Chakra Yoga Series: Part 5, Throat Chakra
Finding balance at the throat Chakra is the theme for this week
This week we’ve continued our journey through the Chakra’s, moving from the Heart Chakra last week, and reaching the Throat Chakra, Vishudda. And again the influence this chakra has had over our classes this week has been palpable.
Focus on the breath
This week our practice focused on:
Ujjayi Breath
Gentle stretches across the neck
Percussive sound
Yoga Asana (postures) that opened the chest and let the energy flow
The nature of Spring and the elements of wood and either.
Thoughtful communication, mudra and mantra.
The call of the ocean
The Throat Chakra is focused on expression and effective communication. Although we tend to think of this as purely verbal, this chakra has allowed us to explore our non-verbal communication as well. Saying that sound has been at the heart of our practice and what better way to explore this chakra than by starting with the breath.
Ujjayi breath, also known as Ocean breath was the anchor for our pranayama this week. From beginning to end, it allowed us to draw our focus into the here and now and explore it’s sound in isolation, and with the presence of the rest of the world. Described by Anodea Judith as the “internal Om”, Ocean Breath enables us to conquer fear, bring clarity to the mind and support us in speaking our truth.
Releasing and Harmonising
Our class followed a rising energy this week, rising from the Root Chakra, we starting with gentle stretches through the neck and shoulders, shoulder shrugs were followed by more active seated yoga mudra linked to the inhale and exhale these gentle built the energy. The build in energy enable us to move to the Warrior poses and from there to Revolved Side Angle pose.
Mantra and Mudra
For mudras we explored Self-Esteem and Sky Mudra, firstly tapping into our inner truth, then heightening our listening abilities and careful contemplation.
Mantra’s included “I am truthful and honest with myself” and “I communicate openly and honestly to express my thoughts and feelings clearly.”
Essential oils for the Throat Chakra
If I’m honest I was spoilt for choice this week. But taking into account that it is currently Spring here in the UK I chose Bergamot and Lavender to compliment our practice this week.
Bergamot I chose for its optimism and uplifting qualities. These directly allow the body to free up, by releasing pent up feelings and emotions.
Lavender I chose for its ability to encourage self expression and release stuck energy. As we used it towards the end of our practice it’s calming properties were also enjoyed.
Join me for a class, workshop or CPD training
My joy is in sharing my two great passions, yoga and aromatherapy and I would love to have you come on this journey with me.
I teach yoga classes in Sussex, run yoga workshops monthly (sometimes more) and have a wonderful community of yoga teachers who have been on my Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD training and are passionate to learn more about how to safely incorporate essential oils into their workshops and classes.
In three week’s
We’ll be journeying up the Sushumna Nadi to the Third Eye, Ajna chakra and exploring were our consciousness meets our unconsciousness and our intuition resides.
Sources and Inspiration
The themes explored in this class were informed by my own knowledge of traditional yoga philosophy and practice. My experience as a professional aromatherapist and inspiration from:
Anodea Judith’s Chakra Yoga, published by Llewellyn Books
Aromatherapy for healing the spirit, Gabriel Mojay, published by Healing Arts Press
Mudras for Body, Mind & Spirit by Gertrud Hirschi, published by Tarotdeck
The Power of the Chakra’s, Fiona Toy, published by Hinkler
These sources often inform the framework I use when designing themed yoga classes that integrate movement, breath, subtle energy and essential oils.
The Chakra Yoga series:
You can explore the whole series so far by following these links to my chakra yoga blogs for each one:
Week One: The Root Chakra
Week Two: The Sacral Chakra
Week Three: The Solar Plexus Chakra
Week Four: The Heart Chakra
Week Five: You’re already here!
Week Six: Coming April 17th 2026
Week Seven: Coming April 24th 2026
Chakra Yoga Series: Part 4, Heart Chakra
Opening the heart Chakra
This week we have journeyed up to the centre of the chakra system and found ourselves at Anahata Chakra, commonly know as the Heart Chakra.
This Chakra is in the centre of the 7 main yogic chakra’s and as such is the meeting point of our more intellectual, physical beings and our more spiritual selves. This chakra is associated with unconditional love, towards ourselves and others, so it’s been a much softer week compared to ourSolar Plexus journey.
