OM Yoga (February 2020)

om lifestyle
Teacher zone
Sensory



Integration








































dominance, body and spatial awareness,
ave you ever had a day when you Sensory Behaviours
just felt a little bit ‘off balance’? the benefits are endless. In addition, the
Children and adults with SPD often have use of deep touch pressure (DTP) massage
Bumping into things, feeling
difficulty filtering out the non-essential can assist in sensory processing across
clumsy and awkward? Or perhaps
information, such as background noises, a large area of the body, promoting self-
Hyou felt overwhelmed and found
and so they begin to manifest certain management and regulation.
yourself strangely stimulated, obsessing over
behaviours. Anxiety, restlessness,
a task?
irregular sleep patterns, agitated states,
We are constantly processing information The benefits of yoga
excitability, difficulty sitting still or
from both outside and inside our bodies.  Regulates proprioception, joint and
participating in and completing simple
What we touch, hear, see, smell and taste muscle sensation and vestibular, balance
tasks, make it challenging to integrate
impacts how we function. The brain and eye movements
into social settings.
processes multiple sensory inputs and  Activates calming hormones, such
the nervous system responds accordingly. as serotonin
Most of us learn how to cope and filter out Sensory integration  The focus on the breath and movement
multiple stimuli. We are able to make sense Sensory integration is the theory and offers self-regulation
of our situation and surroundings and treatment for individuals experiencing  Use of bilateral movements to create
therefore self regulate accordingly. SPD, and is a growing area of practice for spatial understanding and balance mood
many occupational therapists. Sensory  Helps to organise and relax the
integration therapy includes devising nervous system
Sensory Processing client-specific activities to integrate  Builds self-confidence and self-affirmation
Disorder (SPD) all the eight senses: sound, smell,
taste, proprioception, vestibular and
There are many people who live with For individuals with Sensory Processing
interoception. It is thought to be one
a condition called sensory processing Disorder, yoga can build improved sensory
of the most effective interventions for
disorder (SPD). It is a condition in which integration and allow them to better
challenging sensory behaviours.
the brain has difficulty receiving and engage with their surroundings.
responding to the sensory stimuli, resulting
in an unusual or inappropriate response. Teaching yoga as By Cathy Underwood, registered
Commonly this is found in individuals living a sensory Senior Yoga Teacher and Trainer with
with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Yoga Alliance Professionals, yoga
Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities, intervention strategy therapist at The Priory Hospital, and
but it can be a symptom of trauma, stress Yoga is a highly effective sensory intervention founder of Yoga4Mums (yoga4mums.com)
and anxiety. tool. With its roots in parasympathetic and IMTYOGA
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Teacher zone : TEACHERS' TALES


















































Sharing the wisdom



We never stop learning. Paula Hines shares her own wisdom
on what it means to pass on knowledge as we grow


y the time you read this I will have been an accredited Sharing this practice with teachers for their own benefit and the
senior yoga teacher for just over a year. But what does benefit of their students is something I have wanted to do for some
this mean? Does this make me a yoga expert? My feeling is time. After a successful initial workshop in late 2019, this February I am
that you can practice yoga for a lifetime and still have an repeating my one-day workshop for teachers who would like to teach
B infinite amount to learn (even though you might be called Restorative Yoga. My workshop groups are intentionally small in size
an expert by others). and the setting is friendly. After positive feedback last year, I am also
Yoga is ultimately a way of being. So, while in certain ways I may offering a Part 2 workshop in May 2020 for those interested in further
know more now than when I began practicing nearly 20 years ago, an learning on adapting the practice for pregnancy and for students with
accreditation does not now mean that I know everything. And I am specific injuries.
mindful of the great teachers in the world who don’t have a piece of If you are a yoga teacher who would like an introduction to teaching
paper to say they are qualified. However, reaching this stage, it does Restorative Yoga, I’d love you to join me! You can find details of both
mark a notable milestone. workshops on the events page of my website.
For someone who thought they would never be a teacher,
I sometimes find it hard to believe that I am here. One thing being a
senior teacher does mean is that I am now able to offer workshops
and trainings to teachers. In deciding to do this - to pass on what I have
learned so far to other teachers — I feel it is essential that I continue to Teaching Restorative Yoga: Fundamentals Part 1 takes place on
work on my own practice and to continue learning. Saturday February 22, 2020 and *Teaching Restorative Yoga:
A big part of my personal practice has, and continues to involve, Fundamentals Part 2 (*completion of Part 1 is a pre-requisite)
Restorative Yoga. Though popularised in the west mainly by Judith takes place on Saturday May 23, 2020 – both from 9.30am-5pm
Hanson Lasater (who I studied with), this practice stems from the at Mothering Lotus Yoga Studio in West Sussex. For bookings and
therapeutic teachings of BKS Iyengar (Judith Hanson Lasater’s teacher). information visit: ucanyoga.co.uk.


