Category Archives: Uncategorized
Reiki – A Teesside Yogi’s experience
Reiki in Middlesbrough, Stockton and Teesside – Where to practice.
On one of my many trips to practice Yoga and Meditation on Koh Phangan, I decided to participate in the local Reiki I & II course. When I was there, I made a very good friend Rashaun and had an amazing experience with Taryn, the lady who runs the courses on Koh Phangan. This was circa 2015, it seems like a lifetime ago, however I still use the skills and knowledge learnt from this experience daily in my practices and in my teaching.
There are many benefits to practicing Reiki and learning it with a skilled, well learned teacher can really help with mental wellbeing.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese deep relaxation technique, which invokes a deep meditative state for the receiver. The practitioner works with the bodys energy, known as Qi in Japanese, by placing hands on specific points on the body. This helps to bring calm and a sense of peace and tranquility.
It helps to move blocked energy within the body, which can cause feelings of unease, anxiety and low mood. When our energy flows freely, our energy levels increase, which leads to feelings of peace, calm, tranquillity, improved mood and wellbeing.
What are the benefits of Reiki?
Reiki helps to soothe the nervous system, bringing a peace of sense and calm to the body. It can help lower blood pressure and help with certain mental ailments such as anxiety and depression. It can improve sleep patterns. It can also help with working through difficult feelings and emotions, improving clarity.
Teachers and practitioners in Teesside.
There are many teachers and practitioners within Teesside practicing Reiki. I would recommend Jenni Crowther and Jo Taylor for sessions in Teesside. They are two well learned practitioners and rate them both highly.
Do you practice Reiki? What are your experiences? Team AMALA would love to hear from you!
About The author:
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Move It or Lose It! teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK.
For more information on Aimee and the services she offers, contact her VIA www.amalateesside.com or www.facebook.com/amalateesside
Yoga Guisborough – Gentle Yoga & Gentle Exercise for Seniors
As well as running a Gentle Yoga class, Aimee is setting up a New Community Class at My Core Wellbeing , Guisborough.
Booking for both classes in-person is officially open!
Would you or a loved one benefit from these social gentle exercise classes?
Move it or Lose it! is designed for those 50+ and where normal exercise classes aren’t accessible.
Improve Flexiblity, aerobic capability, balance and strength in a warm, welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, whilst being social and having fun!
As the class size is limited to 8 people till we can return to normal on June the 21st, I will be taking online bookings for classes.
This will be on a 1st come 1st served basis.
2.30-3.30pm on Tuesdays at My Core Wellbeing in Guisborough.
If you would like to book you or a loved one onto the class, please email info@mycorewellbeing.com, where we can get you signed up!
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Aimee 
www.amalateesside.com
Wellbeing Spotlight 101: Interview with Nyxie
Today’s spotlight focuses on Nyxie of Nyxie’s Nook. We spoke about her work, blog and how it helps with her mental wellbeing.
What is Nyxies Nook?
Nyxie’s Nook is a blog based largely on mental health and wellness. I began the blog as a way to progress my relapse into anorexia nervosa in 2019, and it’s since become a place for me to talk about recovery, among other mental health issues. I speak candidly about all things recovery, depression, anxiety, sexual health and various other topics, some more controversial than others. I’ve also been known to talk about the inequalities here in Northern Ireland in regards to sexuality, gender and gender norms.
1. Why were you drawn to blogging about self-care and illustrations initially?
I was drawn to blogging as a way to process and manage my own mental health issues. What started out as me simply writing, turned into writing about things that mattered and getting my voice heard. While I still write for pleasure, a lot of my writing is published either on my blog or elsewhere.
My love for illustrating has always been there, but it was smothered for years by persistent imposter system. While in lockdown in 2020 I picked up my sketch pad and fell in love again. Shortly after returning to my day job, a friend of mine announced she was working on a book. I was asked to illustrate and I haven’t looked back since.
2. When did you make the leap to dedicating more time to these avenues?
While I work part time serving food, my other part time job is writing and illustrating. It doesn’t bring in much, but it’s a great way to earn an extra bit of ‘pocket money’ for things to do with my blog, and even for various art supplies.
3. Can you recommend 3 of your favorite elements (products/activities) that you use as part of your self-care routine?
I frequently play video games to wind down in the evenings. At the moment I’m obsessed with my Nintendo Switch and the game, Stardew Valley.
I also highly recommend chilling out in bed with a good book of your choice. At the moment I’m living for all things true crime and I’m reading through various non-fiction books about serial killers. It’s a bit of a change from my usual ‘wellness’ material, but I’m really enjoying the change up.
