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Namaste Yogis and Yoginis
As some of you know, I have been involved this month in protest action against the Repco Rally being run in Northern NSW (more later). I learned a lot through this process. I learned a lot about where my fears and judgments lie. I learned a lot about my tendencies to believe things selectively (like everyone!!) I learned a lot about how slippery the truth actually is. I learned a lot about the multi-faceted nature of existence. I learned a lot about human beings and actions based on greed, fear, frustration and some on truly noble ideals. I learned how important it is to have role models to strengthen your resolve in times of self doubt, and to make sure those role models are worthy and fit in with your highest values. I learned to be thankful for unpleasant experiences for these provide the deepest and richest lessons, the ones that eventually set you free. And I learned more about how I wanted to live, what was important to me, and what I was prepared to do to for those things.
I guess I have the Rally to thank for those valuable lessons. As the Buddhists say, “first, you have to know the devil before you can dance on its head”. If I hadn’t entered into protest about the rally, I wouldn’t have known I still have so much fear residing in me, or so much gullibility. Now I can take action to be free. When I felt the fear overcoming me, I brought to mind Gandhi, and how courageous he was, and the immense change he inspired. One tiny man ended up bringing down the whole British Empire in India through the strength of his convictions and the belief in the higher good for all. I asked myself, what would he do? How would he do it? What would he say? Is this in line with the goal of good for all? And I felt guided in my words and actions. Still plenty of room for improvement, I have to say, but I felt guided by his example. This gave me courage and helped me feel less alone. I know that nature and the earth and social justice and integrity and equality are important to me. I know I am willing to fight for those qualities. I know I don’t want to live to work, but I want to work in live in harmony with my values. One of my students asked me, “is this really yoga?” (he is a natural yogi himself – or he wouldn’t ask the question) and the answer is a resounding yes! Yoga is not just about being all “peace love” yoga is also about knowing yourself and what lies within you that prevents your ultimate awakening. The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita among other texts demand that we repay the debts to nature and society we owe simply by living, by living simply, protecting the earth and contributing positively to society. (Article on web – The Tri-Factor of Spiritual Practice). So as much as I wish it wasn’t an issue, I am grateful for the lessons, thank you Rally.
Om Shanti
(peace)
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With Blessings,
Suzanne Gray | |
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Philosophy Talk
Wednesday Sept 23rd |
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Glen Ceresoli Workshop
Sunday October 4th |
Rami is Suzanne’s and Mark’s beloved philosophy teacher. Ever wise with a dry urbane wit, you gobble up Rami’s teachings and are hungry for more. Sometimes I credit Rami with the yoga centre still being here. When we were having some serious issues with noise and venue problems, I believed to be a yogi I had to be “nice, accepting, love everyone unconditionally”. Fortunately I went to a talk by Rami on the Bhagavad Gita and learned about the yoga of conflict and how to discern when it was appropriate. I learned how to take action, et voila, we are still here. Rami is world renown and is in demand in Australia as a teacher and priest. Here one night only, by donation ($10minimum recommended). No need to book, just show up ready to start at 6.30pm (note: Friends and family welcome. More info on website and notice board. | |
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You only have to look at Glenn’s practice to intuitively know the depth of his understanding. He returns to the Gold Coast to share some of that knowledge with us. Experienced practitioners and emerging students alike, always find ways to awaken and refine their practice with Glenn. Be challenged, inspired, and gain insight. Places are limited so booking and deposits are essential. 12-5.30pm (with tea break) $115.
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THANK YOU AND CONGRATS!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our student survey. It really helps us to know what you like or don’t and how we can improve our service to you. We truly welcome the input. We have been able to already make some small changes, with others taking a little longer to integrate. It has helped us to get to know you a little better, and it feels great co-creating with our fellow yogis and yoginis. This month’s 4 pass winners were Brett Addison and Norma Ball. Congratulations and thank you! If anyone missed out and would really love to contribute, we have got a couple more surveys available, just ask one of the teachers!
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
I love it when you are reminded of something simple that you already know, but have forgotten just how great it is! That’s what happened to me after reading Gorgeously Green (a lot). Particularly with the breath. Sophie, the author is also a yoga teacher, and she reminds us of a deceptively simple breathing method. Forgetting all other techniques, simply watch the breath as it goes in the nostril, into the back of the throat and back out again the same way it came in. No restrictions or effort. When I reminded myself of that practice I was dumbfounded. I had forgotten how simple it all could be, and the state of mind you naturally access is delicious!! When that is absolutely comfortable extend the breath in to inflate the heart and then back out again. Then when that is absolutely comfortable extend the breath in to include the belly inflation and back out again. I have been sharing this experience with some of the other teachers and students and we all love it. It has helped practice to feel like a delight again. Any questions, ask Suz or Kath.
BOOK OF THE MONTH
I also love teachings described in a new and different way. It helps keep your understanding and practice fresh, enhances your experience, and you always learn something new from a new description or perspective no matter how many times you’ve heard it before! “The monk who sold his Ferrari” by Robin S.Sharma was that kind of book for me. The teachings of yoga, fresh and reworked. I felt like a new and excitable novice again, and it has helped refresh and clarify my understanding. I also love how accessible it feels. Changes and choices I can make now!
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RALLY REALITY CHECK
There has been so much hype and misinformation about the anti-rally protests, that I feel I have to use my little circular to try and balance it out a little bit.
1) There was NO rock-throwing incident. Known by the protestors, drivers and police who were actually there, this was finally admitted by Gerry Connelly (Repco) on Thursday Sept 10, days after the event and of little media interest. Thankfully printed in the SMH.
2) The predicted $100 million is for the life of the contract (20 years) not just this event. No mention was made of the millions of dollars subsidy by the NSW government, or the extra costs of clean up, preparation and policing also paid for by the government. W.A got rid of the event due to low R.O.I.
3) Despite common shouts of “get a job” most of the protestors were ordinary people who have jobs, lives and pay taxes. There were doctors, teachers, lawyers, nurses, artists, business owners, yoga teachers, a mathematician, engineers, sports people, social workers, parents and grandparents, wildlife carers, farmers and more.
4) Although the wildlife is important, it was not the only point of protest! The Green Cauldron (the region the rally went through) is home to several National Parks (rally went through 2) including a World Heritage region and an area so high in biodiversity it is considered equal to Kakadu. Along with Kakadu and the Great Ocean Road, the Green Cauldron was included in the National Landscapes initiative by the NSW government in 2008 for it’s high biodiversity and eco-tourism value. Legislation was passed over-riding more than 12 laws including significant environmental laws that protect national parks to allow the rally to happen. Minister Ian MacDonald admitted on the 7.30 report Sept 1, that they had to change the law or opponents to the rally could use the courts to stop it. That is our democratic right and if it could be stopped in the courts, it should have been! Changing laws to allow an environmentally destructive hobby to go ahead in this time of climate concerns; without community consultation is questionable at best.
5) Here are a few ideas where I would prefer my tax dollar to be spent: climate change initiatives, sustainable energy technology, the health system, emergency services.
I apologise if anyone finds this annoying or offensive. As you know it’s rare I will promote a personal cause in this newsletter, but I (and many) felt so smothered by biased media reports that I felt I had to do something. If you want to know more www.norallygroup.org Thank you for those who chose to read on – I really appreciate it, as do many many who live in and love northern NSW for it’s peace, quiet and options for alternative sustainable living.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and happiness. – Steven R. Covey
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