Julie Thompson – gentle, restorative yoga for all

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Julie Thompson – Gentle, Restorative Yoga For All

  • Flamborough, East Riding of Yorkshire.
  • 07930868664

About Julie Thompson – gentle, restorative yoga for all

Julie teaches a gentle form of hatha yoga called VINYASA KRAMA YOGA, which simply means gentle flowing movements towards classical yoga postures using the BREATH MINDFULLY.

This is an ideal yoga practice for all ages to help you with good health, flexibility, strength and balance, relaxation and help bring about a positive mindset.

Julie’s taught a wide variety of students including students with M.E, M.S and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, physical disability and depression.

Julie’s been teaching yoga for 10 years and practising yoga for 20 years. Julie trained with Stephen Brandon of Harmony School of Yoga, and was inspired by Steve’s passion for yoga as an holistic way to health and wellbeing. Julie chose this style of vinyasa krama yoga because of its traditional yoga lineage and logical progression.

After qualifying, Julie attended further courses and training with Srivarsa Ramaswami (a life-time student of the world renowned yoga teacher Krishnamacharya). She was also trained with Sribhashyam the son of Krishnamacharya - a precious and privileged opportunity.

Mission Statement:
My personal aim is to empower, uplift and inspire you through the grace of yoga and creativity. I feel passionate about helping people to help themselves and find the peaceful, authentic place within themselves, keeping it simple and uncomplicated.

AHIMSA ARTS - Bringing together the arts of yoga, art, dance, poetry and harp playing.

Julie’s books
Love in Lockdown - a book of poetry, photography and artwork ~available on Amazon or lulu.com

Touching Spirit - a book of poetry (available from Julie)

Julie is an artist offering open studio and commissions (see photographs below)

Julie practises dance and is exploring her own choreography ~ especially within nature.

Julie includes soothing harp playing within yoga sessions.

Julie is available to play her harp at weddings and on special occasions.

Julie is now a trained celebrant.

ONE TO ONE YOGA
Julie offers her own unique approach to help students with yoga therapy, at her home or online.

Julie offers private lessons by appointment at reasonable rates where you can have personal time to create a practise to suit your specific needs and have a practise plan to follow that changes as you progress.

She has a room at the chiropractic plus clinic in Pocklington, where she sees clients. Or at her home.

THIS STYLE OF VINYASA KRAMA YOGA IS SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS AND STUDENTS OF ALL LEVELS

Julie works from Bridlington, Flamborough, Filey including all areas of East Yorkshire to Pocklington and the York area.

OUTDOORS IN NATURE.
EARLY MORNING BEACH

The Benefits of a Mindful Walk



Samples of walking routes around Rosewood Cottage, Flamborough can be found here

'This is a little gem of a find. The cottage, garden and environs has everything that is needed for a comfortable and relaxing break. The cliff walks in the area are beautiful, I especially enjoyed South Landing and the beach and little cafe there. Flamborough village has a Co-op for provisions and a number of pubs, all of which serve food. The Seabird was a favourite. I would recommend making a reservation, as we were disappointed on one night when everywhere was full! Rosewood Cottage is perfect, if I go back to Flamborough, I would definitely stay there again'

'A lovely cottage in a nice quiet, yet convenient, location. It had everything we needed and provided a cosy base to return to after a day out. The sitting area outside was a lovely little suntrap - sheltered from any wind and a great place for afternoon tea. An ideal location to base ourselves as walkers as Flamborough Head, Bempton and Danes Dyke were all within walking distance'

'Lovely little cottage in a fantastic quiet area for exploring the beaches, pubs and restaurants within walking distance'

There are many ways to incorporate mindfulness into our daily routines, both at work and our personal lives. From practicing active listening skills to meditation, mindfulness practices help us focus on the present with curiosity, kindness and acceptance.

Like any mindfulness practice, walking can provide an opportunity to be present—aware of your breath, the sensations in your body and your surroundings. Mindful walking is also energizing because it incorporates movement and is easy to practice because it can be done almost anytime and anywhere, alone or with other people. And if you’re an active person who seldom sits still, combining mindfulness with movement is especially rewarding.

