Archive Yoga Aylesbury

Yoga Nidra

26/06/2023 by

When we are relaxed change and rational thinking are accessible. Until this time, they are at best unreliable.

Yoga nidra helps settle a restless mind. It supports sleep, reduces anxiety, and promotes deep relaxation. The mind is positively occupied as it follows the directions around the body and senses making it less likely to drift. You will receive the benefit even if you fall asleep!

Yoga nidra can be practiced as part of a class or on its own. It brings relaxation which is far greater than the time practiced.

Including Yoga nidra  at the end of our physical practice supports integration and alignment of the physical and nonphysical bodies/kosha  – the energy, mental/emotional, wisdom, and bliss bodies – making it a great support to our healing practice.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Living Your Healing

08/06/2023 by

You are ready, you’ve done a lot of work, dealt with so much, some issues many times over but… those old habits die hard.

The final part of the healing process is something that must be done by our SELF. No-one can live our life and create a response rather than reaction or feel old energy stirring and stay present without being triggered.

The ONLY way that works is to become self-aware – thoughts, emotions, physical sensations. Awareness gives the opportunity of a new action or no action. Instead of playing starring role in the movie of our life we become an objective observer. Initially we may be pulled into the role of hero, victim, or rescuer. It’s our habit. The biochemistry is familiar. That’s ok. Before we were oblivious and now, we are noticing. Hooray!

Once the intention is set, things can change fast. Every now and again a tsunami of energy may come and before we know it, we are back in the familiar waters of our habits and coping strategies 😊. It’s part of the process.

HOW do we develop this awareness?

It’s important to feel safe in our body and able to relax. This will down regulate the nervous system to parasympathetic rest and digest/tend and befriend mode and facilitate rational thinking which always helps!

Create quiet time for reflection to be able to hear/feel/sense/know the messages from the body and intuition. Stillness may help and it may also be a non-starter. There is a view that seated, silent meditation is more yang and women are better suited to a gentle, moving meditation practice. Experiment and see what works for you. Remember there is no right, wrong or only way. You are meant to change, and your practice is to support where you are at any time.

I find mindful yoga, walking, simple breathing practices and flowing movement work well but also have great insight when I am quiet and pottering at home. I’ve had profound realisations and releases while driving in the countryside.

When aware of a thought, emotion, or physical sensation this becomes our focus, watching, sensing without judgement while avoiding getting pulled into a story or looking for meaning. Thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the body are all energy. We are holding space for unprocessed energies to move through the body with compassion, curiosity and self-love.

Want to know more?

I support conscious women ready and willing to do whatever it takes to overcome their wounding and trauma to live with purpose and joy. Sessions are on Zoom and include movement, mentoring and mindfulness.

Filed Under: Anxiety, Healing, Yoga Therapy

Yoga Saved Me by Suzan J Wells

08/06/2023 by

I spent many years in a whirlwind of stress desperately trying to rescue or fix my family and friends. Blissfully unaware. I was subconsciously avoiding dealing with my own issues. My health and well-being declined. I was exhausted, isolated and my adrenals were close to burn out. Eventually I grew tired of symbolically banging my head against a brick wall. I started yoga and instantly my body sighed with relief. Over the weeks, months, and years my body and inner wisdom showed me the way. Processing an emotional issue resulted in more ease and fewer aches and pains. My body began to tell me of trauma she was holding. I gently give this part of me space and allow her to be heard and the energy flow. On my mat I am home and safe. This is the real me. At my own pace other areas of my life began to change. I saw things differently, and positively. If I hadn’t found yoga….

Over the years I have adapted, integrated other modalities, and created tools for first-aid, maintenance and moving forward. Most importantly I listen to my body and inner wisdom. I had ignored silent whispers or deep knowing many times and regretted it. As soon as I notice I am off-track I take a few minutes to regroup with something for my body or mind/emotions.

“Thank you for the yoga and for keeping us sane in crazy times.”

I love to share this deeper yoga with its healing potential. This poem sums up perfectly my intention with groups and individual sessions.

