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Throw away the rule books!
One of the things I like about the practice of yoga is the constant instruction to observe, adapt and adjust. This keeps freshness in the practice. Things are not done as they always have been, or as they always will be. You are always aiming to observe the results and see if they are taking you towards the state you wish to achieve or away from. Is the way you’re working still applicable today, in this moment? Or is it appropriate to try another approach today? So, I have been practising to rock music again. Is it traditional? No! Is it always appropriate? No! But at the moment it gives me energy, it creates a buffer between me and my busy mind, it lets me enjoy staying in the space to practice. Sometimes when I have a lot going on, the gentle music doesn’t seem to reach me, even though other times it lifts my consciousness into an expanded space. Will I be practicing to the Doors, Urge Overkill and Radiohead tomorrow? I don’t know. I will have to observe and see in that moment what takes me towards presence and what away from it. What I do know is, that I hope I can maintain the freshness to adapt each day, with awareness, to what is appropriate for the circumstances of that day, and to what keeps me moving towards the place I want to be. Om Namah Sivaya, rock on!
Thank you to all the wonderful yogis and yoginis who have enquired about our teacher training. Through this exercise I have enjoyed getting to know some of our students a tiny bit more. I have also come to learn, that the end result of being a teacher is not the main motivation for interest in the training program, but more a desire to deepen the experience of yoga. To that end, I would like to encourage those of you who want to deepen your experience to try one or all of the following: Read the books on our recommended reading list in Kam’s article on deepening your practice (click here or ask for a copy). Attend the meditation sessions, this will profoundly change your experience of the asana classes. Attend extra workshops as often as you can during the year. As well as external guest teachers, I am committed to bringing back our technique workshops and philosophy talks so that the classes can continue to be even more rewarding. My apologies for the delay in getting them back on track. I am also toying with a way to bring in a deepening course/guidelines next year. Always feel free to talk to your teachers about the experiences you’re having or any questions that may arise.
Glenn’s workshop is filling although there are a few spots left. Graciously I say thank you to those sweet students who say they get enough out of our classes. However! If you like what you receive from us, Glenn has a good decade of experience more than the most senior of us, has had very thorough training under Mr Iyengar, one of the world’s leading yoga exponents and has a great gift for refining and teaching the subtleties that awaken a practice. You will be surprised at what detail can bring to your practice. So if you feel curious, speak to one of your teachers. This is not for complete beginners (sorry guys) but is open to a broad range of experience levels. (Please note, we require a deposit to hold your place and we have a no refund policy on deposits. Of course we make exceptions but we basically run this system to try and prevent last minute drop outs that mean other students miss out)
The week after Glenn’s will be a semi private session. Semi privates are taught at a ratio of 6 students per 2 teachers. Cost is $20 and we aim to pay a little more attention to specific needs. An occasional semi or full private is very beneficial to fine tune your practice and pay attention to areas of challenge. Full privates are $60 for 75-90 min and are available as per the availability of the teacher or room. . Book with Suzanne or Kath
Kam also teaches meditation privates. It is an excellent way to deepen your practice and only $10 for the hour. Book with Kam.
Then on the 28th Suzanne will give another philosophy talk between 2-4. The theme this time will be practical application of the teachings to life’s challenges. Coin donation welcome but not expected.
Our next (and probably last for the year) social event is on November the 18th. We are very lucky to have local singer/songwriter LOREN playing for us on this very special night. Margs will be providing delicious food, cake and chai. If you pay upfront for the food, the meal, cake and chai are only $10 all up!!!!! We will eat first and chat and then Loren will feed our souls (smile)! There is a $5 donation per person for the music.
It is my sacred duty to discover and inform you of great services/products and venues that support your experience of living a wholistically yogic life. Hence I find myself trying out therapists, cafes, products, sigh...it’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it! On a serious note, my latest discoveries are great ones! Woodlands Heavenly health food shop in James St is not only a great little store packed with high quality healthy living products (pick up a loyalty card from our practitioners shelf), but it is also home to the amazing Greg Harris. Although Greg has massage therapist written on his card, he’s actually much more. I felt put back together after a treatment with him, and quite a few niggling health issues resolved themselves as well. I don’t really want to tell you about him as I don’t want him to get booked out, but I can’t help it, I think he would benefit everyone who comes here. You can find his card and other favourite practitioners on our products shelf.
(if you are a practitioner, please check with Suz before bringing in your cards, as we need to keep cards to a minimum and usually only have room for the practitioners we know).
Yet another reminder to please refrain from wearing any kind of scent at all in class (this includes scented/spray deodorants. This is important to the well being of all students and needs the co-operation of everyone.
Also please keep the space quiet in the yoga room before and after class, feel free to chat and catch up outside in the reception room but don’t get too rowdy!!
Aim to be on your mat and ready to start at the designated class time both so you get the most out of the practice and to create minimum disturbance to others.
Remember to let your teachers know if there is any injury, condition or circumstance that might require extra attention or support, and let us know if any ailment is preventing you coming to class, there are always modifications to be made. A one off private might provide you with the tools to continue practice and remedy the ailment.
And last but not least, if you have any concerns please feel free to let us know, if you enjoy the classes and get benefit, let your friends know!!!
Thank you for another great month
Namaste
Suzanne
Gold Coast Yoga Centre 37/2 8th Ave Palm Beach, yoga88@bigpond.com
www.goldcoastyogacentre.com (07)5534 2883
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