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Unveiling Serenity: The Transformative Power of Body Scan Meditation

The Body Scan meditation is a wonderful way to relax, de-stress and unwind.

In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, finding a moment of calm can feel like an elusive dream. Enter body scan meditation – a powerful practice that holds the key to unlocking a treasure trove of physical and mental well-being. If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for a simple yet profound way to de-stress, unwind, and reconnect with your inner self, the body scan meditation might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.

What is Body Scan Meditation?

At its core, body scan meditation is a mindfulness technique that involves directing your attention to different parts of your body, systematically and progressively. This practice invites you to explore sensations, tensions, and feelings within each region, fostering a deep connection between your mind and body.

The beauty of body scan meditation lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any special equipment, a dedicated space, or a guru on a mountaintop. All that’s required is a few minutes of your time, an open mind, and the willingness to embark on a journey within yourself.

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The Benefits of Yoga by the Lakeside

It’s official: Being near water is good for you!

 

I have recently completed my MSc in Psychology and for my final dissertation I researched the benefits of being in or near water on mental wellbeing. The results showed that there were strong positive connections between spending time near water and increased wellbeing, including:

  • Increased relaxation
  • Reduced stress
  • Improved self-belief (self-efficacy)
  • Improved connection to nature
  • Connection with others
  • Improved outlook on life

I have long been a proponent of yoga outdoors and practice outside whenever the weather in Ireland permits! My research has backed up other findings on the benefits of Blue Space and mental wellbeing (if you are interested in finding out more, then I would recommend the book Blue Mind, by Wallace J Nichols).  Moreover, by practicing yoga near water you also get the added physical and mental benefits of yoga! So get outside when you can and hunt down those beautiful, beneficial Blue Spaces!

Lakeside yoga mediation

Yoga and relaxation by Lough Erne

 

By the way, I am looking forward to starting back with some Lakeside Yoga this summer, with the Lough Erne Resort in beautiful County Fermanagh. I will be taking yoga sessions on Tuesdays at 5pm and and Wednesday and Thursday Mornings at 10am, which are complimentary for guests at the Lough Erne Resort. Please contact them on 028 6632 3230 for details and booking or check out their website www.lougherneresort.com

Tree pose under the trees

Tree pose under the trees

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Yoga Ocean September Yoga Sessions

Welcome Autumn back with Yoga!

Feeling a bit stiff ‘round the edges? Looking to loosen up and wind down? You need some yoga! Join me this September, either online or in person.
⚡️Dynamic yoga will start back online from Wednesday 7th September, 7-8.15 pm. A flowing, more challenging practice for building strength and flexibility (£30 for 5 classes in a row).
🧘 Hatha yoga returns to the Aisling Centre on Thursday 1st September from 12-1.30pm, this is a more gentle yoga practice focussing on traditional postures to stretch and tone, there are also breathing and relaxation techniques to soothe the nervous system. (£30 for 4 classes in a row).
Yoga Ocean Classes September 21

Yoga Ocean Classes September 21

 

Contact me  for details and booking. I look forward to seeing you back on the mat! 🤗🙏
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Surf Stretch Sessions

NEW Surf Stretch Sessions

 

Have you had a landlocked lockdown? The days are getting longer, restrictions are easing and getting back to the ocean is on the horizon. However, a lot of us have suffered these past months without access to the ocean, gyms or swimming pools and surf-fitness has gone by the wayside.

Wouldn’t it be great to jog down to the surf again and feel confident? Rather than standing in the carpark, worrying about your popup or if you still have paddle power? That’s how I feel, so I have developed the Surf Stretch Sessions: a series of 4 classes throughout April aimed at improving strength and flexibility for surfing.

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Not Turning a Blind Eye: Abuse in the Yoga Community

Not turning a blind eye: Abuse within the yoga community.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2021

 

*trigger warning – references to rape and sexual abuse 

For international women’s day I thought about all the things I’ve heard in the yoga community the last few years that have harmed women; I wanted to share them, as this is something that is not widely spoken about and becomes more harmful if it continues to be ignored.

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Mindfulness

Welcome to Mindfulness

 

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that focusses on the present moment; it is not about ‘clearing your mind’, instead it is about witnessing thoughts, feelings and sensations as they arise without judgement. Much of our suffering is caused by the stories we tell ourselves about our thoughts, emotions or feelings. Through mindfulness we can become aware of these negative and repetitive habits of thought and, with practice, can learn to detach from them.

MINDFULNESS BENEFITS

Mindfulness was developed as a stress reduction technique, however, studies over recent decades have shown that it may also assist with the following:

  • clarity and focus
  • greater resilience
  • enhanced creativity
  • improved relationships
  • improved concentration
  • rapport and communication
  • improved health and wellbeing
  • greater confidence and self-esteem
  • better sleep
  • reduced anxiety and depression
  • greater work satisfaction
  • improved memory
  • pain reduction

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Winter Mountain Restorative Yoga Retreat

Start the New Year with Winter Mountain Restorative Yoga Retreat, Online, Saturday 2nd January

This restorative yoga retreat has the theme Winter Mountain, for feeling grounded and stable. Many of us a facing new lockdowns and restrictions on our lives. This retreat will focus on our inner strength, resilience and stability to see us through these winter months, – just like the snow covered mountain awaiting the spring!

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Create a Yoga Sanctuary at Home

How to create a Yoga Sanctuary At Home.

Do you follow yoga online? If so, follow these tips to create your own Yoga Sanctuary at home.

You don’t need to invest in loads of fancy yoga equipment up front, here I will share with you some yoga prop hacks so that you can make the most out of your yoga practice with items from around the home.

Yoga props are especially useful for restorative yoga practices. In the video below I will show how you can adapt and adjust your props at home to use with restorative yoga. I hope you enjoy!
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Yoga Relaxation for International Yoga Day

Join me, Genny Brown, in this relaxation for International Yoga Day

This is a  guided relaxation/ meditation known as yoga nidra (yoga sleep). Allow your body and mind to drift off with 15 minutes of calm. I hope you enjoy,  xx

 

 

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Flowing River Yoga Retreat

Stressed? Irritable? Lethargic?
Join me on the Flowing River Yoga Retreat Online.

Be like water: nurture yourself with a delicious, restorative yoga retreat.

Join me, Genny Brown,

on Sunday 28th June for a half-day Flowing River yoga retreat online. 

The Flowing River retreat incorporates elements of air, earth, water and space:

Air: 

Explore the ebb and flow of the breath and learn techniques for calming the system.

Water: 

Be like water with a flowing, gentle almost dance-like warm up.

Earth: 

Ground yourself with a deeply therapeutic restorative yoga session. Use props, blankets and cushions as support so that you may melt into each posture. 

Space: 

Allow your mind to feel spacious with guided meditation and yoga nidra – a deep form of relaxation for both body and mind. 

Sound good?

Join me on Sunday 28th June at 2.30pm online via Zoom. The retreat will last between 2-2.5 hours. Investment: £20.

Message me or contact me via info@yogaocean.co.uk for more information and booking. 

I look forward to seeing you there xxx

Flowing River

 

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