BFO! Horsemanship and YOGA

 BFO! Blinding flash of the obvious. 

I first heard this on a Natural HorseManShip -NHMS course. The instructor was explaining how many things can be explained to us in many different ways and we have an intellectual understanding of whatever it is and how it works individually and together.  While your learning these new concepts and ideas putting them together can be clumsy and awkward. And then one day all of a sudden you see one small part of the whole in a completely different way, something feels different there's a realisation of oh that's how it works and it all makes a new sense and changes how you see it all  - BFO! - we get a blinding flash of the obvious. 

That one small thing makes you realise how often we over complicate things. Sometimes it takes a lot of learning to realise how simple something can be.  At this point our understanding changes/deepens and we know we can not go back. This understanding will change how we do things moving forward. This new understanding forges a new path and way of being yourself and being with horses - if you do horses.   It becomes something you feel not just know. 

keep reading I'm getting to the yoga bit soon. 

I've had many BFO's during my NHMS journey some on courses when watching others and having conversations about the concept of NHMS. Some in quiet moments with my own horse while working on building the relationship we have. And some in riding lessons while the instructor guides me to find feel and connection with my horse. 

 I found when a BFO happens to me - it is a thing that I feel deep within almost like a piece of soul retrieval, it makes me feel humbled yet more whole. Within the BFO its almost like you let go of how you think it should be (ego) and see how it actually is (soul). 

I see my horse for all the patience he has showed me while I figure/figured it out.   

We can learn a lot from horses. 

Why I am talking about NHMS when this is a yoga thing/blog? Well I think they are a lot of similarities between the two. 

We can practice the moves/asanas and work on self awareness. And every now and then you get a BFO a new level of understanding of yoga and all that it has to offer. It isn't simply poses and moves. Even in learning the yoga philosophy we can learn it all on an intellectual level and then it can take weeks/months/years before we feel it/flow with it.

Yoga is a work in and not a work out.

Yoga to me is kindness to self, non judgement of self , self awareness of patterns and cycles that we we move in, through or become stuck in. If we can truly see ourself this where we start to get the BFO's in yoga. 

The journey to the self through the self! 

Yoga really is an inside job! Yoga and NHMS are the same as they are both journeys of self discovery. Both journeys require the practitioner to let go of old ways of thinking and doing.  

know with both of these journeys that I am aiming to undo the complicatedness of being a human. We live in society that seems to only value busy-ness, productivity and high achievements. Rest, non-demanding time and self awareness are so underrated, yet so powerful. Go and spend some undemanding time with horses in fact any animals. 

The journey of yoga begins within and radiates outward. 

Yoga is an inward self evaluation practice - in community we feel supported to do the inner work - for the good of all. 

A few yoga BFO's             - being able to move your joints well out weighs the                                               perfect execution an advanced pose. 

                                      - How does it feel v's how does it look.

                                        - don't worry if your yoga doesn't look like                                                           everyone else's yoga.

                                       - it's a journey to self appreciation/acceptance.

                                       -  you don't have to know or even understand it all.

                                       - it's ok to accept and fully embrace where you're at                                               now. And still want to change or be different. 

                                       

Sarsha ✨

PS yoga should be fun even though it can be a deep and reflective practice. A sense of fun/play, friendship, support and community are also important and part of the practice as a whole.   

Come join us at YMS. Start or deepen your journey of self appreciation/awareness with Yoga Movement. 

 

It's only a photograph!

It's only a photograph! 

But is it!

Consent for photographs/recording during a yoga class, sound session or any similar holistic type session. 

In a world were consent is a big topic, how is your consent gained to take and use photographs of you while attending one of the sessions above. 

Have you even considered this?

Or do you just make the assumption that having you photograph taken (and that photo possibly being used to promote the class) is part of a yoga class.

How should consent be gained? Prior to the session - at the session?  Individually or as a group?  Verbally or written? Was there a disclaimer saying photograph/s may/will be taken during the session/sessions that you attend? 

