Pockets of Calm

written by Jamie John

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Hello everyone I think most of you have met me or will have been in my classes, but for those of you reading wondering who’s words these are, I’m Jamie and I hope what I have to say might resonate with you.

The myth that all yoga teachers are calm, zen and float around on clouds with straight spines and perfect minds is quite frankly not true! We very often have found our way to yoga because we also crave the same things as those of you that practice. My fellow teachers would agree that we are, all of us, students of yoga as much as anyone.

As we find ourselves stuck inside our homes for the good of public and world health, I would love to explain how I use Yin Yoga to find what I call "pockets of calm" in my hectic mind and how this practice might work for you.

Usually Yin Yoga is my soothing balm to hectic days, long work hours and human frustrations. That said, it can be a perfect tonic to those of you who are adjusting to a locked door and an open window as the prospect of your next few weeks.

Don’t mistake me, there are a few tonics out there for us to enjoy; one of them mixes delightfully well with a double shot of gin and a piece of citrus- but right now, we’re here for the yoga in this blog piece and I’ll get right to it.

Yin Yoga is the essence of surrender. Of letting go, and letting it be. Whatever "it" might be. For busy minded people this can seem so daunting, but eventually, if given enough time and approached gently enough, you will find stillness.

As you bring yourself into the Asana or physical postures, you will find what we call a target area. It’s the place to explore sensation and at this point you stay. Balanced perfectly between effort and ease- sitting on the fence for lack of a better description. The postures are held for longer periods of time than traditional Yoga forms and from here, the magic happens.

The sensation keeps you present and awake, stops the practice slipping into restorative yoga and means you have something physical to focus on whilst being still. Equally it’s important to not to push too far, if you’re used to fiery, yang types of yoga like Ashtanga or power- this will be difficult, but you and your body will get so much from easing off. Be gentle!

All you need is your yoga mat (or a towel if not) and the little space it takes up in the house. A self practice like this can be around 30 minutes; short and sweet. It’s a great response to bubbling feelings of anxiety or as a reaction to dealing with stressful or challenging situations. It’s the perfect way to get a break from nagging children or the new reality of close proximity working with the other members of your households! (Everyone needs a break, right?)

If you really want to immerse then create a little sanctuary if you have the means too. Use a big fluffy blanket for comfort and warmth, take your favourite pillow off the bed and light a candle. Oakmoss by LORD is my go-to at the moment. Open a window listen to the birds or enjoy the silence you have created for yourself for as long as you’re comfortable.

I promise you, once you have spent time immersing in the gentle practice, internalised and aiming (without judgement) for stillness; the confines of your own home will soon feel enormous!

Please give yourself permission to practice your yoga, stay safe and well and enjoy pockets of calm in your lives. If you’d like to know more about Yin yoga itself, feel free to send me a message.

Now, where did I put that tonic water?..

Jamie John xx

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Written by Jamie John and published on Saturday 28th March 2020 at 13:30

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