The Throat Chakra, Our Yoga Community, and a Sleep Breathing Technique

This week’s theme has been the Throat Chakra💜, our energy centre for communication, self-expression, and truth. It teaches us to be empowered by our voice and to speak to ourselves and others with kindness.

From my own experience with mental health, I know how important it is to stay connected to your voice and to express yourself with compassion.

This week’s affirmation: I speak with kindness and compassion. 

The Yoga by Eloise Community

It brings me so much joy to see the beautiful community I’ve brought together. Watching everyone become friends in class and supporting one another is truly heartwarming.

Last weekend, I caught up with two students and we had tea and crumpets together. I even baked us some cookies! This week, one of my students brought me homemade Diwali cookies that were so delicious they didn’t last long. Another student gifted me some Yogi Tea, which was such a thoughtful gesture. Thank you! I’m so grateful for every one of you.

Breathing to Enhance Your Sleep💤

A pranayama (breathing technique) I often use to help me fall asleep is counting my breaths. I originally learned this technique from a sleep meditation and have since shared it with many of you. Even my mum now uses it every night to help her sleep.

Here’s how it works:

Inhale – 10

Exhale – 9

Inhale – 8

Exhale – 7

Inhale – 6

Exhale – 5

Inhale – 4

Exhale – 3

Inhale – 2

Exhale – 1

Then repeat this breathing cycle until you fall asleep. It’s a gentle way to keep your mind focused and away from negative thoughts with very little effort.

Sometimes, I visualise a small zigzag pattern in my mind while doing this technique. If you lose count, simply start again at 10. You can also reverse the pattern and count up from 1 to 10 if that feels better for you.

Taking a Step Forward

As the seasons change and the days grow shorter, I’ve been more mindful of doing things that support my mental health. Like many of you, this time of year can make me feel a little low, so I’ve started prioritising daily walks again.

Fresh air truly helps. I even wrote an essay at university about the benefits of spending time in nature, and the benefits really are endless. I’m lucky enough to live close to Roding Valley Nature Reserve, so I’ve been taking daily walks there to feed the ducks.

This has become my no-phone time, a chance to clear my head and move mindfully. The cygnets at the lake have grown so much 🦢

When I was a teenager struggling with my mental health, my parents bought me a big swan teddy to remind me to keep going. Swans appear peaceful on the surface, but underneath, they are paddling hard. In many ways, we’re all swans - calm above the surface, working hard beneath. It’s a lovely reminder to check in with ourselves and with those around us.

A Night at the Theatre 🎭

On Tuesday, I went to see the new Hunger Games stage production, and I highly recommend it. I’ve watched the Hunger Games films on repeat (I probably know most of the lines), and earlier this year, I read all five books. I absolutely love them.

I went with my best friend Emilie. The show was performed in the round, and the production was incredible with moving seats, constant new set pieces, and such talented actors. I did have to hold Emilie’s hand a few times (I’m a bit of a scaredy-cat), but overall it wasn’t too scary, just amazing to watch.

Next Week’s Theme: Third Eye Chakra💙

The third eye chakra is our energy centre for inner wisdom, insight, and clear thinking. It’s the seat of our intuition, helping us see beyond what’s in front of us and connect with our inner knowing.

What helps you feel calm and centred when life feels busy?

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See you on the mat next week,

Eloise x