Yoga by Nature Podcast

Prepare for sleep with this sweet and simple practice that brings you into your body, resets your nervous system and sets you up for going to sleep and staying asleep.  I have been using this Yoga Nidra myself in the last couple of weeks and it has become my go-to for the perimenopausal wakefulness I've been having.  In this recording, I guide you through some relaxing breathing, then on a journey around the body which will take you away from your thoughts and into a quieter space, ready for deep rest. 

Hello and happy solstice.  This is a deeply restful restorative yoga practice for you.  The breath, our travelling companion for life, can take us into deep states of relaxation and peace. I hope you enjoy this practice

This is a yoga nidra that I wrote for the Embodiment Restorative Yoga series. Every Autumn I run a series of workshops which progressively take you on an inner journey and a celebration of rich inner life. This Nidra uses a visualisation of stars to illuminate the inner body. Apparently this year, Wintering is in, so this is an absolute essential for any budding Winterers out there, or anyone who, like me, relishes any opportunity to introvert

Here's part two. A live class I recorded at my Gentle Yoga class on a Thursday morning. You can come live to this one on Zoom if you like! I wanted to share it because it's focused on joint freedom and the class participants loved it so much I thought you might too.  The cold can creep into our joints and make movement feel uncomfortable. This can happen at any age but those of us in our forties and beyond, especially us menopausal women can really feel it. This class shows you thay you don't have to feel uncomfortable - there is pleasure and ease to be found in the body, whatever your condition.  Have your usual yoga props around you and be near a chair or wall if that helps you balance. If you have a resistance band and a massage ball or a dowel, have that around too.  Lots of love, Morven x www.yogabynature.org Get in touch! info@yogabynature.org  

Hello,  This is a yoga practice especially for anyone who is feeling the cold

A guided relaxation which will soothe your nervous system and help you to rest. We do a visualisation which will help you to find the sense of belonging which is innate within you and which helps you to feel grounded and calm.  Visit me online: www.yogabynature.org Share your thoughts: info@yogabynature.org Namaste, Morven

This meditation practice is a recording of the live group session that takes place on Tuesday mornings. It's free to join, so if you are looking for a community of like-minded people to meditate with then please join us! You can book via the Yoga by Nature website here: https://www.yogabynature.org/classes-all The sessions are guided by Morven and include some movement to get into the body, followed by 10 -1 5 mins of stillness. Morven guides you into your meditation then gives you a period of silence to be with yourself.  Questions and comments to info@yogabynature.org 

I love this yoga nidra from our restorative yoga teacher Lucy Saunders. Sadly, Lucy has to take a break for a while from YBN while she restores her own health. This podcast is a yoga nidra she guided us through originally in October when there was a lot of movement in the air. I thought it would be a beautiful practice to lead us into Spring also, as exuberance begins to bubble under the surface.  Join us for online classes, in-depth yoga courses, teacher training or a retreat. Find out more at yogabynature.org Questions and comments info@yogabynature.org Namaste

This is a no frills episode - just the nidra and no chat. I wanted to get this out to you so you can have it over Christmas week and beyond, any time you need to rest. This nidra leads you into a felt sense of the richness of the darkening time of the year as the world turns in to grow the seeds of next year.  I hope you enjoy it! Any questions and comments to info@yogabynature.org. And find me on socials! @yogabynatureuk www.yogabynature.org

How to have a great Christmas against the backdrop of peri-menopause, with myself and nutritionist Amy Payne. In case you missed it on Insta, Amy and I share nutrition, yoga, mindfulness and lifestyle tips so you can join in with all the fun of Christmas without exacerbating your peri-menopause symptoms.   Erratic blood sugar levels, heightened stress hormones and little opportunity to move our bodies are a recipe for poor sleep, anxiety, hot flushes, sweats and poor digestion. We hope you benefit from these really easy, small adjustments to help you manage your symptoms without missing out on all the treats.   Join us in-person in Weston for our Peri|Menopause Wellness Day 15th January.    Find me on socials @yogabynatureuk or get in touch info@yogabynature.org ❤️

Happy Winter everyone! This is a recording of a live class I taught last week. It's called Sparkle and Shine because it's dark outside and we need to search for the sparkles within.  If you have equipment, have 2 blocks, a belt and a blanket handy but don't worry if you don't have them.  Look out for a special solstice inner sparkle Nidra coming up next week.  Check us out at www.yogabynature.org , & find @yogabynatureuk on socials for competitions, interviews and all sorts.  Questions and comments to info@yogabynature.org Thank you!!!

