Aromatherapy Yoga

Have you ever had an insatiable desire to just completely switch off. Dim the lights, ear plugs in, nobody’s home type thing? yes, of course you have (especially us women) filling many roles of nurturing, obligation, commitment and service and wearing many hats, juggling various balls while simultaneously riding on a unicycle. After several weeks of feeling like an item of clothing on a quick spin inside a washing machine, I could not wait to reclaim my personal space. Also, the thought of not having to speak and hear the sound of my own voice chirp on for an hour, outside of the usual every day talking - felt like a slice of paradise.

It was a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon – cliché but true and worth mentioning, not a speck of cloud in the pastel blue sky. Upon arrival to The Studio SE6, warmly greeted by Sophie and then set about having a quick wander around. Although it was bright outside - candles were lit and flickered out a gentle glow inside large lanterns dotted along the studio mirror, creating an emotion of tranquility and a captivating atmosphere.

Class was led by Amelia Adrian who has been practicing and teaching Yoga & Meditation for 20+ years and has vast knowledge and experience using Essential Oils in their purest form. Amelia immediately set the tone from the beginning and my shoulders began to loosen, there was a lovely vibe and mutual anticipation amongst the 8 of us in attendance, sitting evenly spaced a part in varying poses - Easy/Sukhasana, Bound Angle/Baddha Konasana and Hero/Virasana.

Amelia guided us softly in and out of poses with the aid of bolsters and blocks and as we glided along, Amelia placed a few drops of oils in the palm of our hand. Oils used were Balance Blend - filled with Coconut, Spruce Leaf, Ho Wood, Frankincense Resin, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile flower and Osmanthus flower and Aromatouch Blend - filled with Peppermint Plant, Basil Leaf, Cyprus Leaf, Marjoram Leaf, Grapefruit Peel and Lavender Flower and also Frankincense and Geranium Oil on its own.

We were encouraged to rub oils in our palms and bring both hands up to our face, cup around our chin and nose and deeply inhale the potent, uplifting aromas – rub our chest, behind our ears and neck and across our shoulders. Amelia’s soothing voice and restorative words carries well across the studio – touching on society and its heaviness and rush culture, health, spiritual awareness and healing and well-being.

Our minds emptied, as we centered attention on our breathing – allowing ourselves to inhale, breathe in and refill lungs with new fresh air and then to exhale and let out a gush of breath. Shoulders back “haaaah” to ease away any tension, worry and concerns. Just completely let go and dive into a state of being in the moment, the here and now…present, eyes closed drifting off into an oasis of calm and nothingness. Silence welcomed and so so comforting. Outside the window, life went on and I could hear birds loudly call, sing and tweet fluttering around the leaves of trees that were swaying and rustling in the breeze.

With each twist and pose there was an alluring scent of oils released from chest, neck, shoulders to accompany and compliment each flow and body movement and then the blended oils circled around me again - like smelling a bouquet, as I rested, still. Safe. This was my first time in a Yoga class using Aromatherapy and the overall experience was absolute bliss. The hour went seamlessly and by the end, Amelia wrapped up class parting with uplifting chitchat and a Namaste; it didn’t feel like class was finished. If anything, it was a new start.

I felt light as a feather walking home – floating in contentment, smiling inside and out. There was a sense of freedom restored and relief. The takeaway reminders I took from class is how imperative it is to put ourselves first while cheerleading and supporting others. Mindfully balance and discern between our inner voice and external noise and simply remain focused on goodness and what truly matters.

I look forward to attending again and class has been one of my highlights in 2023 thus far.

Highly recommend The Studio SE6 and Amelia Adrian - Yoga and Essential Oils.