Sarah Robinson's Blog, page 3

The Goddess of Never not Broken

Welcome! this is the text from my first live meditation on Insight Timer. I wanted to share the info - which you’ll also find in my upcoming book Yin Magic.

I guided our meditators through half an hour guided story journey as a way to experience/meet the goddess - Akhilandeshvari.

Story journey, or guided meditation is a way to connect with a few of the elements that these incarnations of the divine feminine. This is a practice that I experienced a lot when I was training to be a priestess of the goddess at the Glastonbury goddess temple. And can be a different experience for us all, maybe you feel some kind of connection with the goddess, maybe you feel inspired, maybe you feel perhaps you learn a little something, maybe this representation of the goddess is one you find presents challenges that you are working with, you may find this practice just a little time to take a break from your day, all of these are valid and valuable.

Like fairy tales, like folklore there are ideas and stories that run the world over in our collective unconscious that I think are often embodied within goddess imagery.

In our journey, we met the Image of a goddess stands upon a crocodile upon a rushing river;

Akhilandeshvari, from Hindu culture.

Ishvari in Sanskrit means goddess, queen or female power, and Akhilanda has a variety of Sanskrit translations such as "a collection of things" and "scattered pieces" but popular goddess translations have turned this into the enigmatic "never not broken." 

This goddess is a representation of change and loss. When we experience extreme emotions or trauma we may describe ourselves as "going to pieces" or "falling apart." And so, this interpretation of the goddess who is “never not broken” is born. 

Her history has deep roots. She is a goddess from the ancient Hindu texts. But what Akhilandeshvari really wants you to know; is that her power is not from being whole, but from being broken: from the pulling apart, like an atom that is split, releasing energy in what we call nuclear fission. The yin and yang of Akhilandeshvari is here breaking apart and coming together. From this her power, is created. 

And there is a goddess from Hindu mythology that teaches us that, in this moment, with these scattered pieces, as we rebuild, you are more powerful than you’ve ever been. Exactly as you are right now.

Life is constant flux and change, just like our goddess (and ourselves). Impermanence is the truth and of the human condition. Embracing it in can be the key to finding ease. This is a truth we may know in our minds but tend to resist in our hearts, Change is a constant in life, yet we long for the predictable reassurance that comes from things remaining the same. 

The thing about going through sudden change is that it can destroy, for a time, our future: the story of our lives we had created in our minds about how things would unfold. What Akhilandeshvari offers us is the possibility and power of our choices from these broken pieces and uncertainty. Times, when we are shifting and unfolding in new ways, are a powerful opportunity to decide how we want to put ourselves back together. 

This unknowing is an incredible teacher— no one has it all figured out; there is always a need to learn. 

The goddess reminds us that with every new shiny wholeness we create, we will, one day, break apart once more and put ourselves together again in a perpetual cycle of life. 

But don't despair! In our brokenness, we are unlimited. We have the strength and ability to break, re-create and rebuild ourselves over and over. 

Akhilandeshvari helps us to grow, to transform, to heal and to mend. She shows us how to move with motion of life, the impermanence of reality, the flowing waters of the river, and the rhythm of nature, having a trust in ourselves that we will once again come together become a perfectly imperfect wholeness.

Namaste. x

Autumn Full Moon Magic

Tonight will see the full corn moon in the sky in the northern hemisphere but last year it would have been the Harvest moon in September. Here’s why: The Harvest Moon is the only Full Moon name which is determined by the equinox rather than a month.

When the full moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox; the Harvest Moon, happens in October, September’s full Moon becomes the Corn Moon. So Harvest Moon will be the first of two full moons in October 2020 & the second will be considered a blue moon on the 31st October, making a rare appearance on Halloween - So it becomes the Blue Hunters Moon. ( A full Moon on Halloween occurs roughly once every 19 years)

The Hunter's Moon is the full moon following Harvest Moon. The names are recorded from the early 18th century. The Oxford English Dictionary entry for "harvest moon" and "hunter's moon" cites references from the 1700’s.

