So many of us struggle with overthinking. Trapped in an endless cycle of ruminating thoughts, it can feel overwhelming and like there’s no way to come out of it. Thankfully there are ways to calm a busy mind and today I’m talking about some of the reasons why we overthink, how it impacts our mental well-being, and sharing some effective strategies to bring your mind into a state of peace and calm. Overthinking isn’t just a modern problem. Even the ancient yogis struggled with the same problem, which led to the development of yoga as a tool to overcome such mental hurdles. Overthinking often stems from the need for certainty and control, as our brains naturally seek to analyse and solve problems. However, when overthinking becomes a persistent loop without leading to productive action, it can spiral into negative emotions, anxiety and mental paralysis.When we are stressed or have a problem, our nervous system takes action by triggering the fight or flight response, leading to heightened anxiety and negative thought patterns. The amygdala, the fear centre of our brain takes charge, causing a cascade of negative thoughts and physical responses. This mental state can disconnect us from our bodies, numbing our feelings and preventing us from experiencing true emotional intelligence.One of the first important steps in stopping the cycle is acknowledging that overthinking is not helping you. By challenging our negative thoughts, setting boundaries for thinking time, and engaging in practices like yoga and breathwork to calm our nervous system, we can start to gain control over our overactive minds. Embracing uncertainty and having faith in our ability to handle challenges can shift our perspective from overthinking to a more balanced and grounded state.In the first part of this episode, I share some practical information on the often hidden reasons that contribute to overthinking and how our brain responds to stress. Then stay tuned for the second half where I share a guided somatic practice, designed to bring you back into your body, connect with your breath, and tap into your own deep wisdom. Breaking free from overthinking is a transformative journey that requires patience, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. By cultivating a deeper connection with our inner selves, we can unlock profound wisdom and navigate life's challenges with clarity and resilience. Remember, the next time you feel caught in the web of overthinking, take a moment to breathe, connect with your heart space, and trust in the power of your own intuition.LINKS:Curious about Yoga Alchemy?: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/yoga-alchemy/Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

Many of us grew up thinking we had to be hard on ourselves to succeed. We believed that criticising ourselves was the only way to improve. However, constantly criticising and being hard on ourselves often leads to feelings of shame and hopelessness. It drains our mental energy, makes us feel unworthy and puts our nervous system into freeze mode. So, why do we punish ourselves?Behind the mask of the critic is often a wounded child. Our inner critic tries to protect us from failure, hurt, or embarrassment, reminding us of past experiences where making mistakes led to punishment or criticism. This fear of judgment or negative consequences can keep us stuck and prevent us from pursuing our goals.As strange as it might seem, self-criticism can also become addictive because it evokes strong emotions. Anything that makes us feel, whether it’s positive or negative, has a charge associated with it and makes us feel alive. And if we’ve had a habit of being self-critical for a long time, this feeling becomes very safe and familiar and we struggle to let it go. To ditch self-criticism, we need to practise and embrace self-compassion. When we treat ourselves with kindness and compassion, we accept the fact that we are human and that we all make mistakes. We recognise that growth and transformation are all part of the journey toward consciousness. In this episode, I share a little about my journey of letting go of self-criticism and how learning new habits has impacted my life for the better. Becoming self-compassionate has enabled me to bounce back quicker from an upset, I have more physical and mental energy and so much more focus now that I’m no longer at war with myself.Self-criticism perpetuates a shame cycle, it makes us feel terrible and it doesn't lead to positive change. Compassion, on the other hand, allows us to learn from our mistakes without punishment, allowing us to move forward knowing that we are accepted as we are. If you struggle with being self-critical, I’m sharing some practical steps to help you change those negative thought patterns and cultivate self-compassion. Make sure you stay tuned to the end of the episode where I share a beautiful guided meditation that will open your heart toward love, self-acceptance and kindness.  LINKS:Check out our VIP Membership Sale: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/vip-sale/Curious about Yoga Alchemy?: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/yoga-alchemy/Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

