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Namaste Yogis and Yoginis
As I began work on this newsletter in January, I am cheekily calling it my Jan/Feb newsletter! After all, what is time? We are all living in the moment aren't we?? If only that were true!!But until that day, I believe it is important to have the occasional landmark dates to cause us to stop, pause and reflect on our lives, and make sure we are headed in the direction we want to be. If we didn't have the New Year to remind us of passing time, many of us wouldn't notice until a decade had flashed past. A lot of people said to me around New Year “hasn't the year (2009) gone fast?” Actually, I feel lucky enough to say no! It felt like years since the beginning of the year. I put this down to Dr Miller's life-saving remedy of making sure you have time in your day to stop, be still, not read, listen to music, talk, anything, just watch the grass grow. I believe it has helped me keep time at a more natural rhythm, with some spaciousness in every day. I also like to think it's because I am finally beginning to get a handle on this “in the moment” thing. Each day, I try and stay focused on just this moment, just this task, just this decision..even when those decisions effect the future! And it has helped a lot, to keep the stress reduced, to stay calmer, to be more detached and less emotional. So I think my only NY resolution will be to continue doing the same... staying in the moment, and taking time to be still. Maybe 2010 will stretch out even longer than 09....
Om Shanti
(peace)
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With Blessings,
Suzanne Gray | |
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COMING UP |
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MARCH TIMETABLE CHANGES |
FEB 28TH: Our second event for the year (though it feel's like the first, doesn't the Intensive seem like years ago!?) is an exciting one.. We are being blessed by a visit by Swami Govindananda-ji (ji-living.com) from the lineage of Jagadgur Shri Kripalu Maharaj. Having spent years immersed in his spiritual journey, he comes to share wisdom and love in the form of a short discourse, and a special Kirtan. I have heard him sing, and there is something divine in that moment.
The donation of $20 goes to a hospital charity in India (www.jkphospitals.org).
It goes from 3.30-5pm, followed by a tea break, and then our regular
KIRTAN NIGHT from 6pm. We hope you can join us for an uplifting afternoon and evening. | |
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There will also be another self-practice on Thursday at 8.15 am with Dan.
- Kath and Dan are swapping Tues/Thurs 10.30 Level 1, the class level won't change.
- We are introducing a Sunday 4pm class taught by our teacher trainees (under supervision). During these classes, we welcome your feedback and encouragement.
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WHAT IS YOGA?
It is a daily task to keep bringing our minds back to the truth of the path of yoga, it is easy to get distracted by the world. When we connect to our centre and are guided in our actions by that, things generally flow more smoothly, we maintain our integrity, and we feel more peaceful and content. When we are ruled by the external circumstances we often find our selves in more conflict, confusion, desire and discontent. One of the ways I find useful to keep me on track (aside from asana practice) is to go back to the old texts and contemplate them. This week I found this passage from the sixth chapter of the “Bhagavad Gita” interpreted by Mr Iyengar very grounding. Sri Krishna explains to Arjuna the meaning of Yoga as a deliverance from pain and sorrow, It is said:
“When his mind, intellect and self (ahamkara) are under control, freed from restless desire, so that they rest in the spirit within, a man becomes a Yukta – one in communion with God. A lamp does not flicker in a place where no winds blow; so it is with a yogi, who controls his mind, intellect and self, being absorbed in the spirit within him. When the restlessness of the mind, intellect and self is stilled through the practice of Yoga, the yogi by the grace of the Spirit within himself finds fulfilment. Then he knows the joy eternal which is beyond the pale of the senses which his reason cannot grasp. He abides in this reality and moves not therefrom. He has found the treasure above all others. There is nothing higher than this. He who has achieved it, shall not be moved by the greatest sorrow. This is the real meaning of Yoga – a deliverance from contact with pain and sorrow.”
Now don't be put off by the “perfection” of the description of the yogi, it is a lofty goal to aspire to, but contemplate the words and your own teaching, that is right for you at this time will come to you. For me it was the analogy of the lamp, and the reminder that keeping the mind steady, will lead to a greater sense of peace within. Enjoy!
PRACTICE TIPS
·Just like a pot, that is easier to wash if you do it immediately, andnot let the food solidify till it needs a lot of work, and even overnight soaking to scrub off – so is it easier to remedy an injury when attended to immediately! Ask your teacher for guidance if you don't know how to modify for an injury, and take time to let it heal before pushing forward with your regular level of practice. Leaving an injurycan create compensatory habits in the body, that can eventually lead to their own challenges and take a long time to unravel.
·Using an eyebag can lead to a more restful internal savasana. The weight of the pillow has an acupressure effect on eye movement, which in turn effects the brain, calming it down. If you do not want to use a community eyebag, you can always bring your own. We have some lovely ones in our shop. Alternately, if your eyes are sensitive or easily irritated you can bring a clean hanky, or tissue to place between your eyes and the eyebag. A few people do have sensitive eyes, and feel the weight is too heavy. If you can't find a lighter eyebag, you can place a strap over your eyes, or bring a light hand towel. Experiment, and observe the difference in your savasana.
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NEW PRODUCTS
·We have a beautiful new soap on sale in the shop. We get products in that we choose to use, that are as eco friendly and ethical as we can find. The Nurture by Nature soaps are pure and delicious, and they don't contain Palm Oil. Did you know that the culling of the Palm trees for their oil is destroying the habitat of the Orangutans, who look like being the first of the Great Apes (our cousins!) to become extinct. It is also contributing to mass deforestation, which then has implications on Carbon release/emissions aggravating climate change. Palm Oil is found in MANY natural “vegetable oil” soaps. It is also found in many common groceries including biscuits, cereals, sauces and even toothpaste. Reading labels has never been so important. You need to know what impact your choices are making. Nurture by Nature soaps are enviro and Orangutan friendly!!
·Swamisz – now you can even be yogic with choice in footwear! Based on an ancient design worn by swamis in India, these comfy chappels are made from pure rubber, and are made by an ethical company. Eco friendly, comfy, ethical and ultra cool. What more could you want in a shoe?
YOGI HUMOUR
Swami Satchidananda's answer when asked if he was a Hindu - “No, I'm an Undo!”
Q:What is the definition of Punk Yoga? A:When you are standing on someone else's head!
Did you hear about the guy who went to a Buddhist pizza parlour? The pizza was $15; he handed over $20 and then asked for his change. “Ah” said the pizza maker “Change must come from within!”
Our charity jar this month goes to world vision’s Haiti appeal
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