Yoga for the Seasons Workshop

Yoga for the Seasons

WORKSHOP WITH RACHEL ZINMAN

July 22-24 2011

This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your Yoga practice learning about one of the aspects of ISHTA – Ayurveda (the science of life) and how it influences your practice.

In Yoga and according to Ayurveda each season is influenced by a specific element. Summer is the heat of fire. Winter is the cool of earth and the movement of air predominantly influences Autumn and Spring. It’s important to be able to adjust your practice to the changing seasons and remain balanced throughout the year. In this workshop we will explore specific sequences for each season incorporating the science of ayurveda and specific Hatha yoga and Tantric practices such as asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra and meditation.

Session 1 - Friday 6:30pm-9pm £25
• Ayurveda overview focusing on the 5 elements with an emphasis on air and space and grounding postures
• Vinyasa sequence for spring and autumn
Pranayama, mudras, and meditation for spring and autumn
Session 2 - Saturday 9am-12pm £25
• Understanding your Ayurvedic constitution and finding the balance through yoga practice - emphasis on summer and cooling postures
• Vinyasa sequence for summer Pranayama, mantra and meditation for summer
*Kirtan 1pm-2:30pm £10 *there will be a shared lunch from 12pm until 1pm please bring a vegetarian plate of food to share. All welcome.
Session 3 - Sunday 2pm-5pm £25
• Lifestyle approaches for all the seasons according to Ayurveda - emphasis on winter and invigorating postures
• Vinyasa sequence for winter Pranayama, mantra, mudra and meditation for winter
*All sessions include handout of sequences for each season

Each day can be visited separately but why not take this unusual opportunity to experience the full 3 day workshop. Each session is £25 or £65 for the full 3 days. Kirtan £10.

St Andrews Church Hall, Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrews

Contact Jessica for more information:

Tel: 07501 303 546

Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk

Kirtan evening with Rachel Zinman and friends

Rachel is also an amazing Bhakti and is offering an opportunity to join her in an afternoon of music and chanting Saturday 1pm-2:30pm

Join Rachel and friends for an evening of Devotional Chanting.
Kirtan- call and response chanting and Bhajan -singing in unison are two of the main ways in Bhakti yoga to express devotion and love. Repeating the names of deities like Ram or Shiva serves as a reminder that the lover and the beloved are one.

For Rachel, mantras and a devotional practice means surrendering and accepting everything as it is and that singing in community supports everyone to feel uplifted and connected to their own beauty and strength.

Rachel has produced three CD’s as part of her band The Subway Bhaktis. You can listen to samples at http://www.subwaybhaktis.com. To find out more about Rachel and her Bhakti yoga practice visit http://www.rachelzinmanyoga.com

Event Details:
Kirtan 1pm-2:30pm £10

*there will be a shared lunch from 12pm until 1pm please bring a vegetarian plate of food to share. All welcome.
Each day can be visited separately but why not take this unusual opportunity to experience the full 3 day workshop. Each session is £25 or £65 for the full 3 days. Kirtan £10.

St Andrews Church Hall, Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrews

Contact Jessica for more information:

Tel: 07501 303 546

Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk

Rachels Bio:

Rachel has been practicing yoga for 26 years and has taught for 19. Prior to her initial yoga education Rachel trained as a professional dancer and choreographer in the USA and in Australia. Discovering yoga she originally trained in the Iyengar and Ashtanga methods and first began teaching in her role as Head of Dance at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium where she introduced yoga to the curriculum.

Her teaching style continues to reflect her deep engagement with the arts – dynamic and precise with an emphasis on mindfulness. While again living in New York from 2000–2004 Rachel met Yoga Works and ISHTA yoga founder Alan Finger teaching in his BeYoga studios for four years. There she co-created and coordinated the Be Yoga Teacher Training Program, becoming a senior facilitator and mentor.

Rachel returned to Australia to teach in the Yoga Arts Teacher Training, and since 2005 has created and facilitated her own teacher trainings and workshops in the ISHTA System in Australia, India, Bali, Japan, New York and in many major cities in Europe.

In 2006 she began practicing Bhakti Yoga and has incorporated Yantra, Mantra, Mudra and Tantric rituals into her workshops and trainings. Rachel’s deep personal experience and investigation of meditation allows her to be both intuitive and creative in her work and she feels grateful to be able to share her passion with others.