I'm often asked if yoga helps people with anxiety, and as tempted as I am to say that yoga is the cure for everything, it's not so straightforward. Learning to manage anxiety is a journey so today I’m sharing some practical tools to help you care for your nervous system and feel a whole lot better. To address anxiety effectively, it's important to understand the mechanics of our nervous system, which is the link between our mind and body. According to polyvagal theory, there is a hierarchy to our stress response. Think of it like rungs on a ladder. When we experience something stressful, our nervous system detects a threat and we enter the fight or flight response. If we can't escape the stress and it overwhelms us, we move up a step on the ladder into the freeze response. We become withdrawn, dissociated, or mentally checked out. It can feel like going through life on autopilot.When the stress finally passes or we create enough safety in our nervous system, we must go back down the ladder into the fight or flight state. This can feel uncomfortable as we experience a rush of adrenaline, racing thoughts, and tensed-up bodies. However, this is how our nervous system works. By creating safety and calming ourselves, we eventually enter a relaxed parasympathetic state.Anxiety isn't simply a thinking problem that can be solved through positive thoughts. It is a nervous system response. To turn down the anxiety response, we need to regulate our nervous system and create safety in our bodies. In this episode, I share 5 tools to help you do this and these are tools you can use every day, no matter where you are.1. Move Your Body Every Day: Physical movement helps discharge the energy from our nervous system, completing the stress cycle. Any intentional movement can work, whether it’s punching a bolster or going for a walk.2. Harness the Power of Breath: Our breath is the interface to our nervous system. By practising diaphragmatic breathing and extending our exhales, we activate our vagus nerve, signalling safety to our brain.3. Cultivate Sensory Awareness: When stressed or anxious, we often dissociate and disconnect from our physical bodies. Bringing our attention back to our senses reestablishes the mind-body connection and grounds us in the present moment.4. Allow Yourself to Feel Emotions: Anxiety is often accompanied by underlying emotions such as anger, grief, shame, guilt, or fear. Allowing ourselves to feel and release these emotions in a safe and healthy way prevents them from manifesting as anxiety.5. Normalize Anxiety: Anxiety is a natural response of the nervous system, signalling a perceived threat or feeling of unsafety. Understanding that anxiety is not permanent and can be navigated and managed empowers us to care for our nervous system and prioritise daily self-care.Many people struggle with anxiety but with the right tools and willingness to learn patterns of behaviour, healing is possible. Remember, anxiety doesn't define you. You are on this path for a reason so keep going and make sure you prioritise taking care of your nervous system every day. LINKS:Previous episode mentioned:Breathe your way to less stressCheck out our VIP Membership Sale: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/vip-sale/Curious about Yoga Alchemy?: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/yoga-alchemy/Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:

If you’re like many people and your mind is bombarded with busy thoughts, I’ve got something really special for you today. In this episode, I’m sharing a guided meditation and breathwork practice that will help you sink into a deep state of peace and tranquillity. This ancient technique dates back over a thousand years and holds the key to unlocking a secret portal to a calm mind. Throughout this calming and peaceful meditation, I’ll guide you through gentle eye gazes and breathing patterns which help to bring you into a state of present-moment awareness. As you continue with this practice, your physical and mental body will come into stillness and quietness, transcending the chatter of the mind and tapping into pure conscious awareness. This is the true essence of yoga.So, let yourself rest in this space and let your mind find solace in the stillness. Allow yourself to be enveloped by the serenity and tranquillity of this secret technique. By practising this technique regularly, you can cultivate a calm mind and experience the profound peace that resides within you.Find a comfortable place where you can sit or lie down without being disturbed and let’s begin.LINKS:Check out our VIP Membership Sale: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/vip-sale/Curious about Yoga Alchemy?: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/yoga-alchemy/Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

