Sam Dyllon - Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness

Let's talk flexibility! Forget about the hyper-mobile Instagram yogis who can twist themselves into inhuman shapes. Flexibility is all about giving your body some wiggle room, both literally and figuratively. Imagine your muscles are like comfy sweatpants – when they're nice and loose, you can move with ease and freedom. But if they're all tight and constricted, like that pair of skinny jeans you keep promising yourself you'll fit into one day, your movements will feel stiff and awkward....

Bend Don’t Break: Why Flexibility Rocks Let’s talk flexibility! Forget about the hyper-mobile Instagram yogis who can twist themselves into inhuman shapes. Flexibility is all about giving your body some wiggle room, both literally …

Grief is a powerful emotion, a complex storm of sadness, anger, loneliness, and longing that washes over us after a loss. It's a deeply personal experience, unique to each individual and the relationship they shared with the one(s) we miss. Yet, many who grieve find themselves struggling with the same overwhelming emotions, feeling lost and unsure of how to move forward....

Finding Solace on the Mat: How Yoga Can Help You Navigate Grief Grief is a powerful emotion, a complex storm of sadness, anger, loneliness, and longing that washes over us after a loss. It’s a deeply personal experience, unique to each individual and the …

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Today, let's talk about something that's been bugging me for a while: the whole "levels" thing in yoga. You know, "beginner", "intermediate", "advanced" – it feels a bit like we're sorting gym socks, not embarking on a profound exploration of our mind-body connection. Don't get me wrong, there's definitely a learning curve - no one waltzes into their first class and casually busts out pārśva-bakāsana (unless they're secretly a yoga prodigy, in which case, colour me impressed!)....

Forget the Levels: Why Yoga is Your Personal Playlist, Not a Ranked Cage Match Today, let’s talk about something that’s been bugging me for a while: the whole “levels” thing in yoga. You know, “beginner”, “intermediate”, “…

Welcome to my yoga community! I’m excited to share my passion for yoga with you.

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a complete beginner, you’re welcome in my friendly & inclusive community.

With Nidrā Club, your first month’s membership is free, and if you decide to subscribe, you can cancel your membership at anytime.

Alternatively, join my live online classes for a mat-based āsana practice. Your first class is free, and you can pay as you go, or buy a Class Pass to save money.

Want to find out if we’ll get along first? I get that! As well as free classes, I have a range of freebies for you to check out!
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Disclaimer: this post dives into some territory that some may consider a bit bumpy. There's no pressure to keep reading if that's not your scene today; remember: self-care is key, and sometimes that means taking a mental break. This post comes from a discussion with a stranger on social media who didn't realise that the sw****ka is a complex symbol with a long history, which - while appropriated, and given a terrible meaning, by N***s, it also holds religious significance in other cultures....

Let’s Talk About the Sw****ka: Unpacking a Powerful Symbol Disclaimer: this post dives into some territory that some may consider a bit bumpy. There’s no pressure to keep reading if that’s not your scene today; remember: self-care is key, and s…

Have you ever felt like you needed a Sáṃskṛta dictionary just to decipher the first five minutes of a meditation video? Don't worry, my fellow zen-curious seekers! Below, I'm going to expand on a few common meditation terms. Before we begin, I want to take a moment to remind you that meditation isn't about unlocking some mystical portal to nirvāṇa (although, if it happens, let me know!)....

Demystifying Meditation Terms: A Beginner’s Guide Have you ever felt like you needed a Sáṃskṛta dictionary just to decipher the first five minutes of a meditation video? Don’t worry, my fellow zen-curious seekers! Below, I’m going to e…

As many of you know, this blog has been my Friday ritual for quite some time now. I've poured my heart and soul into sharing yoga wisdom, practices, and inspiration; and it's been a joy sharing my insights, practices, and inspirations with you on this virtual mat. However, life - like a well-rounded vinyāsa - is all about ebb and flow. ...

From Weekly Flow to Monthly Mantras: A New Chapter on the Mat (and Beyond!) As many of you know, this blog has been my Friday ritual for quite some time now. I’ve poured my heart and soul into sharing yoga wisdom, practices, and inspiration; and it’s been a joy…

Have you ever found yourself chanting along with a sweet Sáṃskṛta phrase during your yoga class, only to wonder, "Is this a mantra or an affirmation?" While some folks toss around the term "mantra" like confetti, there's more to this ancient treasure than meets the ear. So, let's peel back the layers and discover the true magic of mantra! First, let's clear the air: not everything that gets repeated is a mantra; that would be like calling every pair of shoes boots. ...

Mantra Magic: Unwrapping the Mystery Have you ever found yourself chanting along with a sweet Sáṃskṛta phrase during your yoga class, only to wonder, “Is this a mantra or an affirmation?”  While some folks toss around the …

Today, I want to delve into a topic that tugs at the heartstrings of every yogi: building a world steeped in peace & harmony; a world where justice flows like a mighty river, nourishing the roots of every being. We all yearn for it, don't we? A society where compassion reigns, where differences are celebrated, and where the melody of human connection resonates in every corner. ...

