Reflections on the yoga day-retreat

I'm still enjoying the inspiring afterglow of last Sunday's day of yoga, reflection and intention setting. A lovely group of people gathered for the New Year Retreat Day at the Bishopston studio to take space for themselves and to delve a little more into simple but gorgeous yoga practices and refresh their yoga life skills ready for 2024.
 
The practices and chats on Sunday reminded us that yoga is as much about moving and breathing, as it is about the skills involved in living a more joyful life. We don't often have time in a group class for explicitly engaging with the philosophical framework of yoga, but it is a real, rich, living philosophy which once explained is hugely practical in every day life.
 
The yoga framework includes aspects such as:
 
~ being kind and generous to yourself and others ~
~ reflecting inwardly from time to time ~
~ noticing how things effect you and adjust the stuff that isn't helpful ~
~ being present more often, it is where joy can be found ~
~ keeping things simple, overcomplication rarely helps ~
 
We do this often on the mat in our yoga class. We are invited to turn our attention inwards to our breath and body sensations, rather than outside of ourselves. To be more gentle with ourselves than we might normally. To pause and observe effects of a pose or technique. To be present and to simplify what we are doing with our attention.
 
These are all aspects that we cultivate on the mat so that they are more available to us in daily life too. Insights are witnessed in our practice that allow us to be easier on ourselves and become wiser in our lives. 
 
And the net result will be that we become happier and healthier, nicer to be around, better to ourselves and others, and a whole lot more effective in whatever we are hoping to achieve with our day.
(Win, Win, Win!)
 
Beyond the day-retreat being a wonderful, refreshing escape from usual life, it was so valuable to discover what people took from the day. 
 
Many participants found the lifestyle framework from yoga, the 'Yamas' & 'Niyamas,' helpful for reflecting on their own situation as we took stock of 2023 and then shifted towards our direction for 2024.
 
This framework is a way to rediscover unnurtured aspects of ourselves and remind us that life isn't all about work, or being a parent or a much-depended on support for others. Rekindling attention to our more whole self, which includes our sense of fun, adventure and creativity, will bring more joy into our life and those around us.
 
"Wonderful,nourishing way to spend a Sunday."
Very worthwhile day, would thoroughly recommend to anyone. Feel relaxed and refreshd and looking forward to the year ahead."
Enjoyed the reminder of the power of simplicity. A really warm and welcoming experience."
 
The next deep dive into our practice will be the yoga weekend retreat in April where we can take time away to refresh and nurture ourselves. ​