The Yoga rules

By Ntathu Allen

Are you busy? Tired from running from one activity, social engagement to another? Are you looking for an easy way to relax and unwind after a busy day at work or caring for your children at home?

The following simple Breathing Relaxation Practice, takes about five minutes and leaves you feeling energised, calm and revitalised.

To begin, find a quiet space to sit down.

* Uncross your legs and place both feet flat on the floor, hip width apart. If your feet do not touch the floor, just move forward until they do or place a firm book under your feet.

* Rest your hands, lightly on your thigh with the palms facing up.

* Relax your shoulders. Sit up straight and lengthen your spine. Make sure you are sitting evenly on both buttocks.

* Gently tuck your chin in towards your chest, keeping it level with the floor. This allows the neck to be in alignment with the rest of your spine.

* Become aware of your spine. Feel as if you are sitting up tall and straight.

* Smile. Allow your jaw to relax, tongue resting behind the lower front teeth.

* Your eyes may be either opened or closed. If opened, gently lower your gaze, keep them unfocused, and rest your gaze on a spot in front of you.

* If your eyes are closed, focus your awareness on a spot within, e.g., below the navel, the point between your eyebrows or your heart centre..

* Begin to observe the body. Tense and relax the toes, then the feet, calves, knees, thighs, buttocks, hands, shoulders. Allow all muscles to relax

* Now start to become aware of your breath. Don't try to control the breath, just be aware of how you are breathing. Observe the rhythm of the breathe.

* Breathe in slowly through the nose and as you exhale, through your nose, slowly release the breath.

* Let the breath, be steady,, full and deep. Observe the movement of the abdomen as you slowly inhale and exhale. Slowly let the breath flow through the body, releasing tension and fatigue as you breathe out and breathing in peace, joy and love as you breathe in.

* Inhale and exhale, slowly for five to seven rounds of deep steady breathing. try and extend each breath you take.

* If your eyes are closed, slowly open the eyes.

* Sit still for a few minutes. Allow the breath to return to normal. Then stretch out the body.

* Be aware of how the body feels. Observe the peace and calmness of the mind.

Practice this simple breathing relaxation whenever you feel anxious or stressed and see how easy it is for you to be calm, alert and energised.

Registered Polarity Practitioner and Hatha Yoga Teacher, Ntathu inspires and supports you in your health and wellness journey. She offers private 1-2-1 yoga at home sessions, yoga at work and yoga for children. Through the practice and teachings of Yoga and Polarity Therapy Treatments, she helps you learn simple yoga stretches, meditation and relaxation techniques which you can use to release stress, boost your energy, relax and, feel more alive. Email ntathu@yogainspires.co.uk to sign up for your free Yoga and Polarity monthly enewsletter, "Healing for Soul" - full of simple health building exercises, relaxation techniques and inspirations which you can use to reduce stress, boost your creativity and experience inner and outer peace.

Email: ntathu@yogainspires.co.uk

http://www.yogainspires.co.uk

Phone: +44 7973 777 882 +44 20 8432 3429