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Category Archives: breath yoga

3 Ways to be Patient

15 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by yogawithpaul in about yoga, Bikram, breath yoga, calming yoga, habit change, hot yoga teacher, mindfulness, philosophy of yoga, teaching yoga, vinyasa yoga, yoga breathing, yoga inspiration

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calming yoga, changing habits, mindfulness, patience, philosophy of yoga, yoga patience, Yoga With Paul

We all need to be patient, sometimes. But modern live seems to demand constant action and movement. We are bombarded with advice on how to be switched on, go for the goal and give 110%. There is so much to do, it is easy to forget the importance of patience.

Learning to be patient is part of the path to developing perspective, calm, and acceptance. It probably doesn’t come naturally though. Patience, like anything else worth doing, requires practice. Here are three ways to cultivate patience in your life.

xmas-calm

Breathe

When we get stressed or impatient the first thing that happens is our cardiovascular system revs up. Our heart pumps, our breath comes faster. If we want to stop reacting with irritation, the first thing to do is calm the physical response by controlling the breath. Use your knowledge from yoga and consciously focus on breathing in and out at an equal tempo. You can count to four on the in-breath and four on the out-breath, or choose some other cadence. Breathe calmly and evenly to tell your body there is no cause for alarm.

Imagine

It is human impulse to find targets for our impatience. Sometimes it is something inanimate, like a ticket machine, other times we take our frustration out on the people around us. This not only fuels our bad feeling, it creates a cycle of negativity. To break it, imagine what lies behind the situation. Maybe the person who cut the queue is a parent with a sick child, struggling to get through the day. Maybe the person who squeezes into the Underground and steps on your toes is a future friend (or lover). Sure, it’s a long shot, but we all imagine how things could be. Why not imagine something positive?

Appreciate 

When life seems to conspire against you, take a minute to think of all the way life conspires for you. We are surrounded by so many blessings: materially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Yet somehow, it is easier to focus on what we don’t have. That is part of consumer culture, of the culture of “aspiration”. If that works for you, good. If it doesn’t (and I suspect, for many of us, it doesn’t) let it go. Let go of what doesn’t serve you. Instead, genuinely and sincerely embrace and appreciate the gifts in your life.

What is your best tip for being patient? Share in the comments!

 

 

 

Breathe Clean – Natural Air Fresheners

16 Friday Jun 2017

Posted by yogawithpaul in breath yoga, detox, healthy living, lifestyle, vegan, yoga, yoga studio, yoga teacher

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breath yoga, cleansing, DIY air freshener, essential oils, hypoallergenic, natural air freshener, natural ingredients, Yoga With Paul

Most of us are conscious of what we put in our bodies in terms of food and drink,  as well as the type of cosmetics or grooming products we use. We avoid preservatives, artificial flavours and colours, parabens, and other potentially harmful substances.

But what about the air we breathe? Lots of us don’t think twice about spending time in heavily scented environments, or using conventional air fresheners in our homes or vehicles (though if, like me, you bike most places, that ‘s not an issue!)

natural air freshener

Shop-bought air fresheners are packed with chemicals. Scientific American reported:

Some of the most offensive ingredients—volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene and formaldehyde—can cause headaches and nausea and aggravate asthma, and have been linked to neurological damage and cancer.

Perhaps even more worrisome, though, are dispersants known as phthalates that cause hormonal and reproductive issues, birth defects and developmental disorders. A 2007 review by the non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that 12 out of 14 widely available air fresheners contained phthalates.

This should be enough to get you to put down the spray can and consider alternatives for creating a fresh-smelling home, office, car or yoga studio.

The following super-simple recipe from The Prairie Homestead lets you mix your favourite essential oils into a natural, non-toxic spray that you can feel comfortable using any time, without worrying about the health risks.

DIY Air Freshener Spray Formula:

  • 180ml water (I use tap water, but distilled is fine too)
  • 2 tablespoons vodka, rubbing alcohol, or real vanilla extract
  • One of the essential oil combinations below

Place all ingredients in a 240ml spray bottle, shake well to mix before use.

1. CITRUS MINT AIR FRESHENER SPRAY

  • 10 drops wild orange essential oil
  • 8 drops peppermint essential oil

2. SWEET LAVENDER AIR FRESHENER SPRAY

  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops chamomile essential oil
  • Use 2 tablespoons real vanilla extract in place of the 2 tablespoons of vodka.