Today I’m diving into a topic that holds immense power in our healing journey: our emotions. In previous episodes, I’ve talked about the effects of the nervous system on our well-being but today I’m exploring how suppressed emotions can cause stress and hinder our physical and mental health. Join me as I share my own healing journey and how I experienced a profound transformation by confronting and processing emotions I didn’t realise were there.I’ve always considered myself a calm and collected person, but when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I began to explore the impact of my suppressed emotions, particularly anger, and how this was impacting my health. Many of us carry unprocessed emotions, and in this episode, I share how they get stored in the body and why we get emotionally triggered by seemingly ordinary things. In the ancient philosophy of yoga, thoughts and feelings are treated as the same thing, known as chitta. Our heart-mind stores our experiences, emotions, and memories, shaping our perception of who we think we are. However, these mental filters can become blocked or clouded by accumulated thoughts and emotions, distorting our perception of reality. One of the aims of yoga is to unblock these filters and connect us with pure awareness, our true selves beyond the tumultuous waves of emotions.In our society, we often categorise emotions as good or bad, favouring the positive ones while suppressing the uncomfortable ones. However, blocking negative emotions creates numbness and restricts our ability to experience the full range of emotions. Just as an artist needs contrast and musicians rely on high and low notes, blocking any emotion affects our overall emotional well-being. Yoga teaches us to allow all emotions to flow through our bodies and embrace the wisdom they offer.Through my journey of healing, I discovered the transformative power of safely expressing and releasing emotions. In my case, non-linear movement became an invaluable somatic practice to move emotions through my body. By processing and releasing these feelings, we clear our mental filters, experience improved physical and mental health, and respond to life's events from a place of healing rather than emotional wounding.Embracing and processing our emotions is an essential aspect of our healing journey. Yoga and somatic practices provide us with powerful tools to safely feel our feelings, clear our emotional backlog, and respond to life's events with grace and authenticity. Remember, emotions are not inherently good or bad; it's our relationship with them that shapes our well-being and growth. By allowing ourselves to fully experience the range of human emotions, we free ourselves from the burden of past pain, ultimately leading to a life of greater joy, authenticity, and deep connection.LINKS:Check out our VIP Membership Sale: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/vip-sale/Curious about Yoga Alchemy?: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/yoga-alchemy/Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

Our nervous system has two main branches: the parasympathetic and the sympathetic. The parasympathetic branch is associated with relaxation and calm, while the sympathetic branch triggers the fight or flight response when it perceives a threat or danger. Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of our nervous system, triggering prolonged fight or flight responses. This can lead to issues like chronic muscle tension, high blood pressure, digestive problems, anxiety, and inflammation.In this episode, I share my personal experience with an unbalanced nervous system and discuss the vagus nerve, polyvagal theory, and tools and techniques to regulate and calm your nervous system. Practical tools for nervous system healing include:Breathwork: Engaging the diaphragm with extended exhales and diaphragmatic breathing signals safety to the brain, particularly through long, slow exhales.Yoga: Specific poses like surfboard, legs up the wall, supported bridge pose, prone poses, and twists directly target the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and nervous system regulation.Humming or Chanting: Vibrating the vocal cords through techniques like brahmari or chanting "om" stimulates the vagus nerve, calming the mind and deactivating the fear center of the brain.Cold Therapy: Applying cold water or ice to areas where the vagus nerve is close to the surface invigorates and calms the nerve. Cold showers or targeted exposure can effectively regulate the nervous system.Laughter: Contraction of the diaphragm during laughter stimulates the vagus nerve. Laughing or engaging in laughter yoga can release tension and activate the relaxation response.We also delve into polyvagal theory, which focuses on the two branches of the vagus nerve: the ventral vagal (relaxation response) and the dorsal vagal (shut down and freeze state). The theory highlights the importance of understanding our nervous system's hierarchy, neuroception, and co-regulation.Our nervous system is an integral part of our overall well-being. By understanding its functioning and implementing practical techniques for regulation, we can promote physical and mental health, and experience a greater sense of calm and well-being. LINKS:Check out our VIP Membership Sale: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/vip-sale/Curious about Yoga Alchemy?: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/yoga-alchemy/Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

Have you ever set goals but found yourself repeatedly falling into patterns of resistance, procrastination, and self-sabotage? If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Today I’m diving into the concept of resistance and exploring why it's not simply laziness or a lack of discipline that hinders our progress. By understanding the deeper reasons behind our resistance, we can unlock the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals.Resistance is an invisible force that holds us back from pursuing the things we truly desire. It manifests in various forms such as procrastination, avoidance, and self-sabotage. Often we give in to resistance because it provides us with instant gratification, falling into the trap of seeking immediate pleasure and comfort rather than investing in long-term rewards. However, when we delay gratification, we bridge the gap between where we are now and where we want to be. By doing the work now and investing in our goals, we can reap the benefits later.In this episode, I discuss why resistance isn’t merely a lack of willpower or laziness. It stems from a lack of congruence between our conscious and subconscious minds. I share how the majority of our mind is the subconscious mind, which ultimately determines our actions and the importance of looking deeper into what motivations are driving our behaviour underneath. Subconscious blocks, such as fear of change, fear of success, and feeling unworthy, prevent us from moving forward. Our subconscious mind craves routine and predictability, favouring the familiar over the unknown. Fear of change and success can lead us to resist pursuing our goals, as we anticipate potential negative consequences or uncover our own insecurities.I also talk about the power of embracing gratitude and self-compassion over self-criticism and judgment to drive change. Celebrating the wins instead of fixating on the gap between where we are and where we want to be motivates us to continue moving forward. This self-acceptance and self-love create an environment where our subconscious mind feels safe and supported. As I’ve said many times, yoga is so much more than just a physical practice. It helps regulate our nervous system, which plays a crucial role in overcoming resistance. By calming our nervous system, we enhance our capacity to deal with stress and maintain focus on our goals. Engaging in yoga and breathwork also cultivates a greater self-awareness, which helps to prevent us from falling into old patterns of self-sabotage.Remember, change is possible when we address the root causes of resistance and create an environment where our subconscious mind feels safe to move forward. LINKS:Join Cultivate Calm Yoga and save $600 on our VIP Summer SaleCurious about Yoga Alchemy? Join the waitlist here to save $500 off the next round Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