Finally I can’t recommend the positive power of a feel good TV show more. When I’m feeling low or drained of all energy, I turn to sitcoms such as ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’ or ‘New Girl.’ If I’m in need of an extra boost, ‘Queer Eye’ has never steered me wrong.
3. What does self-care mean to you?
“It’s about recharging my batteries”
Nyxie
I often asked myself this question. To me it personally means relaxing and doing what I want to do. What I consider to be relaxing, may be different from you, but there’s nothing better than laying in bed or on the couch, sketch pad or Nintendo Switch in hand, and a good TV show. It’s about recharging my batteries, not thinking too much and taking myself away from social media.
4. What would you like readers to know about self care?
Self-care is unique to everyone. It’s what you want it to be. While some of the generic things will apply, don’t be afraid to discover new things that make you feel good, relaxed and, above all else, happy.
5. Tell us your experience of being a blogger and illustrator.
It’s tough. Writing and illustrating is hit or miss, and while some months I might be busy, there are other times where I can’t get so much as a sale. That’s just how it is. You also have to feel like a failure, but to push through anyway.
6. Are there any tips that you can share with our readers about self care?
- What you class as self-care may be different to someone else. While some enjoy sitting down to a 20 minute yoga session, you may prefer to bake or clean or play video games. No shame. You do you.
- Self care is 100% necessary. Downtime is necessary. Without either, we run the risk of burnout.
- Self-care isn’t about coming home day after day and going to bed. It’s alright in moderation, but if this is your daily routine, it may be time to look at other things. This sort of behaviour in my experience is self-soothing, which can only exacerbate mental illness symptoms.
- Ten minutes of self-care is better than nothing. You don’t have to schedule an entire day or even afternoon. Just 10 minutes can be beneficial.
Thanks so much, Nyxie. We have really enjoyed interviewing you for our mental wellbeing spotlight!
To find out more about Nyxie and her work, you can check out these online avenues…
Social medias include:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nyxtrix
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nyxiesnook
Website: www.nyxiesnook.com
About The author:
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Move It or Lose It! teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK. Aimee teaches in Norton, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Guisborough and Redcar and Cleveland, as well as offering online classes.
To find out more, visit www.amalateesside.com
Yoga in Middlesbrough – Philosophy – Ahimsa (Non Violence)
Yamas & Niyamas – Ahimsa…
As life starts to take more turns with the easing of lockdown, many do not wish to lead fast-paced lives like perhaps they were before lockdown. With many looking to continue to work from home and have more free-time, more and more people are being drawn to Yoga and Meditation.
This is due to people wanting to have more space in their lives for themselves and their loved ones. Slowing down and taking time to pause and be reflective is a form of self-care. Perhaps, focusing on finding meaning and being kinder to themselves.
Basically, people want to practice Ahimsa more.
Ahimsa – What does it mean?
Ahimsa is a Sanskrit word which translates to ‘no harm’ or ‘no violence’ in English.
Ahimsa Philosophy
It can be found in the 1st limb of Ashtanga Yoga and is one of the five Yamas. (Yamas are ethical standards and a code of conduct in the Yoga Sutras).
Implementing Ahimsa into life (on and off the mat)…
Ahimsa is one of the most important aspects of Yoga. Being able to do Asana is a very valuable thing and we learn a lot from it. However, if we don’t practice Ahimsa, or grow from our practice and incorporate Ahimsa and the other Yamas into our lives, Yoga might as well be a gym class to us.
Ahimsa means no harm. This means to any living beings, including yourself In both action and thought.
Peace begins with no violence and no harm. To be truly at peace, you have to be at peace with yourself and others, internally as well as externally.
When we are mean, nasty or violent towards others, it is normally an outward projection of what we are feeling inside (often referred to as the mirror theory). If we want to see change in the world, we have to start with ourselves. Once we are at peace with ourselves, we can start to drive positive change in the world.
When people treat us a certain way, or things aren’t going the way we planned in this world, when we are hard on ourselves… feelings of shame, guilt and disappointment manifest. Sometimes, we can all be guilty of expecting too much of ourselves, the people around us or the world in general. When things don’t go our way, for whatever reason, harmful feelings can start to creep in, which causes us harm and has the potential to cause others harm.
If we start to practice Ahimsa, we start practicing unconditional love and compassion. The more we practice yoga, the more we start to feel this within ourselves as we become at one and united with the world around us.
Yoga & Meditation
Yoga and meditation makes us look at ourselves and our lives internally so that we can work on turning negative aspects of ourselves into positives, without acting on this externally, an aspect of practicing ahimsa.