Did you know that joy is good for you? experiencing joy raises your overall wellbeing, boosting mental health but also positively affecting your immune system and reducing pain.  Yoga nidra is a deep relaxation where I guide you through a journey into yourself, uncovering your potential for deep rest and regeneration and your innate sense of joy.  Please keep in touch! Check out on-demand and live classes, retreats and teacher training at www.yogabynature.org You can find us on social @yogabynatureuk and email info@yogabynature.org Namaste

Life is full of challenges. This practice with our Yoga for Calm teacher, Mary, is offered to you as a gift to help you to relax. Just taking 5 minutes our of your day can have a profound effect on your wellbeing.  So many of us suffer from chronic anxiety and stress. Yoga offers us a way to find balance again.  Find out about our classes, courses and teacher trainings on the Yoga by Nature website here.  Please let us know your thoughts! info@yogabynature.org

This one is for you if you would like a 45 minute refreshing flowy yoga practice to clear your mind and get back in your body. The focus is on developing forward bends, heading towards hanumanasana (splits) as the peak pose. No expectations to achieve - just play and see.  Let me know what you think of the class: info@yogabynature.org Enquire about one to one yoga tuition in-person or on Zoom or personal retreats.  Check out www.yogabynature.org for yoga teacher training, retreats, classes and my blog! Love you ❤️

This recording is a yoga nidra led by our new teacher, Lucy Saunders. Lucy will be leading nidra fortnightly at the Friday evening 5.45 class on Zoom from mid-June. Don't miss her, she's a very special nidra artist! Also, I would like to introduce Hannah from Tovi Gifts. No, she's not paying me, I just really like her project! She's a British single mum collaborating with small enterprises in Sri Lanka to help Sri Lankan women in business and do her bit to help the environment. Think cool yoga mat bags, notebooks and coconut shell bowls. Check her out... Book an in-person or online one to one, yoga class or enquire about teacher training - yogabynature.org Yours truly, Morven

For when you only have a short time to practice. Drop into yoga nidra for ten minutes. A great practice for in between appointments when you're feeling frazzled and need to ground down and refresh.  Make sure you're somewhere comfortable, preferably lying down where you won't be disturbed.  Enjoy! I offer one to one sessions in-person and online. Contact me on info@yogabynature.org For teacher training and all other yoga stuff, it's www.yogabynature.org

I offer you a gentle yoga practice on the theme of stillness. Is it possible to find stillness in a world that constantly moves and changes. The body, mind, breath and environment are always in flux so how can we develop a continuity of attention that creates a haven of stillness in our experience.  Props needed: bolster, blocks, belt or improvise! I love hearing your feedback. Get in touch for a chat or a one to one session info@yogabynature.org Classes, retreats and training: yogabynature.org  

This practice weaves restorative yoga postures with guided yoga nidra practice. The sequence is structured to heighten awareness in the area of the body where the rotation of consciousness is based, giving you enhanced awareness of enlivening cellular consciousness as you progress through the practice.  We will practice on the theme of Life as a Moment to Moment Experience.  You will need: Blankets, Blocks, Bolster, Belt or anything you can sub with.  Questions/ comments are welcome to info@yogabynature.org Check me out: yogabynature.org

Ukraine fundraiser yoga nidra. When we came together live to do this, we raised over £150 at the last count towards aid for Ukraine. If you would like to listen, I'd be so grateful if you could please donate between £5 and £10 to DEC.  This practice is on the theme of cultivating compassion, inspiring change and coping with things much bigger than ourselves.  I welcome any feedback and questions to info@yogabynature.org.  Find out about classes, retreats and yoga teacher training at www.yogabynature.org Thank you and enjoy!! Love, Morven 

This is a practice for peace and self-support. This week I found myself feeling shaken and tearful much of the time after the news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It occurred to me that many others may be feeling the same and so I created this practice to share. I hope it helps you build resilience and reconnect to the good in life. When we are calm and strong, we can help other people. Doing yoga isn't going to stop the war, but it will help us all to cope and be ready to help.  Props needed:  Bolster/ pillows Blocks/ books or cushions Blanket(s)