Yin yoga is a deeply relaxing and calming style of yoga that has loads of benefits for everyone, from beginners to elite athletes. Today I’m going deeper into the principles of yin yoga to explore why it’s so good for the physical body, nervous system, emotions, and the mind. During Yin yoga, we focus on slow, long-held poses that primarily target the fascia or connective tissue rather than the muscles. Unlike other forms of yoga, yin yoga is practiced sitting down or lying down, without breaking a sweat. The emphasis is finding your edge in each posture, feeling a gentle stretch, not pain. Although Yin yoga can be challenging, it’s still very accessible to beginners, elderly people and those with injuries. In this episode, I explain the three fundamental principles of Yin yoga:1. Find Your Edge: It's crucial to come into each pose at an appropriate depth, neither too strong nor too soft. Feeling some discomfort is normal, but pain should be avoided. The breath is an excellent guide; if you can't breathe deeply or have to hold your breath, you're pushing too hard.2. Remain Still: Staying still in a pose allows the muscles to soften and the stretch to sink deeper into the joints and connective tissue. This stillness helps access and release chronic tension and stress stored in the fascia, leading to a more profound relaxation of both the body and mind.3. Hold the Pose: Yin tissue, which includes the fascia, responds best to slow, gentle, and sustained stretching. Holding the poses for three to five minutes allows for a deeper release and stimulation of the meridians, the energetic pathways in the body.Today I also help you understand the meridians and how targeting specific meridians in yin yoga can increase the flow of energy, which can lead to emotional releases. I discuss the five main yin and yang meridian pairs and share which emotions these link to. I also talk about the profound effect that Yin yoga has on the nervous system, helping to activate the parasympathetic state which is associated with calm and relaxation. I explain proprioception, nociception and interoception and how these help to build resilience and capacity in our nervous systems.Yin yoga offers a wealth of benefits for both the body and mind. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, increase flexibility, or explore your emotions, yin yoga provides a gentle and accessible path. Regardless of age, flexibility, or experience, anyone can benefit from this practice.LINKS:Join Cultivate Calm Yoga and save $600 on our VIP Summer SaleCurious about Yoga Alchemy? Join the waitlist here to save $500 off the next round Website: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

Ten years ago, I made the life-changing decision to quit my six-figure career and open my own yoga studio. Today I’m sharing my personal story of how I fell in love with yoga, the significant impact it had on my life and why I’ve never looked back. My real journey with yoga began when I moved into a house with a yoga studio conveniently located at the end of the street. Curiosity got the best of me, and I signed up for a beginner's yoga class one Sunday afternoon, not knowing what to expect. The experience proved to be both physically and mentally challenging, but it was in Shavasana, the final resting pose, that I discovered a quiet mind with no thoughts. That’s what got me hooked. At the time, I was enduring chronic daily headaches and no matter how many professionals I saw to find answers, the only thing that seemed to help was yoga. The more I immersed myself in yoga, the more addicted I became to the feelings of peace and relaxation that lingered long after each class. In this episode, I tell the story of how I eventually went on to complete my yoga teacher training and open up my own studio. It was my dream to create a welcoming space for individuals who didn't resonate with the extreme aspects of yoga but sought inner peace and contentment, just like I did. And over the past ten years, I have witnessed incredible transformations within my yoga community. People who were once burdened by illness, chronic pain, and anxiety have found solace and strength in the practice. Yoga is so much more than a physical practice. It has the potential to reshape our thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. It’s not about having a hot body and being able to do all the tricky poses, it’s about how you feel on the inside. If you want to find a greater sense of calm, I invite you to join us and discover the life-changing benefits that yoga has to offer.LINKS:Curious about Yoga Alchemy? Join the waitlist here to save $500 off the next round Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

