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A Space to Be

Yoga, Massage and Retreats in Shilbottle, Northumberland

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Yoga Clothes and Equipment

January 1, 2018January 1, 2018 Lucy Maresh

Asquith London

Ethical yoga clothes.

http://www.asquithlondon.com

Yogamatters

For all sorts of yoga props, books and gifts.

https://www.yogamatters.com

Yoga United

For especially beautiful bolsters and eye bags.

https://www.yogaunited.com/

 

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Location

Lucy Maresh Yoga and Massage
4 Lee Avenue
Shilbottle
Northumberland
NE66 2UW
01665 581431
Wednesday - Sunday 9.00am-5.30pm
CLOSED Monday and Tuesday
Contact Us

Book Online

Facebook @aspacetobe

Facebook @aspacetobe

Instagram @lucymaresh

There are lots of reasons you might not want to lie down on your back for relaxation (not least the danger of being stood on by a toddler that I mentioned yesterday!) Sometimes lying on your back can just feel too exposed or vulnerable, sometimes it might be contra-indicated (like in third trimester of pregnancy), you may find it makes you cough or have difficulty breathing. You may find you just can’t settle. Side-lying is an excellent alternative accessible to most people. Lying on your left side (the home of the heart and the stomach) is said to support the digestive and circulatory systems. It has echoes of the foetal position and can feel very cosy and safe, so can help with anxiety. I practiced here with my back near the wall for additional security, but you could also do this on a couch for extra cosiness. The little ‘bridge’ I’ve made for my top arm is here created from two tins and a big book, with a blanket on top. I have a yoga bolster between my knees, but a couple of bed pillows would work (that keeps the pelvis stable). You need to put plenty of padding under your head, ideally soft so you don’t squash your ear! You can listen to any of my free online yoga nidra recordings in this position (link in bio), and it especially works well for the Mother and Baby / Tot relaxation I shared yesterday as you can keep your eyes gently open and watch over your kids (link in bio @mothernurturenorthumberland). If that doesn’t work check out these brilliant ideas of games for exhausted parents to play with their children while resting in this pose courtesy of @common_wild via @lucygreeves (swipe to see). #separatetogetherretreat #permissiontostop #restisrevolutionary #lockdown #aspacetobeyogaretreat #lucymaresh #restorativeyoga #yoganidra #sidelyingsavasana #changingtheworldonesavasanaatatime
Thoughts on resting (or trying to) with a small person nearby. When you lie down to rest in the presence of a small child, they might well crawl over stealthily and begin to pluck out your eye lashes in an attempt to rouse you. If you are lucky, they will observe your stillness and see an opportunity to use you as a climbing frame, or perhaps a 'rock' which they can climb on. You learn fast never to lie on your back in case someone should sit, stand or even jump directly on your bladder. You may be able to convince them it is a game of hospitals in which you are the patient and in desperate need of a bandage, or that they are an artist drawing your portrait. If you are really lucky you may be able to convince them to snuggle down with you for a gorgeous cuddle, or they may play a lovely self-contained game while you watch and rest, but this is never inevitable. Sharing today a new guided relaxation recorded with an 'eyes open' option and acknowledgment that while the conditions for relaxation might not be 100% perfect, we can look at our children with soft eyes and a warm heart and know that all is well. Link in bio @mothernurturenorthumberland #separatetogetherretreat #mothernurturenorthumberland #yogaforyouandyourbaby #postnatalyoga #permissiontostop #restisrevolutionary #aspacetobeyogaretreat #lucymaresh #restorativeyoga #yoganidra #changingtheworldonesavasanaatatime
"Moving Into Stillness" Sunday 5 April, 8-9pm From my home to yours via zoom (or on YouTube the next day). Continuing this weekly opportunity to gather virtually with others for a quiet yoga practice leading to deep relaxation. Feedback so far... "I just loved every moment of our virtual yoga. It really felt like you were in my sitting room with me. So lovely in these tough times. I don’t even have to go out in the cold now and drive home!" "Thank you for a wonderful practice tonight Lucy. So great to be able to see and hear you." "It was so comforting to have you in my front room - Everything just felt a little more normal." #permissiontostop #separatetogetherretreat #lucymaresh #aspacetobeyogaretreat
When the yogis are away the cats come out to play... I don't keep my love of cats secret, but did you know that in my early twenties I was absolutely allergic to my favourite animals? Even just to be in a house that contained a cat I would need to tank up on antihistamines and avoid touching them at all costs. It was a fairly sad state of affairs as I have always loved cats. In 2011, I attended my first 'intensive' restorative yoga workshop with my teacher @judithlasater . It was five days of practicing (and learning to teach) supported postures for deep relaxation. At the end of the five days my cat allergy was cured. I haven't had an antihistamine since and in 2012 I convinced Henry to let me take in the fabulous Black Treacle, who is my favourite being to talk to, as he always agrees with me... Was it a miracle? I am not sure, but I do believe that a regular and consistent practice of restorative yoga or deep relaxation can have a profound effect each