Slowing down

"Children can teach us a lot about time. No one has told them there is a shortage of it in the modern world, so they take all the time they need to put on their shoes, make a finger painting, stare at a ladybird on a leaf. Let go and enjoy this moment with them, and you've given them something far more important than a new toy or designer outfit." (Maya Fiennes, Yoga for Real Life.) 

I rush around everywhere and am constantly telling my child to hurry. It's not good, I know (sigh). So this is what I want to try to do this weekend. Slow down. And go at his pace.

Is this something you need to work on, too?

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How to use all (eight) of Maya Fiennes' DVDs

Maya Fiennes has made eight yoga DVDs so far. Seven of these DVDs specifically address the chakras, which (as far as I could tell) should be stimulated from the spine to the head. So my question was: how are we supposed to use them? Is there a particular order we should do them in? And where does the Detox and De-stress DVD fit in?

I decided to ask them directly and was amazed at how quickly I got a response (same day). I wanted to share the information:

1. Start with the Detox and De-stress DVD. 
Work on these exercises first. When comfortable and familiar with them, move onto the Chakra set.

2. The Chakra series should be tackled in order from the lower (Chakra 1) to the upper (Chakra 7).
Important: make sure you "clear" each chakra before moving onto the next one. What does that mean? A chakra is "cleared" when you feel "light-headed and slightly elevated". How long will that take? That depends on you.

3. When you have worked your way through all of the Chakra DVDs in order, then you can use whichever DVD suits your needs or moods.

Visit her website: Maya Space

Chakra 1: Courage (Kundalini Yoga with Maya Fiennes)

I'm moving onto the next Kundalini Yoga DVD by Maya Fiennes. It doesn't mean I'm going to abandon the Detox and De-stress one. But I'm eager to learn more, and well, doing the same DVD every day threatens to become boring.

It is the first part ("Courage") in a series called "A Journey through the Chakras".

The explanation given sounds really promising. Apparently the first chakra is found at the base of the spine and is the centre of our regeneration, stimulating all the cells of the body. It addresses addictive behaviour (!), survival, security and courage. By survival, it means we need to work the first chakra in order to eliminate toxins (from pollution and chemicals).

Did that make sense?

To be honest, I'm still struggling with it because I'm not used to thinking of yoga as medicine (from the Universe) for our body - but that's what Maya says in this DVD. (What and where exactly is the Universe and how do we get life force from it?!)  

As for the exercises: the warm-up is exactly the same as in the Detox and De-stress DVD. Which I like, so I don't mind at all.

But the rest of the DVD is much more physical. There's a lot of alternating between lying down on your back and sitting up and bending over to touch your toes. And there's no mistaking the meditation for relaxation here, as this part is also all about bending over to touch the toes and twisting your torso (which is unbelievably hard!).

There's hardly a moment of rest after you get past the warm-up so I'm already not so keen on doing this every day...

Second review (4 weeks): Detox and de-stress with Maya Fiennes DVD

Roughly four weeks since I started this: I'm thinking this DVD is not as easy as I first thought. Strange!

Maybe I've just improved my 'technique' somewhat and I'm doing the exercises properly?

What I like most about this DVD is the warm-up. There are five sets of exercises - to do sitting down - that take about 20 minutes. It's gentle but the stretching is quite effective. It eases the tension in my lower back and I can feel some of the pain in my shoulder muscles go away.

 

I have to admit that I'm not as keen on the rest of the exercises, especially the heavy breathing bits (breath of fire, canon breath etc) that make my throat go all dry. But if you manage to get through this, the meditation - or is it just called relaxation? - at the end is great. I usually find myself drifting off and don't want to get up.

There isn't too much chanting, which is a relief for me because it still makes me feel rather awkward. (It's not so bad if you're alone but I definitely can't get through the chants without giggling if I think my family can hear). There's a bit at the beginning of the warm-up (Ong namo) and another bit (Sat nam) at the end.

Fab news: Maya Fiennes mentions in her book (see related post) that the warm-up exercises are "a simple but effective daily exercise set". So it's better to do just the 20-minute warm-up every day than nothing at all... This keeps the whole integrating-yoga-into-daily-life thing realistic and it's especially handy for weekends (family time, in my case) and holidays.

Yoga for Real Life by Maya Fiennes: First thoughts

I finally have my copy of Maya Fiennes' new book, Yoga for Real Life. Yay!

It seems to be packed with tips on meditation, Kundalini yoga exercises and how to cope with life. Also included are several recipes for energy-enhancing smoothies. There are plenty of photos and colourful images, which make it pretty to look at and have lying around on a table (this is important!).

I've only read as far as the introduction and she's written something that made me feel better instantly:

"You don't need to understand it all to get the full benefit. You don't have to believe it at all."


What a relief - because I admit I don't understand it yet! But I want to.

This is what it looks like inside.

 

I'm sure it will enhance the basic understanding that I now have from watching her detox and de-stress DVD. I'll be back with a proper review!

First review: Detox and de-stress with Maya Fiennes DVD

This is my first ever yoga DVD!

It's Kundalini Yoga to detox and de-stress with Maya Fiennes.

What a relief that she wears a loose white outfit and not a horrid neck-to-ankle leotard that accentuates all the most unattractive curves. The background is also white: so simple, so pure. 

My very first thoughts: it's easy! No funny poses. The chants are not too silly. And I like the music - it's her own. It is soothing and you also get a CD with the DVD, which is an added bonus.

What I like most about this DVD so far:

1. I can do this in whatever clothes I am wearing that day. I've even done it in jeans, although I admit it wasn't that comfortable.

2. My body warms up when I do this but I don't sweat so I don't need to shower afterwards.

3. Most of the exercises are done sitting down, which seems wonderfully lazy.

I will report back regularly on my progress... 

Detox and De-stress with Maya Fiennes DVD: The best quote

Sit with your legs stretched out together in front of you. Now grab the toes. Stay in that position and breathe.

Arrgh, it hurts. Not the least bit comfortable for a beginner like me.

And she says: "This exercise is deeply relaxing."

Yeah, right!

Gym? No way, thank you

I hate working out. Gym memberships are a waste of money (my record: one year of non-attendance). I don't like being around (other) sweaty people. And oh, the hassle of leaving the house, especially in winter when it's freezing outside.

So last year I bought some cardio workout DVDs. I quite liked them. For a while. Until I realised what a pain it was to have to do the following in the middle of the day:

1. change into a sports bra

2. shower

3. re-do my hair and make-up.

Of course, I tried to do it first thing in the morning. But I just can't get up any earlier than I really have to. And I can't do it after taking my son to kindergarten because I've already got a full face of make-up on.

So I tried working out at night. But between 9pm and midnight is when I finally have my peace and quiet! I'd rather enjoy that than have to hop around in front of the TV.

But now I think I have found what I have always been looking for...

Kundalini yoga with Maya Fiennes!

I am trying out one of her DVDs and so far... I like it. I'll be doing a proper review soon.

Who is familiar with her yoga?