I have a special treat for you today which I know you’re going to love. In this episode, I’m guiding you through a Yoga Nidra meditation to bring your mind and body into a beautiful state of relaxation and calm.Yoga Nidra is often referred to as yoga sleep. It’s a deep relaxation exercise where you’re guided to rotate your consciousness through different parts of your body.  This rotation of consciousness is an old yoga technique designed to slow down our brainwave frequency, which is the speed at which our brain cells communicate with one another. Doing this brings both your mind and body into a deep state of relaxation. There are so many benefits to Yoga Nidra. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and tension by bringing you into a state of deep restfulness, and regular practice can also enhance the quality of your sleep, helping you feel more rejuvenated.Through a body scan technique, this guided Yoga Nidra meditation will also help you cultivate more self-awareness and mindfulness, allowing you to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, leading to greater self-love and compassion. Do your best to follow along, and if you drift off to sleep, that’s more than okay. The only thing that really matters here is that you are honouring your need for rest. So find a place to lie down where you won’t be disturbed. Once you’re as comfortable as you can be with pillows, blankets and the lights down low, let’s begin. LINKS:Curious about Yoga Alchemy? Join the waitlist here to save $500 off the next round Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

Gratitude wasn’t always my thing. In fact, I used to roll my eyes when yoga teachers talked about gratitude. But life's twists and turns led me through some of my darkest moments, including divorce, a battle with breast cancer, and my father's terminal illness. It was during these tough times that I discovered the power of gratitude. When life takes a difficult turn, it's easy to dwell on the negatives, which only amplifies our stress and anxiety. But by finding even one small thing to be grateful for, we can shift our mood and perspective. Gratitude isn't about ignoring life's hardships; it's a tool for resilience and positivity in the face of adversity. In this episode, I’m diving into the science of gratitude to explain exactly what happens in our brains when we intentionally shift our focus off negative thoughts toward more positive ones, even if you have to fake it until you make it. Research reveals that when we express and genuinely feel gratitude, our brains respond by releasing feel-good chemicals, including serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. This chemical cocktail enhances our mood, nurtures optimism, and elevates our overall well-being. I talk about neuroplasticity, where our brains form new neural connections through repetition and positive emotions. Through regular gratitude practice, we can train our brains to embrace positive emotions and thoughts, gradually shifting away from negativity, fear, and anxiety. You really can change yourself from the inside, helping you to better manage stress and cultivate a brighter outlook on life. Remember, gratitude isn't just a mental exercise—it's a potent tool for rewiring our brains towards positivity.Toward the end of the episode, I invite you to join me for a guided meditation to help you cultivate thoughts and feelings of gratitude in your own life. I encourage you that with regular practice, gratitude has the power to completely transform your way of being. LINKS:Curious about Yoga Alchemy? Join the waitlist here to save $500 off the next round References:Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377.Emmons, R. A., & Shelton, C. M. (2002). Gratitude and the science of positive psychology. Handbook of positive psychology, 18, 459–471.Fox, G. R., Kaplan, J., Damasio, H., & Damasio, A. (2015). Neural correlates of gratitude. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1491. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01491Kyeong S, Kim J, Kim DJ, Kim HE, Kim JJ. (2017) Effects of gratitude meditation on neural network functional connectivity and brain-heart coupling. Sci Rep. 2017 Jul 11;7(1):5058. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-05520-9. PMID: 28698643; PMCID: PMC5506019.Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