Five Benefits for Mindful Walkers

In addition to the advantages of being outdoors, research shows that a mindful walk brings even more benefits:

1. Reduces stress: Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, but it turns out that mindful walking could be more effective than physical activity alone.

2. Improves mood: In addition to the physiological effects of exercise—which include endorphins (the body’s natural opioids), higher levels of feel-good chemicals in the brain (endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters, etc.) and an increase in core temperature—we also experience a glowing sense of satisfaction at having accomplished something, especially when it’s something good for us. All of these components combine to boost our mood.

3. Lessens fatigue: It seems counterintuitive, but if you’re normally a sedentary person who feels overworked and fatigued, a low-intensity exercise, like walking, can boost your energy levels by as much as 65 percent.

4. Strengthens willpower: Researcher have found that mindfulness helps bolster willpower. So if you’re trying to quit smoking, eating sweets, drinking alcohol or anything else that requires mental fortitude, a mindful walk might help.

5. Connects you with your body: With desk jobs, automobiles, social media and televisions, many of us have lost the connection with our body that was commonplace for our ancestors. Regular movement, especially when done mindfully, provides an opportunity to feel every sensation in your body as it moves through space. When was the last time you noticed how your foot adjusts automatically to uneven ground? Or how your arms move as counterweights as you walk? We take proprioception for granted, but it’s worthy of our attention and gratitude.

Dress comfortably and leave your headphones behind. Take a few breaths before you begin walking and run a quick body scan. Notice how your body and mind feel. Is there tension anywhere? How does the ground feel under your feet? How’s your mood? What’s on your mind? Observe these sensations and feelings without judging them

Take your time. Walk naturally, and set a slow pace initially so that you can focus more easily on the experience. (Walking mindfully is the epitome of “the journey is the destination.”) Pay attention to the sensations you feel physically as your walk. Choose one focal point at a time and linger there, allowing yourself to experience it fully. For example, what is your right foot doing? Is it moving differently than your left foot in any way? Can you feel a breeze against your skin or ruffling your hair? Is there sunshine warming some part of you? What sounds do you hear? Let these observations float through your mind as you walk. Don’t try to keep a mental list or analyze them.

When you’ve finished walking, stop for a moment to notice your breath again and run another quick body scan. Do you feel any different?

A dose of country air is good for you: Tiny doses of POISON released by plants trigger the body's healing mechanism. A walk along the coast, like that above, brings more than simply an escape from the pollution in a city centre, according to toxicologist Michael Moore. He says it exposes our bodies to low levels of toxic compounds released by plants and algae, which can trigger repair mechanisms to help improve the way our bodies work


Rosewood Cottage is in Flamborough with good access to areas of great historical beauty

Flamborough Outer Headland Nature Reserve Local Nature Reserve is a special place with stunning sea views. Somewhere to blow away the cobwebs! This unique triangular headland pointing out into the North Sea is an extension of the Yorkshire Wolds and the most northerly outcrop of chalk in Europe.The combination of hard chalk overlain by glacial material gives rise to a coastal landscape type found nowhere else in Britain.Together with the North Sea, these factors give rise to the presence of wildlife habitats and communities that have unique characteristics.

Flamborough Outer Headland was declared a Local Nature Reserve in 2002

There are few things more restorative than a refreshing walk in the country air, but there may be a surprising explanation for why this makes us feel healthier - it is slightly poisonous. Claims

For most a walk in the countryside can simply be a way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, but recent research has suggested it may be beneficial to our immune systems and lower levels of stress. The new theory suggests biochemicals in the country air may also be acting to make us feel healthier

'Take a stroll by the ocean or in the woods, and you can smell the difference compared to a town or city. It's more than just a lack of pollution.'

Professor Michael Moore, a toxicologist at the University of Exeter and the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, has developed a new theory for why a ramble through the woods or along the coast can be good for us.

'In fact, exposure to low levels of these toxins can be beneficial due to the mild stress they induce, which triggers repair mechanisms and enhances tolerance to bigger doses – an effect known as hormesis.'

His theory may help to explain why walking in the countryside can have such a radical impact on mood and health in people.

While man-made pollution, such as car exhaust fumes, can cause a range of health problems including increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, biologists have never been able to satisfactorily explain the boost a walk in the country can provide.

