgotten this part of me existed but every now and again she would try and make herself known. For decades my mind overrode her. She didn’t give up.

I found her through my yoga practice, walking in nature, in the pauses between thinking, planning, judging, and zoning out. She led me well and here I am sharing with you. Never in a million years did I think this would happen!

You came from nothing into physical form helpless and reliant on others. To navigate life, you developed strategies and behaviours to ensure that you survive, are fed, loved, or shielded from painful feelings and memories. This is when you start of the disconnect from your inner wisdom.

These parts or programmes which are vital to you as a child haven’t been updated. They get in the way of you living life fully as an adult. Next time you get upset or triggered notice your reaction, what age comes to mind? Perhaps you struggle for words or there are no words – possibly linked to preverbal events.

You may have no conscious memory as to why your programmes developed. There may be a transgenerational link. Yet everything is stored within your body. It holds your pain and the answers you are seeking.

“Trauma comes back as a reaction, not a memory”
Bessel Van Der Kokk

Your body is designed to heal and return to homeostasis. Pain, both physical and emotional, signals something is wrong. Life continues to bring you opportunities to process unfinished business. Events may seem unlinked, unfortunate, coincidental or there may be patterns – ongoing issues with romantic relationships, money, self-worth etc. All are opportunities to heal and be authentically you – not a punishment. The body is signalling it is time to change course. It is exhausting holding onto your wounding and story. I know, I tried extremely hard. Each release felt like it created a new me, lighter, brighter, and happier.

If I can do it you can too!

Yoga in its fullest sense was my way out of these unhelpful repeating events. Every time I came onto my mat I was guided to connect with my body, then my breath and notice – I discovered my Wise Woman. She is my guide. Our relationship continued to deepen as I expanded my practice with healing and development tools. My trust built. I now trust her above everything. It is my joy and honour to guide you, and others, to connect with your inner wisdom.

Here’s how

Start with one step, something that is manageable and celebrate starting. Before you were oblivious. Now you are aware AND have taken a step towards your goal. It takes as long as it takes. There is no set route or technique. You can take the scenic route or go directly, navigating obstacles, getting stuck in dead ends – it doesn’t matter. I have done all and eventually moved on. Sometimes I would charge ahead, think I was complete only to find something else to consider. All the while I feel better, more alive and my relationships are easier. My sense is that this is a life-long practice, and it feels good. This is my life purpose. To find me and live authentically.

I will guide and support you.

What is your next step? Would group or private sessions best help you?

Email me to get started.

With love and acknowledgement for all you have experienced, your challenges and potential.

Suzan

Filed Under: Addiction, Anxiety, Fatigue, Healing, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

Yoga as a Healing Tool

12/01/2021 by Suzan

Yoga can help!

Yes, it can help with pretty much anything.

The answers, insight, and meaning lie within you. There is a part that is beyond the tarnishing and challenges of human life. Soul, higher self, eternal flame, infinity spark, are some of the names. You may know another.

When you dedicate your practice – postures, breathing, sound, reflection, ritual, meditation – to yourself you have an opportunity to connect with this part of you, your essence. Allow plenty of time, bring openness, curiosity and non-judgement. Set no agenda or time limit.

Day after day, week after week you deepen your relationship with your SELF. It is the light of your lighthouse, guiding you towards and/or away as needed.

This new found or deepened awareness if the first step and key to the wisdom that lies within. It is unchanging, ever present and the one thing you can trust. First the clutter must be cleared to avoid confusion and patterns and ego conditioning over-riding that quiet voice.

This is a simple process, not necessarily easy. You may confront feelings, memories etc that you have been avoiding.

Make sure you are safe before you explore anything that may re-traumatise you.
Consider whether you would benefit from the support of a therapist/teacher.
Take small accessible steps.

Yoga can empower your healing, recovery and discovery of the root of physical and emotional challenges.

Yoga is all about YOU. It supports you to make peace with your SELF.

To untangle unhealthy relationships. And allow your loved ones to live their own life. Irrespective of our beliefs.

Step One – Self-awareness

Step Two – Self-acceptance

Self-worth and self-love are the fruits.