Opening the heart
This week our practice focused on:
Expanding the chest through pranayama (breathwork)
Alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana)
The Krama breathing technique Anuloma (Thanks to Anodea Judith for this inspiration)
Asana which opened the heart and chest
Poses like Anahata, or Puppy pose which soften the heart to the earth
Strength through the legs, softness through the arms.
Finding strength in letting go
This weeks practice invited us all to be vulnerable, be it through posture, breathwork (trying something very new) or with the use of a rather unusual mudra which sometimes didn’t work, so we accepted and adjusted. Making space for ourselves just as we are. And a yoga teacher it also asked me to be vulnerable, to be more open about how my own heart leads me in my teaching each week.
Well rooted we rose
I’m really enjoying exploring the chakras in this way and really noticed in this weeks practice how having a strong connection to the chakras we’ve explored so far really supported the opening of the heart. Feeling rooted, through a sprinkle ofRoot Chakraposes helped us feel grounded and ready. Being more creative with well know asana’s helped us to soften and flow like our Sacral Chakra week and with last weeks self confidence boost at the Solar Plexusto lean into we really could soften the heart.
And my favourite manifestation this week was
“I love myself the way I am, not the way I was or could be, and I extend this love to others.”
Essential Oils from the Heart
This week we started our essential oils and yoga practice with an oil I love, Laurel (Bay). This oils continues on really nicely from last weeks self confience supporting oils as it’s inspiring notes boost the self esteme and help to renew our belief in our own boundless potential.
Our second oil, was Rose. Love, trust, self acceptance and emotional wellbeing are at the root of the energetic properties of this oil and I really couldn’t think of a better oil to support our open hearted journey through alternate nostril breathing and savasna.
Join me for a class, workshop or CPD training
My joy is in sharing my two great passions, yoga and aromatherapy and I would love to have you come on this journey with me.
I teach yoga classes in Sussex, runyoga workshops monthly (sometimes more) and have a wonderful community of yoga teachers who have been on my Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD training and are passionate to learn more about how to safely incorporate essential oils into their workshops and classes.
Next week
We’ll be journeying up the Sushumna Nadi to the Throat, Visuddha chakra and exploring our thoughtful communication and expression - I can’t wait!
Sources and Inspiration
The themes explored in this class were informed by my own knowledge of traditional yoga philosophy and aromatherapy as well as inspiration from:
Anodea Judith’s Chakra Yoga, published by Llewellyn Books
Aromatherapy for healing the spirit, Gabriel Mojay, published by Healing Arts Press
Mudras for Body, Mind & Spirit by Gertrud Hirschi, published by Tarotdeck
These sources often inform the framework I use when designing themed yoga classes that integrate movement, breath, subtle energy and essential oils.
The Chakra Yoga series:
You can explore the whole series so far by following these links to my chakra yoga blogs for each one:
Week One: The Root Chakra
Week Two: The Sacral Chakra
Week Three: The Solar Plexus Chakra
Week Four: You’re already here!
Week Five: The Throat Chakra
Week Six: Coming April 17th 2026
Week Seven: Coming April 24th 2026
Chakra Yoga Series Part 3: Solar Plexus Chakra
Plank pose to fire up the Solar Plexus Chakra
After establishing a grounded root and exploring our creativity in week 2, week 3 classes’ have been exploring the power of the Solar Plexus Chakra, Manipura.
The element of this Chakra is fire and boy did that translate into our practice, where strength was the key word through every posture. This chakra is associated with self confidence, optimism, and determination without the need to trample over others. It was a great, if challenging week on the mat.
Drawing on our personal power
This week our practice focused on:
Uplifting our energy
Restoring confidence and optimism in our ability to achieve
Holding poses for longer
Warrior poses, plank, boat - expansive and strong
Facing the physical challenge to see how much we are capable of
Holding for longer
By spending longer in poses like Warrior two, plank pose and down dog, we had to draw on our well of inner strength to last the distance. The breath was our supportive guide, enabling us to strengthen our will power to stay for longer. This practice really challenged us physically, but the rewards of knowing we could do it were great.
