The temple of God is within your soul

 

 

The temple of God is within your soul. 

Enter into this quietness and sit there in meditation with the light of intuition burning on the altar.

There is no restlessness, no searching or striving there. 

Come into the silence of solitude, and the vibration there will talk to you with the voice of God.

And you will know that the invisible has become visible, and the unreal has become real.

Parahamsa Yogananda

An elegant summation of the true aim of yoga by a great, good, generous, frankly gorgeous yogi who has done so much to transport and translate the gifts of yoga from east to west. 

I feel the deep truth of his words resonating throughout my being -a lovely feeling.

Hari om 

Jennifer

New! Yoga Chant group in Glastonbury

I invite you to join me at a new weekly session taking place in Glastonbury as follows:

Yoga Chant

Thursday 11am - 12pm

The Miracles Room, Glastonbury Experience,

High St Glastonbury

Starting 1st March

Contribution £5/£4

Chanting is a powerful way to create joy. To balance, heal and accelerate inner transformation.  As such it is a useful part of our yoga and a yoga in its own right.

For millenia, yogis and rishis of India have passed on sacred formulas through vocal repetition, aspiring to higher states of consciousness and to preserve and transmit wisdom. I have been blessed to spend extended  periods in India studying mantra and sutra and have incorporated chanting into my personal yoga. I offer these sessions so that you may benefit as I have.

Such as :

- Calmness and relaxation Standing down from the stress response, soothing the adrenals, regulating heart rate, blood pressure and hormones.

- Quiet mind Thoughts are stilled while we are chanting.

- Empowerment and confidence It  feels good to use the voice with awareness, focus and intention.

- Energizing the spiritual body Chanting clears the nadis (channels where life energy flows) and bathes the cells of the body with positive energy.

- Healing and re-balancing Mantras act as prayers; as we recite them we create a  powerful intention of healing. In ayurveda, mantra is regularly prescribed to heal physical symptoms.

- Creating and manifesting Mantra can be directed to specific areas of life where we might wish for improvement, they are the original positive affirmations!

- Inner peace  Many mantra are formulated specifically to create inner peace within the practitioner.

- A gift to humanity As we become more peaceful, we radiate peace into the fabric of the universe so assisting the whole of  humanity.

- Eternal wisdom and liberation We may not understand the subtleties of the Sanskrit, but we are imbuing ourselves with ancient yogic wisdom which percolates through to the subconscious level. Overtime, this creates conditions for moksha or enlightenment.

- The joy of sharing Positive energies generated by chanting are amplified in a group and there arises a wonderful feeling of wellbeing from sharing and belonging.

We will chant a selection of short, simple sanskrit verses that I use myself and have been authorised to teach, from the classic texts of India including the yoga sutras of Patanjali, the Vedas and the Upanishads. 

These will be relaxed, informal sessions, and all are warmly welcomed, no previous experience of yoga and/or yoga chanting is required.

I provide written sheets with the chants and meanings and we will progress at a pace that supports everyone.

The Miracles Room is a lovely venue; spacious and tranquil, flooded with natural light and conveniently located on Glastonbury High  Street, close to the Market Cross.

Sessions are drop-in, so no need to book in advance, however you are welcome to call  me on 07779 807089 or email jennifer@divine-yoga.org with any enquiries.


I look forward to chanting with you!

Om shanti, shanti, shanti

Jennifer

New! Quiet yoga class at Shekinashram, Glastonbury

I am very pleased to be offering a new yoga class in Glastonbury this spring, in one of my favourite venues: the lovely Shekinashram on the slopes of Chalice Hill.

Tuesday 2:15pm - 3:30pm £6/£5

Shekinashram, Dod Lane, Glastonbury 

All levels welcome 

Starting 21st February 2012

Drawing on my study of the Scaravelli tradition, the Quiet Yoga class will be a safe supportive space to explore the body, breath and movement from a mindfulness perspective, respecting  the needs of the body rather than imposing outcomes, a yoga of undoing rather than doing. It is a deeply restful practice, soothing the nervous system and reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety.

We will work together to become quiet and very present with ourselves, with this focussed awareness
witnessing the breath and the responses of the body to release tension and create internal space.

Relaxing progressively, allowing the breath to cleanse, purify and rejuvenate cells, tissues and organs and energising the subtle body. Areas that commonly hold tension; such as the hips, shoulders and the pelvis become lighter; and authentic joyful movement becomes possible.

This is a wonderful liberating approach and suitable for all ages and body types, over time the practitioner develops calmness, clarity and self-acceptance.



I look forward to sharing yoga with you, you are welcome to call ahead of class  07779 807089 or email me with any questions.


Jennifer

- Mats, blankets and cushions are provided at this venue.

- Wear loose comfortable clothing, we will be barefoot.

- Please arrive on time for a prompt start.

- Contact me before class if you have an active medical condition that you are receiving treatment for.

