New beginnings are happening in our lives all the time, whether we like it or not. Every day is a new beginning and every change of season is a new beginning. Every plant we plant and every new idea we dream up has the potential to be a new beginning. The possibilities are truly endless!

When deciding that you want to make a change or bring something new into your life, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I really need this? Why?

• Is there enough space in my life for this to come in? If not, how can I create space?

Make a list of all the reasons you desire this change or new element. Then brainstorm how and where in your life you are going to create the space for this.

And this is my little secret to a bright beginning… a yoga practice that fosters space.

Yoga is a wonderful tool for assisting in creating space. Here is a brief overview of how space is created through each of the types of yoga offered here at Bright Beginnings Yoga.

Yoga for Detoxification

Detoxification, or cleansing as I prefer to call it, is in and of itself an act of creating space. As we allow negative thoughts, energy and matter to be processed and exit the body, we open up space for clearer, more creative thoughts, clean energy and more efficient absorption of nutrients. There is an opportunity for body, mind and spirit to rejuvenate, reconnect and synchronise.

Lunar Yoga

When we follow the menstrual cycle, or moon cycle, one of the key practices is letting go of what is no longer serving your highest good. The best time to do this is at full moon, or ovulation. When feminine energy is at its zenith, emotions and feelings rise to the surface and are illuminated, so to speak. Sometimes this can be uncomfortable, but by allowing ourselves experience the feelings through intentional movement, we can shift that which is stuck and we can release that which is no longer needed.

Prenatal Yoga

There’s no escaping it once you are pregnant – that tiny little cluster of cells is going to take up more and more space through 9 months of intense transformation. And as the vessel for this new life, we provide the space. It’s our first opportunity to care for and nurture our baby by making our womb space a welcoming and comfortable environment.

Postnatal Yoga

When baby enters the world, all of a sudden we have less personal space. We have a tiny human attached to us most of the time and when not tending to the needs of our child, the choice between sleeping or getting anything done can drive us crazy. Space for self-care or downtime seems a distant memory. Practising yoga with baby allows a redefinition and acceptance of this altered sense of space. Baby might be in our space most of the time, but if we breathe deeper and relax into the space, there is suddenly more of it.

Family Yoga

Recent world events have certainly highlighted what it can feel like to be couped up in the house with your immediate family for a lengthy period. No doubt parents everywhere will appreciate what a little space can do for the soul, and for family sanity!

As you can see, we can open up space in our lives in so many simple ways. And through yoga, creating space isn’t about seeing how far we can stretch and extend. Core to my teaching philosophy is seeking to share enough knowledge and insight to empower you to listen to your own body and incorporate practices that work for you. Not everything works for or suits everyone - we are all unique - but by learning and practising a few key concepts to create space, you will gain the confidence to continue on your own.

If this concept of creating space has resonated with you, if you want to learn more, I have some free resources that you can access. Simply signup to my mailing list and you will receive:

• A guided meditation for New Beginnings

• An eBook guide to creating space for your New Beginning

• A 25 minute yoga sequence (suitable for all ages and stages) for creating space

This is my gift to you to brighten your beginning.

Photo thanks to Ness Vanderburgh @ The Yoga Loft Launceston