Hello all, this is a yoga nidra I created in response to the news that a dear student of mine had suffered the loss of a friend. It's Stress Awareness Week this week, and many of us are coping with grief and loss - whether that's the loss of a loved one, the loss of environmental stability, the loss of life as we knew it to be before the pandemic and all the other challenges, great and small, that life brings.  This yoga nidra is a compassion practice, focused on healing (making whole) and offering the self nurture, time and comfort. Grief can be a hard state to navigate, and one which noone would choose, however there is a tenderness around grief as it is an expression of deep caring. In this practice we transform that potential to care into a compassionate, healing energy directed towards the self.  This is a practice which may help to come to terms with feelings of grief, loss or overwhelm. If it feels overwhelming in itself, it's not the right practice for you. It is not meant to take the place of medication or counselling. It is intended as a companion to any medication you may be taking.  You can find me at www.yogabynature.org If you have any feedback you would like to share, drop me a line at info@yogabynature.org With love,  Morven 

Hello all, This is a yoga nidra to do whenever you need help to see things more clearly. Do you ever find yourself reacting from fear or hurt and making poor judgments because you are stuck in a pattern?  Yoga calls this avidya - the inability to see things as they really are. This is known as ignorance, and it's something we are all vulnerable to. Practising yoga nidra can help you to filter out unhelpful patterns of thought and action, and help life the veil of illusion (maya) that clouds our understanding of the world.  Relax, and enjoy! You can find me here: www.yogabynature.org.  Join me for a class, online or in person and check out upcoming retreats, teacher training and workshops.  Thanks for being part of the community, Morven 

Hello, I wanted to share this with you as it's a bit different. I was inspired after doing meditation on the breath, to interweave perception experiences with the breath into yoga nidra. And this is what happened. We start with a body scan on the breath and then graduate to a yoga nidra which begins with rotation of consciousness and progresses to subtle awareness of the breath and embodied visualisation. It's deeply relaxing and supports an exploration of the inner body and subtle energies.  I hope you find it relaxing too! Any comments or questions please get in touch:  info@yogabynature.org @yogabynatureuk yogabynature.org With gratitude, Morven 

Yoga nidra for energy balance with my new mic - so much better quality now! 30 mins of deep relaxation yoga bliss. Be somewhere you won't be disturbed and have yourself some shuteye. Follow me: www.yogabynature.org | @yogabynatureuk

Hello! This is a recording of a live session that I taught in my Gentle Yoga class on Zoom the other day. It's a fifteen minute savasana for full immersion in the blissful yoga vibes. Perfect for a mid-afternoon refresher (nap!) or just before bed. Edits have been done since the first version was published  - no doorbell in this one! Find me: www.yogabynature.org Instagram: @yogabynatureuk Facebook: Yoga by Nature Community  

Hi everyone, I hope you are all staying well! I offer you here a 30 minute yoga class for those times when you need to move and you need to calm down too! It's not always the right moment for lying still and resting, so if you have energy to burn and still crave that centred peace that yoga brings - this one's for you.  We move through a dynamic sequence using the breathing ratio 1:2, which means your exhale is twice as long as your inhale. It's the magic ratio for triggering the physiological responses that bring about a state of calm and initiate a greater sense of wellbeing

Hello! Thanks for being here. This is a one-hour class, recorded live at one of my Saturday morning Zoom classes. It's fairly dynamic, so if you are looking to move and sweep out the cobwebs this one's for you. We do some cross-referencing through the body, exploring some poses with alternative support pathways so you can learn where your strength lies and how to use it.  Get in touch with me info@yogabynature.org www.yogabynature.org

This is a 20 min yoga nidra, manifesting your future fulfilled.  Things will always be changing around us and we will always have the truth of the body and the breath to turn to, providing us with an internal compass to help us navigate this crazy world. Thank you for all your support YBN Community, I love you! Namaste, Morven  Get in touch info@yogabynature.org/ www.yogabynature.org