Singing my yoga: taking music lessons in Rishkesh

This alluring sign caught my attention

I stared at the enormous electric air cooler that dominated the blue cube of a room where I have been coming daily for singing lessons. A powerful roar was emanating. How was I going to hear myself over that?

Chandra my teacher, pretty, petite and quick of mind had imported it for my comfort. I didn’t wish to appear ungrateful and refuse her kindness; I suspect she was paying money to rent it. 

In any event, it would just add another layer to the sound sandwich that is India.

Chandra teaches singing, tabla and sitar from her home close to the main Laxman Temple in Rishikesh. Access is via a set of steep, narrow concrete steps lined with saffron robed sadhus. They spend their days sitting outside with their alms bowls.  From the teaching room I could hear a very regular chink of coins being received and the ubiquitous salution Hari Om!  

We sit cross legged on a red patterned wool rug and Chandra operates a harmonium to accompany me.  I am practicing vocal exercises:  variations on scales and arpeggios Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Da Ni Sa. This takes up the entire hour.  My brain is quite tired by the end from the concentration. 

I enjoy it very much, as a teacher, it feels great to relax and receive instruction. And although Rishikesh is all about yoga and there are countless options for classes, I am well established with my daily asana and  so have the time and resources to spend on other things.

I am going deeper and deeper into bhakti yoga and kirtan and sacred singing of all types. So this a great way to improve and grow in confidence as a singer. Private tuition is extremely affordable (200 -300rs  per class) and I record the sessions onto my mp3 player so I can practice in my room or when walking about town.  

Bansi's teaching room

I have a second teacher, a brahmin, named Bansi. I would guess him to be in his seventies. He is extraordinarily youthful and energetic of spirit and has a kindly presence.

I was standing in the main square pausing in the shade a few days ago when I noticed a sign outside a men’s hair salon. 

It turns out that the barber, Rakesh,  is a longterm student of classical flute who is happy to guide new pupils to his master.

Hence daily I take myself to a second noisy room (building work below, monkey fights above) to sit on another rug (old, beige, dusty) and practice a different set of vocal exercises: mantra  or prayer.   

Bansi is very laid back. On my first day he asked me what I wanted to learn. To practice the yogic chants I had been given five years ago and to move onto longer mantra I replied. 

From a large wooden cabinet with glass doors, Bansi selected a slim book, Sivananda Ashram Daily Prayers produced by the Divine Life society. This is published locally; the ashram is located just across the river at Ram Jhula.  Another very solid harmonium was taken down and the familiar, comforting warm drone once again accompanied me.

We started at the very beginning of the book, with a wonderful guru stotrum which is spoken at morning prayers.  Then we practice the classic mantra that will be familiar to most yogins and bhaktas: Poornamadah, Sahana vavatu, Sarvesham swastir vavatu, Tryambakam yajamahe  and more. 

Guruji!

I love the latter, after ten repetitions or so I begin to feel fire in my belly! This is also a favourite of Bansi who tells me with smiling eyes This mantra to Shiva is meant to save your life- from Devils!  Useful!

These sessions are so very helpful, in terms of correcting anglicisms that have crept in my pronounciation.  And in reminding me of correct intonation patterns.  I love the sing song lilting melodies, Bansi sings with a great lightness and obvious, easy joy and he is very adept at tabla too.

So my days are pretty full with lessons and self-practice.  I have started attracting more singing opportunities: the law of attraction in action. 

A young Israeli guy spotted my guitar bag and invited me to a night time jam session at the Bombay Guesthouse. I poked my head in during the day to check it out and was met by a wall of ganja smoke and giggles, so I probably won’t go, but I was happy to be asked.

I bumped into someone I met in Arambol in Goa, like me a health freak. She is staying at the Pyramid Guest House on account of their sprouts and spirulina. She thought it would be cool to start a singing satsang on the beach by Ram Jhula. I agreed, it was a good idea. 

Tiny temple courtyard where womens bhajans are hosted

Finally, I was walking past a tiny blue temple heading out of town last night as dusk was falling. I was mesmerized by the enchanting sounds of a women’s bhajan group.

I scrambled down some stairs following the sounds of bliss. In a small covered courtyard in front of a shrine were women of all ages, from two to eighty two, chanting kirtan together as the male priest performed puja.

 

I was beckoned in and handed a large pair of manjira hand cymbals. How amazing! I couldn’t follow the chants but it was enough to be present and so there I sat, on a cool stone floor, in the nurturing presence of such beautiful women; sisters, cousins, aunties, daughters and granddaughters, chiming and clapping with love in our hearts as the sun went down.

I am looking forward to many more musical adventures as my time in India unfolds.

Om shanti, shanti, shanti

Jennifer

Santosa Summer Camp: Living in the Land of Yoga

Morning meetings were well attended

Simplicity, purity, sharing and devotion: Santosa Yoga Camp unfolded as a sattvic finale to the festival year. Living in the land of yoga in the beautiful vale of Avalon as summer concluded.