Oils to support our fire
Alongside our asana practice, we worked with 2 beautiful essential oils to enhance our exploration of the Solar Plexus Chakra.
This weeks practice started with Lemon essential oil. A breath of bright, uplifting fresh air, it wiped the slate of the day clean and encouraged us to let go of emotional confusion and doubt, clearing the mind, encouraging self-trust and uplifting us in body and soul.
Then Pine essential oil was introduced towards the end of the practice. This fortifying scent helped to bolster our confidence and like Pine often does, it re-established our connection to life in the hear and now.
I absolutely loved this combination of oils for all it added to our Solar Plexus Chakra Yoga class this week. This class takes place on a Tuesday morning at Ditchling Pavilion.
Continuing the journey next week
Next week we’ll be reaching the Heart Chakra, Anahata. This chakra which is the link between the lower, more physical chakras, and the upper, more spiritual and ethereal ones. And once again our practice will change to explore this energy centre in all its glory
If you’re intrigued to explore this in your own yoga practice you are warmly invited to join us on this journey through the Chakras. Click to discover my yoga classes, workshops and retreats.
Essential Oils and Themed Yoga Teaching
Working with aroma alongside yoga can add a subtle but powerful layer to themed classes, workshops and retreats.
Essential oils like Lemon and Pine can deepen the energetic tone of a practice and help guide students deeper into the qualities you’re exploring.
For yoga teachers, learning how to integrate essential oils safely and intentionally can open up new possibilities for creating meaningful, sensory-led classes, workshops and retreats. Check out my practical guide to essential oil safety in yoga classes here
If you're a teacher interested in exploring this approach, I share the framework I use for blending aromatherapy with yoga practice inside my on demand Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD, where we explore safety, how to use scent to deepen your students yoga practice, and ways to weave scent into themed classes such as chakra practices.
You can learn more about the training here: Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD
Sources and Inspiration
The themes explored in this class were informed by my own knowledge of traditional yoga philosophy and aromatherapy as well as inspiration from:
Anodea Judith’s Chakra Yoga, published by Llewellyn Books
The Power of the Chakra’s, Fiona Toy, published by Hinkler
Aromatherapy for healing the spirit, Gabriel Mojay, published by Healing Arts Press
These sources are a few of the books I go to to inform the framework I use when designing themed yoga classes that integrate asana, pranayama, subtle energy and essential oils.
The Chakra Yoga series:
You can explore the whole series so far by following these links to my chakra yoga blogs for each one:
Week One: The Root Chakra
Week Two: The Sacral Chakra
Week Three: Your already here
Week Four: The Heart Chakra
Week Five: The Throat Chakra (coming March 27th)
Week Six: Coming April 17th 2026
Week Seven: Coming April 24th 2026
Chakra Yoga Series Part 2: Sacral Chakra
Sacral chakra flow yoga, opening the arms in a wide circle
After establishing a strong base at the root chakra, Muladhara, last week, this week our practice focused on softening and flow, as we worked up the sushumna, the central energetic axis that runs through the body, to explore the sacral chakra, Svadhistana.
This chakra is the energetic centre associated with creativity, desires and fluid movement. Located in the lower belly and connected to the element of water, it invites us to move into a deeper relationship with feeling, expression and flow.
Inviting Fluidity into the Body
This week in our practice we explored flowing movement. Instead of strong held postures, we enjoyed:
Circular movements through the hips, spine and shoulders.
Ripples through the torso
Flowing transitions between asana’s
And as always we invited the breath to guide the rhythm of movement
Flowing movements can feel surprisingly liberating. Where the root chakra grounds us, you can read more about that in my root chakra blog, the sacral chakra, whose element is water, invites us to explore what happens when the body begins to move more freely.
Creativity in Stillness
Creativity is often imagined as something expressive and outward, but the sacral chakra also teaches us about creative stillness. Giving us the opportunity to listen to our bodies, responding to sacral chakra manta’s like:
It is time for me to manifest what I need. I ask myself “what do I need?”
Throughout the practice we used simple hand gestures, or mudras, to support this process. We used “Relax Mudra” to help us let it flow, and used our breath like a wave through the body to help us release tension. We also explored Saraswati Mudra, which links directly to it’s namesake, the goddess of creativity. This mudra encourages us to be open to inspiration, tapping into our creativity and joyfully acknowledging out talents and good ideas.
