By Charlotte Dodson
Photography Louisa Seton
Wearing Tluxe


It's hard when a person is carrying an injury - it can obviously be painful, but beyond the physical discomfort, it can really effect your every living moment on an emotional level as well. That's where the power of yoga comes in: not only can it help to relieve the strain, there are also many variations of each posture that allow a person to work around the injury. Most of all, yoga is a tool that provides you with strength and inner happiness both on (and more importantly, off) the yoga mat. Along with consuming natural supplements and essential-fat-and-silica-rich foods (which assist in taking the strain off of your muscles and joints), there are movements you can perform on a daily basis to help keep your body in shape and ensure you stay injury free.

Below are movements that serve as reminders of how yoga poses can be a reflection of your everyday life. I personally thank the practice itself, and of course, I also credit my teacher, Eileen Hall, for her encouragement, understanding and life teachings that have helped carry me through whenever I have suffered from any injuries! Sometimes, stopping and standing back (detaching... it's tricky!) allows you to observe and 'be' where you're at, aiding you in moving beyond 'victim consciousness' and thus ensuring that you do not compare your current state to an "ideal", and also helps you to avoid wishing that you were anywhere else - Live THIS moment!

BREATHE
No matter what our circumstance, there's one thing for sure, and that is that life is forever changing. To detach from less-than-ideal present circumstances (and going beyond your physical body's unhappy messages of temporary disrepair), to tap into the power of what keeps you here today, you need to focus on one thing: your breathing.

The feeling that arises when you can actually 'stop' for a few moments, and focus on your breath, can make you far more appreciative; that's where wisdom arrives - in silence - which is always there for us. It can take quite a few attempts to actually master this and find the quietness within.

Come into a cross legged sit, keep your spine upright, and chin tucked into your throat. Allow your eyes to close and bring your hands into prayer position at your heart centre. Take a few long deep inhales, and sigh deeply on your exhales, to release any unwanted tension. Repeat this a few times before transitioning into long, equal, natural "in and out" breaths. Now, see if your mind can rest on every long breath; be mindful as your breath enters and leaves your body. See if you can hold this concentration and awareness for 5-10 breaths or more. It can be frustrating if your mind is still elsewhere, but by resting your mind on the power of your breath, it teaches you the power of living in the moment.

STRENGTH
It can be difficult to carry an injury, whilst simultaneously trying to make the most of all those little things in life, especially if the pain is debilitating. Remember that being a warrior gives you all the determination, strength and will-power to live it - be in the moment with a light heart!

Warrior 1 is a grounding and strengthening pose. As you press your foundation firmly into the floor, you can lift gently up through your spine to become lean and toned. Start at the top of your mat, feet together. Lunge your left leg back one leg distant apart, with your hands onto your hips (your stabilizers). Tuck your tailbone down and under. Press your back toes under and deeply into the ground, at the same time anchor your front foot into the floor, especially firm through your front big toe. Ensure your front knee doesn't go beyond your ankle bone, the knee is stacked on top (or further back). Take your gaze to one point ahead of you, alternatively, on your inhale, raise your arms up straight over your head into prayer and look up towards your thumbs. Hold the pose strongly and breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths. To release, step your left foot back to the top of the mat, and repeat to the other side.


EMBRACE
Go for the moment you're in, life has a beautiful way of working out - the sunshine always follows the storm. Our journey is always full of lessons, lessons that - if we don't hear them instantly - will simply keep trying to teach us in other ways! Back bends turn us inside out, and whilst keeping the heart fully open, this pose gives us a boost of energy and allows us to embrace the moment 'right now'.

This half back bend posture allows your to turn inside out and embrace every part of your self. Reach your front body up to the sky and allow your heart to stay open. Begin on your back, and press your feet hip distant apart. On your exhale, roll up slowly into a half back bend. Keep your chin tucked into your throat, and legs active. Look towards the tip of your nose as you breathe deeply into your heart, your sternum. This gentle back bend will open your chest, lungs and strengthen your back muscles. Allow your breath to breathe from the base of your body all the way up into your collarbone. Hold for 5-10 breaths before rolling back down.


FIND QUIETNESS
Many of us are so busy imagining the future, or dwelling in the past, that we miss out what's right in front of us! To rest and nurture ourselves - this could be all the body is really crying out for, after all is said and analyzed.... to simply stop, reflect and "be".

Child pose - balasana. Start by sitting onto your heels, and lengthen your arms away from you, folding them over your legs; rest your forehead onto the ground (an option is to put a cushion under your forehead for support). You can either reach your arms out in front to lengthen your spine, or fold your arms down by your feet to make this pose more passive. Sit heavily onto your heels as you lengthen and create more openness into your spine. Breathe deeply into this gentle pose to soothe and soften your inner and outer self for 1-5 minutes (hold for longer if you feel a continued need to rest and soothe yourself).

REJUVENATE
Bringing your legs up onto a wall is not only a wonderful way to take pressure off of your feet, it also puts your mind at ease, as it soothes your nervous and hormonal systems - taking away any frustrations and gently relaxing a chattery mind. As you hold for longer periods of time, you'll find yourself dropping into a more peaceful and kind space.

Come up against a wall, drop the side of your body down, and swivel your legs up the wall (shuffle yourself up so your sit bones are touching the wall). Hands can come to your chest, your heart, or down by your side - you can decide what's more comfortable for you. Keep your chin tucked into your throat, protecting the back of your neck. Keep your shoulders rolling down towards the floor and your legs can roll out naturally, and knees can bend slightly. This is a passive posture, so let your body naturally come to a easy and comfortable place. Hold and breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes. To release, bend both knees and roll out to your right side.

Please note, if you're tossing and turning during sleep, this can help you chill and relax; you can do this in bed - simply swing your legs up the head board and follow the same instructions as above.

REST
Lay flat for approx 5-10 minutes in your 'corpse' pose. Place a cushion under your knees if you have any lower back pain. Allow your legs to roll outward and your palms to face upward. Cover your eyes as you remain completely quiet. Feel your whole body sink and drop effortlessly into the core of the earth. It's one of the most important poses to let you body absorb the practice you've just completed.

When you work hard, you need to provide rest for yourself as well. When you feel comfortable in your own skin, people around you will also feel at ease. It's an energetic vibe that we give out, sometimes without realising it. Some of us are constantly on the go, and find it hard to stop, relax and unwind. Yoga will give you more energy and focus to do what you need to - with openness, space and kindness, extended to both yourself and others.

After your savasana, roll out to the right side, and up into a cross legged sitting meditational seat. Join your hands into prayer at your heart centre, and bow your head down. Give yourself quiet reflective moments to accept, love and feel truly beautiful in every way. Namaste.