Welcome:  I hope you and your family are all well.  You are receiving this newsletter because in the past you have attended a workshop, course or class with me and added your name to the mailing list.  It's great to stay connected. 

September....in brief.

With a hint of autumn, cooler nights but still plenty of Light, this always feels like a fresh start for me, a new beginning, getting back on track.  How about you?  

NEWS IN BRIEF...My new beginning is also a moving forwards...returning to teach gentle yoga classes not only in-person, but simultaneously live streaming via Zoom.  I have to say it feels a bit daunting! 

PLUS -  VERY EXCITED that our Sound of Grace retreat in November has been given the Green light. 

FREE For You:  At the bottom of this newsletter there's a link to a new Podcast for you to enjoy, plus an opportunity to enjoy a free, online Class.

Finally...Happy News! A Natural Fit...
 

Our monthly Sound & Silence chant group remains online/Zoom for September - but from October we will meet in person again which is exciting!  Still time to sign up for THIS SUNDAY's chant circle; we are learning the beautiful healing mantra "Ayur Dhehi" - which translates as "Life Protection".  Considered a health mantra, "Dhehi" translates as "give me".  It builds a protective vibratory force around you.  Needed at any time but particularly now?  We will also explore new Bija mantras (simple, single syllable sounds that are, like a seed, packed with potential).  Plus other much loved mantras.  Beginners welcomed.  

DATE: Sunday 6th September.  TIME: 2.30pm - 4.30pm.  COST: £15.00 
BOOK HERE:-sarena@birchmoon.co.uk  Payment: BACS or PayPal.me details will be sent plus the Zoom link

EXCITING NEWS!  The Sound of Grace Retreat  has been rescheduled to November 6th - 8th.  

My co-facilitator Amanda Bailey M.A and I are delighted we can go ahead and offer this nurturing and nourishing weekend for women.  Taking place at the Monkton Wyld Retreat Centre nr Charmouth in Dorset, we will be sharing gentle yoga, healing chant, music journeying, movement and yoga nidra (yogic sleep).  It is a time for you to rest, renew and recharge.  Monkton Wyld is a sustainable retreat centre, producing their own vegetables, fruit, milk, yogurt and cheese.  We will have lovingly prepared, heart warming vegetarian food - special diets/vegans catered for too.  Log fires, singing, laughter, play...
 

We have reduced numbers to ensure social distancing is followed - so just 2 places remaining.  Through the chant and mantra, combined with how Amanda and I hold the space, you will still feel very connected, supported and nourished over this weekend.  We have our own, separate practice space (with log burner) and acres of land to explore.  See here for further details.  

Gentle Holistic Yoga - The Power of Slow

Like many yoga teachers I took my classes online - and they've been a life saver for all of us.  Returning to in-person yoga as of next week (from Monday 7th September) is both exciting - and a little daunting.  Double checking the 2m rule, sanitising protocols and lastly ensuring my phone and internet connection work smoothly have been my repeated activities of the last couple of weeks.  I will be simultaneously live-streaming via Zoom - so the "proverbial swan" I think!  My in-person classes are full due to the reduced numbers allowed - however - if you'd like to Zoom in, please do join us.   There's space!

Monday Chi Yoga (a fusion of Hatha yoga and Chinese energy movement/practices);
Tuesday "Yoga Flow & Meditation" (Zoom only)  the perfect after work practice - about 35 minutes of asana/posture work, then 25 minutes of pranayama and meditation. 
Wednesday Holistic Yoga (gentle, but traditional asana/postures, breathwork, and relaxation)
Friday "Chill Zone" (gentle, restorative and boosts your mood and immune system naturally).

TRY FOR FREE:  During September if you would like to try one of my online classes for free - please do contact me and I'll send you the Zoom Link.   "The Power of Slow" is often over-looked; working slowly, mindfully and with the breath is not only soothing for the nervous system, but in turn boosts both your mood and immune funtion naturally.  It unwinds the fascia, leading to more easeful movement, better posture, supports healing from injuries and  has been shown to reduce pain.  
 

New Podcast
Lock down pushed me to dive into creating Podcasts (audio recordings of meditations, yoga practices, pranayama, helpful tools from Positive Psychology etc).  I don't have a professional microphone, there maybe some occasional background noise, but in truth, I decided that was OK under the circumstances! They're proving popular...Here's the latest one - a meditation for the Crown Chakra; calming and creates clarity.  Enjoy.  
 

And finally...A Natural Fit - More Happy News!

I am delighted to have been accepted as a Weleda Wellbing Advisor.  Having used this company's products for nearly 40 years, particularly the homeopathy and other health-related natural items,  it s a Natural Fit for me.  The company started back in 1921 - and their ethical and sustainable stance hasn't changed - so genuinely the first company of it's kind.  Fully Organic, mostly Bio-dynamic, they have a limited line of products in the shops, but via the Webshop/brochures the full spectrum is available.  

From skin and hair care products, to the wonderful Arnica range (bumps, bruises, sprains and pain), oral sprays for anxiety, sleep or digestive issues, natural dental care, a mother and baby range too, and of course homeopathy - it's an extensive range.  Don't forget the men!  You're included :-) 

This role fits perfectly alongside my own Birch Moon Wellbeing centre's work of yoga, meditation, chant and positive psychology. For decades I have been aware of, and made conscious choices, regarding natural health products, ethical and sustainable companies, animal welfare and fair trade.  As I'm sure you have too.  Weleda offers all this and more.  Here's the link to my Webshop.  If you live locally to me, I put in an order every month.   As a Weleda Wellbeing Advisor I can guide you in making the right choice too.  

P.S. The Arnica Massage Balm is currently proving the most popular order - must be all that gardening!  
I look forward to connecting with you all soon - take care, go gently and embrace every day with gratitude. 

Many blessings, 
Sarena xx