Creating a World of Peace and Harmony: How Yoga Can Guide Us to Build a More Just and Equitable Society Today, I want to delve into a topic that tugs at the heartstrings of every yogi: building a world steeped in peace & harmony; a world where justice flows like a mighty river, nourishing the roo…

Let's talk about using our voices, especially online, for good Here's the thing: social media can be a beautiful, messy landscape. It connects us, inspires us, entertains us, but it can also be - let's face it - a bit of a noisy echo chamber. We share sunsets, smoothie bowls, days out, and parts of our āsana practice, but sometimes, when it comes to using our platforms to advocate for others, well, we can get a little quiet....

Namaste and Noisemakers: Using our Platforms for Good Let’s talk about using our voices, especially online, for good Here’s the thing: social media can be a beautiful, messy landscape.  It connects us, inspires us, entertains us, but it ca…

While the world's news has been heavy lately, there's still a glimmer of hope I want to hold onto. After a rough start to 2023, summer (all ten days of it 😬) offered a small but much-needed break. Then came a surprise rotator cuff injury (using the term "injury" loosely 😅), which I'm still recovering from.

Towards the end of the year, Chris made a great career move, leaving a stressful job for one he truly enjoys. It's such a relief to see him thriving, and the better hours and reduced stress are a huge bonus for both of us.

Looking ahead, we're brimming with plans for 2024, health permitting! We're also committed to learning more about the world through unbiased sources and supporting those who need it most. As the saying goes, "none of us are free, until all of us are free.".

So here's to a brighter year, filled with compassion, understanding, and maybe even a little more sunshine (fingers crossed!).

Wishing you all the best in 2024!
🙏🧘‍♀️🤘
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On the surface, yoga might seem like just another fitness trend. Stretching, breathing, chanting "om̐" – what could it possibly have to do with changing the world? Delve deeper, and you'll discover a practice that goes far beyond physical postures. Yoga is a philosophy, a way of life, and within its ancient wisdom lies the potential to ignite a transformation that ripples outward, making us not just healthier individuals, but agents of positive change....

The Transformative Power of Yoga: How It Can Inspire Us to Be Agents of Change On the surface, yoga might seem like just another fitness trend. Stretching, breathing, chanting “om̐” – what could it possibly have to do with changing the world?  Delve deeper, and yo…

A familiar chill hangs in the air, spiced with cinnamon and pine. Carols drift down bustling streets, and twinkling lights paint the world in festive hues. Yes, it's Christmastime, a season of joy, peace on Earth, and goodwill towards all. But this year, as we gather around tables laden with festive foods and sing carols of hope, a dark shadow looms....

Can You Celebrate Christmas While Jesus’ Homeland is Being Bombed & Poisoned? A familiar chill hangs in the air, spiced with cinnamon and pine. Carols drift down bustling streets, and twinkling lights paint the world in festive hues.  Yes, it’s Christmastime, a season …

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of obligations, commitments, and distractions. We often find ourselves juggling work, family, social engagements, as well as personal pursuits, all without taking a moment to reflect on whether our actions align with our core values. However, a misalignment can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction, frustration, and even burnout....

Aligning Our Actions with Our Values: How Yoga Can Help Us to Live More Authentic and Purposeful Lives In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of obligations, commitments, and distractions. We often find ourselves juggling work, family, social en…

Yoga, originating in ancient India, is a multifaceted practice that encompasses physical postures (āsana), breathing techniques (prāṇāyāma), and meditation (dhyāna). In the West, it's commonly associated with physical fitness and stress reduction, yoga's essence delves far deeper, extending beyond the mat and into the realm of personal transformation and ethical living. Its philosophy, deeply rooted in compassion and non-violence, provides a profound framework for cultivating a more harmonious and just world....

Beyond the Mat: How Yoga Can Guide Us to Be More Compassionate and Just in the World Yoga, originating in ancient India, is a multifaceted practice that encompasses physical postures (āsana), breathing techniques (prāṇāyāma), and meditation (dhyāna). In the West, it’s co…

In a world grappling with persistent social inequities, the pursuit of personal wellbeing through yoga can sometimes feel like a contradiction. After all, how can we focus on our inner peace while others face injustice and oppression? The answer lies in understanding the profound connection between yoga and social justice. At its core, yoga is a philosophy that emphasises interconnectedness, compassion, and ahiṃsā, or non-harming....

Yoga and Social Justice: Why Standing Up for What’s Right Is Essential to the Practice In a world grappling with persistent social inequities, the pursuit of personal wellbeing through yoga can sometimes feel like a contradiction. After all, how can we focus on our inner peace while …

In a world grappling with complex social, environmental, and political challenges, the call for activism has never been more urgent; however, engaging in activism can be emotionally draining and overwhelming, leaving individuals feeling burned out and disheartened. This is where yoga can play a powerful role. Yoga, with its emphasis on mindfulness (dhyāna), breathwork (prāṇāyāma), and physical postures (āsana), offers a transformative approach to activism....

