Many of us spent more time at home this year than usual, or than perhaps we anticipated. And whilst 2020 hasn’t been the easier year to navigate for many, lockdown did provide the opportunity to slow down, take, stock and reflect - things we usually do on a yoga retreat. Whether or not we can all meet on retreat this year is uncertain - but read on to discover how you can take the aspects of a yoga retreat and bring them into your own home.

Creativity, Healing, Ideas, Inspiration, YogaMelanie SkinnerNovember 9, 2020lockdown, yoga retret, retreat, slowdown, slowing down, yoga, rest, hawkwood collegeComment

3 ways to slow down and relax into winter

How can we slow down more in winter when our busy lives demand constant action (and we’ve forgotten how to rest)? This blog shares three top tips to help you slow down and step into the flow of nature this winter.

Dancing with depresison

In this blog I explore why autumn is the perfect time to stop fighting your sadness, and instead, learn to dance with it.

Five tips for your best yoga nidra practice (ever)

Five ways to maximise your relaxation time.

Ideas, Insight, InspirationMelanie SkinnerMay 26, 2018Mel Skinner Yogayoga nidra, rest is radical, top tips, advice, rest, slowing down, yoga, practiceComment

From winter to spring

Menstruation, Insight, InspirationMelanie SkinnerMarch 1, 2018Mel Skinner Yogarest, winter, spring, menstruality, slowing down Comments

Hello darkness my old friend

As we slowing start to ascend towards the light, it can be easy to try and ignore the fact that we are still in the wintery darkness. With stillness, reflection and contemplation, the darkness of winter can be a boon to our spiritual practice. Here's why it isn't always about the light.

Insight, CourageMelanie SkinnerDecember 29, 2016Mel Skinner Yogayoga nidra, yoga, meditation, cycles, winter, slowing down, reflection, welcoming, ego, shadow side, darkness, stillnessComment

Feeling the burn?

Whether we're reaching burn out through our work, our lifestyle or our relationships, there isn't a simple solution. For some people giving up work simply won't be an option, or at least not right now. So what can you do to help yourself now?

The curse of doing too much

I'm cutting back on the amount of classes I teach in order to find more space. Sound like a luxury? For me, it's a necessity - and one that doesn't come without a good dose of courage.