Working with Aroma to Support Flow
Alongside the movement practice, we worked with two essential oils that beautifully reflect the qualities of the sacral chakra.
Juniper Berry has a fresh, cleansing aroma that many people experience as clarifying and uplifting. Energetically, it helps us break through times of stagnation and fortifies our will power with it’s instinctive confidence and positivity.
Jasmine brings a soft, floral sweetness that is often associated with creativity, sensuality and emotional openness. Energetically its Yin leanings help restore our capacity for creative thought. A harmonious oil it enhances our intuition and helps us tap back into our true desires.
Together, these scents supported the theme of flow, supporting students move from grounded stability into a more water inspired expressive space.
A Simple Practice to Try at Home
If you’d like to explore sacral chakra energy in your own time, try this simple practice:
Lie down in semi-supine, knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
Rest the hands on the low belly, fingers interlaced, thumbs apart (Rest Mudra)
As you exhale press the low back into the floor, as you inhale release.
Keep the belly soft at all times. repeat for 2-3 minutes.
If you have Jasmine or Juniper nearby, pop a drop of one or both onto a cotton pad or into a diffuser and let the oils take you deeper..
Notice how you feel. Just a few minutes can create space for creativity and emotional flow.
Continuing the Journey
Our chakra exploration continues next week as we move upward to the Solar Plexus, Manipura Chakra, the centre associated with personal power, confidence and inner fire.
Having established grounding at the root and fluidity in the sacral chakra, we begin to explore how these foundations support strength and self-trust.
Each layer builds on the one before.
And as always, you are warmly welcome to join us. Click to discover my yoga classes, workshops and retreats.
Essential Oils and Themed Yoga Teaching
Working with aroma alongside movement can add a subtle but powerful layer to themed yoga classes, workshops and retreats.
Essential oils like Juniper and Jasmine can deepen the emotional tone of a practice and help guide students deeper into the qualities you’re exploring.
For yoga teachers, learning how to integrate essential oils safely and intentionally can open up new possibilities for creating meaningful, sensory-led classes, workshops and retreats. Check out my practical guide to essential oil safety in yoga classes here
If you're a teacher interested in exploring this approach, I share the framework I use for blending aromatherapy with yoga practice inside my on demand Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD, where we explore safety, how to use scent to deepen your students yoga practice, and ways to weave scent into themed classes such as chakra practices.
You can learn more about the training here: Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD
Sources and Inspiration
The themes explored in this class were informed by my own knowledge of traditional yoga philosophy and aromatherapy as well as inspiration from:
Anodea Judith’s Chakra Yoga, published by Llewellyn Books
Aromatherapy for healing the spirit, Gabriel Mojay, published by Healing Arts Press
Mudras for Body, Mind & Spirit by Gertrud Hirschi, published by Tarotdeck
These sources often inform the framework I use when designing themed yoga classes that integrate movement, breath, subtle energy and essential oils.
The Chakra Yoga series:
You can explore the whole series so far by following these links to my chakra yoga blogs for each one:
Week One: The Root Chakra
Week Two: You’re already here
Week Three: The Solar Plexus Chakra
Week Four: The Heart Chakra
Week Five: The Throat Chakra (coming March 27th)
Week Six: Coming April 17th 2026
Week Seven: Coming April 24th 2026
Essential Oil Safety for Yoga Teachers: A Practical Guide
Essential oil safety for yoga teachers: dilution, storage and best practice for classes and retreats.
Essential oils can beautifully enhance your yoga classes, workshops, and personal practice. They can support us in so many ways, from energising our practice, to grounding it. But they are also highly concentrated plant extracts, and with that potency in mind, I suggest, if you’re weaving essential oils into your yoga teaching following the safety guidelines below.
1. Keep Essential Oils Out of Reach of Children and Babies
Essential oils are not harmless fragrances. They are powerful substances that should always be stored safely and kept well out of reach of children and babies.
Even small amounts can cause irritation or harm if misused. Treat them with the same care you would give medicine.
2. Always Have a Vegetable Oil on Hand (Never Use Water)
This is one of the most important safety principles.