I am happy to support, guide and empower you on this journey. Please email me to arrange a confidential 20 minute consultation.

Filed Under: Yoga

From Suffering to Bliss – a yoga journey for self-healing

05/09/2020 by Suzan

When I notice I am suffering or struggling, I check in to see what is happening, what I am not getting or what wants to change.

How are you with change and uncertainly?

For many years I resisted and resented undesired change. It was painful and not something I had planned. I did all I could to avoid it! I would get busy, grumpy, or resentful. So many more important things to do! Or times there were long periods in inertia, resentment and feeling trapped. All completely subconscious.

Finding yoga and spiritual development gave me the tools to reflect and broaden my understanding. I came to understand that there was something bigger at play. My ego is not in control. The pain drove me to change. The result exactly what I needed. The pain led to change. I was being guided to a better place.

The act of regularly showing up on the mat is a huge opportunity to be present with what is, to feel those things that are so easy to avoid. I found yoga postures a way into reflective practices. They also gave me time to get to know my body, and feel! Some tightness wouldn’t shift no matter how many classes I did. It was in healing and personal development that they moved. I was then able to explore and access deeper wisdom in the yoga classes.

I studied a whole lot and understood at a cognitive level. Over time I was really able to understand. This was when I felt the knowing and understanding physically and at a more subtle, energetic level.

Now I feel and know with my physical body and beyond that change and the suffering it often brings are the one certainty in life! It is not wrong or a punishment, rather a catalyst to take us to a new, more evolved place. The idea is to move through the suffering rather than get stuck. Now it’s not easy or quick but the reality of life.

Life continues to bring me opportunities to leap forward and I find the support and connection of my practice means the process is easier and quicker. And I still notice sub-conscious activities taking me the scenic route! Ultimately it will take as long as is needed.

Yoga for change and reducing suffering

Are you ready for change? Looking for support navigating change? Trying to understand and make sense of uncertainty.

Email me to book a free 20 minute consultation to see how working together can support you.

Filed Under: Anxiety, Fatigue, Healing, Pain, Stress, Yoga

5 Ways to help you stay calm, sane and connected!

14/04/2020 by Suzan

1. Routine
Create a daily routine, plan times to start and finish activities. This will give you some predictability, control/power and help keep you grounded in the present rather than with thoughts of what might, should, or should not happen. New habits can take a while to become established and you may benefit from the support of a friend to help create your time table and keep you on track, celebrate success, and support you through any challenges.

2. Connection
Connection is especially important if you live alone. Plan time every day to speak with a colleague, friend, family member or support group. Online communication with visual as well as audio gives a deeper connection than phoning, Facetime, Whatsapp, Skype, Zoom etc are all free and pretty good. I have been having a monthly online lunch date with a friend for a couple of years and it’s great! Join me at one of the tea break or tea & chat sessions (see above).

3. Nature
Where possible spend some time daily in nature. Walking barefoot is a my favourite. If you can’t get out at all or as often as you would like, bring nature into your home with flowers, plants, perhaps try sprouting, planting a container or window box. Open windows and doors to clear the air regularly.

4. Exercise and diet
Exercise regularly, daily if possible, anything to move your body, feel the strength you have. Walk, dance or your guessed it do some yoga :). My Yoga classes are now online and the new term starts 20th April. If you would like to book and/or to receive a short yoga practice to do on your own email me.

Eat nutritious food, as fresh and unprocessed as possible. Treats are fine, too much sugar and starchy foods may feel good initially but are followed by an energy dip and put extra strain on the body to process and digest, so be as moderate as you can. If you deviate from the plan be kind to yourself and get back on track as soon as you can.

5. Create a Sanctuary
You may need you to get creative, but it is possible to create a harmonious space to connect with yourself, your calm centre and intuition. Be realistic, how much space do you have? For most of us a dedicated room is not realistic but if you have one great. If not how about a temporary space where you can place a chair, mat or blanket when you use it.?

If you are living in a busy household, choose times to visit your sanctuary when you are least likely to be disturbed. Negotiate quiet time with others or consider headphones with white noise.

