More than a physical practice
When people think of yoga, it is often the postures that comes to mind - the physical practice (or Hatha yoga). For me, yes of course the physical work is important, it helps us feel strong and supple, vibrant and at ease with our bodies. Yoga, too is a practice of...
Yogawoman – Never underestimate the power of Inner Peace
Yoga was bought to the west from India by a lineage of male teachers. Now there’s a generation of women who are leading the way. They’re strong they’re inspiring and they’re radically changing peoples lives. From the busy streets of Manhattan to the dusty slums of...
Opening to the light
This last week in Melbourne has been truly glorious. After a wet, cold and bleak winter, we are so ready to receive the wonderful warmth and energy of the sun. The wattle is out, blossoms budding and the magnificent magnolias, remind us of the beauty that nature...
Building our strength reserves through gesture (Mudra)
The kidneys are connected to the second chakra, which is located in the lower abdomen and the element of water. Physiologically, hatha yoga works on the hips, lumbar, and sacral regions to stimulate this energy. Specific asanas can also aid in maintaining and...
Autumn – the season to “Let go”
Autumn is the season for release, we see that around us in nature. Find inspiration in the autumn trees as their brown, red, orange and golden leaves are released and return to the earth where the cycle of life continues. In release we find the space to bring in...
Earth connection……
It is easy to become disenchanted when our sense of stability is rocked to the very core. Fire, flood, earthquakes, cyclones and tsunamis have touched us all in some way in recent times. Events such as these bring up so many emotions: sadness, fear, disbelief but also...
The art of giving and receiving, yoga style
Click the image above to read article. This is a wonderful story on being open to receive from others and willing to give, yoga style. Our power to change, to transform is unlimited. This story reminds me of another I recently read on a meditation where you look...
Releasing emotional reactions held within the muscles
When one rests in savasana, we create an opportunity for letting go. Within the knots of our muscles, are emotional reactions from past experiences. As we surrender to stillness and our body begins to relax, these pockets of tension may rise to the surface of our...
‘Just say thanks’ meditation
Sitting comfortably, with eyes closed, take a few moments to bring attention to your breath, mantra, or any other technique that you normally use to centre yourself. When you feel settled, ask yourself this series of questions: What have I received today? Be specific...
Heart Meditation
This is a meditation I recently used in a workshop on the Anahata chakra, to awaken to energy of Spring. Sit in sukhasana. Place your hands on your knees in chin mudra , with palms facing up to open your awareness or palms facing down (jnana) to calm the mind. Bring...
The true heart – anahata chakra
Focus your awareness on the physical heart and its cavity. Although the physical heart only occupies a small space, the true heart is without limitations. Try to feel the beating of your own heart. LONG PAUSE Located in the middle of the chest is anahata chakra, the...
Drink your tea slowly…..
Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future; Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life. - Thich Nhat Hahn
Let your body sing……….
For a moment imagine the human body as a musical instrument, especially one of the Indian instruments like the Sitar or Sarangi, which have playing strings that are struck or bowed, and also have 40-odd strings which are never played but are sympathetic strings. When...
All is a miracle
Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognise; a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child-our own two eyes. All is a miracle. Thich Nhat Hanh
You can do anything!
When you convince the mind of its accomplishing power, you can do anything! - Paramahansa Yogananda
It’s not how you do the pose that’s important, but what the pose is doing to you
Asana practice is so much more than moving the body physically. Naturally, one's flexibility and strength will improve, as will the general tone of your body. However a deeper experience is possible when you are immersed in the experience. You begin by observing and...
A fascination with hands
I am drawn to hands. Mostly in the form of touch and gesture but also to the artistic creation or interpretation of hands. Clay, resin, wood, stone, any carving of hands are so very beautiful, so very expressive. Being a yoga teacher, I work with hand gestures ,...
Following my intuition
Well last Wednesday I ran my first one on one yoga session. It was with someone who knows and trusts me - a student and a friend. Having experienced some 'hands on' gentle adjustments in class, she approached me for a one on one session. I was really excited as I have...
Awakenings – A Spring Meditation Workshop
The following is a link to the flyer for the upcoming Spring workshops. The dates are Sunday, 17th September and 3rd October 2010 from 10:30 - 3:00pm at The Bhava Centre, 5a West End Rd, Warrandyte. Bookings are essential. The workshop for 17th September now full....