and every one of our body's systems (e.g. digestive, immune, endocrine, reproductive, nervous etc). When you lie down to rest you switch from 'fight or flight' into 'rest and digest', from 'urgent business' to 'growth and repair'. It may sound too simple to be true, but I really believe lying down and 'just being' is almost miraculous in what it can achieve. Also, looking at pictures of cute animals can make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, which produces the hormone oxytocin, which helps you to relax. Our pets also show us very naturally how 'letting go' is done. So do swipe to see some gorgeous resting kitties if that is your thing and do share your own! #separatetogetherretreat #permissiontostop #restisrevolutionary #lockdown #aspacetobeyogaretreat #lucymaresh#restorativeyoga #yoganidra #changingtheworldonesavasanaatatime
Artists @juan_delcan and Valentina Izaguirre created this animation #safetymatch to demonstrate the power of social distancing in halting the spread of the corona virus. I think it also shows that when we step aside to look at our anger, our fear, our sadness, or our frustration (the stuff that burns us up inside), we may also reduce the risk of passing that on to others too. It might feel hard to do, but when we step out, or sit down, or lie down on our yoga mats, everybody benefits. #separatetogetherretreat #permissiontostop #restorativeyoga #yoganidra #relaxation #lucymaresh
An invitation to join me for a Sunday night restorative yoga class, from my home to yours (via zoom). I will be showing you some simple ways to settle your breath, soothe your nerves and drop into a state of deep relaxation. The class is offered on a 'pay what you feel' basis - open to all regardless of finances, and will be freely shared afterwards. Just taking part in this practice will be contributing to preventing the spread of anxiety and stress in our community right now. If you cannot attend live, the recording will be shared on Monday morning via YouTube. Unfortunately this Sunday's session will not be suitable if you are more than twenty weeks pregnant, but I am offering a pregnancy-friendly class on Sunday morning - contact me for details or see @mothernurturenorthumberland. #separatetogetherretreat #permissiontostop #restorativeyoga #aspacetobeyogaretreat #lucymaresh
Many people have told me this week 'my head is all over the place', 'I've had a severe headache', 'I need some head space'. Last night my head was so heavy and fuzzy and FULL I had to wrap it up in a bandage and lay it down. I put my feet up and lay my head down and lay my eye bag on top of that, and after this photo was taken I put some blankets on my head too. I'm going to offer another live class at 8pm on Sunday night and this technique will be included - bring your fuzzy heads! #separatetogetherretreat #permissiontostop #restisrevolutionary #lockdown #aspacetobeyogaretreat #lucymaresh #restorativeyoga #yoganidra #headwrap #headbandage #changingtheworldonesavasanaatatime
Follow this recipe for relaxation and make sure you bake it for long enough - 15-20 minutes is perfect, or longer if possible. Staying long enough in resting poses is really important. It's a bit like baking a sponge cake - you can mix together all the delicious ingredients and whisk it all up so its light and fluffy, but then you must bake it - and anyone who has ever baked a sponge cake knows this golden rule: You must never open the oven door before it's ready! 1. Safety Create a feeling of safety by telling yourself 'it's ok' to let go. Ideally go in a room where you won't be disturbed and can close the door. Turn off your phone/emails. If necessary, tell your family/friends you are 'busy' on some important work/appointment. Having a clear time boundary can also help us feel 'safe' in a modern context. It's just twenty minutes - use a timer, or listen to a guided relaxation. 2. Stillness Lie down in a position you find comfortable. When you are truly comfortable, you will be able to stay still for twenty minutes with ease. (NB - it might not be 'legs up the oven' - though that is an option!) 3. Quiet If you can't find a quiet place to relax, use earplugs or listen to a guided relaxation. 4. Darkness Light entering our eyes stimulates the nervous system. Ideally, dim your lights, turn them off altogether and/or cover your eyes with a scarf, towel or eye pillow. 5. Warmth Relaxation won't work if you are cold - especially your feet - put some warm socks and cover up with a blanket. 'Bake' for twenty minutes - or more - here is where my analogy falls apart - unlike a cake that can bake for too long and get burnt or crispy, there are no contraindications to staying in relaxation - only benefits. Happy Cooking Today #separatetogetherretreat #permissiontostop #restisrevolutionary #lockdown #aspacetobeyogaretreat #lucymaresh #restorativeyoga #yoganidra #legsupthewall #viparitakarani #changingtheworldonesavasanaatatime
"What would you like for Mothers Day?" "Twenty minutes in the greenhouse and a cup of tea please!" (True story!) Outside of the green house, I think many of us are having to get creative and grow new skills this week. For myself and many other yoga teachers it means getting online. It felt very out of my comfort zone, but I decided to try - and it wasn't perfect - but it went ok! You can find the video on YouTube (link updated on website/insta/facebook) #separatetogetherretreat #permissiontostop #restisrevolutionary #lockdown #aspacetobeyogaretreat #lucymaresh #restorativeyoga #beinginthecycles #gardenchairpose #supportedrecliningpose #yoganidra #inthegreenhouse #mothersday2020

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