I know there are many reasons someone may not want their photograph taken in a one of these sessions and then shared. The reasons for this are again a massive topic - I'm not getting into that here. Some people may say yes when they mean no if they are put on the spot as they enter a class. I was one of those people.

After completing several yoga courses that covered the topics of consent, trauma and yoga as a safe space. I realised I'm not the only who is not comfortable with having my photo take during a class. And just how big this topic is!

I have a no photographs in class policy at YMS. 

I want YMS to feel like a safe space to all who attend classes and sessions here.

I personally have never been one for taking photos during the classes I facilitate - I am too in the moment to remember and it doesn't feel appropriate for me to break off from teaching to take photos. 

I would never take photographs in classes or sessions I facilitate. 

Not even the rest at the end of class. 

Especially not in the rest at the end.  

That said I have been asked occasionally to take a photo of a student after class for their personal use, I am more than happy to do this.

Most people may be more than happy to have their photograph taken during a class but what about those who are uncomfortable with this - I am one of them. This could lead to them thinking that a yoga class is not a safe space and this becomes a barrier to them attending classes. 

At YMS photographs are never taken of you in any of the classes or sessions without prior notice/consent.

Sarsha ✨

For me yoga is a place go let go of the social pressures of how I should and shouldn't be/look/perform. I look to yoga as safe space. This is not a place I personally would want others taking photographs of me. 

If I was to want or need photographs during a class/session there would be full disclosure that photography would be happening in this session and what the photographs would be used for. Prior written consent gained, with full option for declining the use of any photographs taken during the session. So only those who are perfectly happy about this would attend. And they would still get to approve the use of the photographs once taken.   

 

YMS Core Values

YMS Core Values

>> To deliver yoga with experience in a way that honours 

modern bodies and minds.

>> Offering yoga to suit different moods. Soothing and calming, 

awakening and energising, strengthening and empowering.

>> To create a space (an urban sanctuary) that is welcoming, 

friendly, calm and customer centred.

>> To empower customers to know that yoga doesn’t have to be 

about advance poses to be beneficial.

>> To inspire and encourage others to be their most courageous selves.

>> To embody and share never-ending self development and self discovery.

>> To bring yoga to those who think yoga isn’t for them.

More information at 

yogamovement.studio

or contact Sarsha via 

info@yogamovement.studio

Hello from Sarsha

Hello 

I know some of you know me, but let me introduce myself again for those that are new here and don't know me. 

I'm Sarsha - I'm 53years young! 

Yoga teacher/guide and proud custodian of  the space I named Yoga Movement Studio. 

Yoga has been in my life for many years, nearly 30 years. I have been teaching/guiding yoga movement for over half of those years. 

I came to yoga because of work related back pain (I was a sewing machinist for 12 years) and yoga has also helped me navigate mental health issues. 

Yoga guides me everyday to just be and know that is enough - self acceptance. 

Yoga has given and continues to give vitality and a zest for life.

I no longer have constant back pain and my mental health is good most of the time and when its not (we all have off days) I dip deeper into my yoga Knowledge and practice. 

I have studied yoga and movement with many different mentors over the years. And now teach my own eclectic mix of yoga, Pilates, movement and mindfulness.

I created Yoga Movement Studio as an urban sanctuary for sustainable movement and mindful rest. For those who want to take time to nurture and nourish themselves with movement and rest. I aim to be a guide to help you find healthy nourishing movement that suits and works for your body. And mindful calmness to help your flourish mentally and emotionally.

I have sparked the light of yoga in many others over the years. Some have been with me years and are the back bone of the YMS community/family. Several have gone on to be yoga teachers themselves!

Yoga doesn't have to be about advanced poses, it can be about self acceptance, thoughtful sustainable movement and mindful rest/stillness/relaxation.  The biggest take away from yoga movement is that yoga is a life long (yet not forcibly everyday) commitment to move better and feel better. Lots of thiose who attend yoga movement classes feel benefit with one class per week. 