Make an intention for this space to be your sanctuary – when you set it up and every time go there. The energy will build and you will associate it with positive qualities.

Choose an object to evoke a the quality of sacred, whatever that means for you – a photo of a deity, or teacher – a crystal -something from nature – anything of special significance. These may need to be portable and put in place every time you use the space or you may have a shelf, window ledge, a small table etc.

I have something to represent the elements, water, fire/candle, air/feather and earth/crystal. You may like to focus on the senses and play gentle music, use aromas, a soft cushion. Be guided by what you have and your intuition.

I would love to see a picture of your sanctuary, please post it on my Facebook page or email me.

Yoga Healing Aylesbury

Filed Under: Stress, Yoga

Yoga – a Path to Peace & Self-awareness

29/02/2020 by Suzan

Yoga is a path to self-discovery, the ancient wisdom of sages including Patanjali are as relevant today as thousands of years ago. Yoga offers a wealth of philosophy and psychology which dates back thousands of years. Postures as we know them today are a very recent addition. Yoga was taught individually, to men only. It was a way of life. The student would have to work hard to be accepted by his teacher. Training would involve living with the teacher, often for many years.

Krishnamacharya started teaching yoga to women. In 1937 Indra Devi became known as “The First Lady of Yoga.” when she was admitted into his school. Now yoga is often associated with complex acrobatic postures, often with young, very bendy and attractive women. However the postures are only one of many tools to journey to a state of yoga. They can in fact become a distraction when that is our only focus. It is important to maintain strength in the body, especially the spine and a flexibility. From a yoga perspective this is to support our meditation practice.

A mindful yoga practice supports the body and creates a space to become aware of what really going on. Underneath the busy mind, and aches and pains there is often an emotional issue. Awareness can be enough to start or complete moving this energy from your system.

Y – YOU – the only person who you can change is yourself – you are responsible only for your reaction.

O – OBSERVE – your thoughts, actions, and reactions – are there patterns you have outgrown or are not serving you? Are you ready for change?

G – GRATITUDE – spend time focusing on all you are grateful for, the more you do this the more you will find and the more positive and calm you will feel.

A – ACCEPTANCE – allow whatever is happening to be okay and remember that change is the only certainty. Much angst and energy is spent on things over which we have not control.

Is it time for you to take the next step? Please email me if you would like support or guidance.

Filed Under: Healing, Yoga

My Yoga Journey

19/04/2017 by Suzan

I discovered yoga in my 20’s and life got in the way. Fast forward 20 years I realised I was at breaking point. I had put diesel in my petrol car. I was a single mum living in the intense stress as my son entered his teenage years. I joined the local gym and I discovered yoga.

Yoga is so much more than tying yourself in knots or getting into a perfect posture. It has tools to support well-being on all levels. The texts give a path for moving out of suffering.

Yoga means to unite the various aspects of ourselves, physical, emotional etc. as well as the wounded child, inner warrior etc. Healing means wholeness. I see yoga as one of the oldest healing modalities. It’s sister ayurveda gives a wealth of knowledge on diet and lifestyle.

I trained with the Yoga for Health Foundation in Group Classes and Remedial Yoga and followed this with Viniyoga teacher training in group classes and yoga therapy. My training included in depth study of yoga texts, psychology and philosophy of yoga. I hold a British Wheel of Yoga accredited certificate and have trained extensively with cutting edge yoga teachers in the UK and at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, India.

My specialty is working with the health and well being of the whole person. An issue in the body will most likely have an emotional connection. There may also be ancestral links which are impacting the client. I use ancient techniques of hatha yoga and cutting edge teachings to restore balance and harmony.

I firmly believe in the power of yoga to transform at all levels. It has a tremendous amount of wisdom to offer whether we are mainly interested in the physical aspect or using yoga as a spiritual journey.

This is a holistic approach. It is not a substitute for a 12-step program and not intended as, or a substitute for, medical or psychiatric advice. Nor is it intended to diagnose, describe, treat, or cure any disease – physical or mental.

Filed Under: Yoga, Yoga Therapy