Words from Dunya on Yoga

As we speak to more and more people with our In-Touch friendly chat service we’re finding that lots of our service users at asking after our tutors and facilitators – so we thought that’s a sign that you might like to hear from Dunya – our super friendly Yoga facilitator.

What have you been doing during lockdown?

Mainly being with my child at home, she is 3 and is becoming very active, but she is happy so that’s the main thing.

I have been thinking a lot about how I can contribute and stay connected to my community during this time and I have been teaching a weekly online yoga class, via Zoom, for Maa Shanti (LINK), which has been great. I’ve also looked to connect with you guys at the Old Fire Station and I’ve made a 30 minutes heart-centred Yoga video for people to do at home.

What’s it like teaching an online class?

It’s different for sure. I kind of imagine that I am with the people, all in a room together, and then I just go and get in the zone letting my mind focus on the Yoga.

Why should people do Yoga as part of their exercise routine now?

Yoga doesn’t just help keep you fit, it helps you to connect the body to the mind and to release the tension and stress stuck in the body. This is especially important when you’re experiencing a situation that can cause tension and anxiety. More than ever, this is the time to take care of our body and mind.

What simple exercise do you recommend when feeling stressed?

I would say the best thing to do when we feel stress or anxious is to slow down the breath. The 3 second breath exercise is easy and accessible to all: Sit comfortably on a chair, with the back supported. Close the eyes. Inhale 3 seconds through the nostrils while you fill the belly with air and exhale 3 seconds through the nostrils while emptying the belly. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Thank you Dunya. 

Please visit www.hng.org.uk/yoga to view Dunya’s 30-minute Yoga video.
Daniel