3. SUMMER CITRUS AIR FRESHENER SPRAY

  • 5 drops wild orange essential oil
  • 5 drops lemon essential oil
  • 5 drops lime essential oil
  • 5 drops grapefruit essential oil

For more essential oil combinations, read the original post at The Prairie Homestead.

Share your favourite essential oils in the comments!

3 Ways to Receive

25 Tuesday Apr 2017

Posted by yogawithpaul in breath yoga, gratitude, habit change, yoga, yoga benefits, yoga inspiration, yoga intention, yoga practice, Yoga With Paul

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compassion, gifts, giving and receiving, mindfulness, openness, yoga, yoga giving, yoga unity, Yoga With Paul

Be receptive

We often think of giving purely in terms of being the giver. We’re taught that “it is better to give than to receive” but what about the other half of the equation? We can’t give unless there is someone to receive. Which means that receiving is equally important, and equally worthy of being celebrated. Being a good receiver, though, takes practice.

 

We can cultivate the gift of receiving through yoga, which teaches us three key steps: mindfulness, openness and unity.

Mindfulness

The first step in being a good receiver is knowing our own minds. There are many beliefs and fears that hamper our ability to accept gifts. We can feel we are unworthy, not like the gift, dislike the giver, or worry that there are strings attached. When we feel any resistance to a gift, we need to practice mindfully seeking why that is. We need to challenge our knee-jerk response of non-receptiveness.

Openness

Through mindfulness we can achieve the openness we need to be a good receiver. We cannot hold a gift in a closed hand, and we cannot receive if we have a closed mind and heart. Opening up means setting aside our insecurities (“I don’t deserve it”), ego (“It’s rightfully mine”) and fears about reciprocity (“I can’t repay this”). It allows us to look at the gift itself and the intention behind it. With a mindset of openness we are able to accept things in the moment and in the spirit of kindness.

Unity

Yoga means unity and it guides us to understand that there is no separation between “giver” and “receiver”. As long as we think of them as opposites, we will not give or receive in a true, heartfelt way. The truth is that giving and receiving are united; they are simply different expressions of a single interaction. They are like inhale and exhale: both parts form the breath, the breath could not exist without both.

Received a beautiful gift? Share in the comments!

 

 

 

April Vinyasa Workshop

11 Tuesday Apr 2017

Posted by yogawithpaul in breath yoga, flexibility, London events, London yoga studios, London yoga teacher, meditation, Paul Dobson, strengthening yoga, teaching yoga, vinyasa flow, vinyasa yoga, yoga, yoga classes, yoga practice London

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Hot Yoga South, London hot yoga, London yoga studios, London yoga workshops, Vinayasa flow, Vinyasa workshop, Vinyasa workshop London, vinyasa yoga, Yoga With Paul

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 22 April, 2-4PM so you don’t miss a one-of-a-kind Yoga With Paul Vinyasa Workshop at Hot Yoga South in Balham, for all levels.

vinyasa workshop april

The Vinyasa workshop is a chance to go deeper into the practice and understanding of poses, allowing your body and mind to experience a new level of awareness. They are also a lot of fun. In keeping with Saturday schedule we approach it with a playful attitude. Hey, it’s the weekend! We focus on enjoying the moment and appreciating these two hours as a time dedicated to our well-being and happiness.

We’ll do standing postures and flow to the floor; meditate; practice the breath; and settle into deep relaxation at the end so you leave refreshed and ready for anything.

The workshop is all about connection and interaction. It is for all yogis, at all levels. Just come, participate, and let the good Vinyasa vibes flow!

Yoga – Ask Anything

14 Tuesday Mar 2017

Posted by yogawithpaul in about yoga, breath yoga, everyday yoga, healing yoga, hot yoga, hot yoga advice, how to do yoga, London yoga teacher, meditation, Paul Dobson, strengthening yoga, teaching yoga, vinyasa flow, vinyasa yoga, yoga, yoga info, yoga teacher

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ask a yoga teacher, how to do yoga, London yoga teacher, meditation, yoga advice, yoga information, yoga questions, yoga tips, Yoga With Paul

What have you always wanted to know about yoga?

No matter how long you have been practicing yoga, there is probably something that you are curious about, or would like to improve. Maybe you have a question about a particular posture or breathing technique. Maybe you are interested in learning more about meditation and the spiritual side of yoga. Maybe you want to know how yoga influences your health, sleep patterns, or emotional state.

