Don't Hide Behind the Beans....

Another ridiculous blog post title - I make no apology!

On one or two occasions I have been casually doing my weekly shop and I'll see a familiar face on another aisle and just as I try to bring their name to mind and where I know them from,  they've gone, scuttled out of sight - behind the baked beans no doubt.  Then I realise it is someone who used to come to one of my yoga classes.

I feel sad that they feel the need to scuttle - please don't feel you have to scuttle.  I'm the least scary person ever!  I'd like to hear how you are getting on.  How you may have found another yoga class which fits in better with your schedule, or you've found a teacher that teaches in a different way to me that you really enjoy, just a better 'fit' for you.  I'm not everyone's cup of tea - a very honest lady once told me that I laugh too much in class, I'm hoping she went on and joined a more appropriate class for her!

Or maybe you learnt all you could from me and decided to delve deeper into another style of yoga - again this is wonderful news!  Or perhaps you have developed a home practice and you are loving the beauty and solitude that a self practice brings.

Perhaps you decided to try Tai Chi, Pilates or Qi Gong and found this resonated with you more than yoga - it's fabulous that you have found a movement practice you really love.


Or maybe....you felt it has just been a little bit too long to make a return...this will never be the case.  Even if you haven't been to class for 5 years or more, but you feel you want to come back, just come back - there will be no judgment!  Just don't scuttle and hide behind the baked beans - come and say hello and let me know how you are.

On a more serious note it could be there was an injury, a private health issue or personal problem you don't wish to discuss with me over the avocados.  It is none of my business - I get that.  But just a nod and a wave is fine, just so I know you are ok....

For details of Claire's classes in Sale - see www.yogiclaire.com

Sound Healing with Tibetan Singing Bowls

Sound Healing Relaxation - An Ancient Practice

 

 

Since qualifying as a yoga teacher in 2007 I have consistently continued my studies.  It has mostly been a continuation of yoga, anatomy and career development courses, closely related to the practice of yoga and meditation.

In 2012 I purchased a Tibetan Singing Bowl as I’d been curious about them for a while.  I found it to be very relaxing to use as part of my regular meditation practice, in fact it had a very profound effect on me - more so than I ever could have imagined.  It inspired me to read a fantastic book called “The Sounds of Healing” by Mitchell L. Gaynor and I watched many webinars about the subject of sound healing and sound therapy.

Shortly after, I attended a workshop on the subject with local yoga teacher and sound relaxation expert Szilivia Gardian.  I had the opportunity to play some of her bowls and to take part in a sound healing relaxation.  It had a very powerful effect on me and piqued my interest even further.  I have continued to use the bowls in my own practice over several years and I have completed a Sound Healing Therapy course and have attended a full weekends intensive training using the bowls in Oct 2016 with Szilvia to gain more practical experience.

My collection of bowls has increased and I have a total of 6 now in varying sizes and continue to use them at the end of my yoga classes and workshops as a sound healing relaxation.  I have added Tingsha bells, a tuned windchime and a rainstick to my collection for more of a soundscape effect.  This has proved a very popular part of my classes and workshops.  It also works especially well in my one to one therapeutic yoga sessions.

The feedback so far has been truly amazing, showing how powerful the effects of the vibrations of these bowls are.  The following are some of the comments I have received about this practice:

“It feels like my brain has been cleaned out!”

“When you play the bowls in relaxation it feels like a real treat”

“When I have had a sound relaxation I have the best nights sleep ever”

“Things feel like they have been reset somehow – I can’t believe how powerful the effect was, as I was sceptical that they would have any effect at all, but it was amazing”

So how does it work?   

Putting it simply – “the bowls create a range of sounds to restore the normal vibratory frequencies of dis-eased and out-of-harmony parts of the body, mind and soul.

The sounds generated by Tibetan Singing Bowls are a type of energy medicine that can promote healing from stress disorders, pain, depression, and many forms of dis-ease.

Healing processes are initiated through entraining our brainwaves to synchronise with the perfect resonance of the bowls. Unique tones create the perfect state for deep meditation, creative thinking and intuitive messages.