Rachel also co-created and produced a popular Australian Yoga Video series and a Kid's Yoga Video. She is an award-winning musician for her album of chanting and devotional song, Sita Ram, and is a published poet.

March 2011

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

blissyoganorwich

December 2010

Brrr! Hope you are all keeping warm and enjoying the flurry of snow that we are experiencing at the moment. My little girl Aylah is enjoying her first real experience of snow and is having the time of her life building snowmen and shrieking with delight at the white cold stuff that she finds it difficult to walk in...

Just a reminder that the Inner Space Christmas catch up is on December 06 after class at the Bicycle shop. The last class before the Christmas break will be on Monday 20 December. We will return Monday 10 January. Although I will be seeing some of you at the San Kalpha workshop on Sunday 9 January.

The Old Catton Christmas catch up is on 15 December at 12pm at the Woodman. The last class before the Christmas break will be on Wednesday 15 December. Classes resume on Wednesday 05 January.

I have a couple of spaces left for the San Kalpha workshop which will be a wonderful way to start the new year.

Bliss Yoga Norwich

is hosting

New Year's San Kalpha Workshop

09 January 2011

Setting the intention for lasting change

The New Year is traditionally a time for us to make resolutions for positive change. More often than not, however, those resolutions are set aside before long and we resume our old ways. Why is it so hard to change? Because we are governed by our unconscious mind. Only by overcoming the unconscious patterns that exert a dominant influence on our behaviour can lasting change occur.

In this special New Year’s workshop, Yoga Master Katrina Repka will teach you how to incorporate your best intentions through the yogic practice of San Kalpha. The workshop will begin with an overview of the chakra system and then, through the practice of asana, will explore the first and second chakras (where our deepest unconscious impressions are stored). The physical practice will be followed by seated pranayama and a powerful San Kalpha meditation to nourish and activate our best intentions in order to bring them to consciousness and make them real in our lives.

St Andrews Church Hall, Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrews

£35

Contact Jessica for more information:

Tel: 07501 303 546

Jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk

**SPECIAL OFFER**

Know a friend with a baby aged 6 weeks-crawling? Bliss Yoga Norwich is offering for a limited time only a special reduced price of £30 for a 6 week Baby Yoga course. Just mention 'happy baby' when booking the course.

Keep warm and remember to add warming spices to your meals to help balance the winter chill. Garlic and ginger are especially beneficial at this time of year.

Love and Light

Jess x

November Newsletter

Hello Everyone

What a beautiful October it has been. Warm, fresh, sunny days. We are currently surrounded by the beautiful colours of Autumn, and crisp curnchy leaves, perfect for a good stomp in the woods.

I am very excited to be hosting a workshop in January. As most of you know I lived and completed by yoga training in Australia. Moving back to England recently has left me with some distance between myself and my teacher Rachel Zinman and as I would love to share some deeper ISHTA knowledge with you she has put me in touch with Katrina Repka who works and lives in London. I would love for you to come and join me and welcome Katrina to Norwich.

New Year's San Kalpha Workshop

Setting the intention for lasting change

The New Year is traditionally a time for us to make resolutions for positive change. More often than not, however, those resolutions are set aside before long and we resume our old ways. Why is it so hard to change? Because we are governed by our unconscious mind. Only by overcoming the unconscious patterns that exert a dominant influence on our behaviour can lasting change occur.

In this special New Year’s workshop, Yoga Master Katrina Repka will teach you how to incorporate your best intentions through the yogic practice of San Kalpha. The workshop will begin with an overview of the chakra system and then, through the practice of asana, will explore the first and second chakras (where our deepest unconscious impressions are stored). The physical practice will be followed by seated pranayama and a powerful San Kalpha meditation to nourish and activate our best intentions in order to bring them to consciousness and make them real in our lives.

When: Sunday 9 January 2011

What Time: 1pm-5pm

Where: St Andrews Church Hall, Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrews

Cost: £35

Contact: jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk or 07501 303586

Katrina Bio:

Yogiraj Katrina Repka has been studying and teaching yoga since 1992. Her early training was in Ashtanga yoga, but she has been primarily influenced by ISHTA Yoga, the creation of Yogiraj Alan Finger, the renowned US-based guru, with whom she has worked closely since 2001.