If an essential oil causes discomfort on the skin, or accidentally gets into the eye, do not use water. Water can drive the oil further into the tissue and increase irritation.
Instead:
Use a vegetable-based carrier oil (such as rapeseed, jojoba, or almond oil).
Apply generously to dilute and gently wipe away the essential oil.
Keep a carrier oil nearby whenever you’re working with essential oils in class and if your at home any cooking oil will do.
3. Keep Oils Away from the Eyes
Essential oils and eyes do not mix.
If you’re adding oils to an eye pillow or eye mask during savasana:
Ensure there is a layer of fabric between the oil and the skin
Never apply oils directly where they could transfer into the eyes
I personally prefer to scent my eye masks well before using them.
A simple barrier makes all the difference.
4. Store Oils Properly
To preserve their therapeutic properties:
Store in a cool place
Keep away from direct sunlight
Ensure lids are tightly closed
Use dark-coloured bottles (amber or cobalt blue are ideal) Or a bottle which comes in it’s own container.
Sunlight and heat can degrade essential oils over time, reducing their effectiveness and altering their chemical composition.
5. Keep Away from Open Flames
Some essential oils are flammable. Avoid using them near candles, incense burners, or open flames.
This is especially important in yoga spaces where candles are commonly used.
6. Never Use Essential Oils Neat (Undiluted)
Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin without dilution.
Using oils neat can:
Cause contact dermatitis
Lead to skin sensitisation (which may be lifelong)
Increase risk of irritation
Diluting with a carrier oil not only improves safety — it also provides additional skin-nourishing benefits you wouldn’t want to miss.
7. Understand Phototoxic Oils
Some essential oils are phototoxic. This means they can cause skin reactions, rashes, or dark pigmentation if the skin is exposed to sunlight within 3–4 days after application.
Most citrus oils fall into this category, along with some others.
If you plan to be in the sun:
Apply phototoxic oils only to areas that will remain covered (and always dilute them)
Or use them aromatically instead (diffuser, inhalation, on a cotton pad)
This is particularly important if you’re running outdoor yoga sessions.
8. Pregnancy and Health Conditions
Not all essential oils are suitable during pregnancy or for certain health conditions.
Before using essential oils:
Research oils that should be avoided during pregnancy
Check contraindications for specific health conditions
Encourage your students to disclose relevant health information
If you (or a student) have a medical condition, always research thoroughly before use.
9. Treat Essential Oils Like Medicine
Essential oils are natural — but “natural” does not mean harmless.
Treat them with the same respect you would give medicine or herbal supplements. Continue learning about:
Oil properties
Contraindications
Safe dilution rates
Proper usage methods
Responsible use is part of being an ethical yoga teacher.
Want to Go Deeper? Train With Me
If you’re a yoga teacher who wants to confidently and safely integrate essential oils into your classes, workshops, or retreats, my Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD was created with you in mind.
Inside the training, we go far beyond the basics and explore:
How to use essential oils safely and professionally in yoga classes, workshops, and retreats
How specific oils can influence mood and energy, and deepen connection to the breath, body, mind, and soul
Themed workshop ideas — plus exactly how and when to use oils within a class setting
Contraindications, safety considerations, and pregnancy guidance
Thoughtful ways to expand your offerings (and income) with integrity
This training is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence, and professional foundation to work with essential oils both responsibly and intuitively — so you can enhance your teaching in a way that feels aligned, ethical, and impactful.
You can learn more about the training here:
👉 Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers CPD
Final Thoughts: Safety First, Always
These are safety guidelines — and they matter.
But alongside them, use your common sense. If something doesn’t feel appropriate for your setting, your students, or the environment, trust that instinct.
When used safely and thoughtfully, essential oils can become a beautiful, supportive extension of your yoga teaching. Respect their potency and they’ll serve you and your students well.
Chakra Yoga Series Part 1: Root Chakra
Grounding isn’t about holding yourself rigid.
It’s about softening into strength.
This week in our root chakra practice, we explored steadiness through strong standing postures, slower breath and a felt sense of support beneath us.
Returning to the Root: Exploring Grounded Presence in This Week’s Yoga Classes
This week in class, we slowed down.
