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Newsletter November/December 2007
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 | | Namaste Yogis & Yoginis
Maybe I’m just getting old, but I am often amazed at how early things at school and work wind down “because it’s Christmas” or wind up slowly “because it’s only just been the holidays”. It wasn’t like that in my day!! (see, I am getting old!!) We used to keep working right up until the last day of term, then after lunch we’d clean the classroom and if we did a good job we might get to have an early mark on that last day. The early wind down/slow wind up sounds good in theory, but what I’ve actually noticed is the increased length of time out creates not rest, but a sense of limbo, restlessness instead. The right amount of structure allows us to focus our energy. Not enough structure and energy tends to dissipate. Of course too much structure restricts energy flow so is not advisable either. As Buddha, Goldilocks and all the greats advocate: moderation, middle path, not too much or too little. So in your own lives, and with your practice, notice how you feel when you slacken off (especially if you have noticed a vague restlessness/boredom lately). Notice how you feel when you choose to stay industrious even when others around you are taking it easy. Notice how it feels to overwork and not rest at all. Find the right balance. In your yoga, you might practice a little less over Christmas, but see how it feels to stay gently consistent, and reap the rewards. Instead of coming out the other end overfed and exhausted, wouldn’t it be great to feel refreshed and ready for the New Year in stead?? Pick up a copy of our Christmas timetable, or check the website and answering machine to plan your holiday practice times . I have included a list of some poses that are helpful over the holiday season; feel free to ask your teachers if you are unsure of how to practice them properly.
HOLIDAY POSES
Virasana:Sit in a kneeling position with your heels either side of your hips. Rest your hands in your lap. Spine upright, and focus on the breath for 5-10 mins. As you are staying a little longer in the pose, make sure you have support under your buttocks, such as a folded towel or blanket, to take the pressure off your knees. If you are a little stiff, you can straddle a bolster (or equivalent). Advanced students can lie back in the reclined position. Come out of the pose gently, and massage around the knee joint, before getting up and putting weight on knees. This is excellent for alleviating the discomfort of overeating/rich foods. It stimulates the digestive meridians. Also works well if you are feeling nauseous, or sluggish. If you can’t sleep because of a full stomach/eating too close to bedtime, this pose will work wonders.
Legs up the wall:Lay on on your side on the floor with your buttocks against the wall. Roll over onto your sacrum swinging the legs up the wall. Place hands on belly, breath into your hands/belly for 5 breaths. Then let your arms rest beside you and relax 10-20 mins. NB: it is important that your sacrum is supported fully, so if it doesn’t rest heavily on the floor, place folded blankets underneath until it feels comfortable. If you have very tight hamstrings, you can place legs onto a chair instead of up the wall, and relax. If your head tilts back, you may use a blanket to bring it back to neutral. Great for: restoration and rejuvenation, especially if you are tired from doing/giving too much. Refreshes legs and sacrum after long hours on the feet (e.g shopping or cooking) Replenishes your energy resources.
Supta Baddha Konasana:Lay on the ground with the soles of your feet together and knees dropped out to the side. As a longer stay is recommended, roll a blanket/towel under each thigh to support the leg and take any stretch out of the groin/hip area. If no pain in shoulders arms can rest over head, alternatively let them relax out to the side. 10-20 mins. Restorative after illness, partying, during menstruation, any time the liver is under more burden. Will lift energy levels and relax. Can also help some headaches. (make sure you are hydrated in case of headache) Helps body process toxins and opens lungs to breath.
Savasana:Lay on floor. As needed, support the head with a folded blanket to bring the neck in line with the spine. If your lower back is sensitive, place a rolled blanket/bolster under the knees, then relax for 10-20 minutes. It is important to be comfortable because in savasana, you hope to let go of all worldly connections, which include physical sensation. Fantastic for relaxation, to let go of the world and create a refuge from where you can let go of tensions, frustrations, emotions and thoughts; create a sense of centre & strength within to support you through stressful times; and integrate the serenity and space you feel during savasana into every cell of your being. Savasana is one of the most important poses in yoga for many reasons, essential at this time of year.
YOGIC GIFT GIVING
People often complain of consumerism at this time, but there are options.
Many organisations such as World Vision, Childfund, Oxfam all over gift options that help communities as well as let your loved one know you are thinking of them.
Check out www.childfund.org.au/dwd or www.worldvision.com.au/smiles
Use enviro friendly wrapping e.g recycled paper/make your own, or go Japanese style wrapping your present in fabric, that can be used over and over. Save on a card by wrapping your present in plain paper and writing your message on the paper itself. Newspaper makes great wrap when teamed with interesting fabric as a ribbon!!
Speak with your friends beforehand and suggest you give each other the gift of time. Put time aside to enjoy a really nice meal together, or go for a picnic.
Bake; give the things you bake as presents. Even better if you bake with friends!!!
REMINDERS FOR THE HOT SEASON:
Bring a towel to place on blankets as we start to sweat.
Sweating increases the impact of perfumes/oils. As usual no perfume, scented oils, and please be aware that some spray/novelty deodorants are also very strong. (non-scented/crystal deodorants are a great option.
If you have sensitive eyes, you can place a tissue between your eyes and the eye pillow. This can be especially helpful if you have been sweating and essential if you have any eye probs. Even better bring a hanky and save on tissues!!!!
PRACTITIONER OF THE MONTH – Robert Kendall. Heaven Earth Clinic, Tree Tops.
I’d like to finish my newsletter with not just a review but my sincere thanks to Robert and Shauna at Heaven Earth. I have been having a few challenges over the last few years, allergy to mould in the house, lack of energy, anxiety and fear of flying. It was this last that I went to see Robert about initially. For this, he used a process called Emotionnal Freedom Technique. To be honest, I am quite sceptical about some of these “new fangled” processes, but Robert’s twinkling eyes and kind heart melted my resistence and before I knew it I was a blubbering mess in his office. Not that you want to become blubbering messes mind you, but it made me realise how much more stress I was carrying around than I had even realised. It was like it opened something up and began the process of healing in that moment. A flight a few days later, and I found that although I would rather not have been on a plane, I was astonishingly calm. On the way back I was almost back to normal, and not afraid at all. I could even read on the plane, something I have not been able to do for a couple of years. I continued with a course of acupuncture, that has seen me continue to improve in both energy levels and sense of centre. I have also been breathing more naturally and am more able to resist the allergy to mould. Robert is consistently generous with his time, his presence and his wisdom (which he dispenses freely) and as a mirror I have found circumstances in my life have begun to open up and flow more freely as well. His beautiful wife Shauna works in the clinic too, and if you ever are lucky enough to get a hug from Shauna you will know the true meaning of unconditional love. Their complete acceptance of me and who I am has been a major part of the treatment process for me. I am deeply thankful.
To know more, check out their website www.heavenearthhealing.com or call 5522 1766.
Remember to pick up your xmas timetable, and info about the January intensive.
Extra meditation over xmas too!!
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