The pure sonic waves that ring from Tibetan Singing Bowls wake up our ability to hear with more than our ears. We feel the sound of Tibetan Singing Bowls as much as we take it in with our ears." (Excerpt from Jevon Danjeli’s website)

In addition to this I think we are so used to hearing a cacophony of electronic sounds, traffic sounds – sounds of all kinds, all day long.  The bowls have such a pure tone that it is so beautifully calming and it's a real relief to feel and hear a sound so pure, we instantly start to relax.  Our being moves into ‘rest and digest’ and out of ‘fight/flight/freeze’ and our spirit becomes soothed.

As mentioned above, I use the bowls occasionally at the end of my yoga classes (see my website for schedule details) and I  also offer a Sound Relaxation with the bowls as part of my one to one yoga sessions (£40 per 60 minute session), or a half hour guided and sound relaxation only for £25.

Its benefits may include, but are not limited to:

·         Physical and emotional healing

·         Restored Energy Circulation

·         Improved Self Confidence and self esteem

·         Improved sleep and relaxation

·         Increased focus and productivity

*Sound healing is a useful complimentary treatment to have alongside conventional medical treatments for various ailments - it is NOT a substitute for medical treatment and does not claim to 'cure'*

Click these links for a couple of demos of me playing the singing bowls:
 
Demo 1

Demo 2


For a full schedule of Claire's classes in Sale please see the website:  www.yogiclaire.com

Yogi Claire Newsletter - Summer 2016

I thought I would try a little experiment and use my blog page as a way to get news about my classes out to everyone in a concise and effective way.  Goodness we've come a long way since I used to do a real life newsletter printed on paper!  (Not very environmentally friendly I'll admit!)

The Summer months see a few changes to my schedule but I don't stop teaching altogether.  We settle into a different rhythm in the summer months so it is good to honour this and have a little change.  If the class you usually come to is not on, then maybe think about coming to one of the other classes or contact me if you think you would like a one to one yoga session (see website for full details)  Click for link  (this is ladies only)

Monday: Parent & Toddler yoga - last class was on 18th July - returns 5th September.  Please let me know if you would like your name putting down for this.   See more details here: Click for link


Tuesday: Red Sky Yoga Studio Lunchtime Class 12-1pm - Last class on 19th July - returning on 6th September.  I have a couple of regular spaces come up for this class so email me if you would like to put your name down.

Tuesday evenings: 6.15-7.15pm & 7.45-9pm These 2 sessions which are usually at Sale United Reformed Church, Montague Rd are to be held at Sale Moor Methodist Church, Northenden Rd just over the summer until Sept 6th - this is due to the usual venue being painted.  This is run as a drop in class.

**Note that on Tues 2nd Aug I am scheduled to teach the outdoor session at Walkden Gardens in Sale (weather permitting) please note that this session will start at the slightly earlier time of 6pm-7pm.  If it is wet we will be at Sale Moor Methodist Church and will start at 6.15pm. My Mum's class at 7.45 remains unaffected on this day.

Thursday evening class is unaffected - everything remains as normal, see website for details: Click for link  this is also a drop in class.

Friday morning: 10-11.30am at The Avenue Methodist Church is NOT on over the summer - but we will return to a revamped room on the 9th September.


*Please note my DW Fitness classes remain unaffected over the summer - I will be teaching both of those as normal, remember these are for DW Fitness members only.


If I don't see you over the Summer please have a really wonderful time, spend lots of time with your family and friends and get outside, enjoy nature and try to do a little yoga each day!!



I've included one of my favourite poems for you to enjoy too, I've found it very comforting on many occasions recently, so I hope you enjoy it too.

Namaste.

If you like the flower photos be sure to connect with me on Instagram - my profile is @yogiclaire99 









Claire Pickin is a Hatha Yoga teacher, teaching classes in Sale.  For all details see website:
www.yogiclaire.com

 

 
 
 
 
 

Full Moon Toddler Yoga!

Yesterday we were hovering around full moon time.  It was also a Monday which is the day I teach my toddler yoga class.  Now usually around full moon, it's a lively, hectic, high energy class.  But yesterday was really calm, the toddlers were keen to get back to their yoga after a 3 week break and we welcomed a couple of very enthusiastic new little yogis.