Not because we were tired, not because we needed less, but to explore the root chakra, to reconnect to the earth and explore the power of this chakra in helping us step away from our thoughts, our to-do lists, and the constant forward pull of life.
We came back to the ground.
We explored the root chakra — Muladhara — the energetic centre associated with safety, stability and belonging. Located at the base of the spine and connected to the element of earth, it governs our sense of being supported, physically, emotionally and energetically. It’s associated with the colour red and is represented by a lotus flour with four petals.
And perhaps more importantly, it influences how safe our nervous system feels in the present moment.
Ground Before You Grow
There’s a quiet wisdom in starting at the root.
In yoga, we often speak of expansion — opening the heart, awakening insight, rising into expression. But growth without grounding can feel unsteady.
This week, we prioritised steadiness. We started at the pelvis, connecting to our root chakra with our pranayama (breath) our minds through visualization's and physical through our movement. In standing we pressed firmly through the feet, allowing the upper body to be soft and flowing, whilst the lower body was string and connected.
Simple things. Foundational things.
And yet they shift so much.
Safety Is a Felt Sense
When we focus on grounding practices, we are sending subtle cues of safety to the body.
The nervous system responds to rhythm, pressure, containment and connection to the earth. Longer exhales gently stimulate the parasympathetic response. Strong, steady postures build a quiet resilience.
In a world that constantly pulls our attention upward and outward, rooting down allows us to reconnect to what matters.
Working with the Earth Through Aroma
Alongside the physical practice, we also worked subtly with scent in my Tuesday Morning Ditchling class and post Wednesday evenings flow yoga.
Earthy essential oils can deepen the experience of grounding, offering an anchor through the breath. This week we explored vetiver and patchouli — both traditionally associated with root energy.
Vetiver has a deep, smoky, almost ancient aroma. It settles quickly in the body, centres and connects us to mother earth — calming, nourishing, relaxing the body and mind. Many people describe it as feeling like a weighted blanket for the nervous system, it’s also known as the King of Sleep!
Patchouli carries a warm, earthy scent that brings awareness back to the physical body. It can be especially supportive when we feel scattered or disconnected, gently grounding and stabalising the mind when overthinking and worry develop.
Used lightly and intentionally, scent becomes another pathway back to presence — not overpowering, simply supportive.
A Small Grounding Ritual You Can Try
If you’d like to work with root energy at home, try this:
Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
Soften your knees slightly.
Scrunch and release your toes three times.
Imagine roots growing from the soles of your feet into the earth beneath you.
Take five slow breaths.
Let your exhale be longer than your inhale.
If you have vetiver or patchouli to hand, place a drop on a cotton pad or in a diffuser and allow the aroma to accompany your breath.
Notice what shifts.
Building Upwards: Next Week’s Theme
Having established steadiness at the root, next week we gently begin to move upward.
We’ll explore the sacral chakra — Svadhisthana — the centre of fluidity, creativity and emotional expression.
If the root asks, “Am I safe?”
The sacral chakra asks, “Can I feel?”
Our practice will soften, spiral and flow a little more. We’ll work with the element of water, inviting mobility into the hips and space into the lower belly. Where this week was about steadiness and containment, next week will be about permission — to move, to feel, to explore.
If you’ve been feeling unsteady, overwhelmed or disconnected from your body, this kind of themed, intentional practice can be profoundly regulating.
You don’t need to understand chakras to benefit. You simply need a willingness to arrive as you are and take from each practice what works for you.
And you are always welcome.
I run yoga classes and retreats across Sussex and Kent, blending my passion for yoga and aromatherapy to support you through life.
The Chakra Yoga series:
You can explore the whole series so far by following these links to my chakra yoga blogs for each one:
Week One: You’re already here
Week Two: The Sacral Chakra
Week Three: The Solar Plexus Chakra
Week Four: The Heart Chakra
Week Five: The Throat Chakra (coming March 27th)
Week Six: Coming April 17th 2026
Week Seven: Coming April 24th 2026
Finding Joy in the day to day
Finding joy in the day to day. Where exactly do we start?