Hi everyone,  What a strange year it has been! The solstice offers us the opportunity to absorb what has gone before and reflect on what to take into the next cycle. This offering is intended as a space for you to do that. The quiet, dark solstice days require deep rest and inner-nurturing. We start off this one with a slow, mindful flow then move into hibernation mode in restorative long-holds to release the spine and open the hips, finishing with Yoga Nidra and a visualisation to sow the seeds of your intentions for 2021.  I wish you happiness and health in the coming year. Thank you for being part of this community.  With love and metta, Morven  info@yogabynature.org www.yogabynature.org

Hello, I hope this finds you well. This is a level 1  yoga practice for these times. I wanted to create a yoga class which breathes life and vitality into all the fibres of your being. Through conscious breath and deliberate movement, you co-create a seamless dance through space - not just in your yoga class but everywhere you go. Designed to counter any stressful effects of life as we currently know it and to hep you through these uniquely complex times. Join me for a class soon - I'm now online with the whole timetable running on Zoom and weekly pre-recorded 30 min classes available too. It would be really lovely to meet you.  Please send your questions, comments and requests to info@yogabynature.org Check me out at www.yogabynature.org  

Hello, Recorded during a Zoom class, this meditation uses the tantric yantras and the bija mantras for the chakras as a point of focus in meditation. The yantras are sacred diagrams used for meditation and we visualise them as we move through the seven chakras (energy centres). Bija mantras are the seed sounds of the chakras; chanting them aloud or silently is said to cause a balancing resonance in the location of the chakra.  If you enjoy this meditation, please write me a review on iTunes.  Questions and comments are always welcome, you can get in touch on info@yogabynature.org. Find me at www.yogabynature.org

This is a half-hour session designed to fit into your day as a pre-work or lunchtime practice. We do lots of breath work to open up the lungs and a kriya to clear out excess mucous. The postures will open up the chest, help you find space for the breath in the side of the body and restore you to a state of health and vitality.  Feedback is always welcome! Please write me a review on iTunes if you like this podcast.  info@yogabynature.org. Find me at www.yogabyature.org With gratitude, Morven x  

This workshop was part #3 of a series that I taught on Zoom recently. The workshop series focused on deep exploration of the internal landscape - progressively letting go, mapping the internal physical space and, in this session, exploring ourselves as beings intrinsically in relationship to gravity. Breath influences the way we experience gravity and continually shifts the internal and external space. It is the medium by which we can uncover more about ourselves in relationship to the immediate environment. In this experiential practice, you are led through a series of restorative practices and inquiries to uncover your own intrinsic knowledge of functional movement and inspirational breath.  Surrendering to gravity requires you to trust and surrender, so be prepared to let go of whatever is holding you back.  I'm offering this to you as a gift because I believe that this work is essential to deepening and progressing your yoga journey.  I'd love to know your thoughts - get in touch on info@yogabynature.org Find out what else I'm up to at www.yogabynature.org  Namaste, Morven 

Spinal health is key in yoga practice. All movement originates in the spine and eventually feeds back to the spine. The spine influences our posture and the health of our internal systems. It is the channel through which the nerves pass in order to broadcast information throughout the body, like a radio mast. According to the ancient texts, the spine houses the central energy channel(shushumna nadi) through which Kundalini (awakening energy) flows to connect us with our higher consciousness.  So here's a little something to help you keep it in shape. We all benefit from postures that release tension and strengthen the back. This class will do both and will help you build awareness of your own postural tendencies and your musculo-skeletal structure.  Props not essential but can sometimes help! Get in touch! info@yogabynature.org Check out what else I'm doing: www.yogabynature.org Namaste! Morven     

Hello, This is a yoga nidra practice designed to bring you into a profound, nurturing awareness of your being, down to a cellular level. Make time for deep rest and restoration, it's the most healing gift you can give yourself. Make sure you're somewhere where you won't be disturbed. The instructions are for those lying down but you could also be seated - just adapt the instructions accordingly.  Please get in touch if you have any questions at all or if you would like to share your comments: info@yogabynature.org Find out more about what I'm offering online: www.yogabynature.org Namaste, Morven x