Using Yoga to Cultivate a Spirit of Resistance: How to Engage in Activism with Mindfulness and Compassion In a world grappling with complex social, environmental, and political challenges, the call for activism has never been more urgent; however, engaging in activism can be emotionally draining and ov…

It can feel like we're constantly bombarded with news of injustice, both near and far. It can also be easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problems we face, and to lose sight of our own power to make a difference. However, it's important to remember that we can't help others if we are not first able to care for ourselves....

Finding Our Peace in a World of Injustice: How Yoga Can Help Us to Stay Centred and Actively Engaged It can feel like we’re constantly bombarded with news of injustice, both near and far. It can also be easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problems we face, and to lose sight of o…

A supportive yoga community allows you to be authentically you so you can get the best from your mat! 🧘

My yoga classes and clubs allow you to stretch and meditate wherever feels comfortable to you so that you can focus on improving your mental and physical health right away 🧠🥰

It’ll help you to cope with the stress which may even help you solve it quicker anyway! 🤷

Find my online and in person classes in Cumbria on my website 🪷

Or send me a DM 💌

Six-week beginners yoga course 🧘‍♀️

Perfect if you’re new to yoga or you haven't practiced in a while 🪷

We'll cover the basics, including breathing exercises, postures, and relaxation techniques 🕉️

Mats & props provided, you just need yourself and a bottle of water 🥤

If you've got any questions, leave them below or send me a DM 📩

Book your mat from the link in my bio 🔗

I look forward to seeing you there🙏🧘‍♀️🤘

Yoga allows us to extend loving kindness to everyone 🌈

I am beyond proud to be an official friend of Cumbria Pride and a safe place for anybody to practice yoga 🧘🏳️‍🌈

Although we should live in a world where everyone is an ally, I am here to remind you that I am! 🤗

Come along to a virtual or in-person class and allow yourself to stretch, breathe, and reset

🪷 Online group meditation
🪷 Online Yoga Nidrā Club (cancel any time)
🪷 In person yoga at The Temple Arts Collective, Carlisle

✔️ Visit my website to book or send me a DM

Introducing my Yoga Nidrā Club 🎉🧘

The yoga that’s perfect for sleepy, anxious, introverted humans like me 🤗

Want to know THE BEST PARTS about yoga nidrā?!

🛌 You can do it from your bed 😍
🕯️ Candles and fairy lights are advised 😉
💤 Sleep is 100% allowed! 🙌

I am still shocked at how many people do not know about yoga nidrā and how cosy it is. This is why I have a Yoga Nidrā Club, yes it’s that good it needs its own club!! 😉

As we are approaching September - aka the gateway to the cosiest season of the year - yoga nidrā is what you need to keep those anxiety levels low, get some good quality sleep, and improve your overall well-being.

You can sign up via my bio link or send me a DM to find out more (plus you can cancel any time)

Want to know why?

Yoga offers a range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can be particularly helpful for dealing with stress.

If you’ve thought to yourself “I need to be less busy” or “I need to deal with this issue first” before joining a yoga class, I am here to remind you that you do not.

You don’t need anything fancy to take part in and benefit from yoga and meditation 🤷

My yoga classes and clubs allow you to stretch and meditate wherever feels comfortable to you so that you can focus on improving your mental and physical health right away 🧠🥰

It’ll help you to cope with the stress which may even help you solve it quicker anyway! 🤷

You can check out the link in my bio for online yoga classes and in person classes coming up in Carlisle in September 😉🧘

How does yoga nidrā make you feel?🧘🏼

Yoga nidrā is a guided meditation that can help you drift off into deep sleep. When you take part in this practice you feel:
💫 Grounded
💫 Relaxed
💫 Peaceful
💫 De-stressed
💫 Clearer mind
💫Less tension
💫 Tranquil
💫 At ease

My Yoga Nidrā club helps you to introduce relaxation and meditatation in the comfort of your own home 🥰

✅ Visit my profile to find out more👉

Setting up for a great meditation session 🫶

Meditation doesn't have to be complicated but here are a few things you can do to set up for a great session 👇

💫 Have a comfortable surface to sit on, if you don't have dedicated props you can always use a pillow or couch cushions!
💫 Set the lighting mood - I love natural light with a few fairy lights & candles
💫 Have soft things around you - I like blankets, cushions, and sometimes a teddy
💫 Try your best to have that space quiet and to yourself - even if it's just for a little while

💫 Grab your phone or laptop and join in on my online meditation or yoga nidrā classes, check out the link in my bio 🧘🏼

When you join my Yoga Nidrā Club you get your first month free! 🧘🏼

Do you like doing yoga in a group or alone at home?

If you like being in a group, you're going to LOVE this!

I'm going to be be running three classes at festival 🧘🏼

It's going to be an amazing weekend of wellbeing, great food, live music, workshops, entertainment, & exciting activities in their new, tranquil, and beautiful venue: 'Into the Woods', on the edge of the Lake District.

Will you be coming along? I'd love to see you there 🫶