Gemma Murphy Yoga
Ready to de-stress, gain flexibility, and feel stronger? Join my yoga classes in Rugby, starting w/c 10th June! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, there’s a class for you.
Register now for the June/July block and secure your spot! Space is limited.
I’m super excited about this new offering for YOU. Bite-sized wisdom delivered straight to your inbox.
Each month, you’ll receive:
1 x Inspiring Quotation: Wise words to guide your practice.
1 x Sanskrit Pose & Tip: Learning the language of yoga and top insight.
1 x Gratitude Prompt: Cultivate appreciation and mindfulness in your life.
1 x Yogic Reflection: Timeless teachings for on and off the mat.
Yoga Class & Events News: Stay in the loop about upcoming sessions.
Short on time? Big on yoga? This newsletter is your on-the-go companion, offering yogic inspiration in just a few minutes.
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Drishti, a Sanskrit word meaning “gaze,” is more than just looking in a certain direction during your yoga practice. It’s a powerful tool that harnesses the power of intention to enhance your experience on the mat.
Drishti with Intention, Not Tension
Forget staring rigidly at a single point. Drishti is about directing your gaze with awareness and focus. Different postures have designated drishti points to guide you. Remember to keep your gaze soft and relaxed – no need to strain or clench your eyes.
In the world of yoga, the idea of “keeping your spine straight” hums in the background like a familiar mantra, presented as an unquestionable truth. But what if this popular alignment tip isn’t quite accurate?
The truth is, our spines are naturally curved structures designed for movement, not rigidity. From simply rising from bed to navigating daily activities, our spinal discs absorb significant pressure. This flexibility is why our vertebrae are cushioned and the lower spine has reduced sensitivity – pain would be our constant companion otherwise!
The lower back, in particular, is a marvel of strength and resilience. The sacroiliac joint, its foundation, is heavily padded to handle the demands of movement. However, it can become prone to tension and pain, leading to chronic discomfort.
Conventional therapies for back pain often emphasise keeping the spine still. While this makes sense for severe injuries, most back concerns actually benefit from movement. This is where yoga, particularly Yin Yoga, shines.
Yin Yoga encourages gentle exploration of the spine, prioritising slow, mindful movements over forced straightness. This approach fosters trust in the spine’s innate resilience, even when discomfort or fear arise during movement.
Our spines benefit from appropriate stress, not just rest. The seven layers of fascia surrounding the spine respond to stretching and compression by becoming stronger and more pliable. In other words, the more you move your spine safely, the more it will be able to move.
Each section of the spine has its own natural curve, contributing to our overall flexibility and strength. Yet, the fitness world’s aesthetic ideals often portray straight lines as optimal, leading to an unfounded fear of spinal rounding. This fear has even influenced some yoga teachings, creating unnecessary rigidity in alignment practices.
Yin Yoga challenges this misconception. We believe that safe spinal movement, including rounding and bending, is not only enjoyable but essential for long-term spinal health.
If stiffness or tightness are your companions, Yin Yoga offers a gentle invitation to explore movement as a pathway to relief. It can help relieve lower back pain, maintain spinal health as we age, and improve overall flexibility.
So, let’s move beyond the myth of the straight spine and embrace the natural grace and adaptability of our amazing bodies. Deep Stretch Yin classes take place monthly at the Barn in Houlton, Rugby. No prior experience needed! Join me to experience the joy of mindful movement in your own spine.
I like to treat each 5 or 6-week yoga class block as a little course. Every yoga block is curated around a theme, be it a specific pose, an energetic exploration, or a dive into profound yogic philosophical concepts. Within these classes, ancient wisdom weaves its way, creating an experience that’s more than just physical – it’s a soulful connection. Whether it’s a slow burn kindling your inner fire or a gentle exploration guided by mindful breaths, expect to depart feeling renewed, empowered, and deeply connected to something within.
In our Nov/Dec series, we focussed on the hips, hamstrings, and shoulders, working towards our versions of Bird of Paradise pose. This journey mirrored the spirit of Tapas, inviting you to step into the unknown where transformation awaits.
And no need to be intimidated about some of the “big” postures. My classes aren’t about chasing an elusive perfection that doesn’t exist in yoga; rather, they’re about embracing the journey. Each session becomes a conduit for connection – with our bodies, minds, and inner wisdom.
By revisiting a similar foundational sequence each week of the block, your body learns where to go, developing strong foundations and often muscle memory, usually fostering progress in postures. I invite students to embrace the initial unfamiliarity – it’s your body whispering, “Hello, possibility!”
The final class of every block is a celebration of your unique journey. We collaboratively choose a pose, and your vote determines what we delve into.
So, take a deep breath, move with intention, and witness your brilliance unfold. Remember, the journey is uniquely yours, and the mat is always ready to support it.
Just a quick update about my weekly Vinyasa Flow yoga classes in Rugby. All weekly classes are fully booked until 9th February. Thank you so much for your continued support. It means so much to me!
📅 Booking Information for Future Classes
I’ll be reopening the booking link later this month for the upcoming class series in February and March.