Hello and thank you for listening, This podcast was originally recorded as a public Zoom class in video format so there are one or two references to what you can't see! It won't affect your understanding of the instructions though.  We start off in legs up the wall pose to reset the nervous system and then move into some luscious, flowing yoga sequences designed to soothe and move the body without building heat. There are lots of pauses for breath and we close with a deeply restful 15 min yoga nidra practice. Yoag nidra is the relaxing, systemised form of yogic sleep.  Please direct any questions or comments to me at info@yogabynature.org I really really love to hear from you!  You can find out more about online classes, workshops and retreats here www.yogabynature.org Start yoga for only £10 for a month of unlimited yoga.  Lots of love, Morven xx

Hello! This is another short video which I made in response to the current coronavirus situation and all the unrest that has been brought into our lives on the macro and the micro scales. It only takes 15 mins to do and it's the perfect preparation for restful sleep, with an adrenal balancing twist and a mild inversion with the legs up the wall to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and bring you into a place of calm and rest.  Do join me live on Zoom if you have the chance! I'm streaming all my classes through Zoom so you can join from anywhere in the world now. Friday 5.45pm GMT is the Restorative Yoga session and if you can't attend in person you will receive a recording of the session (video and audio) to do in your own time. It would be amazing to see some of you yogis out there and finally meet some of you who have been doing the podcasts.  Book in for your Zoom class here. Any questions or feedback info@yogabynature.org   This one goes out from me to you with lots of love, Namaste, Morven     

Hi there! Here is my first video podcast. I thought it was about time I showed my face. So many of us are stuck inside and we can't see all the people in our community who normally fulfill the need for social contact - well, we have this podcast community and here I am! I hope it makes at least a wee bit of difference to be able to practice "in person" as opposed to just audio.  In this short 13 min yoga fix, we flow through several poses that help to balance your adrenal glands and regulate the amount of cortisol and adrenaline in your system. There's a lot of adrenaline around at the moment in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic so this is a little something to bring you back into your centre.  Come and join me for a live-streamed class on Zoom! Every cloud has a silver lining and mine is that I have the opportunity to connect with the wider online community now that all my classes have moved online. You can book yourself in here: https://www.yogabynature.org/online-booking Get a link to the class Come and join our awesome yoga group Get a link to the video recording of the class which you can do in your own time  I really really hope to finally meet some of you in Zoom soon. If you want to keep it to podcast interaction only, my deepest gratitude goes out to you for helping this podcast to thrive.  Lots of love to you, wherever you are. I hope you are well and safe, Namaste, Morven 

Hello! This meditation is just 5 minutes and it's a little piece of sanity amongst all the Coronavirus madness and stress. The 5 minute Breathing Space is a mindfulness meditation which you can do any time you need to centre yourself - do it on the bus, in the garden, at work. It will help you to distance yourself from any persistent or out of control thoughts or feelings. Join me for a live streamed video class! As all of my yoga classes have now moved online, you can now practice with me in your living room at home. You can do the class in real time or, if you are booked in you can receive a recording of the class which you can do any time within 3 days when the class link expires. I feel so lucky I finally have the chance to meet you in person and connect with the podcast community on a two-way basis!  Check out https://www.yogabynature.org/online-booking to see how you can book into a live online class.  Please let me know if you have an questions or feedback: info@yogabynature.org   Stay well, stay sane,  Lots of love Morven   

Hello! Thank you for listening. This one's a bit spicy - if you like to move and flow first thing in the morning, you'll like it. It's great to do if you only have 20 minutes for your yoga fix and enough to feel as though you've worked out, stretched and energised yourself. You will feel pretty badass after doing this, I have to say.  Wherever you are, I hope you are having an amazing day.  If you have any questions, requests or feedback please contact me on info@yogabynature.org www.yogabynature.org Namaste, Morven 

Hello and thank you for listening.  This latest offering is a 20 minute morning practice suitable for you if you would like a basic all round yoga sequence which cares for your lower back. It's moderately paced with poses on the belly, seated and standing.  Feel smug as you breeze into the office in the morning after doing this - 20 minutes is all you need to feel great for the rest of the day. You never regret doing morning yoga.  I am committed to bringing yoga to anyone who needs it or wants it. Wherever you are, I wish you a fantastic day.    If you have any questions or feedback, please contact me on  info@yogabynature.org www.yogabynature.org Namaste, Morven 