Katrina has co-authored two books with Alan: Chakra Yoga: Balancing Energy for Physical, Spiritual, and Mental Well-being (Shambhala, 2005), and Breathing Space: Twelve Lessons for the Modern Woman (Voice, 2009). She also writes for Yoga Magazine.

Katrina now lives in London and has been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers such as Elle, Vogue, Tatler, the Guardian, and the Telegraph, and has appeared as a yoga expert on BBC radio and television. She also teaches group and private classes and leads workshops and retreats internationally.

Her yoga style emphasizes the harmony of body, mind, and spirit, and she teaches with care, commitment, and energy.

More Bliss Yoga News...
The next baby yoga course commences on 29 November. Bring a friend and recieve £10 off your Baby Yoga Course. Come and learn fun songs and yoga moves for babies that really helps with sleep and digestion. Also some gentle yoga moves for mums so you can start to get back in touch with your own body. Classes are suitable from 8 weeks to crawling. Contact jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk for further information.

Christmas Gatherings
Those of you that join me at Inner Space there will be Tea at the Bicycle Shop on St Benedicts after class on Monday 6 December.

Those of you that join me at Old Catton there will be a light Christmas luch at the Woodman Pub, North Walsham Road after class on Wednesday 15 December 12:00pm. Bookings required so please contact jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk

Experience your Birthright download
For those of you that join me for Pregnancy Yoga you may be interested in an amazing cd that helps mothers experience a postive and calm birthing experience. I played it at every opportunity and found it a great way to relax during pregnancy and during the birth of my little girl. Click here for more information and add Bliss1 into the promotion code and recieve a discounted price.


Synerprotein
Stop cravings and give your body a slow release energy with Synerprotein. It is a fabulous drink that is designed to give you a powerhouse of nutrition and energy providing a high quality non-genetically modified soya protein supplement which is dairy free, wheat free, yeast free, gluten free and virtually fat free.


It is balanced protein supplement providing essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and a great vanilla flavor. It also provides 3 g of fiber per serving.


SynerProTein also contains the exclusive SynerPro Concentrate, which provides a rich and wholesome base of fruits and cruciferous vegetables with antioxidant benefits.


This product is only available to healcare providers including Nutritionists, I can provide this for you for the cost of £15 for a massive 448g pot which lasts for ages.


I found it amazing during pregnancy as it gives both you and your baby essential vitamins and minerals and it provides a slow release energy that stops you craving sweet stuff (and therefore filling yourself with empty calories and extra weight that should be avoided during pregnancy). Its also a quick filler if your'e busy and miss (or perhaps in your case cannot face) a meal. I still use it as I am always zooming around and have it in addition to breakfast and it
really gives me the energy I need as a busy mum. If you are interested contact jessica@blissyoganorwich.co.uk



Beat the winter chill
ISHTA stands for the Integrated science of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda. Ayurveda is the ancient indian science of health and healing. Ayurveda teaches daily and seasonal compensatory mechanisms to help you maintain health at all times. When you maintain regular habits throughout the seasons, you are less prone to change-of-season illness. When you fail to compensate for chages in the seasons or stages of life, imbalances arise. The junction between seasons or stages of life, imbalances arise. The juntions between the seasons are common times to fall ill. Winter is the time in nature when there is inactivity. A time of rest and refelection, enabling the mind and body to quietly recharge in preparation for the new year. However it is a balance and as the damp dark days of winter set it in can be easy to hibernate like a bear. Without a balance it can aggravate tendancies towards oversleeping, lethargy, heaviness, greediness and avoidance of change. So, how to balance your body and mind suring the winter season? Take plenty of exercise, dont sleep in. Dont overeat - avoid sweet, sour and salty foods. Eat plenty of vegetables and lots of spices. Drink plenty of fresh ginger tea. Try this beautiful balancing meal...