We did our usual warm up songs, bending, stretching and singing our hearts out - with everyone joining in and having fun.  I talked the toddlers through the story, a simple affair involving a lonely scarecrow being befriended by a large, noisy crow.  We moved our bodies, breathed deeply in and out and danced around the room being excited scarecrows.  As I usually do, we did the relaxation at the end of the story as the characters lie down to relax and reflect - then I take Tommy the Turtle around the room to visit each child in turn whilst his music is softly playing, each child gets the chance to spot the crescent moon on his shell.  We then usually jump up once again to get moving and singing, but yesterday the children lay quite still and quiet - almost reflective, not keen to leap up for more songs just yet.....  Perhaps the moon's energy was a little too strong and they needed a little extra time to relax!

Anyway we eventually got up and used my breathing ball toys to open and close with our breath - again the toddlers were concentrating well and really understood what I was asking them to do (some of them are not even 2 years old yet so I was amazed at how focussed they were)

We then had our usual healthy snack which was rice cakes this week - mindfully eaten by smelling first, listening to the crunch and then closed eyes whilst chewing!  We then sang some more songs and did accompanying yoga moves.  We played 'Who is in the bag?' each child taking a toy animal out and then we all do the pose for that animal before the next animal can be retrieved from the bag.

Next we rolled the mats up and lined them end to end to practice balancing and to practice turn taking.  Each child walking along, tight-rope style with arms out to the side - it's always a winner!
Finally we all sat down together and chanted Om three times, this is usually a favourite part of the class for the children (and for me) they all joined in with hands pressed earnestly together in Anjali Mudra. Then we all said Namaste.

So for Full Moon, Summer Solstice and the eve of International Yoga day - my toddler group did superbly well and I think for the first time in almost 5 years of teaching toddlers - I almost stuck to the class plan!  It really goes to show you how you just cannot predict how things will turn out.  Next week could be a whole different story.....

Happy International Yoga Day!

For details of Claire's teaching schedule and further information on Toddler Yoga see www.yogiclaire.com

Breakfast Bars - Recipe

I have yet another oaty recipe for you, this one has no honey or added sugar.  This is the recipe I have been using recently for the bars I serve at my yoga workshops - most people seem to love them.  The basic idea is from Nigella but of course I have changed it to suit my taste and budget!  Nigellas recipe states Medjool dates which do work well but I have used ordinary supermarket chopped dates and also did a batch with some dates I bought in B & M Bargains - 39p for 200g, which is a real bargain.  They all seem to work.




Ingredients:

250g/9oz dates
1 tsp mixed spices
75g/2.5oz dried cherries
75g/2.5oz dried blueberries
100g/3.5oz mixed seeds (I use sesame, pumpkin and sunflower)
25g/1oz chia seeds
25g/1oz any kind of crispy cereal (I used one from Rude Health which has all manner of wholegrains)
100g/3.5oz porridge oats

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven at 170degrees/Gas 4 and line a tin with greaseproof paper, I squirt the tin with coconut spray oil to help the paper stick in place.

2. Pit the dates and tear them up if you are using whole ones, then place in a small saucepan with 325ml of water and add the spices.  Bring up to boil and let the mixture bubble for 5 minutes.

3. Beat the mixture with a fork or you can use a hand blender to puree.  I have done both methods - both work.

4. Put all remaining ingredients into a bowl and then add the date mixture and stir thoroughly.

5. Press the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for around 20-25 minutes until it looks really set and golden brown on the top with slightly darker edges.

6. Leave to cool before cutting.

You can use any kinds of dried fruits, nuts, seeds - I have made them a bit more of a treat sometimes by adding choc chips.  Enjoy with a cup of liquorice or cinnamon tea!

www.yogiclaire.com

Spelt Soda Bread, easiest & speediest recipe EVER!!

It's been a while since I have blogged, but I really want to share this wonderful recipe with you.  Actually it seems so quick and easy, it hardly even seems like a recipe! 

If you like your bread light and airy then perhaps this is not one for you, this is for those who like things rustic and nutty.  It has quite a closed, cake-like texture.  


When I used to work over in Ireland I always had soda bread and jam for breakfast, for me it seems easy to digest, is filling and satisfying too.  I've had a love hate relationship with bread over the years, sometimes cutting it completely out of my diet, but then missing the pleasure of a really tasty piece of toast.  So I have experimented with many types of bread and even used a bread maker every day for years. But now I have discovered how easy soda bread is to make - this is my loaf of choice every time.