Loving Kindness…
Practicing Metta (Buddhist Loving Kindness) Meditations ( Burgs (Love VS Virus) on Youtube) is a wonderful place to start incorporating Ahimsa into our lives. Also, practicing yoga gracefully, without forcing things as well as incorporating the other Yamas into our lives, can really allow us to open up and practice Ahimsa both on and off the mat.
At AMALAwellness classes, whether it is Yoga, Meditation or Move it or Lose it! Classes, we always incorporate a sense of gentleness to practice.
Do you practice gently, do you practice Ahimsa? I’d love to hear from you!
For information and bookings….
For more information and bookings, please contact us using the following:
Email: Amala.teesside@gmail.com / aimee.bell@moveitorloseit.co.uk
Facebook: AmalaTeesside / Move it or Lose it Teesside
Or you can use our contact form here.
About The author:
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Move It or Lose It! teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK. Aimee teaches in Norton, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Guisborough and Redcar and Cleveland, as well as offering online classes.
To find out more, visit www.amalateesside.com
Easing lockdown – Yoga & Meditation
Middlesbrough & Stockton classes
-Transitioning back to in person classes –
*Main image by a talented local photographer: https://www.stephenhornseyphotography.co.uk/ *
AMALAwellness – Yoga in Teesside will be starting classes back in person on the 17th of May 2021. Spaces will be limited and booking is essential. Please contact us if you wish to book a space in a class.
Classes will return to normal, if the roadmap is OK to follow on the 21st of June 2021. So, if you couldn’t book a space this time, you will be more than welcome to book then.
Protocol for classes
For all classes, a mask will be needed for entering and leaving the building (unless medically exempt).
You can remove the mask when seated on your mat/chair and practicing.
When leaving, a mask will need to be worn.
2M + must still be adhered to, so please respect others spaces when setting up and practicing.
Please sanitise hands before class and bring your own mat.
If equipment is used, Aimee will sanitise these before and after class.
Please keep your personal belongings by your ‘space’ to avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces around the hall.
– What classes are still available online? –
We will keep Move it or Lose it! online, however the time will change from 3:00-4:00pm to 4:00-5:00pm.
– Looking after ourselves as we transition out of lockdown –
As we start to exit restrictions, many of us may be feeling stressed, anxious or exhausted. Even with the worst hopefully behind us, the effects can still be felt. If this is you, you’re not alone.
As things start to lift, getting used to the new normal will be challenging for us all. Make sure to look after yourself as we start to transition.
Yoga, meditation, Gentle exercise, relaxation and creating a stress-free home environment is so important, now more so than ever. At AMALAwellness we have a regular class timetable designed to help deal with the lockdown blues, maintain good mental health and keep active.
– Need to contact us? –
If you have any questions, please contact us on:
www.facebook.com/amalateesside
or email us on amala.teesside@gmail.com or aimee.bell@moveitorloseit.co.uk
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Move It or Lose It! teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK.
Find AMALAwellness yoga and meditation classes in Teesside and online.
Work with me
Always looking for exciting opportunities to collaborate in-person and online.
I am always looking for exciting opportunities to collaborate with companies, charities, support services and local entrepreneurs across Middlesbrough, Stockton and further afield! Whether it is setting up a regular class, running a workshop, collaborating on a local project or working on an online project, I would love to hear from you.
I always take the time to reply to any enquiries within 24-48 hours on a week day. (Usually weekends too!).
Looking to hire a Yoga, Meditation or Gentle exercise teacher?
I offer services across Teesside for:
- Chair Yoga
- Gentle Yoga
- Hatha Yoga
- Meditation
- Relaxation
- Yoga Philosophy
- Gentle exercise classes
- Move it Or lose it! Classes
- Chair + Chair supported exercise classes
I have, and continue to do work alongside local community centres and Yoga Studios, as well as running classes independently.
If you’re based in Teesside and would like to enquire about services, please contact me:
(amala.teesside@gmail.com // aimee.bell@moveitorloseit.co.uk)
– Blogging opportunities –
Blogging can be challenging to break into. Let us help.
We offer guest posts with a backlink to your site, as well as opportunities to backlink phrases to well-written content in our blogs.
If this interests you, please get in touch.
Work with AMALAwellness – Yoga in Teesside
If you would like to guest blog for us, or collaborate in different ways, please contact us on
Amalateesside@gmail.com / aimee.bell@moveitorloseit.co.uk
Facebook : www.facebook.com/amalateesside / www.facebook.com/moveitorloseitteesside
Or our contact form.
