Hello!
A big warm welcome to this week’s newsletter. I feel so fluffy since coming home from Buddhafield last weekend.
The theme this year was Arms Wide Open and the magic of that intention has certainly impacted our family. Our youngest is buzzing around telling everyone about the wonderful time she had – she made a firm friend, and loved spending time amidst the trees, and by the deliciously cool stream in the glade.
She also got a chance to hang out on the slacklines strung beneath the trees and her balance has improved a lot - her trampoline teacher remarked on her focus on Monday morning!
My partner and I have been able to lovingly talk through some of our biggest flash points this week – I feel so much more connected as a result of a Jewels Wingfield workshop that we did together.
So, what else have I been up to...
PRACTISING YOGA NIDRA
There was a packed schedule of workshops, talks and yoga classes at Buddhafield - one of my favourites was Uma Dinsmore-Tuli’s Total Yoga Nidra. Swoon! Deep rest amidst a tent full of 150 other people practicing yogic sleep – sign me up!
I love Uma’s sessions – she sings and plays the harmonium, encourages farting and yawning, and talks about burnout and how we’re all in need of a good rest.
I first discovered Uma at Buddhafield about 15 years ago and it was a real treat to attend a couple of her morning sessions this year.
Yoga nidra involves no movement, just lying down and noticing what's happening in your body. It's said to reduce stress, improve sleep and boost energy and creativity.
If you’re in need of some radical rest (who isn’t?), you can access her recordings at yoganidranetwork.org, which are free as I write but a charge will apply in the next few weeks to fund creating and maintaining the library.
