BLESSED BELTANE!

"Beltane is the Celtic festival that celebrates outer growth, fertility, new life and the essential energy of manifestation and creation.

It is the final stage of the active Yang cycle of the Sun before it reaches its fullness at the Midsummer Solstice.

All of life is manifesting now as the rampant growth period and the summer fully begin.

Beltane is a celebration of the Life Force, of the abundant fertility of the Earth and of ourselves."

(Glennie Kindred | Earth Alchemy)

Beltane is a Celtic festival celebrated on May 1st, marking the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

It's primarily celebrated by various pagan and Wiccan communities, but it has gained broader recognition and participation in recent years.

During Beltane, people celebrate the fertility of the earth and the vitality of life.

Traditionally, rituals involve lighting bonfires, dancing around maypoles, and performing ceremonies to encourage growth and abundance.

It's a time for honouring the changing seasons and embracing the cyclical nature of life.

May Day, which falls on May 1st, is often intertwined with Beltane celebrations.

It's a day of festivities, including parades, flower crowns, and community gatherings, with roots in both pagan and secular traditions.

In Celtic mythology, Beltane is associated with gods and goddesses such as Belenus, the god of the sun, and Brigid, the goddess of fertility and healing.

These deities represent the life-giving forces of nature and are honoured during Beltane rituals.

Altars play a significant role in Beltane celebrations, adorned with symbols of fertility, such as flowers, greenery, and ribbons.

They serve as focal points for rituals and offerings, connecting participants with the earth and the divine.

Beltane is a time for reconnecting with the rhythms of nature, celebrating the abundance of the earth, and embracing the joy of life's renewal.

It reminds us of our interconnectedness with the natural world and the importance of living in harmony with it.

Words connected to Beltane; blossom, fertility, creativity, expansion, fire, union, abundance.

Journal Prompts for Beltane:

What will you focus on to make the most of this fertile and abundant time?

What needs to be pruned back in your life?

How can you celebrate your creativity?

Who / what do you want to connect with more deeply?

How can you connect more deeply to yourself?

How can you celebrate your beautiful body?

Are there any parts of you that are in need of healing and restoring? (physical / emotional / spiritual).

Wishing you a blessed Beltane, and a month ahead filled with love, light and joy!

If you are in need of some calm and clarity, why not join us for Meditate Through May?

Every day in May there will be a FREE short mindful meditation practice released on Yoga Borne YouTube.

For more information just click here.

RECONNECTING WITH NATURE: THE ESSENCE OF WELLBEING

In a world buzzing with technology and urban living, the call to reconnect with nature grows louder each day.

As we navigate through the complexities of modern life, finding solace in the tranquillity of the outdoors becomes essential for our overall wellbeing.

At Yoga Borne, we recognise the profound benefits that nature bestows upon us, and we are committed to integrating its healing essence into our practices and community events.

After all, we are passionate about our pillars of compassion, connection, and community; it’s who we are.

The benefits of nature for wellbeing are supported by a wealth of scientific evidence, highlighting the profound impact that spending time outdoors has on our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

Research conducted by the University of Exeter Medical School revealed that just two hours of outdoor time per week is associated with a significant increase in overall health and wellbeing.

Nature provides a sanctuary from the stresses of modern life, offering a respite for our overstimulated minds and weary souls. The natural environment stimulates our senses.

Particularly around this time of year, you can step outside and hear birds tweeting to one another, and growing leaves rustling, feel the sun shining down or the gentle patter of rain as we get caught in the April showers.

Engaging with nature promotes mindfulness, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the present moment and cultivate a deep connection with our surroundings.

Moreover, exposure to natural light boosts our mood and regulates our circadian rhythm, leading to better sleep quality and increased energy levels.

By prioritising time outdoors, we can harness the healing power of nature to nurture our bodies, soothe our minds, and rejuvenate our spirits.

With that in mind, Yoga Borne has a number of April nature based offerings, beginning with Earth Day Yoga.

As we celebrate the beauty and abundance of our planet, we invite you to join us for a special

outdoor Yoga session in Cotteridge Park, Birmingham.

Led by our studio owner, Karine, this 45-minute beginner-friendly practice will immerse you in the serenity of nature, allowing you to connect deeply with your body, mind, and surroundings. Following the practice, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind and socialise down at ‘The Shed’ with a cup of tea, fostering a further sense of connection and community.

For further details, head to https://fb.me/e/4p2mGjHTG

Our commitment to nature and wellbeing extends beyond Earth Day.

Why not join the YB outdoor swimming group, where you can take a dip in the revitalising waters of Birmingham’s surrounding areas.

Cold water swimming, known for its myriad health benefits, offers a unique opportunity for mindfulness, increased immunity, decreased inflammation, and a boost in self-esteem.

Join us as we explore the picturesque outdoor swimming spots less than an hour from Birmingham, embracing the therapeutic power of nature and enjoying the company of like-minded souls.

To join the Whatsapp group and receive information, head to https://www.yogaborne.com/wild-swimming

March saw us connect to nature during our Spring Awakening Day Retreat. Watch this space for our Summer Day Retreat - details coming soon!