A Medicine Woman’s Prayer
I will not rescue you
For you are not powerless.
I will not fix you
For you are not broken.
I will not heal you
For I see you in your wholeness.
I will walk with you through your darkness
As you remember your light.
(Unknown)

Filed Under: Anxiety, Fatigue, Healing, Stress, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

Your Body has the Answer

08/06/2023 by

Life is not random or co-incidental. We each have a curriculum, life plan, soul contract. From the get-go events, experiences, and trauma set us on our path.

As infants we subconsciously learn that we are not perfect, whole, and complete. Certain behaviours are encouraged, others discouraged. This is no judgement on parents. It’s the way things work. The best parenting advice has proved not to be so. Trends come and go.  If left to cry ourselves to sleep, we may have learned that our needs are not important or will not be met. Perhaps we learned to be good, work hard or perform to be accepted, or loved.

This is a shock. We are dependent on the approval of others to get our needs met and live. To cope we subconsciously split into parts.*

  1. The Wounded Self – feels it is not perfect, rejects aspects of the Healthy Self and takes on a false ‘acceptable’ persona.
  2. The Defended/Survivor Self – ensures we survive. Its role is to protect us through this false identity and hiding the Healthy Self. This is done ferociously and persistently.
  3. The Healthy Self – is non-judgemental, compassionate, deeply present. The destination of our healing journey.

Our protector/defender self does such a good job we forget about our wounded self!

The Defended Self kept us safe by shielding our true nature from the world. What a gift! It developed when we were young and acts from that place. This explains childlike responses and reactions that seem greater than the situations warrant.

It has done a great job but now it’s outdated patterns, limiting beliefs, and judgements keep us stuck or plays out the same old stories. It blocks the gateway to the Wounded Self – the root of the issue.

Developing compassion and befriending the Defended Self is the key. When it feels safe the nervous system calms, relaxation and rational thinking become accessible. We can then see beyond the drama/trauma/story that plays out.

As the barriers come down, we start to become aware of ‘defended/buried’ emotions. This can be tough. There is a reason you were protected from them. But it is not necessary to go into trauma, or relive events. Objective awareness creates a connection to the energy – as if watching a video rather than having a lead role. The energy can then be transformed, transmuted and new habits created. This is where I find yoga so valuable.

Conscious Yoga gives the opportunity to get to know our Self through the body. This is more accessible, and success orientated. Mindful movement, breathing, stillness and all the other yoga tools present an opportunity to get to know the Self more deeply. ‘Yoga is a journey of the Self to the Self’ – unity of all parts of self, unity with the cosmos, all that is. On the way we become aware and have the opportunity to accept all our parts with compassion from our Healthy Self.


I support conscious women ready and willing to do whatever it takes to overcome their wounding and trauma to live with purpose and joy. Sessions are on Zoom and include movement, mentoring and mindfulness.

*The 3 Selves by Franz Rupert

Filed Under: Anxiety, Healing, Stress, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

3 Steps to Success Proof your New Years Resolutions

28/12/2022 by

What is your vision for 2023? What do you want more of and what is ready for change? Birth your vision into reality with a simple intention/goal setting structure.

1. Start Smart!
Get super clear on your intention by making sure it is:
✅ specific – clear and expressed positively
✅ measurable – ‘I will attend 3 yoga classes each calendar month’
✅ achievable – do you have the resources – equipment, knowledge needed?
✅ realistic/relevant – is it sustainable over a longer period?
✅ timely – when will you have achieved your intention?

2. Success Focused

The longer the timeframe the more unexpected events can happen. Consider maximum 3 months and create small steps/targets towards your goal. Celebrate and acknowledge your progress. It’s great to review/amend. It will keep on track for success. 

3. Sagha / Community

New habits take time. It is easier with support. Who will be your cheer leader? Perhaps
💥 Like-minded friend and
💥 Your community
Stuff will come up as part of change. It’s just the way it is. Look out for negativity and become aware of previously unconscious patterns. This is a huge progress! Now it is possible to change them. It will be easier with others. Someone who will lovingly nudge you and say what you need to hear with compassion. a person who has and continues to do their own healing and really gets it.

Need help getting started? Email me to book a  chat.

Here’s to new adventures and possibilities.

With love
Suzan
07795 517157
Facebook: www.facebook.com/suzanjoywells
Co-author Searching… A Peek into the Invisible World of Energy & Healing

3 Steps to Success Proof your New Years Resolutions

1. Start Smart!
 Is you resolution SMART? specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely. It can be upgraded but over ambitious goals can trigger our inner critic/judge and feed into unhelpful behaviours.