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Teacher zone
books











Yoga Of The Mat

Lucy Makin (illustrated by Lesley Foden)
Book Printing UK
£15
Does exactly what it says on the tin. Perfect for anyone who would like to have a go
at yoga, but finds that life’s demands often get in the way. No need for an expensive
mat, soothing music or candles, this book can be taken everywhere with you and can
be used in any everyday situation, by anyone. The author has created a wonderfully-
simple guide to incorporate all the important aspects of yoga into ordinary life. Packed
with lots of illustrated poses and postures, Yoga Off The Mat is an easy-to-follow refer-
ence book that aims to help all of us improve flexibility and health as we go through
our daily routines.



Further reading:





















Conscious Leadership Buddha’s Office Meta Human
Reveal Your Potential. Inspire The Ancient Art Of Waking Up
Excellence. While Working Well Deepak Chopra
Penguin
Neil Seligman Dan Zigmond £12.99
White Lion Publishing Running Press
£9.99 £12.99
Step into your future with clarity and Can enlightenment be found in the In this book, drawing from the latest on
confidence whilst becoming more centred, workplace? This inspirational book brain research, artificial intelligence and
calm and resilient at work. Includes by Zen priest and data scientist Dan biometrics, renowned author Deepak
practical tools to help increase your Zigmond shows how the wisdom of Chopra unfolds a path that allows all of us
leadership capacities from one of the UK’s Buddha can apply to our modern lives, to realise our infinite potential. A 31-day
leading experts in mindfulness, corporate exploring how Buddha’s guidance can guide to help us ‘wake up’ in order to
wellbeing and professional resilience. help us navigate the perils of work life. shed the constraints that underlie anxiety,
Explore sections on self-knowledge, Simple instructions to apply to your tension and ego-driven demands, and
self-management, self-maintenance, self- everyday life in the office or on the job, enable us to live a life filled with love and
development and self-realisation giving you’ll find yourself waking up while self-worth. For over 30 years, Chopra
you the tools and tips to help lead yourself working well. It’s time to wake up and has been one of the world’s pioneers in
and others with purpose and passion. start working in a more enlightened way. personal transformation, writing numerous
Accessible and user-friendly, offering bite- One that is right for you, right for your New York Times bestsellers along the way.
sized learning segments and illustrated to health, right for your sanity, and right for Meta Human is a highly readable book
bring the concepts to life and enliven the the world. Easy to read and accessible that will stimulate readers’ curiosity about
reader experience. to all. human existence and the nature of reality.