I cannot promise to have all the answers, but I can offer you the best of my understanding from years of studying, practicing and teaching yoga.

xmas-calm

Ask a yoga teacher!

Normally students ask me questions in class or afterwards. This one-on-one approach is great for individual learning but the answers only go as far as the particular student.

Questions and answers via the
Yoga With Paul blog can go out
via @YogaWithPaul on Twitter, on the YogaWithPaul Instagram, and beyond, meaning they have the chance to reach more curious yogis.

So if you have a question about yoga, please ask via the comments or Tweet @YogaWithPaul. Your question is a gift to the yoga community — because if you’re wondering, someone else probably is too!

Please reach out and let me know what’s on your mind.

#YWP February Newsletter

28 Tuesday Feb 2017

Posted by yogawithpaul in about yoga, breath yoga, clean eating, daily yoga, flexibility, food for yoga, healing yoga, health, hot yoga, hot yoga retreat, London, London yoga teacher, Paul Dobson, pranayama, Valentines Day yoga, vinyasa flow, vinyasa yoga, yoga

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clean food, healing yoga, London yoga teacher, meditation, vegan recipes, yoga advice, yoga newsletter, yoga retreats, Yoga With Paul

The best of Yoga With Paul blog… inspiration, love advice and more 🙂

Namaste.

yoga-with-paul-newsletter-feb-2017

lunge-tw

Step boldly!

 

Benefits of Breathing

16 Wednesday Nov 2016

Posted by yogawithpaul in about yoga, breath yoga, daily yoga, mindfulness, stress, yoga, yoga breathing, yoga practice, Yoga With Paul

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benefits of breathing, calming yoga, pranayama, yoga asthma, yoga breath, yoga breathing, Yoga With Paul

You can literally get through anything in your life as long as you keep breathing. There are numerous benefits beyond basic survival though, which we can access through yoga.

Breathing practice in yoga is called Pranayama. There are various types of yoga breathing designed to calm, cleanse, energise and more. You can do Pranayama breathing anywhere so it is a great way to maintain your practice if you don’t have the time or space to do asanas (postures). Here are seven reasons to do Pranayama every day.

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Increased lung capacity

Regular Pranayama practice increases your lung capacity by making your lungs more flexible and elastic. This can especially help respiratory problems like asthma.

Improved immunity

Stress and toxins attack our immune system, and breathing is a tool to fight them both. When we practice Pranayama we expel stale air and toxins and make way for fresh, oxygenated air. Rhythmic breathing also reduces the effect of stress.

More energy

Pranayama invigorates the body by flushing out carbon dioxide and infusing the bloodstream with fresh oxygen. It is a fast pick-me-up no matter where you are.

Greater mind-body connection

Mindful deep breathing brings us into alignment with our bodies. We become more aware of the function of our lungs, heart, veins and muscles, and how everything works together.

Fewer repetitive thoughts

We can get caught up in mental feedback loops, brains chattering about things we want to do, or wish we hadn’t done. Pranayama grounds us and quiets repetitive thoughts.

Better digestion

Breathing is essential to good digestive function. It provides the oxygen needed to fuel cellular processes and creates a relaxed environment to ease digestion.

Balanced emotions

Pranayama breathing is a great way to keep or restore perspective and balance. When you are overwhelmed deep, regular breathing calms your nervous system and helps you maintain a level emotional state.

Questions or comments? Please share in the comment section

 

 

4 Yoga Tips for Your Immune System

26 Wednesday Oct 2016

Posted by yogawithpaul in about yoga, breath yoga, cleansing, daily yoga, detox, headstand, healing yoga, hot yoga, hot yoga postures, how to do shoulderstand, inversions, vinyasa flow, yoga, yoga benefits, yoga breathing, yoga poses, Yoga With Paul

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autumn yoga, best yoga postures, hot yoga, immune boosting yoga, London yoga teacher, vinyasa flow yoga, winter yoga, yoga healing, yoga illness, yoga immune system, yoga immunity, Yoga With Paul

Seasonal colds and flu are a shortcut to feeling miserable. Luckily yoga can boost immunity and help you resist all the autumnal bugs and viruses drifting around.  These  four yoga tips for your immune system will help keep you healthy through winter.