Let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection, guided by the gentle whispers of the wind and the rhythmic flow of the water.

Are you in?..

WELCOMING SPRING!

As March unfolds, we find ourselves at the doorstep of a transformative season marked by the Spring Equinox.

This celestial event, occurring around the 20th of March, holds immense significance as it symbolises the balance between day and night, light and dark, Yin and Yang - heralding the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

It’s a time when nature awakens from its winter slumber, and the world is bathed in the promise of new beginnings, renewal, and growth.

The Spring Equinox, often referred to as the vernal equinox, is a celestial occurrence where the day and night are approximately equal in length, signifying the end of winter and the ushering in of warmer days.

Historically, various cultures and civilisations have celebrated this pivotal moment, often linking it to themes of fertility, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness.

As we bid farewell to the chill of winter, the equinox acts as a gentle nudge from nature to embrace the changing seasons and embark on a journey of rejuvenation.

March in particular sees the wheel of time turning fully into spring, and we embraced this at our annual Spring Day Retreat on the 17th of March.

Set against the backdrop of a stunning rural location less than an hour from Birmingham, this day offered a sanctuary for those seeking to reconnect with the vitality of spring.

Our community were greeted with a warm welcome accompanied by tea, fresh fruit, and healthy snacks. The retreat involved Slow Flow Yoga and embodied movement inspired by the awakening of spring, inviting us to embrace the wood element associated with new beginnings and transformation.

Exploration of the grounds was enjoyed whilst we lovingly prepared a delicious vegan lunch which was then enjoyed together.

Following this we settled down for a Yin Yoga practice, focusing on the liver – the organ associated with spring.

Ending our day with the option of a walk in nature or for the more adventurous - a wild swim!

Back in the warmth of the lovely hall we relaxed and chatted over tea and cake, before our wonderful day together came to an end.

For those who prefer the comfort of their homes, the Soulful Sunday on the 24th of March offers an online celebration of the spring equinox, guided by Karine.

This virtual event offers you the opportunity to snuggle up for a carefully curated hour of seasonal mindful movement, meditation, readings, and more.

Honouring the energy of the full moon and marking the turning point in the wheel of the year, Soulful Sunday is an opportunity to nourish the mind, body, and soul from wherever you are.

As we step into spring and embrace the energy of renewal, these events and other exciting things coming up encourage you to reconnect with yourself and the natural world.

Whether surrounded by the tranquillity of a rural retreat or participating in a virtual gathering, these opportunities beckon us to celebrate the magic of the Spring Equinox and embark on a journey of growth and transformation.

To book Soulful Sunday, click the link below:

https://www.yogaborne.com/shop/soulful-sunday-the-spring-equinox-edition-online.

Wishing you a season ahead of health, wealth and happiness!

EMBRACING LUNAR NEW YEAR

Embracing Lunar New Year!

Hello, and welcome to our second blog post of 2024!

Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year is in full swing, and our February blog post is dedicated to this auspicious time.

As the lanterns sway gently in the February breeze, Yoga Borne invites you to immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Chinese New Year.

Steeped in centuries-old traditions, this occasion marks not only the turn of the lunar calendar but a celebration of renewal, family, and the promise of prosperity.

Join us as we explore the history and customs of Chinese New Year, finding resonance with the principles of Yoga for a harmonious start to the Year of the Tiger.

Rooted in ancient Chinese folklore, the festivals origin can be traced back over 3,500 years.

Legend has it that the celebration began as a means to scare away Nian, a mythical beast that would wreak havoc on villages during the Winter.

This marked the birth of numerous customs, from the vibrant red decorations to the explosive firecrackers, all designed to ward off evil spirits and welcome a year of good fortune.

Family Reunions: Central to the celebration is the reunion of families. Chinese New Year sees millions embarking on journeys home to share feasts and stories, emphasising the importance of familial bonds and continuity.

Red Envelopes: Symbolising good luck and prosperity, red envelopes or ‘hongbao’ are exchanged, typically containing money. This gesture represents the passing of blessings from the older generation to the younger.

Feast of Abundance: A lavish feast marks the eve of the new year, with symbolic dishes like dumplings and fish representing prosperity and abundance. The act of coming together to share in these meals fosters unity and a sense of community.

As we revel in the rich history and traditions of Chinese New Year, Yoga Borne extends an invitation to join our special Lunar New Year Workshop on the Saturday 24th of February.

While honouring the customs of this auspicious occasion, we will explore the principles of Holistic Yoga with an invitation to release what no longer serves you into our fire pit, and take home your handmade mini lantern of intentions for the year ahead!

This will be a a wonderful evening of rest and renewal.

Eager to embrace the cultural richness of Chinese New Year with a yogic touch?

There are just 2 in studio spots left for the workshop, which can be purchased via the Yoga Borne shop - just click the link below!

Wishing you a joyous and prosperous Year of the Tiger!

Much Love & Many Blessings,

Karine, Jay, & Team YB xx