Dear yogi/ni friends,

As we end the term I started to think about how we take breaks from yoga.It is important to realize that it is okay to put yoga down for some time. It is okay to explore other types of exercise, or none at all. It is important to remember that it is healthy to have lots of dimensions in one’s life.  Give yourself permission. Or recognise that sometimes it is brave to do something different. It may help to think of yoga as a lifelong journey that is always there in every season. It is always there for you.There are of course some signs that you should take a break from yoga. If we keep injuring ourselves repeatedly, there is only so much a body can take. An injury that is getting worse or never gets better is a problem and a break may do you good. If the joy is gone and has been gone for a long time then the summer break might be a nice opportunity to explore other activities or simply take the time to relax and reflect.With that in mind, the benefits of taking a yoga break are:

1. You can find other ways to be mindful
You might read a book, take a walk in nature, water your plants, cook something new and bring yourself fully into the present moment. We can rely on yoga for our dose of mindfulness when in our everyday life we can find it in other places, in moments throughout the day.

2. You can explore other ways to exercise
With Amersham yoga classes practiced indoors, it might be nice to opt for outdoor activities instead. It might allow you to focus on improving your running time, or adding extra laps in the pool.

3. You can rest
Perhaps you need permission to be lazy, for a little while at least. Your muscles, connective tissues and joints may benefit from a little R&R. Get your desire to rest out of your system so you can come back refreshed.

4. You can reconnect with your yoga experience
This isn’t taking a yoga break in the strictest sense but you could re-direct your focus to yoga philosophy.  You might want to explore a new breathing technique, or read more about mantras and mudras. Let your curiosity guide you.

5. You come back refreshed and in love again
Having a holiday from yoga can help you fall back in love with yoga, deeper than before. That first class back, your muscles will remember and respond, even if you have to be a little gentler in your movements and can’t go quite as deep. That’s OK, because yoga will always be there for you, even when you take little breaks. 

I wish you all a wonderful summer break and look forward to seeing you back on your mats.

Summer term ends on Friday 02 August.

Normal class schedule resumes on Thursday 29 Aug.

With gratitude:)