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Yoga is for every body







Your pictures. Your community




Amber Yallop near Jake, Owen &
Boscastle in Cornwall Noah playing with
yoga blocks

































Hillary from Connie McCreath and Genna Magnall
Myanmar Maraget Thomson in North
Berwick, Scotland


















Margie Shand and pet goat, Fleck Kate Thackeray














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Bryony Sexton









































Poppy Crowley, Anna Maria
Lorna Fisher, Pimlico, London
Island, Florida




































We want your photos!
Send us happy shots, fun pics, great asana (or bad asana!), big smiley faces, anything at all — and see them in OM Magazine.
It doesn’t have to be you doing a yoga pose either. We want to see your yoga life: a pre-class group hug, a cup of tea ater
class, what you got up to at the weekend, send them all via email to: [email protected]


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travel










Awe-inspiring retreats and ideas for yoga explorers























































Yoga & wine tasting You’ll stay in Fontalbe, a beautiful property which has just been
completely renovated in the picturesque Dordogne region of
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN: YOGA, WINE TASTING AND France (nearest airport Bergerac). The twin rooms are luxurious
FABULOUS FRANCE and spacious and have ensuite bathrooms. The house also has its
own heated pool.
Take time out for yourself to recharge and unwind with some of This is wine country so on one of the days you will enjoy a wine
life’s good things. The team at North London Yoga Studio (NLYS) are tasting session where all the wines will be locally sourced and
organising a retreat this June where the stars of the show will be biodynamic, accompanied by delicious tasting dishes. All the food
yoga, wine…and you! throughout the stay will also be locally sourced and organic.
“Yoga isn’t just about eating kale and drinking herbal tea, it’s all Twice daily yoga classes (don’t expect a glass of vino when you
about balance,” says NLYS founder Indira Das-Gupta. are mid-Downward Dog!) and delicious home-cooked brunch and
That’s why she’s leading a retreat to France this summer blending dinner served every day, all included in the retreat price.
together yoga and wine tasting. “A little bit of what you love is good
for the soul,” she tells OM. “Given that studies show that red wine Retreat takes place June 22-25, 2020. Price: £699 (based on two
in moderation is good for your heart, combining wine tasting with people sharing a twin room). Excludes flights, transfers & extra day
yoga is actually a match made in heaven!” trips. For further details visit: nlys.co.uk/retreats-events

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Balance and snow retreat

FEBRUARY FITNESS AND SKI BREAK AT LEFAY
DOLOMITI IN ITALY

Combine the feeling of flying down the slopes with the restorative
and strengthening of yoga sessions amidst the breath-taking
mountains of The Dolomites, which glow pink at twilight. Copy
the rose glow and experience la dolce vita with treatments
aimed to relax muscular tension, revitalise, tone and help correct
postural alignment. After a day on the slopes, balance and
wind down in the sumptuous spa, restore and re-energise with
nutrient-dense local food and majestic scenery where nature,
luxury and unspoiled beauty harmoniously co-exist.
Health and Fitness Travel (healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers seven
nights at Lefay Dolomiti from £1,785pp or £1,930 for single occupancy.
Includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return transfers.




























Thailand training paradise

GET ACTIVE AND KEEP FIT IN THAILAND THIS APRIL

With the warm glow of summer still a speck on the horizon, escape with an invigorating, healing trip to Thailand in the coming months.
This comprehensive health and fitness training retreat is designed to keep you active, re-energise the body and mind, unwind, and reset
through fitness, meditation, yoga, delicious clean eating, island adventures, and massages. All in amazing Thailand!

Health and Fitness Travel (healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers seven nights at Training Paradise from £1,330pp. Price includes full board,
a wellness programme and return transfers.


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om travel
Escape to the Algarve









With 300 days of sunshine a year, clean air refreshed by Atlantic breezes, and its proximity to
the UK, the Algarve is always a great choice for a yoga and wellness break












































