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Namaste Yogis and Yoginis
What is happiness? The Sanskrit word used is “sukha” which literally means “good space” and is taken from an old agricultural term referring to the space/hole in the centre of the wheel through which the axle is placed. If the hole is smooth, round and clear the wheel moves smoothly and the cart is able to move easily forward. If the hole is rough, irregularly shaped or blocked with dirt the cart ride is bumpy, uncomfortable and you may not get very far! In spiritual terms we extend on the meaning of this to mean our internal space. When it is clear and spacious, we experience life more easily and harmoniously. When blocked by negative thoughts/beliefs our experience leads to “bad space/duhkha” translated as suffering. In yoga, we realise that happiness comes from within, nothing external or material will lead to permanent abiding happiness. Of course we may experience temporary happiness from a material gain, or achievement of a goal, but then what? There is always another thing to attain, another goal to achieve and then we are unhappy again. So in yoga, we counteract this external striving by several means including pratyahara (withdrawing the senses) santosha (contentment) swadhyaya (study of the true self and sacred texts) seva (service to others) and Ishwara Pranidhana (surrender to the divine). Recently, I have found gratitude to be very powerful. Every day I write in my Gratitude diary what I feel grateful for that day. It has made a big difference to my mindset and joy. I feel generally calmer, more positive, more connected and definitely happier. You don't need a special diary, any notebook will do. Set aside some time each morning to sit and feel into what you want to acknowledge that day. The only catch is you have to actually FEEL thankful, so if you are just making a mental list, keep going until you find something that awakens your heart. I had known how powerful this practice was in the past, but had forgotten. My diary reconnected me to it (thank you diary). People have been commenting on how well I look, (happiness shines) and I generally have more energy. As with ALL yoga teachings – put it to the test, try it out! Yoga never expects blind acceptance but as a science, urges you to experiment, test, and observe the results for yourself. This includes any teaching and any teacher. Todays thanks includes the rain, birdsong, clean air, the privilege of working in service, good friends, challenges that help me grow, and time to myself. Every day, I am reminded of more to be thankful for. Sukham astu te – may happiness be yours.
Om Shanti
(peace)
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With Blessings,
Suzanne Gray | |
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CALENDAR DATES |
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CALENDAR DATES |
·March Special – All mats $10 off in March!!
·Saturday March 31st – Repeat Headstand workshop. The workshop focuses on postures that develop the action and strength needed to perform Headstand safely, and for some (not all) ending with Headstand practice. Headstand offers so many benefits to the brain, heart, lungs, hormones and whole body that it is known as the “king of asanas”. 1.15-3.30pm, only $15. Anyone practicing headstand who has not had this foundation teaching should attend. Students from the last workshop can repeat free. | |
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·EASTER -April 6-9th. All classes as normal EXCEPT early morning Friday 6.30 am and Monday 6amand Sunday 10.30am Beginners. (will not be on). Please note: the Friday will be 2ND series Ashtanga (as it is the first Friday of the month) – a great chance to try if you can't usually get there. See you on the mat! | |
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NEW NEW NEW
·Keep checking our website for new Youtubes and other stuff. This month is a new “Welcome to the GCYC” Youtube. Also check our Facebook page for inspiring Youtubes we love and think you will too! (Please “like” us when you are there)
·Beautiful new Malas in stock – people are loving the Malas, and we have a few new stones to choose from. Remember they are not just jewellery but a beautiful practice tool to change energy and consciousness in your life, so try to “feel” which the right one is for you. Check out the accompanying mantras to help you know which energy you want to cultivate.
·Kirtan with a twist. For those who loved the smoky tones of Alissa Nathaniels voice when she sang at our Kirtan jam nights, you will totally love her new CD. Cool jazz rhythms and devotional sentiments – not a mix you would normally expect!! Only $25 in store now.
FESTIVAL REVIEWS
I have had the privilege of teaching at two great festivals lately. In January it was the Evolve Festival in Byron Bay, and in February the inaugural Spirit Festival in Mullumbimby.