Blue Moons

For more than half a century, whenever two full Moons appear in a single month (which happens on average every 2 1/2 to 3 years), the second full Moon is called a “Blue Moon.”

another way of categorizing blue moons, and to the Farmers' Almanac, a "blue moon" is the third full moon in any period between either a solstice and an equinox, or between an equinox and a solstice, which contains four full moons.

Since an average lunar cycle is roughly 29½ days, two moons in the same month don't happen very often — usually every two to three years — hence the phrase "once in a blue moon." The extra moon in a month has been called a blue moon for many years, with the earliest recorded use of the term in English dating back to 1528.

Full Moon Names

Full Moons had given names in many ancient cultures. The Full Moon names we use today reflect the changing seasons and nature, like Harvest Moon, Strawberry Moon, or Snow Moon. Many of these names date back to Native Americans of North America.  Tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Full Moon names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. European settlers followed that custom and created some of their own names.

Yin Magic is Here!

I am beyond thrilled that book no.2 is now available for pre-order!

Yin Magic shows how ancient Chinese Taoist alchemical practices can mingle with yoga and magic to enhance our wellbeing from sleep to stress-levels, helping us to move beyond the burnout cycles and embody the beauty of letting go.

Yin Magic shares:

What yin is…and why it matters.

An introduction to the practice of yin yoga.

Yin yoga journeys for each season and the meridians.

Insight from cutting-edge neuroscience research.

Connections between Celtic, witch and Chinese medicine traditions.

Ideas for putting trust in one’s own nature, and the pace of the natural world.

Sympathetic magic and how to bring it into your yoga practice.

How to embrace the magic in the darker times of night, new moon and winter.

Yin Magic helps us to make everyday magic at a sumptuously slow pace as an antidote to the busyness of modern life.

Pre-Order Here

Yoga Women & Words

I’ve written my second book on yoga and magic, and a beautiful human I know who is training to be a yoga teacher asked me recently to recommend some yoga books written by women - as the required reading for her course featured only books written by men.

So, Here is a list of yoga books by women! Because for many reasons, I think we need them more than ever right now (and always)

Namaste. X

My Personal favourites

Yoga: A Gem for Women by Geeta Iyengar

Yoni Shakti: A woman's guide to power and freedom through yoga and tantra by Uma Dinsmore-Tuli

The Yoga Mind by Rina Jakubowicz

The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi

Yoga and…

Yoga for Witches by Sarah Robinson (me!)

Yoga & Psyche by Mariana Caplan

Face Yoga: Firming facial exercises & inspiring tips to glow, inside and out by Danielle Collins

Teaching Yoga beyond the poses by Sage Rountree & Alexandra DeSiato

Yoga Therapy for Digestive Health by Charlotte Watts

More!

Insight yoga by Sarah Powers

Yoga: A manual for Life by Naomi Annand 

Yin Yoga: Stretch the Mindful Way by Kassandra Reinhardt

Yin Yoga: Essential Poses and Sequences for Balanced Energy by Diane Paylor 

Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson

Inspiring Reading List

As we face the last week of April Here are a few inspiring and soothing reads that you may find interesting -

The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World

The Goddess Pose: The Audacious Life of Indra Devi, the Woman Who Helped Bring Yoga to the West

The Book of Awakening

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times

Tree Wisdom: A Year of Healing Among the Trees

Whatever next week holds; Be Kind and Go Well.
Namaste Darlings xxx

Elemental Yoga

With my latest youtube videos, I've used the 4 elements as my inspiration. I've linked each video below, just click on the image to take you to the video. Each one features around 10 to 20 minutes of yoga asana and then a guided meditation themed around each element. (If you'd rather practise with me live; details are below on my new teaching timetable)

Using yoga for the elements, you can create more of an element you desire. For example, if you want to stimulate your creativity - you might want to connect with fire. You can also balance an element you feel you have too much of. For example, if your thoughts are all over the place, you may want to balance the air element by working with its opposite, earth. 

Whatever next week holds; Be Kind and Go Well.
Namaste Darlings xxx

Lefto' Pesto

That’s Leftover Pesto!