@laurenabraham











hinking of where to go for your next healthy getaway? memmo Baleeira
Portugal’s sunny south is always a good idea. The Algarve memmo Baleeira is launching its first wellness retreats in 2020. It has
is the southernmost region in the country framed by a long been a destination for nature and wellness, with surfing, trekking
200-km coastline. Known for its promise of more than 300 and biking at the heart of any experience in Sagres. This year will see
Tdays of sun per year, it is home to award-winning beaches, the launch of The Detox Programme, designed to help guests restore,
authentic gastronomy and a range of outdoor activities from surfing to rejuvenate and recover. The retreat includes specialist detox lunches
cycling, walking, and birdwatching that attracts thrill seekers and nature with seasonal and healthy ingredients and treatments range from
lovers alike. detoxing facials to lymphatic drainage, with the aim of energising the
It’s also crammed with amazing health and wellness options for the body and removing toxins.
discerning yoga traveller. Plus you can get some 50% off treatments The programme includes the use of the hotel’s spa facilities and
at top hotels during Algarve Spa week (there are actually two in 2020, members are also encouraged to rejuvenate in the surrounding nature
one each in April and October) if you really want to spoil yourself! You’ll of the wild Costa Vicentina. Activity is key, so whether it’s trekking the
find everything from brand new farm house retreats, top-of-the-range ancient trails, surfing in the Atlantic, cycling along the cliffs to explore
wellness hotels, new spa programmes for teens and kids…and lots of further afield, yoga classes on the cliff tops, rock climbing or kayaking,
yoga. Here’s a flavour of all things wellness in the sunny Algarve this year. memmo Baleeira can accommodate.

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om travel

A three-day programme costs £280pp including two night’s integrative and regenerative medicine with the most advanced
accommodation, half board, a 50-minute treatment, two yoga classes, wellness and preventative diagnostics, therapies and programmes.
daily detox drinks and use of the spa. Visit: memmohotels.com Longevity’s USP is its thorough anti-ageing regime. A fleet of doctors,
nutritionists and fitness trainers are at each guest’s disposal and will
Villa Monte create individually-tailored programmes.
Located in Olhao, in the eastern Algarve, Vila Monte is launching The Detox & Relax wet area circuit could be the place for you:
its first in-house series of retreats this year. The retreats will be consisting of an infra-red sauna, hammam, ice fountain, Epsom salt
led by three facilitators, Janet Shook, a wellness curator for Villa room, sensations showers, relaxing room, indoor heated Himalayas
Monte Farm House, Luisa Peres, specialising in healing through the salt detox pool and sensation relax pool. Visit: longevityalvor.com/en
elements of nature, and Karim Fadali, a yoga expert and an avid
explorer of astrological charts. Vidamar Resort Hotel
February 18-23: Nurturing your True Self includes Kundalini The Vidamar Resort Hotel Algarve has designed a spa programme
Yoga and meditation, dance of the elements, nature hikes and especially for families with children aged 6-11.
nature healing nutritional support and guidance. A three-night The Parents & Kids’ SPA programme for one adult and child
programme costs €755pp. includes: one back and leg massage (25 min); one mini-facial
March 17-22: We are Stardust includes guided star-gazing treatment (25 min); unlimited access to the fitness room for
sessions to get familiarised with the visible constellations and adults, accommodation in double room with one extra bed with
planets, talks on astrological chart’s fundamental principles, daily buffet breakfast; daily family dinner (drinks not included);
application of esoteric astrology, yoga and meditation practices unlimited access to the indoor heated saltwater pool for the adults
and an exploration of the creation myths of yogic traditions. The and children; and family welcome VIP, in room, upon arrival.
three-night programme costs €850pp. The ‘Parents & Kids’ SPA Programme two-nights stay package
A special menu has also been developed for these retreats costs from €339 per room for two adults and one child or two nights
from locally-sourced products providing vegan and gluten-free stay package from €474 per room for two adults and two children.
meals with super foods at the in-house A Terra restaurant. Visit: vidamarresorts.com/resort-algarve
Visit: vilamonte.com
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
Longevity Health & Wellness The prestigious clifftop resort, Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa,
located in the beautiful central Algarve, has launched a new
Hotel in Alvor concept, ‘VITAL Wellness’ designed in partnership with London-
The 5 star Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel in Alvor only opened based health and fitness specialist Harry Jameson, as well as a Teen
last October. This state-of-the-art wellness centre embraces modern Wellness Programme.

















