Kichadi
Ingredients 1 tbs ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil
2 bay leaves
1 tsp cumin seeds, fennel seeds,grated ginger root, corriander,tumeric
1 cup basmati rice (presoaked for 3 hours or overnight)
1 cup split mung dal (presoaked for 3 hours or overnight)
4-6 cups water
2oz root veg. (I always add loads of carrots, sweet potato, squash = yummy)
squeeze lemon juice

Melt ghee or oil in large pan. Add all spices, bay leaves and ginger saute for 1-2 mins Add rice and dahl and 4 cups water, bring to the boil. Cover and cook 25-30 mins adding more water if necessary. Add vegetables and cook for another 15 minutes or until vegetables soft. To serve add lemon juice. (I like to add a splash of soy and a dollop of sour cream to serve)

Enjoy the sunshine and look forward to seeing you on the mat.

Much love
Jessica

Autumn 2010

Hello All

I hope you have had a wonderful summer. I have had a wonderful break, as most of you know camping, so we have been exposed to the full range of summer weather that Norfolk has had to offer. It has had it challenges especially with a very inquisative little girl who has been into everything, including all that she shouldn't, so it has been very, lets say, hmmm, lets say it has been a growing experience :0)

It has been very interesting to observe my Yoga practice and how to continue my Yoga practice when everything around me is topsy turvy. How has your Yoga practice been over the summer break. Do you have a home practice? Would you like a Home practice but you are not sure where to start? I have several tips for starting a home practice.....

Firstly make the commitment. Say to yourself I will do 5 minutes of practice at least 3 times this week.

Choose a time that is good for you. Most people find the best time to practice is first thing in the morning or last thing at night but choose a time that will work for you and try to stick to it.

Choose a place to practice. Maybe find a place in your home that is clutter free, light and airy.

Keep it simple. Start by focusing on your breath. Spend a few moments focusing on your full and complete breath. Add a few simple stretches into your routine (a good place to start is the - hand, shoulder, feet rotations (Pawanmuktasana series) )and finish with a few moments of relaxation. Before you know it half an hour will have passed and you will be feel wonderful.

I look forward to talking to you about that in class.

Classes return to normal from 06 September:

Monday 06 September
Baby Yoga* 10am - Thorpe End Village Hall
General Yoga 7:30pm - Inner Space

Wednesday 08 September
General Yoga 9:30am - Old Catton
Pregnancy Yoga* 7pm - Silver Road

* spaces are limited so please book



There are a couple of Yoga Events that I would like to let you know about:


YOGA GROOVE FESTIVAL
17-19 September East Sussex Seaside
The UK's first weekend festival of juicy yoga, funky music, disco flashmobs, drumbeats, magical story-worlds, yummy food and body-mind-spirit tune-ups by the sea, to get your Self connected. Benefitting a new foundation that brings yoga and meditation to young people and other under-served groups across the UK.



YOGA AID
Sunday 12^th September, 10.00-12.00 at St Thomas’ Church Hall on Earlham Road, Norwich.

For the first time, the charity ‘Yoga Aid’ is being represented in the UK in London and Norwich.

9 yoga teachers from Norwich will talk participants through different styles of sun salutations (108 sun salutations altogether), to raise money for charity.

Take part!

If you would like to join in on the event, please let the event organiser, Lu, know asap – there are only 38 places - lou@yogahappy.co.uk. You will then need to register online with Yoga Aid: go to the UK event, then Norwich, then sign up as a challenger. www.yogaaid.com/uk

As a ‘challenger’ you will be talked through the sun salutations, with people demonstrating at the same time, offering modified versions of the salutation. You don’t have to do all 108 salutations – you are free to sit out rounds if you like. To take part, you have to raise some money – it doesn’t matter how much. Get friends and family to donate online to support you.

Donate!

If you can not join in, please go to the website to donate money through Lu's page – go to the Norwich event, find Lu, and donate.

You can also follow this link: http://www.yogaaid.com/uk/Leader.aspx?lid=6fe8413a-f542-4a7d-b525-bf83e2fba211

ALL of the money you donate goes directly towards the 3 main charities that you can also read about on the website.

Thanks for your support!

Last but not least..... a friend of mine is organising an Anusara Yoga workshop with Lisa Sanfillipo on Saturday 13 November. The workshop is 10-4 with a break for a shared lunch. Please contact info@babyfit.me.uk if you are interested. Cost is £30 for the day. I recently attended a workshop with Lisa and can wholeheartedly recommend it, I will be attending in November so it would be lovely to see you there. There are quite a few parallels with ISHTA and Anusara Yoga too which is an added bonus.

Hope you have all had a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Much love

Jess