So after having the essence of pesto making explained to me - I find I can almost always whip up a pesto. And about now, if you’re anything like me you have some slightly wilty herbs in the fridge! And I’m sort of loath to admit but I do have a huge amount of pasta, (I’ve always bought past and rice in giant bags cos it saves money! I’m not hoarding food, I promise!)

Pesto is also delightful to top soups, jacket potatoes, eggs and toast too, and as a dip. It feels nice to be using all the little leftovers in the fridge, and in times of stress a nice warming meal can go a long way!

So all Pesto’s need 4 elements:

‘Green’ a Herb or vegetable

Oil

Nut

Cheese

So your very classic pestos will be

Basil

Olive oil

Pine nuts

Parmesan

But once you have the formula I find you can get pretty crazy! So today I had some sad looking mint and parsley in my fridge. so I did:

Mint + Parsley - about a cup

Olive oil - I started with 2 tablespoons but added in about 3 more to loosen it all up a bit

Cashew and a few hazelnuts - lightly toasted - 2 tablespoons

A smidge of cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons

And just whizzed this all up in a blender (but you could also mush up in a pestle + mortar) And it was yummy! here are just a few more ideas to get you thinking:

Green: coriander/kale/spinach/sun-dried tomato

Oil: walnut oil/avocado oil/sesame oil

Nut: almonds/walnuts/macadamia

Cheese: Any cheese or cheese substitute

Additional extras if you have them; garlic, a squeeze of lemon, pinch of salt and pepper

And here are even MORE ideas! See how many possibilities there are?!

Wild Garlic Pesto (just in case you get a chance to forage in your allotted exercise time!)

Green: 1 Cup wild garlic leaves

Oil: 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (add bit by bit to get desired consistency)

Nut: 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted

Cheese: 2 tbsp parmesan cheese

squeeze of lemon optional

Mint & Pistachio Pesto (the pistachios work double time as being part of the ‘green’ and the nut as well!)

Green: 2 tbsp chopped mint

Green + Nut: 1 cup roasted shelled pistachios

Oil: 2 - 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Cheese: 3 tbsp grated pecorino cheese

Hope this has given you some ideas! stay well and eat hearty my friends!xxx

Kitting Out Your Lovely Lockdown Home Yoga Studio!

I’ve said many times that you don’t NEED any kit to practice yoga at home, just a little space upon a floor.

However - if you should WANT to create your space, and there can be a lovely sense of order in creating and claiming your special sanctuary space…

These are what I personally recommend. I’ve used amazon links as they are still running and delivering!

THE BASICS

Mat

The Manduka Eko - I bought this mat almost 10 years ago - and its still going strong. Its great quality, non slip and nice thickness - its heavier than some mats because of that; but that makes it perfect for a home studio because it stays on the floor and doesn’t wrinkle or warp like lighter mats.

Eye Pillow
Honestly this is such a small but vital piece of kit! if I was going to recommend getting just one thing I think it might be an eye pillow! the gentle pressure helps soothe nerves and block light and distractions to help you get your best savasana! and it can be harder to focus on your practice at home (there’s always that option to wander off and load the dishwasher!)

Bolster

Oh how I love a bolster! rest under legs, use it to support you in child’s pose and deer pose. Beautiful for restful yoga. Here is one filled with cotton (much lighter + spongier) and a buckwheat filled one , which tend to be a little more expensive (much heavier). This is really personal preference (and how much you want to spend on postage). If you have done yoga in a few of the studios in Bath; Yoga Bodhi and Class bolsters are cotton, YMCA are buckwheat.

Blocks & Bricks

Blocks are something that dont need to be fancy or pretty. So go for cheap and cheerful! And you can buy packs that also include a strap. (If you don’t have a strap you can easily use belts from dressing gowns or even tea towels!)

FYI

Blocks are the lower ones, for sitting on in easy seat or going under your head in savasana. Bricks are fatter and can offer support for hands in lunges and standing poses, they can also go under hips for supported bridge pose. 2 blocks and 2 bricks is plenty.

Egg blocks are wonderful for going at the base of the skull/top of neck in savasana and rolling out neck tension - really great for those who are sat at desks all day or building tension in the upper back, or who suffer from tension headaches.

