Inspirational quotes from Lao Tzu

Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

The science behind yoga video

Check out this link about yoga in the world of modern science.

http://upliftconnect.com/watch-science-behind-yoga/

How yoga can help mental health.

Here is the URL to an interesting article on how regular yoga practice can help balance bipolar. 

How yoga helped balance my bipolar

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/disability-34833015 

(Accessed November, 2015) 

Namaste 

Suryalila yoga retreat in Andalusia

Set in the rural countryside of Andalusia with magnificent views of the mountains and an old castle ruin, is a yoga lovers paradise. Organic vegetarian cooking served daily (three times a day) and a selection of herbal teas and fresh coffee. Vinyasa flow morning classes and restorative yoga classes in the late afternoon. A great new breathing technique learnt on the trip that opens the chest and balances the brain is a simple breathing exercise that entails breathing in through the nose for the count of one and exhaling through the mouth. Repeat the same process for the count of two and then three. You'll feel the effects of leaving the mind and focusing on the breath. This is also a heart opening pose.  

Tilted head and neck stretch

Sitting in lotus position take your right hand over your left ear and tilt the head forward towards the right armpit. The left hand is stretched outwards with the heal of the left hand pushing forwards. Rotate the neck slightly as to elongate the various muscles. If you have neck pain, it's beneficial to adjust the position so that you work the relevant muscles in neck. This exercise really works. Repeat the exercise on the other side. To finish interlace the fingers and press the forehead against the palms of the hands for a few seconds.  

Upper body strength

Another great asana for deep relaxation is to sit in Lotus Pose with arms stretched outwards and rested on the knees. Hold thumb and forefingers together on each hand and open the jaw slightly whilst pushing the tongue against the palette. Breath deeply through the nose whilst pushing the thumb and forefingers together and pressing the other fingers which are straight out, against each other. Push together on breathing in and relax the fingers on breathing out. After this warm up excercise has been repeated for ten to fifteen breaths, raise the arms above the head and interlace the fingers. Hold this pose whilst continuing with a steady breath for as long as possible. You will start to feel the forearms working for upper body strength.  

Revitalise

Revitalise with this easy asana in sitting position. Firstly, begin with your hands on your knees and chest open forwards and chin tucked slightly inwards. Rotate your chest forwards and round in a clockwise direction breathing in through the nose towards the front of the rotation and outwards towards the back of the rotation. The movement should be coming from the waist and chest, whereas the hips and legs should be still and rested on the mat. Keep rotating with momentum and feel the effects of an energised body. Do the same in an anti-clockwise direction for the full benefit.