2. Success Focused

Set mini goals/targets which lead towards your resolution. These can be checked weekly/monthly and amended to help you succeed. Celebrate each win and use it to motivate action on the next step.

3. Sangha / Community

Who will motivate, hold you accountable and facilitate healing and changes needed? This can be one person or several. Any relationship, habit, belief etc. which is not in alignment with your resolution will need to be healed and upgraded. This brings us back to step 1, start smart!

Yoga Haydon Hill Aylesbury Online

Filed Under: Misc

The most effective YOGA pose for fatigue, stress & reducing pain

18/12/2022 by

When I am in the midst of admin or had a long day I so need to do this pose and want to share with you. I find a few minutes a day is life changing ! What are the triggers or times when you really need a quick pick me up? This one pose can:

  • Energy levels increase
  • Calmness develops
  • Digestion improves
  • Immune system is supported
  • Clarity and decision making become easier
  • Pain is often reduced or eliminated
  • Relaxation replaces tensions throughout the body
  • Breath settles supporting all body systems
  • Creates a sense of well-being

Drum roll…. Ta dah! The most effective YOGA pose for fatigue, stress & reducing pain is a modified savasana – semi supine – lying with knees bent and feet on the floor!

The most effective YOGA pose for fatigue, stress & reducing pain - semi-supine savasana - calm - relax - flexibility - core strengthTips:

  • If you are not comfortable getting up/down from the floor, practice on your bed or in a chair.
  • If it is more comfortable lie on your side and experiment with a cushion between your knees – in 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy lie on left side.
  • Place a small book or cushion under your head to lengthen the back of the neck. You want the ear to be parallel to the floor.

Frequency:

Regular practice results gives fastest results. Your body will associate this pose with all the positive benefits.

  • Start with 3-5 minutes once a day
  • Build to 5 minutes twice a day
  • Longer if experiencing fatigue, anxiety, aches and pains, try 20 minutes 2 or 3 times daily.

What to do/think about:

  • Stay present and awake if possible
  • Notice – without judgement
  • What sensations are in your body?
  • How is your breath?
  • Where does your mind want to go?

The practice will be just as it is meant to be:

  • You may notice nothing or many things
  • There may be resistance
  • You may want to zone out or sleep
  • Keep returning to the ‘now’ your body on the mat

The more you return to the present moment the deeper the practice. It’s about being real with whatever shows up. I would love to hear how you get on please contact me.

 

✨✨ BOOK A COURSE/PRIVATE SESSION✨✨

 

 

 

Filed Under: Stress, Yoga

Tips for surviving and thriving the holidays

11/12/2022 by

Do you always have great intentions and expectations for family gatherings but end up frustrated, resentful, disappointed? Here are 5 ways to thrive rather than survive family gatherings:-

  1. Be realistic. How can you enjoy the day without having an agenda for success?
  2. Simplify, minimise and prepare as much as you can in advance.
  3. Make a self-care plan, e.g., when will you rest, be in nature, listen to uplifting music.
  4. Take some time to reflect on the positive qualities and/or past positive actions of those who trigger you.
  5. To avoid or minimise misunderstandings, flare-ups and arguments take a piece of paper and create 2 columns
    • On the left list or draw challenges triggers and patterns that have come up before or are a strong possibility for your next meeting.
    • On the right list or draw actions, phrases, thoughts to avert a major incident eg
      Smile and count to 10
      Take a long slow exhale
      Leave the room
      Change the topic of conversation
      Remind/reinforce a boundary

If it doesn’t go to plan, be compassionate with yourself. There is a saying – if you think you are enlightened, go spend time with your family! The more realistic you are and the fewer expectations you have, the easier it is.

Feel free to email me and share your greatest challenges and I will create a resource to support you.

Filed Under: Anxiety, Stress

Create your own sanctuary

14/11/2022 by

Whatever your home situation you can create an area dedicated to reflection and rest. For quiet time away from the turmoil and unpredictability of life.

If you struggle to detach from life and take time out having a special place or Sanctuary will help. You can create a space to support you to relax, meditate, reflex, and be with yourself. Have you tried sitting in the kitchen with all the comings and goings of the family or in the living room with the TV playing? There are times and places in your home where there are many obstacles to being still and others that help the process, aiding you to settle and be open to insights and inspiration. 