Hi thanks for listening! This is a no-frills classical sun salutation intended as a support for your home practice. Lots of people ask me if there is a guide to sun salutation that they can use when they are starting their home practice. Now I can answer "yes!". Here it is.  There are many different variations of this sequence - this is the original and basic form which is good to learn as it forms the basis of all the other sun salutation variations.  It's a great warm-up for all the major joints, gets the energy moving through your spine and is also good for the endocrine system, restoring hormonal balance.  We go quite slowly for this one as it's intended as the first one of the day. Feel free to pick up the pace and introduce the breathing pattern as you get the hang of it.  Any questions or feedback to info@yogabynature.org   www.yogabynature.org Namaste, Morven   

Hello and thanks for listening,  This is a 45 minute intermediate/ advanced practice which will lead you through the 5 koshas. A complete yoga nidra will lead you through these five layers, but this practice does so explicitly, guiding you into an experience of each layer, or sheath, and naming it so that you can create an internal map and identify landmarks within the interior landscape.  This is not a beginner's practice.  Yogic sleep (Yoga Nidra) is an internal yoga practice, similar to relaxation and meditation. It's designed to bring you into a direct experience of your deeper consciousness and to enable you to repattern your subconscious mind, forming a healthier, happier you.  I'm always interested to hear what you have to say, so please get in touch with any feedback or comments info@yogabynature.org.  www.yogabynature.org  

Hi, thank you for listening.  This is a meditation intended for serious students of Yoga who would like to deepen their awareness practice and create sensitivity to the subtle energy currents within the body. The five pranas - Prana, Apana, Udana, Samana and Vyana are currents that harmonise the flow of prana around the body.  If you are a beginner, practice first with awareness of the breath meditation and body scan on the breath.  Please let me know if you have any questions at all.  info@yogabynature.org/ www.yogabynature.org Namaste, Morven     

A meditation exploring the breath and its dynamic healing nature. A grounding practice designed to bring you out of your head and into your body - tuning into the breath and the physical sensations can help to reduce anxiety and overthinking, bringing you into a state of calm and increasing feelings of wellbeing.  This practice is usually done lying down but you can do it seated or even standing if you prefer.  If you have an questions or comments, please contact Morven on info@yogabynature.org   www.yogabynature.org

This yoga nidra practice takes you through the energy centres in the body, situated along the spine and into the head.  Build awareness of the aspects of subtle energy within the body and how the emotions and attitudes held in the mind are expressed through these powerful channels.  A deeply relaxing practice that enhances mind-body awareness.  If you have any questions or comments, please drop me a line: info@yogabynature.org www.yogabynature.org  

A journey into Yoga Nidra and a discovery of the elemental properties of the physical body. Experience the elements within yourself and understand your connection to Nature and the ancient ancestors - Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether.  You can do this practice at home or on the move. If you can, find a comfortable place to lie down where you won't be disturbed. Alternatively, you can do this on the bus - I've tried it and it works!   Any questions or comments to info@yogabynature.org.  Namaste, Morven  www.yogabynature.org

This meditation teaches you to be present with an emotional charge and, rather than getting caught up in a story about the thought, locating its physical location in the body.  This helps you to move through the emotional disturbance without creating a repetitive and unhelpful narrative related to the thought.  Namaste,  Morven   info@yogabynature.org www.yogabynature.org

Cultivate social connection, empathy and compassion with this short meditation which guides you through kindness to self, a friend and all beings of the world. Metta bhavana is a Buddhist practice integral to the Buddhist path to liberation from suffering. It helps to dissolve resistance, feelings of isolation and separation and develop empathy. Plesae contact Morven with any questions or feedback: info@yogabynature.org www.yogabynature.org Yoga for Cancer: www.healingthewholeperson.co.uk  

Noone brings about positive change or improvement with criticism! this includes the way you talk to yourself. Question: Would you want to spend time with someone who spoke to you the way you speak to yourself? If the answer is no, then some self-kindness is in order. In Buddhism, the word compassion includes compassion to self, as it is recognised that true compassion can only exist if it includes self as well as others. Be your own cheerleader. Enjoy, Namaste Morven x  

Hello, This is a short meditation deisgned to help you to seek out the subtle experiences of pleasure and savour the moment. Suitable for anyone interested in mindfulness and meditation. info@yogabynature.org www.yogabynature.org