A Fresh Start

It was my Mother's tradition once the clock struck twelve on New Year’s Eve, that the front and back doors were opened; "Out with the old and in with the new" were her words, as she looked forward to a fresh start.

The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to shake out and blow the cobwebs away. Simple tasks such as creating space and simplifying surroundings are not only the ingredients for a new beginning, but very much part of a 'yogic' lifestyle.

"Yoga alone enables the practitioner to perceive and experience the worlds within and around himself" – BKS Iyengar

Learning how to use Yoga is part of this process, and is the key to helping unlocking obstacles, both mentally and physically. These barriers interrupt the flow of energy necessary for both good concentration and steadiness in our lives.

Start the New Year with good intentions; clear a space for your practice, and start with realistic timings - view it as an essential part of your routine.

Although all poses will help with the purification of the body, sequencing can take a little longer to develop. Below is a routine to get those of you who feel a little rusty back on track.

• If you find that the spine drops when sitting, use a lift under the buttocks
• Avoid Sirsasana if you are not yet practising head balance
• Always use a lift under your shoulders in Savangasana

                                                                                                   
 
Adho Mukha Virasana        Sukhasana           Parsva Sukhasana      Supta Baddha Konasana


                                                       

Dandasana      Marichyasana 1    Dandasana    Upavista Konasana


                                                                      

Adho Mukha svanasana   Virabhadrasna 2    Utthita Parsvakonasana    Utthita Trikonasana


                                                      

Ardha Chandrasana        Prasarita Padottanasana      Baddha Konasana

  
                                               

Sirsasana   Chatushpadansana   Bhujangasana     Virasana

                                 

Sarvangasana           Halasana             Savasana