Firstly joy doesn’t have to be all singing , all dancing, explosive moments of WOW. Joy can be found by simply enjoying life’s little pleasures, by making them special for you.
If coffee brings you joy, make it well, savour it.
if running brings you joy, grab your trainers and go go go.
If drawing floats your boat, grab a pencil and paper and spend 15 minutes every day letting it flow.
Whatever appeals to you, do it as much as you can.
Here’s a snapshot of how I find joy in my day today life. I hope it inspires you to do the same.
Hot lemon and ginger in the garden with 15min of gentle movement to ease into my day.
Breakfast with my family.
A walk in nature, even better if this is with a friend.
Good conversation to inspire my soul, or make me giggle.
Water, nuts, dark chocolate and fruit. What can I say, I’m a snacker, these three are my favourite combo.
Something to inspire me - this could be work I’m passionate about, a great book or learning something new.
Lunch in the garden, surrounded by the trees, birds, bugs and weeds.
Rest. Yoga Nidra every day, 10 - 20 minutes of deep rest for my body, mind and soul.
Cuddles with my kids, reading to them and some play too.
Meditation before bed, acupressure points, essential oils, a good book.
I don’t do all of these everyday, but I do try my best too. I’ve added in this little moments of joy and self care over the last 3 years, one at a time.
Why don’t you find something that resonates with you and start adding it into your day? Do it now, don’t overthink it, stick with it and in a months time you’ll have created a new habit which helps you feel more joyful day to day.
Lets grow Happier, Older and Wiser together ladies.
Let me know how you get on.
With love and best wishes, Heather*
Step into you Peri Power
7 ways I stepped into my power during my perimenopausal years and how you can too.
Question.
What if all the symptoms you’re experiencing during your perimenopausal years are a sign, a signal, an offering from the universe to take a look at your life and make a change?
You might be thinking, crippling anxiety, painful breasts, heart palpitations and rage don’t feel like a calling Heather.
Stay with me.
This could be your bodies way of saying it’s time to look after yourself more. And that rage? Maybe it’s your power. Maybe the anxiety is telling you that there are elements of your life that must change, again, your power. Now is the time to listen to your body, listen to your heart and make those changes, step into your power.
But what exactly does that look like? We’ll it’s different for all of us. So I’ll share what it looked like for me.
Firstly it meant learning about perimenopause. I trained with Sally Parkes and Rachel Boon in Menoyoga®. This was ground breaking for me. I learnt so much about what was going on in my body and what I could do physically and in terms of the food I consumed to help myself.
Secondly it meant reading, almost everything I could find on this subject. From personal stories, to books about HRT, the brain and those which took a much more spiritual approach to this life transition. I read it all. Some books made me cry, some made me so angry and others I just put about 1000 sticky notes in. My top perimenopause books and why — Deaville Yoga
Thirdly I taught, I shared and I connected with a wonderful group of women to support them through their perimenopause journey’s . And trust me when I say, their support taught me so much too.
Then came action, me stepping into my power.
I started saying no to things. If it wasn’t a full bodies yes, it was a no. I needed to rest, do what I loved and keep my energy for myself and my family.
I started tracking my period and my moods and symptoms (there’s loads of aps out there you can do this with) and this was great because I saw patterns and could plan my work/life around that (mostly, you know the perimenopause eh!)
I stopped drinking, first alcohol, then caffeine. If this is something you’re toying with check out this podcast: What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health - Huberman Lab
I tried HRT. Unfortunately it didn’t work for me. My body reacted badly and I had to stop, but I’m glad I tried it as I’ve seen it help so many women Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - NHS
I started to grow my rest practice, using 20 minute yoga nidra’s daily to get some real deep rest: Yoga Nidra 22min | Guided Relaxation Meditation - YouTube
And I read a lot of books around happiness, which has lead to a deep interest in Buddhism and meditation.
And I always came back to my yoga practice, trying each time to make it what I needed. Sometimes gentle, sometime transformative, sometimes silly and sometimes all about stepping into my power as a perimenopausal queen. Yoga for Perimenopause Power | 15 min Class - YouTube
You’re journey will be different from mine, but I hope that in sharing mine yours will be easier.
Lets grow Happier, Older and Wiser together ladies.
Love and hugs as always, Heather*