December Newsletter

Dear Yogis and Yoginis,

Between the end of term and the holidays, for many of us December has become synonymous with travel and anxious preparations. To add to the excitement, several yogis and yoginis in our community will soon be traveling to far away places, possibly to different time zones all together!

To balance our body and mind during such eventful times, this month we'll practice longer restorative asanas, poses designed to create the most conducive conditions for the body and mind to renew and restore.

One of the most accessible of these poses is Viparita Karani, often called Legs Up the Wall. When practiced correctly, this pose facilitates the functioning of the immune and circulatory systems, allowing the blood and lymphatic liquid in the legs to easily flow back toward the heart.

While the physiological benefits of Viparita Karani are many, the sense of pleasurable relief that can be experienced in the pose makes it almost unnecessary to focus on its physical benefits! I practice Legs Up the Wall after a long hike, an airplane flight, or simply after a day that has felt more challenging then usual. Throughout December, come to class to learn how to restore your energies, supporting your system during the holidays.

A note for the New Year: I will be offering a 10 week Foundations Course starting Friday, January 13th, 2012. The course will focus on the core principles of physical yoga and the development of mindfulness and awareness in movement and stillness. The course will be geared to students with less then a year's experience in yoga, or who practice once a week or less throughout the year. If you've been attending the regular Friday classes, the course will complement your learning well. You will find details regarding the course and other classes below.

Remember that your yoga practice is always available to you- may it be a nourishing support during the holiday season and the transition to the New year.

With warm wishes,

Beatrice

www.beatriceyoga.com

FOUNDATIONS OF VINYASA YOGA

Fridays 12 - 1.15pm, Jan 20th - Mar 23rd, @ the Jericho Community Centre.

Free Taster: Friday, January 13th.

£70(£60 concs). £5 Early Bird Discount, if you pay by December 16th 2011.

November Newsletter

Dear Yogis and Yoginis,

Can you believe it’s November already? It feels like it was only a few days ago when some of us met up in University Park here in Oxford for that lovely outdoor practice!

With the shorter days and the grayer skies, the Fall and Winter can be a challenging time to stay connected to one’s yoga practice. Like the trees in the park, we begin to turn inwards and might feel less energized, but unlike the trees, we can continue to cultivate our energies through our breathing and movement practices.

To support the continuous movement of our Prana (vital energy) this month we’ll explore Utkatasana, one of my favorite energizing yoga poses. Utkatasana translates as Chair Pose, as you sit on an imaginary chair underneath your sit bones. The asana reminds me of a lightning bolt, connecting into the ground and up to the sky with clarity and power. In Utkatasana we connect the strength of our legs, our pelvis and the centre of our body, and channel our energy through the spine, head and arms. When practiced with mindfulness and the support of the breath, Utkatasana is a wonderful way to wake up our Prana and stimulate our senses. Come to any group class to check it out!

If you’d like another opportunity to commit to your practice, consider treating yourself to a one-on-one session or giving it as a gift to a friend. A one-on-one is a wonderful way to check-in with yourself and your body, and to learn how to practice according to your needs. I am offering discounted Private Classes throughout December - you can find more information about that below.

Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions or thoughts about your practice. May these shorter days be an incentive to commit to your practice and the cultivation of your energies!

With warm wishes,

Beatrice

www.beatriceyoga.com

PRIVATE CLASSES:

Dicounted private classes are on offer December 1st through the 23rd:

£30/ hour or £25/hour concession rate.

Yoga Gift Vouchers are available - a lovely present for a friend or family member.

Contact Beatrice to book or request a voucher: bbarbareschi@gmail.com