I had my newsletter pretty ready to go and then events took
over and it became clear to me that I needed to share what I have been reminded
of over the last few days.
As most of you are aware my mother in law passed away. Death can be a challenging time for all of us. Perhaps it makes us aware of our own temporary
nature. Death is often a taboo subject in
our Western culture. It is however a
certainty and something we should all take time to be aware of rather than the
superhero attitude of being indestructible or burying our heads in the sand “it
will never happen to me”.
“Death is the ultimate statistic – one out of one of us dies”
George Bernard Shaw
Ultimately all Yoga techniques are designed to help release
us from human suffering and one of the paths of suffering is Fear of death and
maybe for some in particular our own death. Hatha Yoga (physical practice,
asanas) helps keeps our body clean and healthy so that it lasts longer. It can also help us to refine our awareness
so that we realise that when our outer covering dies our Essence endures
“The body is just a rented house” Pattabi Jois
It is so easy to become attached to our Physical self. Yes we do have a body but we are also consciousness. Yoga helps us face our fear of death. Everything that we perceive through our mind
our senses and every aspect of our daily lives including our physical body is
impermanent. All things must pass not
just living things but experiences also. Yoga helps us be aware of the miracle
and beauty of life and love—here and now.
Practicing Yoga teaches us to know our real nature, letting
go of our obsession of individuality.
Yoga teaches us that we are more than our personality, we are more than
our ego and we are more than our possessions.
When we practice Yoga our busy mind settles, the
fluctuations of our consciousness cease and we experience our soul or our
Essence. If you are fortunate enough to
experience this then you are able to realise that this awareness is
unconditional and eternal.
I do not believe that this is a morbid topic but one of
enlightenment, that it allows us to discover and have a deeper understanding of
our Self.
‘Death is ever present, all around us—plants, insects, and
living things of all kinds, even stars and galaxies, are always dying and being
born. Meditation on endings can open our hearts and fill us with love and
compassion and teach us about letting go.’
Ultimately whatever your belief is it is good practice to live life fully and completely and infuse
each day with passion and purpose! Xxx
NEWS
Catton classes are currently being held at Hayman Lodge in
Catton Park. This is for a trial period
up to and including February 19th where we will then make the decision
to continue classes at Hayman Lodge or return to St Margarets church hall.
A little more about Hayman Lodge... It is a new timber clad
building insulated with recycled newspaper. Each apex is double glazed glass
allowing for sneaky peaks of the sky, the trees swaying in the breeze and the
clouds drifting by. The front of the building has bi-fold doors allowing for
panoramic views across the park and can open fully in the warmer weather.
Hayman lodge is easily accessible from Oak Lane and is sited wholly within the
dog free ‘picnic’ area in the park
When: Wednesday 9:30-11am, please bring a mat and a warm
blanket for the relaxation at the end.
Baby Yoga
The next Baby Yoga course commences 20 February at the newly
decorated sea scout hall on Mousehold Avenue. This course is for non crawlers
approx 2-9 months. Learn gentle Yoga moves to songs and rhymes. Helps baby’s brain
development, sleep and feeding patterns, aids digestion coordination and so
much more. Have fun with your baby and
get fit too. Contact Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk
for further information and reservations.
When: Thursday 11am-12noon.
Active Baby Yoga
The next Active Baby Yoga course commences 20 February at
the newly decorated sea scout hall on Mousehold Avenue. This course is for
crawlers, approx 9-18 months. Join myself and my baby Jai. Jai is certainly
moving around now and getting himself into all sorts of mischief. Take this opportunity to be more active with
your little one with balls, blocks and noisy toys, learning songs and rhymes to
actions and yoga moves.
Contact Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk
for further information and reservations.
When: Thursday 10-11am
Innerspace
Yoga for grown ups! Easing into the new year, move your body, strengthen
and stretch, extend your breath, learn to relax. Class suitable for all levels,
beginners welcome.
When: Monday 7:30-8:45pm
Love, live, laugh xxx
Om shanti, shanti, shanti