The energy at Evolve was clean and sweet. It was all about the Yoga. People from all walks who love their yogasana came to practice. There were a few yoga philosophy talks, a couple of complementary workshops, and a little music but mostly it was about the yoga (asana). People were friendly, the venue location was in a high school, so it was easy to move from class to class, and the vibe was mellow yet focused. The calibre of student was high, and every session was pleasantly full – giving great energy, but not overcrowded. I loved it. It felt very grounding and honouring.
Spiritfest was all heart. It was social, expansive and fun. At the heart of the festival was the Chai tent, where music, forums, ceremony and community came together. I saw many long lost yoga friends. Stalls with yoga and healing products created a village atmosphere on the green. Scattered through the town were several venues where classes in yoga, dance, tantra, meditation, ayurveda, healing and more were going on. Classes ranged from very dynamic & physical, to subtle and meditative and everything in between. There was fantastic music during the day and at each of the evening concerts – which included Oka, Deva Premal, Deya Dova and more. As the whole town was involved it really felt like a festival! The streets of Mullum were alive and buzzing. There were smiles everywhere.
If you asked me to choose which festival I preferred – I couldn't! They were both so different. Evolve was only one day, the Spirit Festival was 3 days and nights!! Of course there was one unifying factor – it was all yoga!!!! What's not to love!
YOGA TIP - TO TUCK OR NOT TO TUCK?
“Tuck the tailbone” is an often heard instruction in many yoga classes. However in isolation, this instruction can have some repercussions. Tucking the tailbone causes the spine to curl, the shoulders roll forward and the heart and lungs move inwards. In a modern world where our posture is too often like that (at the computer or workdesk) focusing on this movement has led to some serious structural problems, reducing and even flattening the natural curve of the lower back, losing the shape in which the spine is designed to function and putting pressure on the nerves in the lower back and causing structural imbalance. To reverse this trend, some teachers have started instructing to either let the pelvis roll forward, or even to stick the tailbone out. I feel there is a middle path that is more effective – counteracting the negative repercussions, but maintaining the benefits of the “tucked tailbone” action. There are 2 important keys to finding balance. The first – to include the words “gentle, subtly” in the instruction. The benefit of tucking the tailbone is it can lengthen a shortened lower back, and activate the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles and moola bandha. These are all important benefits and we don't want to lose them completely, BUT often it doesn't take much movement at all to activate them. So “gently, subtly” tuck your tailbone until you feel an uplift in the pelvic floor and a natural (not clenched) engagement of the abdominals. Then – key number 2 –always include instruction to Lift the Heart! Lifting the heart away from the pubic bone does several important things. It counteracts flattening of the lumbar spine and returns the lower back and pelvis to its natural design. It creates space for the lungs to bring in more air and prana. It opens the heart space physically and metaphysically, taking pressure off this precious organ and helping us to maintain a feeling awareness, as well as gratitude and joy in our practice. It gently lifts the thoracic cage lengthening the waist and helping to awaken “uddiyana bandha” which in turn builds on the core strength (initiated by the tailbone tuck movement and activated moola bandha), and finally – as the heart rises the shoulders naturally drop down the back towards the kidneys and helps keep the trapezius muscle relaxed – freeing up movement in the neck and shoulders. PLEASE NOTE; Lifting the heart is NOT thrusting the chest forward and pulling the shoulders back – these are movements ACROSS the spine and create tension and pressure in the body (external and internal); whereas lifting the heart and shoulders moving down are movements along/in line with the spine, creating a feeling of freedom, spaciousness and harmony within the body mind. Of course every body is different. Some students with severe curvature of the lower spine might engage the tailbone tuck a little more than most. Others who through practice or posturehave a flattened lower back will have to really work on lifting their heart, and maybe even have to stick their tailbone out for a while (maintaining bandha awareness of course). As always it is important to FEEL into your body. It may take a little while to get used to this new dynamic, and moving more consciously you may not go as deep (initially) into some postures, but it is well worth the effort. The effects on your spine, energy and ease of practice are priceless.
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THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Tread lightly on this Earth. Be kind to all creatures. Live simply. Consume less. Avoid air travel. Find alternatives to car travel. Delight in a vegetarian diet. Grow your own food if possible. Use water sparingly. Lobby for a saner, healthier world.
—Georg and Brenda Feuerstein
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