I look forward to hearing from you soon! 🙂
About The author:
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Move It or Lose It! teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK.
To find out more, visit www.amalateesside.com
Beginners Yoga in Middlesbrough
Beginners Yoga in Middlesbrough – at AMALAwellness we cater for beginners and improvers in all of our Yoga and Meditation classes. We run classes in Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland.
We also offer private one-on-one classes, on zoom and in-person, as well as running Move it or Lose it! classes across Teesside.
**Main image from a local, talented photographer known as Stephen Hornsey.**
Starting a new Journey…
People decide to come to Yoga & Meditation classes for a vast array of different reasons.
From weight loss, to improving flexibility, strength, feeling a sense of community to alleviating the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
A comprehensive list of things needed to start your yoga journey can be found here.
Why is AMALAwellness good for beginners looking to practice Yoga?
Aimee has had a regular practice since 2013 and a daily practice since 2017.
She has over 470 hours of Yoga teacher training and professional development, with bodies such as Yoga Alliance and Yoga Alliance Professionals.
Experience and Knowledge
Aimee’s practice has grown with her. When she first started Yoga, she couldn’t touch her toes and suffered with anxiety. Yoga and meditation had such a positive effect on her life, that it transformed her physical and mental health. Aimee quit her 9-5 job as a Scientist to travel and practice Yoga around the world. Upon return to Teesside, she decided to set up her own business to teach people the tools she has learnt from her teachers and on her travels to help people transform their physical and mental wellbeing.
Aimee has ran 6 Week Beginners Courses with local Studios in Teesside and knows how to accommodate for all levels within a class.
Aimee is also trained in teaching Yoga and Gentle Exercise for Mobility, as well as experienced in teaching seniors and Yoga in studio and gym settings. Aimee has progressed in her practice, studying and learning from an array of experienced teachers from all over the world. Aimee has a range of knowledge and experience which means whatever your ability or goal, she can cater for you.
Reflections on being a beginner and a focus on progression….
Remembering what it felt like to be a beginner, Aimee always take a holistic approach to practice. Movement is important for both physical and mental wellbeing, but at AMALAwellness we focus on philosophy and meditation to teach Yoga in its entirety.
Aimee always explains postures, breathwork and meditation techniques to make sure that the practice is suitable for beginners and helping improvers to advance.
More than just a gym class…
Meditation, gentle breathwork and philosophy are intertwined with a phyiscal asana practice. This makes the practice suitable for beginners and improvers, with postures differentiated for those looking to improve their postural practice.
A focus on Community, with a fun, light-hearted and friendly atmosphere…
Classes always have a community feel, where people feel welcome. We focus on inclusivity and believe community and a non-judgemental space where people can enjoy practice should be at the fore-front of lessons.
We also practice meditation and relaxation techniques, allowing the mind to practice being still and peaceful.
Beginners Yoga in Middlesbrough -Affordable classes with a community feel…
Aimee teaches in Community Centres such as:
- Ragworth Community Centre – Stockton & Norton
- Norton Grange Community Centre – Norton
- St Mary’s Church Hall- Nunthorpe
- Academy 17 – Ormesby
AImee also teaches in Guisborough.
Classes can be drop in – so you can try before you commit to anything. You can also book onto a block of lessons, to really give the class a go. Block bookings are cheaper, but our drop-in rates are still really affordable too.
Aimee also works with My Core Wellbeing to bring accessible, affordable Yoga to those that need it. To see the full range of classes, please see our comprehensive list here.
What else does AMALAwellness offer?
As well as Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Beginners Yoga and Meditation classes, we offer Move it or Lose it! Classes – running across Teesside and online.
Move it or Lose it! classes help encourage and motivate people so they enjoy later life. We encourage top to toe workouts to help people stay active and feel fit for LIFE! Our aim is to help people to stay active and independent – especially those with mobility challenges. Our classes are fun, friendly and help build a sense of community.
Would you like to give one of our classes a try? Why not contact us for more information. You can complete the contact form here, or email Aimee directly at:
aimee.bell@moveitorloseit.co.uk
or
amala.teesside@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Inner Peace Meditation Quotes that inspire…
A collection of Eckhart Tolle and Dr Wayne Dyer Quotes to inspire you on your Yoga and Meditation Journey…
Inner Peace Meditation Quotes – We know that Inner Peace can be attained through Meditation. Sometimes we need a bit of inspiration to keep us on the right path. Dr Wayne Dyer and Eckhart Tolle are spiritual meditation practitioners and authors. They help inspire people to meditate and lead more peaceful lives. Since I changed my life to be more peaceful and still, I often find solace in books wrote by these two men.