Outside of yoga teaching/guiding I am a mum to two kids 12 & 14 years as I write this, a wife, a daughter and a friend. My other passion in life is horses. Horses have been in my life for 40+ years. I was 10 when I had my first riding lesson and I have been horsey-ing ever since.  I am horse guardian to Mr B the equine love of my life. If I'm not yoga-ing you will find me at the farm, field poo-picking, horse grooming, stable mucking out or horse riding. Having a horse gets me out in nature everyday. My life is a routine of school runs, family time (as a family we enjoy the outdoors, walking and ski-ing), horsey-ing and yoga. 

Pre-kids I was a gym, spinn and road cycling bunny/junkie!  When the kids came along I decided to cut myself some slack and not pressure myself back to the gym, spinn or cycling. I still haven't returned to them, I have dabbled but find it hard to keep a regular commitment with all that is going on in my life now. That said yoga, my kids/family time and my horse keep me happy and healthy. 

Happiness and health to you.

Sarsha 

PS. I look forward to sharing yoga movement with you either in person at YMS or via the online studio. 

All the details of both are on the website yogamovement.studio

 

What's on offer at YMS - Descriptions of the classes and sessions available to YMS

 Yoga Movement Studio/Sarsha - YMS

YMS is my passion

YMS an urban sanctuary for sustainable movement and mindful stillness.

YMS a place where I will hold space for you to explore the potential of your body, mind and soul. 

YMS a place where you can be you without judgement or expectation. 

YMS a modern practice of yoga. 

YMS a space to be.

Yoga Movement classes - weekly timetable classes.

The practice I share is not about advanced poses or technical sequences. It's about becoming aware of you, honouring you, where you are at! Yet also being open enough to explore the capacity and potential that we all hold. Knowing that it will unfold with time and dedication to the practice and to yourself.  

I often hear people say I'm not flexible enough for yoga - flexibility is a side affect of yoga - not a pre-requisite. You can not run a marathon without commitment and dedication. So why do we expect ourselves to need flexibility at the beginning of our yoga journey. 

At YMS all yoga movement classes are suitable for all levels - like I said before classes at YMS are not about advanced poses or technical sequences - I take a modern approach and layer the movements, so everyone can explore what feels good for their body on that day and in that moment. 

The benefits of moving the physical body can also have a positive affect on mental wellbeing too. 

Each Yoga Movement class finishes with stillness - you get comfy and spend time in non-movement as a contrast to the movement practice. The stillness is still a practice. It's a space where you can tune into you notice without judgement or analysis the impact the practice has had upon you. The breath is weaved through the movement practice and is a key part to the stillness practice. This part of the practice is part guided. 

Serenity Sessions - once a month sessions

These sessions are well-being sessions and little longer than a timetable session. 

In these session I share - 

Yoga Nidra - yogic sleep this is a guide deep relaxation, where you get comfy and immerse yourself in nervous system replenishing rest. 

Crystal singing bowls - you get comfy and allow the vibrations and frequencies of the bowls to soothe your being. 

Yin Yoga - slow floor based yoga practice where you hold poses for a while (a few minutes to several minutes) this practice gives the connective tissue of the body time to release and become more pliable. This practice is also gives time for inner reflection. The practice is guided with pockets of quiet time for that inner reflection. Yin Yoga is also part of the weekly timetable now.

Serenity sessions can be a combination of one, two or all of the above practices. 

These sessions compliment the timetable classes or are great as a stand alone practice - attend as and when feels right for you. 

Yoga flow

Linking one pose to the next with the option to add a weighted stick. This session is great for adding a stronger sensation to the practice. Guided with options. Using the principles I apply to yoga movement. 

Sarsha ✨

Why Movement matters.

Movement is life.

Life is movement.

We move we live.  