I must confess that I have a tendency to overwork. In the past, I wasn’t very good at rest and self-care, until a sudden breast cancer diagnosis forced me to listen to my body’s needs, say no, set boundaries and prioritise my wellbeing. In this episode, I’m opening up on a deeper level about my journey toward real self-care and sharing a guided practice to help you slow down and rest. When I talk about self-care, I don’t just mean spa days and pampering. True self-care requires us to check in with our bodies, acknowledge our emotions, and confront our thoughts, even when they are uncomfortable. It's a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, untethered from the need to constantly prove our worth through productivity. This is something many women struggle with, and in this episode, I share insights into how deeper wounds can be the driving force behind our inability to slow down and rest. Even though my tendency to overwork was fueled by my love for what I do, for a long time I believed that self-care was merely a means to enhance productivity. I thought that rest was simply a reward for working hard and the fuel to help me keep going. It wasn’t until my cancer diagnosis, during an already difficult time in my life, that I began to see how superficial my self-care practises were. My journey of deep rest and self-care has been pivotal in my healing process. By slowing down and tuning into your body, you can embark on a transformative journey towards authentic self-care and a healthier, more fulfilling life. Yoga is an incredible tool to help you do this.So, if you find it challenging to prioritise your own well-being or perhaps you feel too busy to tune into what your body needs, this episode is for you. Learning to slow down and prioritise your well-being can feel really foreign and even uncomfortable, which is why I'm sharing a beautiful guided practice for you today. The more you rest, the easier it gets.So find a comfortable position where you won’t be disturbed and let’s begin. LINKS:Curious about Yoga Alchemy? Join the waitlist here to save $500 off the next round Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

If you've ever found yourself fuming on your yoga mat or you’ve been experiencing a deeper set of emotions during practice lately, this episode is for you. Today I’m exploring why anger can unexpectedly surface during your yoga journey, why it's actually a sign of progress, and how embracing your emotions can reduce anxiety.Most people think of yogis as perpetually calm and serene, making it quite a shock when anger bubbles up during a yoga class. I’ve experienced it myself – I was supposed to be relaxing, but instead, my blood started to boil, my muscles twitched, and the urge to punch something overwhelmed me. It's a common occurrence and, believe it or not, a positive sign of your yoga practice maturing.In this episode I share how yoga works in stages, starting externally from the physical body and gradually delving into the deeper layers of our being. When we reach the emotional layer, all our buried emotions rise to the surface for processing and this stage can be quite confronting. I talk about the importance of allowing these buried emotions to move through your body to release tension and anxiety. Many of us were taught as children not to be angry but anger isn't your enemy; it's a natural emotion. I talk about the importance of recognising that anger is something you are experiencing and how certain yoga poses or sequences might conjure up this emotion to help you deal with it properly. Anger can be incredibly healing when channelled correctly however suppressing anger does nothing but hinder your physical and emotional well-being.As humans, we are meant to experience the full spectrum of emotions, both positive and negative. Unfortunately, many of us have learned to suppress our negative emotions, storing them in our bodies, which causes tension, anxiety, and fatigue. This is where yoga is so powerful because those emotions can move through your body and no longer be locked inside.If you’ve been experiencing anger in your yoga practice, I can assure you this is not a sign of failure; it's a testament to your growth. Emotions are a vital part of the human experience, and yoga can help us embrace and release them. By understanding the connection between yoga poses and emotions, we can tap into the healing power of this ancient practice. So, the next time you feel anger on your yoga mat, remember that it's all part of the journey towards emotional healing and self-discovery. LINKS:Curious about Yoga Alchemy? Join the waitlist here to save $500 off the next round Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

Over the last decade at my yoga studio, I've witnessed thousands of clients go through menopause. Some of these women were overwhelmed with menopause symptoms, while others sailed through with minimal inconvenience. The key for the women who went through menopause with relative ease was that they learned how to manage their stress. Menopause is a significant life transition that every woman experiences, but it doesn't have to be a nightmarish rollercoaster ride. While menopause brings various physical and emotional changes, one common factor that makes symptoms even worse is stress. In this episode, I share how high cortisol levels, our body's stress hormone, can deplete the natural progesterone that keeps us calm and relaxed. This can make insomnia, mood swings, hot flushes, and even weight gain worse, which is why managing stress is crucial for navigating menopause with ease.Yin yoga is a wonderful way to help manage stress and today I’m sharing some of the best yin yoga poses for menopause, which will help to make this transitional period smoother and more manageable. Yin yoga helps with joint pain, it helps to lower our stress levels, lowers our anxiety and targets the meridians of the body to help balance those tricky emotions that can arise in menopause. Today l guide you through a deeply relaxing yin yoga class specifically designed to help alleviate menopause symptoms.If you're feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of menopause, there's hope. Lowering stress and calming the mind can significantly improve your physical and mental well-being during this transition and practising gentle yoga is the perfect way to do this. So, whether you're a seasoned yogi or brand new to yoga, join me for this yin yoga sequence to find calm and balance amidst the whirlwind of menopause.LINKS:Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