Here’s a collection of quotes from Wayne Dyer and Eckhart Tolle that I found inspirational in my Yoga and meditation journey and hopefully you will too!
– Eckhart Tolle Quotes about Inner Peace Meditation –
“Invite stillness into your life.” – Eckhart Tolle
“Where there is anger, there is always pain underneath” – Eckhart Tolle
– Wayne Dyer Quotes –
“The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of the state of your mind.” – Dr Wayne Dyer
“Peace is the result of training the mind to see life as it is, not as it should be.” – Wayne Dyer
“With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.”. – Wayne Dyer
“How people treat you is their karma, how you react is yours.” – Dr Wayne Dyer
What are your favorite inspirational quotes? Do you have any other quotes or spiritual inspirations you would like to share? I’d love to hear from you!
About The author:
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Move It or Lose It! teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK.
To find out more, visit www.amalateesside.com
Wellbeing Spotlight: Helen of Natural Beauty with Baby
We recently interviewed Helen, local natural beauty blogger based in Norton, Teesside.
We love connecting with people in Teesside who have a focus on mental and physical wellbeing. When I seen Helen’s social media I thought she was the perfect candidate to interview.
Her website: https://www.naturalbeautywithbaby.com
Her instagram handle: naturalbeautywithbaby
She has a passion for wellbeing, motherhood, natural beauty products and blogging.
– Please introduce yourself –
I’m Helen, mum to Jonah and Cara. We live in Norton in Stockton on Tees. I started my blog, Natural Beauty with Baby, in 2017. I’ve always had tricky skin and a preference for clean beauty, and this became even more relevant during my pregnancy. Once my son was born I felt a huge urge to share the natural beauty products we were all using, and it somehow became a lot larger than I thought it would. I’ve met so many amazing people through my blog. There’s a really gorgeous community online and it’s easy to build genuine relationships with beauty brands and bloggers.
1. Why were you drawn to blogging about self-care products initially? When did you make the leap to using plant based products?
I’ve always had a desire to help people but have never felt very comfortable in the spotlight. My blog is the perfect platform to share my belief that we really need to take care of ourselves before we can care for others. Love starts with the self. I’ve always leaned towards plant based products but I do value the benefits of some select animal ingredients such as beeswax and honey from local suppliers.
2. Can you recommend 3 of your favorite products as part of your self-care routine?
1. Ila Spa Life In The Fast Lane 432hz Temple Balm. This calms my nerves when my energy is disrupted and I’m feeling frazzled. I take a moment to press it into my temples and find some calm.
2. Eve and Keel Surrender Roller. Perfect for moments when the children are getting a little noisy or when I’m finding it hard to let go of my daily chores to just be with them.
3. Liha Gold Shea Butter. Great for the whole family and so versatile. The fragrance is amazing, smokey and comforting.
3. What does self-care mean to you?
Self care isn’t just the products we use. It’s the relationship we nurture with ourselves. So this could be about asking, “how do I feel today?”, “what is my skin telling me about my health?”, and “where do I feel stress?”.
It’s so important as a parent or carer of any kind to be able to take the time to return to yourself and find out how you’re doing.
4. What would you like readers to know about plant based beauty?
Plant-based beauty has been used through the ages to soothe and heal the body, mind, and spirit. Now, science backs up the power of plant based ingredients. Plants have such energy, and folklore too. It’s fascinating to learn more about the effects and history of ingredients. And choosing plant based helps us to become more aware how our choices impact ourselves and the wider world.
5. Tell us your experience of being a mother.
Motherhood is the most challenging but most rewarding life experience. Everything I thought I knew about myself before I had kids got turned upside down. I learned so much about my own personality through becoming a mother. I also learned a lot about my own mother and her challenges. It really opens up a new world. I think motherhood tends to be undervalued in society, yet it shapes future generations, their attitudes and beliefs and how they treat one another. Once I became a mother I realised the gravity of it. That’s why self care is important to me because it’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day and not realise how important you really are, to these little people and to the future world.
6. Are there any tips that you can share with our readers about healthy ways to feel good with little ones?
Show them how to care for their skin while young. Teach them about plants that heal. Forage for natural things together. Let them make and play with creams and balms, the textures are so much fun. Take baths together. Massage. Show them how to love themselves.
Thank you Helen, for taking the time to be interviewed and be in the AMALAwellness spotlight!
About The author:
Aimee is a Yoga, Meditation and Move It or Lose It! teacher in located in Middlesbrough, England, UK.
To find out more, visit www.amalateesside.com