Happy March!
Wow, new life is starting to appear in the garden. Snowdrops, crocus’ are out and even some of my daffodils are starting to bloom.
Sometimes I find that I am just unable to do my practice at home. My teacher always said that a walk in the outdoors can be your yoga practice for the day. Being in the moment is what it is all about. Observing the shimmering vibrancy of life around you.
When walking in the outdoors focus on the nature around you. Notice what is happening around you. Experience your walk in every sense, smell, sound, touch... Breathe. Check your posture when walking. Start in Tadassana, mountain pose. Working from your base; feet and knees hip distance apart. Keep your knees soft, neutral pelvis. Feel your spine long, relax your shoulders. Feel every step you make... Breathe. As you walk around and you observe things around you maybe take a moment to sit and really truly look at something like a flower. Being absorbed in a single object is called Dharana.
Every experience that comes your way is your Yoga, whether it is doing the most mundane of tasks, if you just take time to observe every moment, notice how you feel doing the task, what it really involves. So the next time you are doing the washing up, see and feel the bubbles on your hands... Breathe..... Try turning off the radio when you are driving and notice how much more you can experience the journey... Breathe.....
We have recently started Dharana practice in class. Candle Gazing. You can try this at home. The candle needs to be at the same height as your gaze when seated and about one metre from you. Take a few moments to get comfortable then look at the middle of the flame for about one minute without blinking. It is normal for your eyes to water and this can be really cleansing for your eyes. After a minute or when you sure this image has ‘burned’ into your minds eye then close your eyes and focus on the image in your mind until it fades. You can repeat this 3 or 4 times. You should find that as you practice your mind quietens. If thoughts occur, just acknowledge them and return back to your breath and the image of the flame. If you have time you can lie in Savasana (relaxation) for a few moments. Obviously candles can be dangerous to please practice with care. :0)
If you are relatively new to my classes...Welcome. If you have not been for a while why not set an intention to get back on the mat? Breath, Relax, Be.
NEWS
Classes:
General Yoga
Monday 7:30pm Innerspace, Maude Grey Court
Wednesday 9:30am, Old Catton Church Hall, Blacksmiths Way
Baby Yoga
Monday 10am, Thorpe End Village Hall, Plumstead Road
Pregnancy Yoga
Wednesday 7pm, St Mary Magdalene Church Hall, Silver Road
Easter Classes
There will be no classes from 18 April. Classes resume 04 May 2011.
Just a reminder that as of 04 May prices for General Yoga passes will be £36. This means that classes are only £6 each – bargain!! Your pass is valid for 8 weeks.
For class enquiries please contact Jessica on Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk
PRANAYAMA – BREATH AWARENESS
Prana – vital life; life force
Yama – control
Many of you have been asking for directions on Pranayama. The most fundamental breathing technique to master is the full and complete breath. The best way to practice this is lying on your back in Savasana with one hand on your belly, one hand on your chest.
After spending a few moments observing your natural breath start to manipulate or control your breath by breathing into your belly, filling your belly and then drawing your breath into your chest. As you exhale relax your shoulders, chest and belly. As you inhale feel your belly and your chest push into the palms of your hands. As you exhale soften and relax your belly. Inhale, fill your belly then your chest watching the wave like motion of your belly and your chest. Exhale, relax your shoulders, chest, belly and even start drawing your belly button back towards your spine.
Practice for about 5 minutes to start with. Try and practice every day. You can bring this fundamental and most fulfilling breath into your daily life and whenever you remember, whenever you catch yourself practice the full and complete breath.
Hari Om Tat Sat
Jessica
