This weeks theme is warmth. Stay cosy yogis- it’s cold out there!
This week we’ll be continuing to flow with the breath, emphasizing Anahata, the heart chakra. So lots of postures that stretch the chest, shoulders and spine while imbuing our practice with love and compassion. Physiologically Anahata relates to the thymus gland, connected to immunity and we’ll emphasize taking good care of ourselves as we flow through heart opening backbends.
Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.
‘…breathing is one of the most important and intricate activities we engage in. In many ways, our conscious life begins with our first breath and ends with our last. Cellular respiration, the source of all our physical energy and expression in the world, is dependent on a constant flow of oxygen being delivered to each cell and carbon dioxide being taken away. Every emotional state we experience has a corresponding pattern of breathing associated with it. Even the elemental rhythm of our heartbeat is intimately connected with the action of our lungs. The word “inspiration” itself refers to both the act of breathing in as well as the state of being filled with spirit and energy.’ Patton Sarley (Dinabandhu)
This great article on Pranayama has inspired me this week. The breath is always the thread that connects each asana, as we flow through our practice, although this week we’ll be integrating pranayama in different ways. We’ll be especially focused on the breaths that warm us up, detoxify and strengthen the lungs as we move into the colder weather. Pranayama translates to mean ‘breath expansion’ and as our capacity to get more oxygen and energy from each breath increases, we literally have more energy for all other aspects of life!
As the naturalist John Muir said, “Tug on anything at all and you’ll find it connected to everything else in the universe.” Prana is this active and intelligent force connecting everything. And pranayama is the exploration of how we can tap into this universal potential.’ Patton Sarley (Dinabandhu)
I’m going to try to follow this advice!
India does a beautiful Yoga and Shiatsu class Wednesday mornings, and is also an amazing Shiatsu practitioner. Her treatments are relaxing and powerful, you really feel the results- I went to see her with the start of a sniffle and she zapped it!
The free exercise in the parks program has moved inside!
Darebin Council is running free classes, open to everyone and suitable for all levels of experience.
I’ll be teaching yoga Wednesdays 9.30-10.30am at Clyde St Community Centre in Thornbury. BYO mat if you have one!
The lovely Nicole Herd will be teaching Pilates, Tuesday 10-11am at Fairfield Community Room.
Hope to see you there!
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