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Namaste Yogis & Yoginis
Well, Valentines Day is almost upon us! I love Valentines Day. Not for its commercialism, but I think any day that encourages you to stop and acknowledge the loved one in your life is a great day. Of course it would be wonderful if we did that anyway, but we often don't, so don't be a cynic, go ahead and celebrate your love, and if you don't have a special someone at the moment go ahead and celebrate that love exists. Give a flower or a poem to someone you care about and wish love to; look honestly into their eyes and tell them what they mean to you. There's a million ways to acknowledge your loved ones without spending $$$ so go for it and celebrate!
At present, I don't have a true love in human form, but I do have a true love in the form of Nature and she needs help!! We are facing a time of grave environmental consequences, as well as economic ones, but we tend to let it all wash over us. Time to take action, send a message, a letter, an email to your local, state and federal pollies and let them know what you think. An easy way is to join online advocacy groups like GetUp or the ACF (Australian Conservation Fund). They do great work and make it incredibly easy to participate without even leaving your computer. I truly hope some of you will take an interest in world events and get informed (and take action).According to the Bhagavad Gita we come into this world with 5 great debts and one of them is to Nature, for giving us life, water, air, soil for food, materials for shelter & clothing, and all those things without which we couldn't survive, and as part of our spiritual practice we are asked to repay the debt each day. Obviously we try to live an environmentally friendly life, but also now we are asked to take stronger action and protect Nature from our greed and excess. The challenging part is to take action but not be attached to the result , that we have no control over and surrender to the forces at play (karma yoga), but still we must act! (for more info on the 5 great debts read the article “the Trifactor of Spiritual Practice” on our website.)
NB: Another of our debts is to society, and watching the emergency rescue teams in Nth Queensland and in Victoria, we realise how much we have to be grateful for, especially in times of crisis.If you want to give back, our charity jar this month will go towards the Bushfire Appeal, and we will be donating extra as well.
COMING UP
We have 2 fantastic events coming up:
Sunday Feb 15th: Duncan Peak workshop. In the morning session, learn the foundations of Power Yoga with an inspiring and dynamic teacher. In the afternoon explore backbends and inversions, learn to exptend the spine and expand the spirit! Only a couple of places left, so book in now if you want to invigorate your practice!
Saturday March 14 & Sunday March 15 – we are very excited to present Dr Harre Harren from Pondicherry, India. Dr Harre Harren is an esteemed musical professor, and vedic astrologer. He will present a concert and kirtan (chanting) on Saturday night, followed by “Healing Powers of Indian Music Therapy” a workshop in Nada Yoga on Sunday. It is only $20 for the concert, $40 for the workshop or only $50 for both. Dr Harreharren will also be taking bookings for Vedic astrology chart readings on the Monday (March 16). Appointments are limited, and some are already booked, so get in quickly for a consult using one of the world's most accurate systems of astrology.
These are both new events for the centre, and we are thrilled to be able to offer them to you!
REVIEW - Ashtanga Intensive
Our January Intensive has continued to be popular. It is a great way to create a challenge that helps your practice to strengthen and evolve.
42 practitioners in the cool of the early morning, breathing in unison, creating a synchronicity that allows you to let go of trying and simply flow with the practice. Advanced students provide inspiration to what is possible, but everyone there experiencing the joy of simply doing the practice.
It is the poetry of the minds and bodies moving in harmony that creates the experience. Mark holds the space and sets the tone with his rhythmic chant.
It's painful, and intense, and requires effort, but it feels sooo good once you've done it. As if you have spring cleaned yourself each day, ready for what the world brings. And it is a feeling of satisfied achievement (even if only for having survived!) that feels great at the end of the week.
You can check out video footage on our YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/goldcoastyogacentre (see below).
BITS & PIECES
The charity jar this month will go to victims of the bushfires and floods, we will make sure your spare change gets put to good use! Also take time out to send your loving/healing energy and thoughts to them. And remember to be grateful for how lucky we have been up here lately.
Kam has been busy adding more videos to our YouTube site. To access; scroll to the bottom of our website’s front page and click on the YouTube link Thank you Kam, love your work! (I think his last name must be Spielberg!)
For Sale: Brand new massage table, never used (duplicate gift.) Normally $445, selling for just $355. Prestige brand. Adjustable height & face cradle, hanging arm rest, table extension and tilting back rest. If interested call Wendy 0404077343
WHO IS MARK?
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S: who was your first teacher? And what style?
M: Her name was Vedanta, she was a Satyananda teacher in Canberra.
S: What led you to Ashtanga? And what is it you love about the style?
M: I came through Iyengar and did teacher training under Nicky Knoff in both Iyengar and Ashtanga. I loved the physical challenge and capacity to develop strength in both styles, but I particularly loved the flowing breath/movement connection of Ashtanga,that leads to a feeling of meditation in the practice.
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S: How has yoga in general improved your life?
M: It has helped me develop a healthy body and clearer, more stable mind. It also helps me feel more centred and grounded, which is important to me.
S: What else is important in your life?
M: My wife! I really feel that harmony in our primary relationships is an essential element to harmony within society, and within the world at large. It is my wish to see more people put a higher value on deep connection, instead of always wanting more on an external level. I also value time with friends, my Zen practice and teaching of course!
S: Any tips for students who want to establish their practice?
M: Commitment and consistency!
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