ON INJURY, RETREATS AND YOGA NIDRA

Dear Friends,

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying your Summer wherever you are.

Unfortunately, my Summer is not going exactly as planned. I injured my foot and I need to rest while my fracture heals. I might need to have surgery later in the year, which feels really daunting and scary.

As a yoga teacher, this is the last thing I needed. It is both frustrating and challenging. I had to cut down a lot of my classes and being unable to move freely makes me feel disconnected from my practice and from what I love doing. I’m also bored. There’s only that much Olympics one can watch… plus everyone is running and jumping!

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and trying to put my rest time to good use. Anyone could be affected by injury or physical limitations at any point of our life, so perhaps you could find these ideas helpful to keep a positive outlook in an unfortunate situation.

Gratitude for What Can Be Done:

Instead of focusing on limitations, cultivate gratitude for what we can still do. This might include seated yoga practices, pranayama, meditation or even learning/teaching theoretical aspects of yoga philosophy.  By shifting focus to what is possible rather than dwelling on restrictions, we can maintain a positive mindset.

Deepening Personal Practice:

An injury can provide an opportunity to deepen our personal yoga practice in new ways. The recovery period gives us time to reconnect with the foundational principles of yoga beyond physical postures, such as mindfulness, self-compassion and meditation.

Learning Patience and Acceptance:

Yoga philosophy emphasises acceptance and patience. We can apply these principles to our own healing journey, recognizing that healing takes time and that every step forward, no matter how small, is significant. This process can foster a deeper understanding and empathy for other people who may also be dealing with physical limitations or injuries.

Embracing Rest and Self-Care:

As we recover, we need to focus on rest and self-care, which are essential aspects of yoga practice often overlooked in a culture that values constant activity. By prioritising rest and self-care, we learn the importance of balancing effort and surrender.

Trusting in the Healing Process:

Yoga teaches us to trust in the body’s innate ability to heal itself. We can cultivate trust in our own body’s healing process, knowing that with time, proper care, and patience, we will recover and return to our practice.

SUN, FUN AND RELAX COMING UP! 

Our retreat in Greece this September is now sold out and I’m so looking forward to being by the sea and teaching with the lovely Aristea again.

If you missed out, you could follow the sun to beautiful Goa with me and my friend Sara. We are going back next March and we still have a few rooms at Early Bird prices until the end of August.  

Join us at Nalanda Retreat Centre for a retreat that blends the serenity of the beach with the profound benefits of a holistic practice. Rediscover your inner peace and leave feeling refreshed, revitalised and inspired.

More info here

Yoga Nidra for Sleep is back next week with a relaxing practice about self-love that will gently lead you to a deep and truly restful sleep. Join me on Thursday 15th of August at 9:30pm (UK time) for 30min of self-care from the comfort of your own bed.

Register here

Please get in touch with any questions or feedback. I’m always happy to hear from you.

With Love,

Chiara