Recent research has shown that people living in coastal locations take much more exercise than those inland.

Other findings have shown walking in the country can lower blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared to walking in the city.

It is also thought that pollution can interfere with the way the immune system responds, making inflammation more likely.

Professor Moore said urban areas also lack the diversity of biologically derived molecules and this may also help to explain why the countryside can have such a beneficial effect when we go there.

6 reasons why walking is great for your health and wellbeing. Here's why and a few examples of walks from a social stroll, Sewerby Hall to a hike around Flamborough


1. It boosts your energy

Walking improves blood flow throughout the body, particularly to the muscles and brain. 
This increased flow helps us feel more energised, similar to how our bodies feel after exercising.

2. It improves your overall mood

Did you know that walking releases endorphins into our bodies on a regular basis?
One of the benefits of walking on a daily basis is that it allows us to unwind.
Even if it is only for 15 minutes, going for a daily walk is essential and has a significant impact on our mood throughout the day.

3. Walking reduced stress and anxiety

Endorphins are known to not only boost our mood but also to lower our stress levels. 
Being physically active helps lower the risk of clinical depression, and spending more time in nature can also help to quiet the mind.

4. Walking improves your body confidence

Walking is accessible to many, regardless of physical ability. 
This makes it a great activity for individuals who want to include more exercise into their daily routine without putting their bodies through too much strain. 
Walking, despite its simplicity, will provide many of the same advantages as more intense exercise over time.

5. Walking helps to improve your sleep routine

Walking not only increases our energy levels, but it also increases our level of rest! Regular exercise can help us achieve deeper sleep and improve our sleep patterns. Walking is especially beneficial for people who have difficulty sleeping at night.

6. Walking brings more social opportunities

Being sociable is an important aspect of everyone’s well-being, and many people try to combine physical activity with social activities. Walking is an excellent option for those who want to get out and appreciate their environment with friends and family.
Various durations and dates but mostly each week. Please telephone to find out when these are taking place. A great way to meet new friends!
Free guided walks for all ages and abilities aimed at anyone who has an interest in walking or wants to slowly introduce exercise into their daily routine as part of rehabilitation from illness, injury or to get fit. We offer a range of walks starting from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The most important thing is that you start where you are at and gradually build up to the longer walks.
What do I need for walking?
Walking is almost perfect exercise, requiring no expense, almost anyone can do it, it can be done anywhere at any time, it is the best way for people from all walks of life to become more active gradually. All you need are a good pair of shoes, that are comfortable, provide good support and don’t cause blisters. Loose fitting clothing allows you to move more freely. Wear thin layers rather than heavy clothing. If it’s a hot day take a bottle of water.
Are the walks wheelchair and buggy friendly?
Due to the terrain around the East Riding some walks will not be suitable for wheelchair users and buggies. If you would like to come on a walk and are in a wheelchair please contact the Healthy Lifestyles Development Officer to check to see whether the walk is accessible.
Do I need to book?
No need to book, just turn up 15 minutes before the walk starts.
Can I bring a dog?
Please call beforehand to check. If a dog is allowed on the walks they must be on a short lead that won’t trip up any fellow walkers.

Flamborough's best walks and hikes on the map. The top 15!


Hikes around Flamborough discover one of the gems of the Yorkshire Coast, a small village surrounded by rugged white cliffs and windswept trails. At the heart of the Flamborough Head Headland Heritage Coast, the village is surrounded by magnificent objectives.

The headland itself is an 8-mile (13 km) promontory that stretches out into the North Sea. Smugglers’ coves, historic lighthouses and majestic wildlife await on rambles along the coast. Bird lovers will be in their element; the chalk cliffs are important breeding sites for thousands of northern gannets, kittiwakes and Atlantic puffins. Visit Bempton Cliffs between April and October to witness England’s largest population of seabirds.

Some of the finest walks around Flamborough explore Danes Dyke Nature Reserve, a glorious wooded ravine that’s home to an ancient earthwork. Wildflowers are abundant through spring and summer, when you can also hear the distinctive call of the resident cuckoos. After a day on the trails, Flamborough’s many fish and chip shops, eateries and inns will be only too happy to serve up your refuel.