Bliss Yoga Norwich June Newsletter

When was the last time you looked at the clouds and just watched them sail by forming shapes with them in your mind?  

Time is a funny concept.  It seems like forever that we have been living in our new house yet it has only been a matter of weeks.  Yoga teaches us that time is an illusion.  The present is fleeting and cannot be grasped and the past and the future are non-existent in the present but when we are fully present (here now) time passes unnoticed.

See Swami Sivanandas explanation below....

‘ When the mind is fully concentrated, time passes unnoticed, as if it did not exist. When the mind is focused, there is no time! Time is nothing but a modification of the mind. Time, Space, and causation and all external experiences are mental creation.

All happiness achieved through the mind is temporary and fleeting; it is limited by nature. To achieve that state of lasting happiness and absolute peace, we must first know how to calm the mind, to concentrate and go beyond the mind. By turning the mind's concentration inward, upon the self, we can deepen that experience of perfect concentration. This is the state of Meditation".

The Techniques of Meditation

Meditation is an experience that cannot be described, just as colours cannot be described to a blind man. All ordinary experience is limited by Time, Space and Causation. Our normal awareness and understanding do not transcend these bounds.

Finite experience, which is measured in terms of past, present and future, cannot be transcendental. Concepts of time are illusory, for they have no permanence. The present, immeasurably small and fleeting, cannot be grasped. Past and future are non-existent in the present. We live in illusion.

The meditative state transcends all such limitations. In it there is neither past nor future, but only the consciousness of "I am" in the eternal NOW. It is only possible when all mental modifications are stilled.

During the several weeks that we have been living in Horning home improvements have been constant, family have visited and at times my head has been spinning.  I have felt the need to meditate, cultivate happiness and let go of the future and the past more than ever.  We will be exploring more on meditation in the coming weeks.

This week we have been looking at how Yoga is not just exercise but is so very healing for the mind and the body. Yes we can nourish our physical body but as explained in the Yogic concept of the body (a multi layered Jacket) each layer or Kosha nourishes the next.  There are 5 layers or Koshas each becoming more subtle as you travel inwards.

Anandamaya Kosha – The physical body

Pranamaya Kosha – The energy body

Manumaya Kosha – The lower or thinking mind

Vijnamaya Kosha -  The higher or psychic mind

Anandamaya Losha – The bliss Body – our Inner Self

If we do not nourish our subtle inner layer the outer manifestation of our body becomes disordered and unharmonious.  So how can we nourish our Inner Self.  Take time for ourselves.  Sit and breathe. 

Nadi Shodhana or alternate nostril breathing is a very balancing healing pranayama practice.

Sit comfortably.

Raise your right hand in a fist. Extend thumb, little and ring finger.  Place Ring finger and thumb to your nostrils.  Thumb closes the right nostril and ring finger closes the left.  Try and keep your thumb and finger in connection with your nostrils throughout the practice.

Take a deep breath in through both nostrils then out through both nostrils.  Block your right nostril and inhale with the left, at the top of your inhalation block both then release the right nostril and exhale out through the right. Inhale right, at the top of your inhale block both then release the left nostril and exhale out through the left.  That is one complete round.  Continue in your own timing breathing full and deeply into your belly and chest.  Never force the breath, keep it flowing with ease.

Continue for several minutes (15 or more if you have the time) then release your hand and place it gently onto your thigh.  Focus your breath on both nostrils noticing the sensations here.  When you are ready slowly open your eyes keeping your gaze soft.

You are ready to head into your day feeling fresh, recharged and revitalized.

UP AND COMING WORKSHOPS

 

I have had some great feedback about practicing Yoga Nidra in class, except that it is not long enough!  This gave me an idea and I would like to offer a workshop 2.5 hours of practice including Pranayama (breath awareness) Asanas (postures) and a lovely long Yoga Nidra.  The workshop is to be held on Silver Road at the Baptist Church Hall on Saturday 21 July, 10:30-1pm. Cost £25 Seniors/concessions £20

Birth Preparation Workshop

For you and your birthing partner to learn breathing techniques, birthing positions, relaxation and massage techniques.  Plus loads of Handy information to help you on your baby's birthing day.

When:  Saturday 30 June 1:30-4:30pm

Where: Baptist Church Hall Silver Road

Cost: £35 per couple 

Contact jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk for further information and reservations.

SUMMER CLASSES

The current Baby Yoga course runs until 26 July.  The following course will commence 6 September.  If you are interested in booking on this course please contact Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk  

Check out the new photos www.babyyoganorwich.co.uk

Pregnancy Yoga.  The next course runs 11 July-15 August inclusive.  The following course commences 5 September, please contact Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk for further information and reservations.

General Yoga

Currently the final InnerSpace class is 23 July although I may be able to run a class on 30^th July, please let me know if you would be interested in booking onto this class – I will keep you posted. Classes resume 3 September.

Catton.  Final class is Wednesday 18 July due to the hall being unavailable on 25^th.  I may be able to run 2 extra classes 4^th & 11^th August, please let me know if you would like to book onto these classes.  Classes resume 5 September.

NOTICE BOARD

This is a new feature of the Newsletter where you can really get involved.  This is an opportunity for you to share information about events, services or people in your community.  Share readings, poems or anything that you find of interest.  This week I would like to share a reading that was given to me by one of my students – so lovely, so perfect.

Doha

by Ven. Lama Gendun Rinpoche

Happiness cannot be found through
great effort and willpower,
but is already there, in relaxation
and letting go.

Don’t strain yourself, there is
nothing to do.
Whatever arises in the mind has
no importance at all
because it has no reality whatsoever.
Don’t become attached to it.
Don’t pass judgement.

Let the game happen on its own,
springing up and falling back
- without changing anything -
and all will vanish and reappear,
without end.

Only our searching for happiness
prevents us from seeing it.
It is like a rainbow that you run
after without ever catching it.
Although it does not exist.
It has always been there and
accompanies you every instant.

Don’t believe in the reality of good
and bad experiences;
they are like rainbows.

Wanting to grasp the ungraspable,
you exhaust yourself in vain.
As soon as you relax this grasping,
space is there -
open, inviting and comfortable.

So, make use of it.  All is yours already.
Don’t search any further.
Don’t go into the inextricable jungle
looking for the elephant
Who is already quietly at home.

Nothing to do,
nothing to force,
nothing to want -
And everything happens by itself.

...NOTICE BOARD

I would also like to share my recent Farm Shop discovery.  Hill Farm fruit and veg.  Either produced on the farm or locally sources.  I have found the prices to be so much cheaper than the supermarkets and the taste is heavenly.  I was told that the carrots are hand picked each morning – cant get much fresher than that :0)

Hill Farm is on the North Walsham Road just after Crostwick.  Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Last but not least... One of my students makes bunting that she donates to the Cats Protection charity.  If you have any oddments of material lying around your house that you would like to pass on please bring them into class and I will ensure they are donated.

Many thanks for taking the time to read.  Enjoy the sun, and remember to take time to watch the passing clouds [remember not to look at the sun ;0)  ]   

Much love xxx