Now first off get your mind out of the gutter people - by body positions I did not know I could do, I am talking about yoga! Ashtanga yoga to be exact, and trust me, I know you are probably wondering what it is and confused as there are so many different types of yoga. But after a Saturday afternoon of this I have learnt so much.
For me personally, yoga and a healthy diet comes in waves. I have been known to have a month of dedicated routine and then one night of pizza and, well, need I say anymore! (Do not hang your heads in shame we all do it.) I have realised after today that it really is all about balance and that guilt free knowledge we are doing the best we can.
So, as I sit here on my train journey home to outside of London, with Lionel Richie relaxing me through my headphones, I will tell you about my afternoon! Who knows, maybe I can inspire some of you to give this yoga lifestyle a try.
Svetla Karamshuk is the embodiment of a physical powerhouse. Immediately, I noticed the way she held herself and how relaxed she appeared. Clerkenwellbeing Studios was a new experience for me and I was slightly nervous going into it trying something different. I was delighted to see a small class of 4 participants and 2 tutors. Svetla, the yoga guru and Meredith, the bringer of chocolate and a promise of relaxation. It was already a welcoming environment and once everyone had naturally taken their spots, Svetla talked us through the style of yoga which is Ashtanga. I will not ruin too much information for you, but it is a yoga style that goes back very far and really concentrates on the core focuses that all yoga should really teach. It is challenging but rewarding and surprises even the most non-flexible of us all.
I learnt shockingly how much of a great way to detoxify it really is and you should not drink water during the session. The sweating and heating up of your body is a great reaction and an essential part of the detox so, drinking water contradicts that and cools you down. (I very sneakily pushed my water far to the side and allowed a farewell till the end of the class).
Meredith then took the floor and explained the plan for the afternoon and her meditation method. Which includes hot chocolate. Yes, that is right. Relaxation with hot chocolate. A small part of me looked to the heavens and whispered, “I knew this must exist!”
The time after this went very quickly and my muscles are now happy to be sitting and not standing on one leg. Opening the class with a beautiful chant, we were then taken through each stage of Ashtanga (missing a few as for some of the class it was their first time.) From trying to straighten my legs while hands are on the floor, downward facing dog and hands in prayer position above my head, I could feel the burn – but god it felt good!
We then proceeded to more intricate positions, which is where the shock to myself comes in, and Svetla brought to my attention that I can do a lot more, but my mind is stopping me. I suppose if I constantly tell myself I am not flexible; my body will slowly work against me. Managing to stand on one leg with my hand clasping my big toe and standing straight, extending out in front was very uplifting!
Slowly progressing and winding down, it was lovely to have the odd giggle from the class. It relieved the tension and pressure of trying to be on show impressing everyone. We were just 4 women who wanted to be more in control of our bodies. The support Svetla emitted was brilliant and it may sound odd, but it was nice having Meredith apart of the class and showing we are all at different stages and still learning. Even Svetla admitted sometimes her students outshine her and she is the teacher!
With some winding down, we were invited to finish the yoga and sit down for Chai tea, strawberries, grapes, oh, and chocolate! I must say completing a work out like that and then being rewarded with chocolate is something I could get used to. But, this was not the chocolate you get from the supermarket packed with whatever awful ingredients, this was rich chocolate prepared by Meredith!
We chatted about our dietary problems, resolutions and how we currently approach our health and wellbeing. After Meredith led the class in, (what I can only describe) as the most relaxing, non-BS, meditation I have ever experienced. The first session was getting us in touch with our bodies and bringing us to the present moment. Not thinking about work deadlines, shopping that needs to be done, stressful situations and body hang ups. The visualisation of the meditation was to imagine us under a waterfall of gold energy and it passes through our bodies, swirling around to fill us with rich goodness. I instantly pictured myself in a tropical setting and the energy hitting all the parts of my body I either do not like or have pains with. A few afterwards admitted they may have dozed off for a while, but Meredith’s response was simply, “You may need to sleep, that is good.”
The second meditation session was with the hot chocolate, and I will openly admit I did not know how this would all fit together. We over the space of time, smelt the chocolate, felt the warmth, and drank it in stages. I started with not being keen on the smell, to discovering a fruity taste! (I knew my years of professional chocolate eating would come into use someday).
One thing I will say I can take away from all this, is that I instantly realised I need to slow down. Not everything is a race and to take the time to enjoy my food and surroundings will make every experience more enjoyable and memorable. I claim to love food, but I do not let it sit on my plate for long enough to get every taste and texture.
To end a beautiful afternoon was a bag full of goodies, including chocolate, homemade jam and some very yummy teas! I cannot stress enough how good it felt to be doing something productive and enjoyable with my Saturday afternoon. Beats laying in bed all day any time. (never thought I would say those words)
If you are interested in finding out more about Meredith and Svetla then please do! I cannot recommend more, a place where you feel not judged, comfortable and open to learning new things.
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