Do it every day

Practicing warm Vinyasa flow or hot yoga daily is a fantastic immune boost. It heats your body and detox it from the inside out. Any type of yoga is better than no yoga, though. If you can’t make it to class do 15-20 minutes of sun salutations and stretches at home.

shoulder-stand

 

Breathe better

Our lungs are an important defence system so give them extra attention. In addition to breathing exercises in class take a short break two or three times a day and do some extra breathing. Pranayama is perfect for expelling stale air, while Kapalabhati detoxes and heats the body internally.

Focus on the core

Beach season is over, but don’t neglect your abdominals. The digestive system is crucial to immunity so take care to do plenty of asanas to strengthen and stimulate it. Try to do simple postures like Pavanamuktasana (wind-removing pose) and Adho Mukha Svanasa (downward-facing dog) for a few minutes each day.

Flip it

Inversions promote the circulation of lymph fluid. This lymphatic system transports immune cells through the body and works to detox the blood, so it is crucial for staying healthy. You can do shoulder-stands, headstands, or handstands. Or lie on your back with your bum next to the wall and your legs up for a gentle but effective inversion.

What is your favourite immune-boosting yoga pose? Share in the comments.

 

 

Be More, Do Less

26 Tuesday Jul 2016

Posted by yogawithpaul in breath yoga, calming yoga, daily yoga, habit change, life change, London yoga teacher, mindfulness, philosophy of yoga, wellness, yoga, yoga inspiration, yoga mindfulness, Yoga With Paul

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anxiety, calming yoga, meditation, mind-body, mindfulness, personal development, presence, relaxation, self-improvement, stress, yoga, Yoga With Paul

We need to do less and be more.

Our daily lives are full of doing. We write “to do” lists. We dash between work, home, socialising and the yoga studio. Even in the studio we can get caught up in what we’re doing — thinking ahead to the next posture or comparing our efforts to those around us.

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Our “doing” is rewarded by the satisfaction of crossing an item off the list, or going a little further than we did yesterday. It is easy to get addicted to this reward and to start doing things without thinking about why we do them. Worse, we ignore or forget other aspects of our lives and personal development.

Doing can only take you so far. Real peace and joy come from living in the present. And real growth happens when we take time to examine and reflect on our lives.

Learning to be is a skill. We are taught from childhood to do, but we have to teach ourselves how to be. These four tips from Yoga Abode will help you be more and do less.

  1. Don’t multi-task! It’s better to do one thing well, rather than many things badly.
  2. When you walk, consciously feel your feet on the ground; note your posture and breathing.
  3. Rest between activities, rather than rushing from one to another.
  4. When you are stressed, take three complete in-breaths, and three complete out-breaths. Use a longer exhale, to take you out of flight-or-fight mode.

Share your tips for Being in the comments

Mental and Emotional Harmony

24 Friday Jun 2016

Posted by yogawithpaul in about yoga, breath yoga, hot yoga advice, mindfulness, philosophy of yoga, positve yoga, teaching yoga, vinyasa yoga, yoga benefits, Yoga Holiday With Paul, yoga inspiration

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8 limbs yoga, dharana, learning yoga, pratyahara, yoga, Yoga Holiday With Paul, yoga philosophy, yoga tips, yoga wisdom, Yoga With Paul

Life would be so much happier and easier if we were free from distracting thoughts, worry, anxiety and anger, and if we felt calm, joyous, loving and peaceful. Yoga is a path that guides us toward the goal of mental and emotional harmony.
These are the fifth and sixth limbs of yoga:

Pratyahara – harmony with your emotions

Pratyahara teaches us to draw our awareness away from the external world and outside stimuli. We are aware of our surroundings but cultivate detachment and focus our attention internally. Pratyahara is an opportunity to step back and take a look at ourselves. The beauty of this practice is that by engaging with it in a variety of settings we strengthen our disciple. We are able to observe our cravings or habits that can be detrimental to our health and interfere with our inner growth.

Positive thought WPDharana – harmony with your thoughts

Attention leads to concentration (dharana). “In the practice of concentration, which precedes meditation, we learn how to slow down the thinking process by concentrating on a single mental object: a specific energetic center in the body, an image of a deity, or the silent repetition of a sound. We, of course, have already begun to develop our powers of concentration in the previous three stages of posture, breath control, and withdrawal of the senses.”

Next blog… the final two limbs of yoga!

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