This is a blog all about stretching and releasing...

Stretching and letting go at all levels of your being: physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically and spiritually.

As you stretch, you grow. As you release, you allow the vitality of your soul to fill up those spaces.

Are you making room in your life to stretch yourself?

Do you have the space you need to release what no longer serves you?

At the moment collectively, we are letting go of old paradigms. Old rules, culture and beliefs that no longer serve us.

Speaking out from oppression, stepping into authentic ways of being, cultivating a respectful stance towards the environment and animals.

It is likely you are feeling something in yourself too which is shifting, perhaps along one of these themes. If so, then assigning space for stretching and releasing is essential to the process.

Change is not always easy, so consider some of these tips to help you flow more easily through the process...

STRETCH & RELEASE PHYSICALLY

Yoga is a great all-rounder for stretching the body and synchronising body, mind and spirit.

Massage or some form of bodywork to stretch and release your muscles and tissues, to let go of tension. In Oxford I highly recommend osteopath Hannah Parr and massage therapist Bella Aris.

Let go of unhealthy foods or drinks, and reap the benefits as your system can start to thrive without being overloaded.

STRETCH & RELEASE MENTALLY

Stretch yourself by setting a new personal goal - make sure it is achievable and realistic, while also offering you room to expand.

Journalling is a fantastic way to explore your mind, thoughts and beliefs. Especially when you are working through a particular issue, it can be so enlightening to look back and see how far you really stretched yourself.

Trying something new is a great way to flex those mental muscles, whether it is a new group, sport, hobby or skill. Step out of your comfort zone and watch yourself develop.

Give yourself permission to simply be, to release the constant mental pressure you place on yourself day in, day out. Allow yourself to have rest time from this intensive and stressful mode of living.

STRETCH & RELEASE EMOTIONALLY

Writing is a great form of release, as is any creative activity. It could be art, singing, poetry - and it doesn't have to be for anyone else but you. Use this as a creative release and opportunity for self-expression. If you have doubts about your creative capacity, then think of it as a form of stretching too!

Letting go of old patterns of emotional behaviour is hugely liberating. It isn't always pretty, but if you can allow space to stretch yourself, you can shift into a lighter way of being. Work alongside a therapist so you have someone to hold the space and help you navigate through.

Open your heart to more joy, love and compassion. Find the places and moments where you feel most emotionally connected - it might be with animals, in a voluntary role, with family...

STRETCH & RELEASE SPIRITUALLY

Allow yourself to release what you no longer need when you dream... and allow your dreams to offer you new promises and potential too. What messages are you receiving in your dreams?

Spend time in nature, allowing yourself to breathe deeply. Meditate too - or inside if its getting a bit chilly in your part of the world!

Stretch your spiritual side with Creative Kinesiology or Energy Therapies, and discover the vast mystery of your soul and your purpose.

And a little more yoga is great for the soul, too!

Would you like to release something in your life? Email bryony@creativesoultherapies.com

Oxfordshire Osteopath, Hannah Parr, can be contacted on parr.osteopathy@gmail.com

Massage Therapist Bella Aris can be contacted through her website www.oxfordwellwoman.co.uk (female clients only)