YogaRogueUK - Blogs and Articles
Musings, articles and blogs from Helen, YogaRogueUK.
Polyvagal Theory 1:
An Introduction to States
In this article we begin to look at Polyvagal Theory, a framework by Stephen Porges and developed by Deb Dana, that reveals how our nervous system shapes experiences of safety, stress, and connection.
This article, comes from Day 2 of the YogaRogueUK Advent Calendar 2024 and looks at:
- Ventral Vagal State: Calm, connection, and resilience.
- Sympathetic State: Fight-or-flight survival mode.
- Dorsal Vagal State: Shutdown and disconnection.
By understanding these states, we can build awareness, foster resilience, and enhance well-being.
✨ Sign up for the YogaRogueUK Advent Calendar 2024 for more insights and practices!
Article will be published December 02, 2024
Mindful Monday:
Embracing Confusion: A Mindful Path to Clarity and Creativity
Learn how to navigate confusion mindfully and transform it into clarity and creativity.
Explore practices like pausing, self-awareness, and mindfulness meditation to embrace confusion as a tool for growth and self-discovery.
We have 'Mindful Monday most weeks, exploring an emotion or experience.
This writing emerged from the exploration and discussion.
✨
November 24, 2024
Mindful Monday:
Embracing Droplets of Glee
Discover the transformative power of small, joyful moments; “droplets of glee.”
These subtle sparks of happiness, whether from a warm laugh, a beautiful leaf, or a fond memory, can shift your emotional and physical state, even in challenging times.
By practicing presence, building a “ventral vagal library” of uplifting moments, and embracing visualisation , you can invite lightness, resilience, and calm connection into your daily life.
Glee doesn’t have to be grand—it’s often found in the little things.
Pause, breathe, and welcome these droplets into your day. ✨
November 18, 2024
Passion and Purpose:
The Journey Continues
Passion and purpose matter—perhaps even more so when life’s challenges alter the path we thought we were on.
Chronic health conditions can shape-shift our lives, often impacting everything we do, the way we view ourselves, and the goals we once had.
They challenge us to reconsider, to slow down, and ultimately to transform.
When health becomes uncertain, it can feel like a loss of identity, direction, and dreams.
Yet within this shift lies the potential for deep, meaningful growth and rediscovery.
November 9, 2024
Embracing the Ebb and Flow of Self-Care:
Lessons from Our Morning Practice
As the seasons change, I’m reminded that self-care is always evolving.
Sometimes it requires rest and stillness; other times, it needs energy and joyful connection.
Our needs shift with life's rhythms, and true self-care is about honouring those changes.
How will you nourish yourself this season?
Listen closely and trust what feels right, moment by moment.
November 5, 2024
Finding Calm and Ease with Intentional Physiological Sighing
The physiological sigh—a double inhale followed by a long exhale—is a powerful tool for managing stress, overwhelm, and burnout.
By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, this simple breathing technique can help reduce anxiety, improve oxygen exchange, and regulate emotional states.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or daily stressors, incorporating the physiological sigh into your routine can enhance relaxation, support nervous system regulation, and promote overall well-being.
Start by practicing it daily, focusing on mindful breathing and awareness, to experience the benefits of this effective and natural stress-relief method.
August 26, 2024
The Power of a Sigh: Discovering Emotional Balance and Inner Calm
Have you ever taken a moment to notice your sighs during a busy day? Sighing may appear to be a simple act, but it serves as a powerful tool for emotional regulation and balancing the nervous system.
Here, we look into how various types of sighs, ranging from those of despair to those of contentment, act as indicators of our internal state.
By becoming attuned to these subtle cues and using them intentionally, we can enhance our self-awareness, manage our emotions more effectively, and navigate toward a calmer, more balanced nervous system.
Come and explore how harnessing the power of a sigh can truly support nervous system resilience.
August 25, 2024
Embracing Humility:
The Power of Accepting Help
Embracing Humility: The Power of Accepting Help
In life, we often face challenges—whether they are physical tasks, emotional struggles, or professional hurdles. A powerful lesson from my childhood taught me that true strength is found not in bearing burdens alone, but in having the humility to accept help when needed. This idea of balancing independence with interdependence is a key element of personal and community well-being.
Research shows that those who embrace humility and seek help not only cultivate stronger personal relationships but also feel more connected to their communities. It’s a reminder that vulnerability is a path to deeper connection, not weakness. By asking for support, we create a ripple effect of trust, gratitude, and shared strength that enriches both our lives and those of the people around us.
August 14, 2024
From Clinical Practice to Rediscovery:
A glimpse into a Doctor's Journey
Through Loss and Embodiment
This is a brief introduction of the transformative journey from being a medical professional to becoming a yoga teacher and embodiment coach.
There are themes of loss, rebirth, and the profound realisation and story offering hope and resilience, emphasising the potential for growth and discovery even in the face of personal upheavals.
This is for professionals in all fields, and I hope encourages you to see beyond roles and titles, and to fulfilment and identity in the continuous evolution of personal and professional lives.
Click the image to read on LinkedIn, or download above.
April 28, 2024
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