Yoga is often associated with physical flexibility, but I can say from personal experience that it is so much more than that. Physical poses are one beneficial aspect of yoga, but many more components help bring us into the realm of mental peace, stillness and happiness. Yoga is like a ladder with multiple rungs, and more than half of these rungs are focused on the mental aspect of our well-being. Ancient yoga texts describe yoga as a practice to still the fluctuations of the mind, so if you've ever grappled with a noisy, restless mind, you're not alone – it's a universal human condition and not just a modern problem. In this episode, I introduce you to the eight elements of yoga: the Yamas and Niyamas, which are attitudes and beliefs that create the conditions for a calm mind. The next is asana, the physical poses, followed by breathwork, sensory awareness (pratyahara), concentration, meditation, and finally, Samadhi – the blissful state of a completely still mind.One of the most powerful revelations in yoga is the understanding that we are not our thoughts. For many of us, our thoughts define our identity, and it's a challenging notion to accept that we are something more profound. I share how stepping back from your thoughts and recognising them as mere objects within your awareness can bring immense peace and relief, especially during stressful times.Another secret to happiness that completely shifted my mental space is the recognition that our thoughts aren't always true. While some thoughts reflect reality, many are partial truths or outright fabrications. Learning to challenge the truth of our thoughts and cultivating awareness can free us from the grip of negative thinking.Today I guide you through two exercises to help you become the observer of your thoughts and go deeper into your conscious awareness, the core of your being beyond your thoughts. These exercises are simple, yet so profound, helping to find peace amid life’s challenges and approach life with greater mindfulness and resilience. LINKS:Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

I’ve got something a little different for you today - a guided yoga and relaxation session designed to help you get a good night's sleep. This episode is one that you can come back to again and again whenever you need some help winding down before bed. As you listen, I encourage you to find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. You’ll need a yoga mat, some space on the floor, a yoga bolster or pillow, and access to a wall or chair to put your legs up. This practice is very gentle and tailored for beginners, however, if anything feels uncomfortable, always listen to your body and prioritise your comfort throughout the session. I hope you love this episode and feel the beautiful calming effects of this yoga practice in your mind and body. As the peaceful music and my voice guide you through a sequence of gentle poses, you’ll be well on your way to a rejuvenating night's sleep. So take a deep breath and let’s begin.Want to practice with me in person? Come along to one of my calming Yin Yoga Classes at https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/yoga-timetable-brisbane/LINKS:Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

Learning how to set boundaries is a skill that can profoundly impact our lives. Whether you struggle with saying "no," you feel overwhelmed by the demands of others, or simply want to enhance your relationships and personal well-being, this episode will empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to set boundaries as an act of self-care.Boundaries act as protective barriers that guard our precious time, energy, and well-being. In this episode, I share some of the signs of poor boundaries and why a lack of boundaries often leads to stress, burnout and feelings of resentment.I share some insights on how to establish healthy boundaries with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as boundaries with yourself, which are essential for building self-trust and self-esteem. We'll explore the nuances of effective boundary communication, emphasising that boundaries are about protecting ourselves, not controlling others. You'll also learn how to handle potential resistance and discomfort from those around you when you put boundaries in place.Self-awareness is the first step in any change. We need to become aware of where we're leaking our time and energy and where we could benefit from firmer boundaries. In this episode, I’ll guide you through a beautiful exercise that you can do at home to help build self-awareness and ensure you have enough time, attention and energy for the things that are important to you.For those who are sensitive to the emotions of others, maintaining energetic and emotional boundaries is crucial. In this episode, I’ll also guide you through a visualisation technique to protect your emotional energy and shield you against external influences.So if you feel like you don’t have enough time to fill your own cup, perhaps you’re in need of some firmer boundaries. I hope this episode inspires you to say "yes" to yourself and start living a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.LINKS:Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

