Mantra For The People

Dear Yogis,

Do you practice Mantra? Do you sing? Do you chant? I have occasionally tried to lead a chant in a gym class! A tepid sound comes out of my mouth and a thin sound comes back! I try not to think about it! However, when not performing, when chanting for myself, it’s a different matter.

Sacred sounds have long been practiced to change states of mind and elevate consciousness. It is part of the yoga practice that has been passed on to us. Sound and song capture something vital in our being and you can feel a physical change. Watch a gospel choir. They know it.

Here's the thing about mantra... if ‘Om’ doesn't speak to you or Vande Gurunam Charanada Vinde means nothing to you, what about 'Let It Be' by the Beatles, or  Be still My soul or Peace in the Valley or Abide With Me or Hallelujah? There's plenty in every culture that will have a powerful influence on us and inspire us to greater things, employing more refined action and more beautiful ways.

Yoga is about becoming a better version of yourself. What ‘mantra’ would aid that? Remember, yoga is not fixed. Yoga is a creation. We all have different experiences, different backgrounds, different perspectives on yoga and why it is important for us. Find your mantra! You’ll know it when you find yourself lost in it, surrounded by it and relaxed by it.

Zoom Classes

As we settle in to the new normal, you’ll be getting an idea of the times and style of class that suit you. The Monday and Tuesday Stretchy classes seem to be in demand but I’m not so sure about the Ashtanga classes. This week there have been two or three people in class. Again, I’m doing a survey on what suits you. Let me know what you think.

Book here: goodtimesyoga.co.uk/book-online. (Now that lockdown has finished for many, the lockdown coupon has finished too.)

Yoga in the news

The Metro has: ‘Is good breathing a load of puff?’ ‘What’s relatively new is the body of Western science proving that everything from anxiety to asthma, colds and insomnia can be caused or exacerbated by the poor breathing habits most of us have. On the other hand, advocates claim correct breathing can boost your immune system, improve autoimmune conditions, transform your sleep, even help you lose weight.’ Good article!

The Telegraph has: Eight hot weather hacks to beat the heat. “Try Yoga breathing. Despite its sweaty reputation, Yoga has several cooling breathing techniques that can help lower your body heat, and ease stress”.

The New Times has: Reasons why 'me' time should be a priority. “Whether it is reading a book, treating yourself to spa, or trying that new yoga class, self-care will be worthwhile…When you take the time to get to know yourself better, you’ll realise that you’re comfortable being the person you want to be… You need to listen to your body and understand who and what you want to be, then work towards that.