August 2020

RITUAL.

I think it’s normal to slow down a little during August, it has that winding down energy that makes me feel a little reluctant to following my regular routines. But I’ve stuck with my morning lemon water first thing. I drink it whilst giving our new kitten Chia some attention and topping up her food and water.

My plants have been so healthy recently and it makes me happy. Finding the right amount of light and water that they like…tending to them has been a very satisfying ritual.

NOURISH.

The past couple of weeks with all the wet weather I felt called to make soup again. A lentil soup is one of my favourites to make and you can use pretty much any vegetables that you have. The recipe for this particular one:

In a large pot heat up a spoon of coconut oil
Add in chopped onions, then carrots and potatoes
Add any vegetables you have that need using, I used fresh beetroot and courgette along with some mixed herbs
After around 5 minutes pour in the lentils
Keep mixing so everything stays moving for 1 minute- or the lentils will stick then pour in hot water (gently frying the lentils this way before adding the water is the secret to bringing out the flavour)
Add any herbs that you like and some salt or stock
Cook for around 30 mins, stirring regularly and keeping an eye if you’ll need to add more water

SELF PRACTICE.

When I’m not taking classes my home practice is still exploring meditation and breathwork a little more than hatha yoga.

Left nostril breathing - to calm the nervous system and ease anxiety. Sat comfortably with a straight spine, cover your right nostril with your right thumb, breathe normally. 3 mins.

Addictions meditation - to clear subconscious habits, this might be negative thoughts, stories running on loop that no longer serve you.

Bring your thumbs to press gently into your temples with your fingers tucked in. Eyes closed and looking up between your brows, mentally repeat Sa-Ta-Na-Ma. 3 mins.

SELF STUDY.

This past year I have been studying Kundalini, I like how each meditation or kriya is practical and precise with what it can achieve. It’s helped me to find much more depth in meditation. It embodies a lot of the ‘magic’ I had been searching for since I began practicing yoga and has brought a new layer to the way I view what yoga really is.

Again, I’ve been a little slower than usual this month so I haven’t read as much as I usually do.

The diagram pictured here is from the book Invincible Living by Guru Jagat.

I also enjoy that it connects elements of astrology to a yoga practice. I’m always drawn to learn more! In September I will be leading New Moon and Full Moon rituals as part of my online course The Art of Personal Practice & Prosperity.