If you find it hard to relax, you're not alone - relaxation doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It's a learned ability to shift into the parasympathetic state, the relaxation response, which requires practice and guidance. Today I’m sharing five challenges associated with relaxing and how to overcome them. So, take a moment to pause, breathe, and join me on this journey to deeper rest.One major obstacle to relaxation is guilt. Society often portrays rest as a luxury or a reward for hard work, rather than a fundamental human need. I talk about how we're conditioned to associate rest with laziness or weakness but in reality, rest is essential for our physical and mental well-being. Another relaxation blocker is that stress hormones can become addictive, offering us a temporary rush of energy. This addiction keeps us trapped in fight or flight mode, making relaxation seem foreign and uncomfortable. I also share how suppressed emotions can be a significant barrier to relaxation. Many of us weren't taught healthy ways to express negative feelings and these bottled-up emotions cause stress and anxiety. I also dive into self-worth and how when we build our identity on our job performance and life roles, relaxation can feel uncomfortable. In a society that glorifies productivity, slowing down and resting can feel counterintuitive. However, we need to understand that having a regulated nervous system is key to us performing at our best. In this episode, I share some of the benefits of yoga in teaching our bodies how to relax. A regular yoga practice helps to connect us with our core essence beyond external roles, discharge nervous energy, release muscle tension and calm the nervous system. In yoga we also use specific breathwork and mindfulness techniques to down-regulate the nervous system and keep our minds focused on the present moment. There are so many benefits. Relaxation isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for our overall well-being. By practising yoga regularly and prioritising relaxation, we can unlock our potential, improve our mental and physical health, and reconnect with our true selves. So, if you've been struggling to relax, I hope this episode encourages you to join the relaxation rebels and experience the transformative power of relaxation. Your future self will thank you.If you're in Brisbane, check out Practical Anxiety Relief on 28 OctoberLINKS:Previous episode mentioned:Breathe your way to less stressWebsite:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

One of the reasons why yoga is so good for relieving stress is because of the breathwork component, Pranayama. Even if you’re not moving your body, you can still harness your breath to calm your nervous system, relax your mind and body and manage stress, which is exactly what I’m talking about today. In this episode, I uncover some of the secrets of breathwork and its profound impact on our overall well-being. I explain the role of the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the relaxation response. You'll discover how our breath signals safety to our brain, leading to reduced anxiety, lower heart rate, and improved overall well-being.Three crucial principles for effective breathwork are nose breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and maintaining ease. I dive into some detail about each of these aspects and talk about why nasal breathing is so important when it comes to helping the nervous system unwind.Throughout this episode, I also introduce you to three easy and accessible breathwork techniques that can help you manage stress and anxiety effectively. These are all techniques that you can do throughout your day to help keep your nervous system calm. These techniques are extended exhales, spinal breath and alternate nostril breath (Nadi Shodhana).I also discuss how conscious breathing leads to mindfulness and meditation and talk about the benefits of slowing down your brainwave frequency. During yoga, we go through physical poses with our breath to the realm of subtle mental awareness. I’d love to hear how these techniques transform your life for the better as you breathe your way to less stress. LINKS:Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

If you’ve been having sleepless nights, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with insomnia so today I’m sharing some tools that can help. In this episode, I explore some of the causes of insomnia and how the practice of yoga can be the key to achieving that elusive restful sleep. We'll cover the science behind sleep, essential sleep hygiene practices, the role of stress, and how yoga can offer a path towards a peaceful slumber.While the occasional restless night is annoying, chronic insomnia takes a toll on our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Lack of sleep not only leaves us fatigued but also impacts our mood, cognitive performance, and even our overall health. One of the keys to combating insomnia is practising good sleep hygiene. Today I share a number of helpful tips including limiting screen time before bed, avoiding late-night dining and creating a dark sleeping environment. I also explain why my Cultivate Calm Yoga studio only provides Yin Yoga classes at night. Stress often plays a significant role in the development of insomnia. Elevated cortisol levels, the stress hormone, can keep us awake when we should be resting. I share a calming breathwork technique to help combat stress throughout the day and also talk about the importance of dealing with any unprocessed emotions that are at the root of your restless nights.The wonderful thing about yoga is that offers a holistic approach to help tackle insomnia. Its mind-body techniques help calm the nervous system and reduce stress, creating the ideal conditions for restorative sleep. Yoga not only releases physical tension but also fosters mindfulness, enabling us to address any underlying emotional or mental causes of insomnia. Throughout this episode I share some specific yoga poses that you can do in the evenings before bed to help you settle deeper into rest. If insomnia is a persistent visitor in your life, remember that you are not alone, and there are actionable steps you can take to improve your sleep quality. By combining sleep hygiene practices, yoga, and emotional processing, you can unlock the door to restful sleep. Remember, prioritising your sleep is an investment in your overall well-being, allowing you to wake up each day feeling refreshed and ready to face the world. LINKS:Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/