You may need you to get creative, but it is possible to create a harmonious space to connect with yourself, your calm centre and intuition. Be realistic, how much space do you have? For most of us a dedicated room is not realistic but if you have one great. If not how about a temporary space where you can place a chair, mat or blanket when you use it.?

If you are living in a busy household, choose times to visit your sanctuary when you are least likely to be disturbed. Negotiate quiet time with others or consider headphones with white noise.

Make an intention for this space to be your sanctuary – when you set it up and every time go there. The energy will build and you will associate it with positive qualities.

Choose an object to evoke a the quality of sacred, whatever that means for you – a photo of a deity, or teacher – a crystal -something from nature – anything of special significance. These may need to be portable and put in place every time you use the space or you may have a shelf, window ledge, a small table etc.

I have something to represent the elements, water, fire/candle, air/feather and earth/crystal. You may like to focus on the senses and play gentle music, use aromas, a soft cushion. Be guided by what you have and your intuition.

I would love to see a picture of your sanctuary, please post it on my Facebook page or email me.

Yoga Healing Aylesbury

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Filed Under: Stress, Yoga

6 Ways Yoga Supports Your Healing

26/07/2022 by
  1. Your story and ancestry are held within the body.
  2. Regular time to be present (can be humbling, insightful and healing ????).
  3. Self-awareness, self-love, and self-compassion develop.
  4. Healing emotions brings freedom to the body.
  5. Chakras align and aura clear.
  6. Grounding and relaxation are the foundational for change, healing, and integration.

For advice on starting or deepening your practice email Suzan to book a complimentary online consultation.

Filed Under: Healing, Pain, Stress, Yoga, Yoga Therapy

The Only Certainty Is Change

26/07/2022 by

The Future is yet to be Written

Life has a wonderful way of catching our attention. What was certain becomes uncertain. Unexpected, unwelcome or ‘oh no not again’ situations shake our world – relationships, work, health.

Yoga teaches that the only certainties are change and death. Resisting ‘what is’ impacts our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is exhausting. Accepting saves a huge amount of energy. We don’t have to like it. Remember it too will change. View with curiosity. Something new may arise – perhaps even better than before.

“Everything is here to help you”. Matt Kahn.

Change can be a catalyst – an opportunity or a gift. Granted this ‘gift’ can be very heavily disguised! Consider it as a ‘wakeup call’ from the universe – time to do things differently. Take a leap of faith.

Well-being practices are more important than ever although they can be hard to maintain in times of turmoil. It is important to be resourced and calm. When we are in stress or overwhelm objectivity is impossible or unreliable.

The body holds your story and history. It holds great wisdom too.

Practice calming breathing techniques
Learn to relax.
Take time for yourself – be still, quiet, walk, meditate, and notice.

The answers lie within.

Raja yoga the yoga of Patanjali prescribes Self-study/ discovery. As we align with our true Self and intuition, we see beyond the egoic mind. This entraps us in old, outdated ways trying to keep us safe. We may feel ‘safe’ but stuck too. Struggles, stress, and drama may be our ‘familiar’/ ‘normal’. The place we subconsciously return.

The first step is Awareness accompanied by Acceptance.

Mindful yoga is a wonderful way to get to know our Self ‘warts and all’. Notice feelings and sensations in the body. What thoughts and emotions are present?

Return to Wholeness

Start with movement. Notice what is happening in your body right now.

“I feel in harmony with my body”.
“Yoga allows me to land and connect to my body and release”.
“I now know what it is to be present!! 🙂 :)”.
“I enjoyed being in my body”.

Breath connects the body and mind. Techniques can calm, stimulate, or balance.  Your breath reveals more subtle information than the body. It is the yogi’s best friend.

Relaxation completes the nervous system reset to rest and digest, parasympathetic state.

Meditative practices develop our relationship with Self. With compassion, curiosity, and acceptance the soul wisdom can be heard.

The most important relationship is with Self. By nurturing our connection to Self we can create a new future.

Is it time to upgrade, start or kick-start your yoga journey?  

Email me to find out more.

Filed Under: Stress, Yoga
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