How we move can affect our whole being! 

Movement does not have to be complicated. 

Move and explore as many ways to move your body as possible. 

Move in ways that you don't normally move. 

The more ways we move the body the more vitality we bring to our whole being. 

Move with intention and awareness - this is what a movement practice at YMS is all about. 

With movement it is a use it or lose it situation, that doesn't mean that you can't regain mobility because you can, but it is much easier to maintain it than regain it. 

Move your joints to establish ease of range of movement - ROM. 

Moving joints helps to balance the muscles associated with the joint. 

Balance of the muscles = flexibility and strength. 

Moving joints in all planes and direction supports the balance of the muscles and the health of the joint. 

Understanding the synchronicities of joints and areas of the body can help us understand why we have aches, pains, stresses and strains within the body. 

Sometimes a joint can over work because of lack of ROM in another joint. 

So isolate, improve movement in the joints and those aches, pains, stresses and strains can diminish. 

Get all the joints moving more freely and we can then flow freely by linking ROM of multiple joints. 

This isn't simply about improving your yoga practice but about improving your ability to move as a whole. 

With all this talk about joints and range of joint movement what about flexibility I here you say. Well better ROM in the joints will lead to improved flexibility. So its a double whammy. 

Working on controlled ROM within the joints will also lead to increased stability and strength of the joint and the body as a whole. 

Timetabled classes at YMS are planned with this in mind to help you move better and feel better. 

Yoga at YMS is about sustainable movement, mindful stillness and self care.

Sarsha ✨

Booking is essential on all classes 

Contact Sarsha via info@yogamovement.studio

All Classes £12pp 

Monthly commitment deals and loyalty cards available details at your first class.

Choosing a yoga teacher/studio/class

Choose the right yoga teacher /studio/class for you. 

There's a saying  "yoga is for everyone" and that I believe this is true. We should all have access to the benefits of yoga. That said we should add to that yoga is for everyone yet not every class is for everyone. Finding the right teacher/studio/class will make all the difference to your yoga experience. 

Often there are several yoga teachers/studios/classes in an area so how to choose which is the best fit for you. 

A google/social media search will usually help you find yoga teachers in your area.

You may ask for recommendations  - these are great - this said you still want to find the right teacher/studio/class for you. Who is right/perfect for someone else may not be the right fit for you. 

This can be down to the style of yoga and or the style and manner in which the teacher delivers the practice - this is not about good or bad.  It's just a different take on how different teachers interpret a yoga practice. 

Check out webpages - social media pages you can often get a feel for the teacher/Studio/class for this. 

Questions to ask yourself, 

Class or 1-2-1 - daytime or evening - weekday or weekend. 

Weekly class or are you looking for one off sessions to drop into as and when - some teachers/studio offer both. 

What do you want to get out of your yoga session - movement - mindfulness - breathwork -  to improve mental health - learn traditional yoga - a workout - a softer gentler form of exercise - to increase mobility/flexibility - to chillout - community - a place to escape the stresses and strains of modern living - a modern approach to an ancient practice.   It could be a combination of these things or even something completely different.

Will the environment matter to you - would you prefer a yoga specific space (yoga studio) - a fitness centre - village hall - someone to come to you in your home. 

Other things to consider - transport links - parking - access to the yoga space.

Cost - pay as you go - membership - loyalty options 

Some of these you may not even really know what you want until you try a class.  

All yoga teachers have so much to offer - they really do!

The best way to find the teacher/studio/class for you is to try several different teachers.  You may find the one that suits you perfectly or even a couple  or more that feel great to practice with. 

I hope you find the yoga teacher/studio/class/practice that suits you and you feel and flourish with benefits that yoga offers. 

Sarsha ✨

Yoga Movement Studio

Serenity sessions also available - Sound baths - Yin yoga - Nidra(yogic sleep)

check the website yogamovement.studio for more details 

or contact me via info@yogamovement.studio