There is no yeast, no proving, no kneading, no waiting and no messing about!  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

9oz Spelt Flour

Half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda

Half a teaspoon of salt

7 Fluid ounces of milk mixed with a dessert spoon of lemon juice (traditionally buttermilk is used but this is something I never have in the fridge!)

Melted butter for painting on if you want a less crunchy top.

 

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas
2. In a big bowl, mix together the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt.
3. Add the milk/lemon juice mixture and mix until a soft and sticky dough forms.
4. Make sure it's all gathered together and tip onto a greased baking tray in a rough round shape.  The more craggy it is the more crunchy it will be.
5. Bake for 25 minutes at 200C/400F/Gas 6. The loaf should be golden-brown and sound hollow when you tap the bottom.
6. Paint with melted butter whilst still warm if you want a softer crust.
7. Leave to cool on a wire rack. This is best eaten on the day of baking, but I cut into slices and freeze then toast from frozen.

This is perfect for breakfast, lightly toasted and spread with coconut oil and honey, or dipped into homemade thick soup.

 

As you can see from the photos it is a very honest and not very pretty loaf with a close texture but tastes divine and is cheap and so easy to do!!

 

Happy baking - let me know how you get on with it!!

 

 

www.yogiclaire.com

 

 

Some Things Never Change!

As usual I struggled over the title for this piece - it may be a bit of a departure from my usual 'everything is changing, nothing stays the same' ramblings and it is a strange one, as it all started with a mouse.....

We had a strong suspicion we had a mouse in the house (you can read that last sentence with a Scottish accent if you like) this suspicion became fact when I came face to face with our little friend a few weeks ago.  It was in the middle of the night and I didn't have my specs on but I heard its tapping claws on the lino and saw it scuttle out of the bathroom door.  (it had also left me a mousey present on the bathroom mat) Anyhow - this triggered a memory of childhood when my Nanna lived in this very same house where I live now, and she too had mice in the house!  Now of course it's not the same mouse - and our house is now very different from when my Nanna lived here, we have modified it somewhat.  My grandparents had a market gardening business and the field and greenhouses stretched for what seemed like miles into the distance behind our house.  There was an old well and some large, black scary water tanks which I would stand on my tiptoes and look into and imagine all sorts of mystical worlds in the ominous, inky depths!  There was even a story about how one of my great Aunts had fallen down the well, she escaped unscathed though - thankfully.

So the fields are now a housing estate and the greenhouses and tanks are gone, but the house lives on with us living in it and it's latest family of mice.  It is indeed a house full of memories, one of my great aunts had started to write a book about her childhood here a few years before her death and it details some amazingly happy times she spent in this house where I now live with my family.  There are some wonderful descriptions of the walk to school - the school which my Granddad, Mum and my sister and I and now my children attend.  The present school building is spanking new but it's on the same site and has the same name.  In the book my Great Aunt detailed happy Christmas times, hanging stockings by the fireplace ready to be filled with nuts and fruits.

Great Aunt Ada also wrote about hot and humid school sports days that she and her brothers attended, just like my kids were doing a few weeks ago, and like I did errr several years ago but she writes that they won prizes like a necklace, a dressing table set and many other things - her recall of these things suggest they meant a great deal to her.  The sun is still the same sun that shone brightly down from the same sky.  Different people, different times but some things never changing.

So in a way this piece is about change - the people, some of the buildings, the surroundings but this is in contrast to the bigger stuff,  that same moon that I gaze at most nights, is the same moon that my Mum, Nanna, Granddad and all those other relatives looked at.  Same moon, same sun, same sky, same bricks and mortar holding all those memories from everyone who has lived here......including all the mice. 

Below are the first words transcribed from Great Aunt Ada's book which she began at the age of 70 but sadly never finished, there are about 30 pages in total and it starts like this:

"How well I remember the days that are gone,

Long days and golden we spent in the sun,

Green of the meadows and pink of the clover,

Magic of laughter, and innocent fun,

And my memories linger on of days long ago..."

 

"My memories are my dearest possessions, to turn back the clock, and to be once again in a loved place with loved ones......."

This is the old chimney pot which has always belonged in the garden of our house as well as the stone garden ornament below it, which has been around for as long as everyone remembers, we're not sure exactly what it is but seems to feature a pineapple!!


For details of Claire's Yoga Classes in Sale - see www.yogiclaire.com