Newsletter May 2008 Namaste Yogis & Yoginis MAY all beings be happy. I have decided to make the month of May, the “may all beings be happy” month. (as in true abiding peace type happiness, the not reliant on external conditions type happiness!) There is a well known mantra “lokah samasta sukinoh bhavantu” which translates roughly as “may all the beings, in all the worlds be happy”. I love this sentiment. Whether you believe in other realms, or just recognise the different levels of society & culture, or acknowledge the many different kinds of people who surround us, living with the intention that all may be as happy as each other is a great equalizer, and a great focus point. If you really have that thought in your mind, it is almost impossible to give in to “bad” behaviours, your actions and thoughts are automatically directed towards helping others, and in the process, you end up helping yourself too. All beings includes you, but the magic of it is, that you are made happier by choosing to contribute to universal happiness. Try it and see. I believe a great deal of depression, and other conditions that can arise from focusing awareness on one's own condition & suffering are automatically relieved by keeping this mantra in mind. And imagine a world where everyone thought that way, how great would that be! Another amazing benefit is the alleviation of fear. I was on a very turbulent plane trip once, where the possibility of actually dying felt very real, and I remembered one of my teachers saying that you have a much more likely chance of a peaceful death, and a better outcome after death if you die with a pure mind. So I started chanting the “lokah..” mantra and immediately I felt more calm & surrendered. Now, whatever happens after life, I definitely received strength and comfort in this one by thinking not of myself & my fear, but of the wellbeing of others. Of course there is always balance, it doesn't mean become a doormat, that is mindless. Mindful intention leads to the greater good of all (which includes you), not just a few. Remember to include animals, and all beings of nature in your thoughts. Join me in “May all beings be happy” month, and observe your own happiness increase  too! BITS & PIECES I have a whole bunch of small notices this month, so here goes: Clive's workshop is full. Make sure to check the others coming up later in the year and book in early if you want to secure a place! Remember the Sunday beginners is cancelled for the morning of the workshop, but will resume as normal the week after. The retreat flyer should be out by now, grab one, or check the website for more details. All money in the charity jar this month will go to the Red Cross/World Vision who are doing awesome work in the wake of natural disasters in Burma and China, so if you have a few extra coins jingling about, drop them in. In the interests of others happiness :) please read our new sign about peace & quiet in the yoga room. We know it's fun to catch up with your yogi friends, but we ask this be kept to the reception area, so the yoga room can be a place to relax, go inwards, let go of daily life, restore and replenish. Thank you!!!! Green tip for the month: join Greenfleet www.greenfleet.com.au  and help counteract the effects of your car on the environment. Please remember to fold blankets neatly, not just for the aesthetics, but for the ease of use by other students and teachers. See our new blanket folding notice for instructions!! I am starting a new frequently asked questions section: If you have any questions, feel free to email them in, or leave a note at the desk. Want to be kept up to date? Join our newsletter subscription email list, kept on the front desk. We'll email newsletters as well as notify of events, changes to the timetable etc.You can also join via the website. Remember to check the notice board/website frequently, it is our way of communicating with you on a day to day basis. The noticeboard is also a community noticeboard, so you get to find out about all kinds of interesting stuff! FAQ (frequently asked questions) Q: How do I keep doing the full yogic breath in all the postures? A: There are a few elements to this answer. Firstly, full yogic breath usually refers to the breath that fills all three physiological areas of the breath, the abdominal breath, the thoracic breath (also called diaphramatic intercostal, felt in the mid torso, lower ribs and chest) and the clavicular breath (upper chest/collar bones). However, trying to focus on this can lead to tension. Remember the fundamentals of practice vairagya (dispassion) and abhasya (application). While it is important to aim to be aware of a full easy breath, it is just as important to be detached from that outcome. As long as you are comfortable in the pose, your body's natural intelligence will guide the breath in your practice, without you having to “think” about it. Too much cerebral activity causes rigidity not freedom. The key is to make sure you are honouring your bodies limits, and resist overworking or striving, these two will restrict not only your breath but your spine, and your whole range of movement. Not to mention you will probably fatigue, and it doesn't feel good! Your mind is also more likely to be agitated if you overwork. The other element is to follow the teachers guidance. Occasionally a teacher will instruct to breathe in a certain way, to get a particular outcome or sense of awareness. Some advanced postures may also require a change in breath technique, and some styles have a focus on a particular approach to the breath. None of this changes what was discussed earlier, merely adds another dimension. All breath rhythms are to create a change in consciousness/focus and wellbeing in the body. If you ever feel uncomfortable, stop, come out of the pose, breathe normally; and let the teacher know. Q: When do I know if I am ready to go up another level? A: As long as you are not striving, it is usually self evident. You will start to feel as if you want something more from your practice, almost as if your practice wasn't quite enough. Don't be in a hurry, that time will come soon enough, but don't get stuck either. Sometimes we stick with what feels comfortable. This is why “viveka” (discernment) is an important part of practice. In it's most profound sense, it refers to being able to discern what is truth, from what is not truth. In a practical sense it is knowing when to respond to the reality of the situation rather than the emotion/desire of it. E.g. Knowing when your body mind is genuinely encouraging you forward, and not going ahead out of striving, or staying put out of comfort/fear. You can also chat with your teacher if you feel unsure. It can also be helpful to look at the different class levels, and what they are intended for: Beginners classes are designed for those new to yoga, or for those whom a gentle pace and style is appropriate. This can include injury, pregnancy, illness, stress, or just needing to be gentle and work on the basics. A general rule of thumb for a new student is minimum 6 classes at this level. However, each student's journey is different, and you may find you want to stay much longer. You can also mix and match in the transition, and even as an experienced student, there are days when being gentle, and focusing on the foundation aspects of practice feels right. Level 1 is a well rounded practice incorporating the range of posture groups, but without advanced postures such as full backbends, lotus, or inversions. You can spend a long time at this level, progressing over time, building up your strength, flexibility and awareness. This is the level of solidifying the foundation, and building on it. Two years is not unreasonable. Some students may enjoy staying at this level. There is a lot to work on!! When you have developed a regular practice, and are able to take responsibility for observing your body's needs, and begun to cultivate drashtri (the “seer/witness” able to observe the mind's fluctuations and distractions) then it's time to move into the general, level 2 & Ashtanga classes. The general classes are basically a level 1 class, with options to try the harder versions of the pose. Inversions, backbends and lotus are also introduced as options. In Level 2, the student is ideally comfortable with these more advanced poses,  you will probably experience at least one of them each class. This level can be dynamic or focused depending on the needs of the day. A variety of poses will be taught. Even though the Ashtanga practice is very challenging, part of the approach is to practice only to the level you are at, so you might try the pose, without forcing, but be willing to not be able to do it fully until your body is ready. The Ashtanga practice is also dynamic, but differs from the other classes in that there is a set sequence followed each practice. The self practice classes are ideal for those thinking about moving into a harder class. There is time to learn how to do poses properly. For advanced students there is a chance to work on their practice and move forward. The self practice also allows for restorative practice if that is what's needed. Each student works on their practice at their own time & pace. NB Later this year, we will be offering courses to teach the techniques needed to move into the advanced levels safely. Keep your eye on the ....well, you know where! Till next time, MAY you all be happy, all be peaceful, all be well. Namaste.