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VITAL Wellness encapsulates Vila Vita Parc’s commitment to The Vila Vita Parc is a five-star luxury hotel and resort
supporting and encouraging health, wellness, nutrition and with 170 rooms, suites and villas, a Michelin-starred restaurant
vitality throughout the hotel’s 11 restaurants, spa, and sporting and 11 restaurants, bars, a spa, private yacht, wine cellar and a
activities. That includes a Teen Wellness Programme, designed range diversified sports and leisure activities.
to educate young adults aged 13 to 18 years of age. Visit: vilavitaparc.com/en




ALGARVE SPA WEEK
Visitors can enjoy as much as 50%
discount on treatments at participating
hotels during Algarve Spa Week, held
this year in April and October 2020.
Expect amazing prices, exclusive
treatments and top spa facilities.
Visit: algarve-spa-week.com






















Yoga at the Vila Vita Parc


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WORKSHOPS AND RETREATS 2020









Yin Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Retreats at
with retreat option at Santillán Retreat, Spain
Samahita, Koh Samui 16–23 May, 4–11 July,
22–29 February, 2020 5–12 September, 2020
Jungleyoga lake retreat Yoga Retreats at
at Praiwan Rafthouse, Huzur Vadisi, Turkey
Khao Sok, Thailand 13–20 June, 20–27 June, 2020
7–14 March, 2020 Can be taken as a one or two-week retreat


RawFitYoga.Life Retreats at Santillán Retreat, Nr Malaga, Spain
25 April – 2 May, 27 June – 4 July, 12–19 September, 21–28 November



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COURSES/TEACHER TRAINING
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Lavenham, Suffolk
+44 (0)1787 249798
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om lite
















































Hair dilemmas









Victoria Jackson ponders what to do with her long, thick locks during her yoga class

So in the modern way of things, I posted my dilemma on social
I media. Short of getting a haircut, what style would keep the hair out
f you know your yoga sutras, you’ll remember that Patanjali
has a daunting list of ‘obstacles’ that might get in the way of
of my eyes and still allow me to do most postures without needing
practice. They are general issues like illness, doubt, laziness,
to fiddle with it? The recommendation was twin braids: they’d hang
carelessness. They’re so universal I think we can all identify
with them at one time or another. We might also make
headstand and supine postures. Plus the symmetry would be less
a modern world addendum to this list involving more practical down my back, leaving the back and crown of my head free for
concerns like childcare, late-running meetings, traffic jams, not unbalancing when I was flowing through standing postures. So for
to mention boxed sets and comfy sofas. There are so many things a while I went to class looking like a rather mature St Trinian’s reject
that can make getting to yoga class more of an effort than it need and, despite the naughty schoolgirl look, I have to admit that it did
be. We do love to complicate things. Perhaps there’s a human need solve a lot of the irritation I had been feeling during my yoga practice.
to create obstacles for ourselves so we can then get the reward of But now I’ve gone for a more radical solution and had it cut
overcoming them! shorter, as I’d always intended once it was long enough for me to
Just recently the difficulty I’m having with yoga is even more donate a good length of hair for wig-making. This shorter hairdo is
trivial than these mundane concerns. It’s my hair! Specifically much less distracting during yoga. It also eliminates other related
my very long, very thick hair. How do I tie it up so it doesn’t get in modern hindrances to practice — I don’t waste time searching for
the way when I practice? As a braid or ponytail, it is now so heavy hairbands and clips and it’s reduced blowdry time so I don’t ever go
that it literally pulls me off alignment in standing poses — as I move to bed with wet hair after late night classes. I like to think Patanjali
it’ll suddenly swing past my eye and unbalance me. And the day would have approved.
I put it up into a neat bun I went to a class was all about headstand
and I had to rethink the topknot idea mid-sequence — or learn to Victoria Jackson lives and teaches in Oxford. She is registered with
levitate upside-down. Yoga Alliance Professionals as a vinyasa yoga teacher

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