TREATS

Just if you wanted to treat yourself to something a little special for your home yoga sanctuary!

ToeSox

Those who join me in the studio often know I love toesox! they keep my feet warm and help with grip. There are so many styles and colours - these are just a few! Don’t forget to check the sizing.

Aroma diffuser
This is the one I have at home - I love it for creating a gorgeous space and sense of calm! I’ve put a few of my favourite oils too - for calm, comfort and clarity.

New Moon at Lockdown

Tonight is the new moon; a chance to rest and retreat. Perfect perhaps that our first official day of Lockdown in the UK is today. I hope you can find comfort under the dark skies tonight. Here is an exclusive extract from my book Yoga for Witches, about the New Moon and magic you can do in your home this night!

New Moon

The night sky is at its darkest at the new moon. For around three days during each lunar cycle, after the moon has waned, just a ghost of an outline can be seen in the sky. New moons are new beginnings, a fresh start. The new moon is a beautiful time to set goals and intentions for the forthcoming cycle, and reflect on what you hope to achieve. What do you want the coming month to look like? Is there a joyless job that you're finally ready to leave to make room for the career of your dreams? The new moon is a time to encourage beginnings and let go of the past. A time to turn inwards and replenish, a perfect time for yoga nidra, meditation and journaling.

The dark skies of the new moon can be the best phase for rest and reflection; you may not want to actively practice any magic or yoga, and that's okay. This can be a chance to give yourself a  break, to turn inwards and replenish. Meditation and reflection can be useful, though, as you explore questions, emotions or concerns that require time for you to process. Plant seeds of intentions and watch them grow as the moon grows brighter in the sky through the month.

 

Magical moon practices for harnessing new moon energy include:

●      Cleansing and purifying they body and mind (See the New Moon Bath Ritual below).

●      Simple magic related to inner harmony and peace – like drinking chamomile tea.

●      Mindfulness and meditation.

●      Getting in touch with your inner self, reaffirming personal and spiritual goals – you may want to journal, free write, paint, collage your goals – whatever works to help you connect.

 

New Moon Bath Ritual

I love bringing a little magic and ritual to activities already in my schedule. Spells can be intricate and elaborate, but they don't have to be. They can be as simple and delightful as enjoying a cleansing bath on a new moon. 

I am particularly fond of a little bath magic. After all, why not make use of the giant cauldron we have in our bathrooms! Run yourself a hot bath and pour in some cleansing salts such as Epsom salts or Himalayan pink salt. Add some dried chamomile or passionflower to the bath to help soothe and calm, perhaps some rose petals to add love and release anger. You can buy both in bulk online, tie them in a muslin bag if you wish or let them float around the tub!

Light a candle if you wish. You can channel simple candle magic with a white candle for cleansing or blue for contemplation. As you relax in the bath, visualise the past soaking off you: hurts, bad habits and grudges, anything you want to let go of. If it helps you can write down, focusing the energy and feelings you have as you write. You can write something like "I release self-doubt" or "I am done with hating my body". When you eventually get out, all these things can go down the drain (the notes can be burnt or thrown away with intention).

This is a lil’ snippet from my new book Yoga for Witches, now available from all good bookstores!

Stay safe and well everyone

Namaste x

Ideas for Lockdown

Here are just a few thoughts while the news is fresh on our minds…..

Use your time outside to exercise Every Day- walk, jog, wander, utilise this precious time! but also use time inside too - you can do yoga, meditation, home workouts. Take as much time as you can for your own wellness and wellbeing.

Work on alternative income streams/passive income - this has saved me at this time of gym closures, and I know many other people are struggling too. There are so many ways to earn extra income online:

Create online coaching sessions, courses, and classes

Sell your artwork and gorgeous creations.

Create and/or contribute to an app.

Write a book/EBook.

Write articles for a magazine.

Trim your to-do list; I have found that in the last week I am busier than ever, as well as tidying and cleaning the house more than usual.

So trim your to do list, don’t set yourself up to achieve everything in the next 3 weeks. With the added stress of events, I find I am not working at full brain capacity, and I’m ok with accepting that, and just getting through each day as best I can.

Stay safe and well everyone

Namaste x