Lulu expertly guided teachers and experienced practitioners during the Friday late afternoon session through a series of standing postures that opened the hips in preparation for the floor work. Lulu supported students to experience more depth in asanas than they may have otherwise felt, including deep work in Hanumanasana, Tittibhasana and Kurmasana. The joy of yoga was palpable in the room and the abiding peace of that final Savasana was felt by all.

On Saturday morning a larger group of students explored the grounding and stabilising nature of the standing poses, focusing on the strength of the legs to lengthen the spine. Lulu guided students to focus on the downward release of the ‘skin body’ and the energetically upward lift of the ‘skeletal body’. With Lulu’s clear communication, students could deeply engage with the subtleties of the Iyengar lineage of teaching. A deeply restorative afternoon class balanced the more dynamic morning asana class. Students experienced the ‘three gems’ (see below) which open the body whilst simultaneously quietening the nervous system. The steady focus on the breath in supine and seated Pranayama settled the mind. Students could understand more deeply the yoga sutra, Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha, yoga calms the fluctuations of the mind. The weekend culminated on Sunday morning with an uplifting backbends practice which opened both hearts and minds.

We are so grateful for Lulu taking time away from her Blue Mountains Iyengar yoga community to generously share her deep knowledge and understanding of yoga. Her teachings and love of yoga will continue to resonate in our local yoga community for some time.

The three gems

It is no secret that the last few years have been challenging for many, both physically and mentally. When there is turbulence and uncertainty in the external world, we can find steadiness and consistency in our yoga practice. Lulu referred to the following three supported poses as the ‘three gems’ which together rebalance the nervous system, bolster the immune system, rest the diaphragm and open the chest. These poses can be practiced when feeling fatigued, physically or mentally exhausted or when recovering from respiratory infections. The deeply restorative nature of these poses strengthens the immune system to either buffer the effects of Covid-19 or to help recover. These poses can be practised as a stand-alone sequence or at the end of a more active practice.

Supta Baddha Konasana

This pose simultaneously opens the chest and the pelvis, allowing space for the abdominal organs. The downward gaze of the eyes towards the heart helps quieten the front brain, which is by default the ‘chatter’ part of the brain. A range of props can be used to support the body in this pose.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Sometimes referred to as ‘the pose of longevity’, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana opens the chest and stretches the abdominal area. This combined action allows the hardworking diaphragm muscle to move freely and enjoy some well-earned relaxation. The position of the chin towards the chest forms a ‘throat lock’ or Jalandhara Bandha which prevents prana from escaping from the chest into the head. This bandha also lower blood pressure, resting heart rate and feelings of stress and tension.

Viparita Karani

Viparita Karani is a deeply restorative pose. As a supported inversion it increases circulation, assists venous drainage from the legs, relieving fatigue and lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Elevating the hips on a bolster softens the abdomen so the exhalation breath can be felt as a releasing breath. The opening of the chest by the bolster allows the inhalation to enter freely so it can be felt as a rejuvenating breath. Jalandhara Bandha has similar benefits to those experienced in Setu Bandha Sarvangasana. Viparita Karani can also be practised with the calves resting on a chair if a wall space is not available, as seen in the picture below.

by Samantha Smith

The post Lulu Bull Workshop: Reflections by Samantha Smith appeared first on Unfold Yoga + Wellbeing.

The benefits of attending a yoga workshop series are profound on all levels, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the practice of yoga for an extended period and deepen your understanding, no matter what your level of experience.

The extended time for a workshop session provides space to explore aspects of the poses and the practice that is not always available in a regularly timetabled class. Teachers can use the extra time to direct students to pause, observe, reflect, and synthesise their learning. Students often experience ‘breakthroughs’ in their understanding of the practice. Teachers are experts at pacing the practice so that students can maintain focus and energy for the duration. As well as more time for active asanas, there is also more time available for the more cooling, restorative poses, often concluding with an extended Savasana.

The consecutive nature of a workshop series means students can build on learnings gained in earlier sessions. Knowing students are returning for the series allows teachers to plan sessions that progress students in a stepwise manner for the workshop duration. The same group of students returning for each workshop in the series builds a sense of community and cohesion as the students progress their learning together. Over the course of the workshop the teacher becomes more familiar with the needs of the group in attendance and can direct the learning to meet those needs.

Committing to a series of yoga workshops has a positive ripple effect. Yoga becomes a focus for the day and many students start to prioritise sleep and rest so they can optimise their yoga experience. They may eat more nourishing food and seek out peaceful time between the workshop sessions, perhaps walking in nature or taking a soothing bath or having a rejuvenating massage. Attending a workshop series may become an opportunity to give yourself a mini-retreat experience. It can be a time of going inwards and reconnecting with yourself, experiencing the true practice of yoga; union of mind, body and spirit.

Watch out for upcoming workshop series at Unfold Yoga + Wellbeing. There are great benefits to attending, whether you are a seasoned yoga practitioner and workshop attendee or this is all very new to you! If you have any questions about what you can expect at a workshop, then please speak with your teacher or contact the studio.

by Samantha Smith

The post The benefits of attending a yoga workshop series appeared first on Unfold Yoga + Wellbeing.