I had selected low key events this season; basing my choices on gate protocols.

No more wristbands, walkie-talkies or security guards. I needed to be greeted with a hug, by gentle people who knew my name. Hedgerows not fences: I needed to feel LOVE.

I had been offered a teaching ticket and decided to share an Inner Yoga; an introspective journey using mantra, mudra, pranayama and restorative poses enabling practitioners to experience and work with the subtle energy body.

Juice o'clock!

As the event approached, the weather was mixed, but I would be safe and dry in my caravan or a short sprint from home if things got heavy.

I had just landed back in town from New Holistic Camp and was keen to stay in the flow of camp life, living outside, simply, creating community in nature.

Most days I awoke at first light and was vivified by sunrise and birdsong. An obligingly unused yurt was an ideal space for asana self-practice.


Then I would bathe under a cool, clear spring in the adjacent field and join fellow devotees to sing bhajans - all before breakfast.

Being late August there was plenty of foraging to be done in the local lanes. I located elderberry, blackberry and some stunning wild mint.

I made a couple of visits to the nearby lido at Shepton Mallet, courtesy of a bicycle loan from a generous crew member (Fluorescent green pedals! Thanks George!). The simple sauna, constructed in a bender with a woodburning stove inside was a daily requirement. I really felt that I was purifying and cleansing on all levels of being.

Tanya and John were sorted for sprout

The law of attraction meant that I was serendipidously sited next to a trusted festival friend Annette. I made some great new connnections too.

The raw of attraction was in operation: my other neighbours were Ian and Aradhana of Positive Living Bath, we share mutual friends and a passion for living foods and juicing. They are both yoga practioners and really easy to be around.

Aradhana was holding raw treat workshops and was carrying some impressive technology, including a Swiss hand blender.  I persuaded them by demonstration to upgrade their Easy Health manual juicer to the mighty Z Star which I use in my caravan.

Across the field, were another raw couple who were living foods enthusiasts, so much so that their caravan annex was a de facto growing room with stacking shelves and a mini shop.

Tanya started chatting when she noticed my trays of sprouts (barley grass, baby sunflower greens and snow pea shoots). She explained that her partner John had converted to the living foods lifestyle in response to a serious health condition and had visited the Hippocrates Institute in Florida to educate himself and ultimately others.

They were friendly, passionate and committed and it was great to discuss the finer details of juicing and sprouting and we will stay in touch. John is growing some enticing sounding fruit at their home in Gloucestershire, such as goji berries and honey berries. With three acres of land they are living the dream!

Detail from the Bhakti space

I was thrilled to meet Lucy Crisfield and Alex Honeymann, both musicians, a divine couple whom I knew of by reputation. They travel widely and present their very different material together, it really works.

Alexander is a singer songwriter who presented personalised versions of classic bhajans as well as his own material, which really speaks of the healing and ascension of humanity at this time.

Lucy offers the classic form; she has studied Vedic chanting in India and texts from other spiritual traditions. She gave a truly commanding rendition of Sri Rudraprasana, invoking Lord Shiva by reciting his many names.

Bhajelo ji hanumann!

Bharati and Dinesh are another divine couple, experienced, mature and compassionate musicians who for me epitomise the spirit bhakti, the yoga of devotion.

They were tireless! Evening kirtan followed on from afternoon devotional chanting and they showed up for morning bhajans too.

I would gladly attend any future event they are part of as I truly respect their work and am inspired by their attitude and pure presence.

In an auspicious moment, Bharati and Dinesh  initiated me in chanting the Hanuman Chalisa: a beautiful prayer to the monkey faced deity. Accompanied by the vibrating tones of the harmonium, we read from tiny books from Indian written in Sanskrit and transliterated into English.

Joined by yoga empress and all round goddess Uma Dinsmore-Tully who birthed the Santosa Camps, I knew myself to be profoundly blessed and was grateful to be receiving in this way.

Boys will be boys

Other magic moments included sharing lentil soup in the pouring rain around a camp fire, courtesy of the beautiful, vibrant Sultan.

Witnessing a spear chucking contest, a small tribe of boys armed, rewilded and empowered thanks to Ben, who was putting an end to his children being teased for attending yoga camp This year they're going home with weapons, he declared firmly. 




Join us in 2012! www.sitaram.org/sitaram/santosa-yoga-camp

Aradhana, Ian and friends www.positivelivingbath.co.uk

Bhakti bliss assured www.bharatidinesh.co.uk

Great inspiration www.lucycrisfield.com

Getting started: Teaching yoga at festivals

Here is a recent post from my facebook page:

Hi!  I enjoyed reading about the festival yoga! 

I would like to do something like that here in the states.  I live in Phoenix, AZ and my husband is a bluegrass musician. We like to travel to different festivals throughout the Southwest. I will be teaching traditional Raja, eight limb yoga.  

Would you mind sharing how you charge for something like that and what you do about mats, props, etc? 

Thank you!! Namaste!

It's great to work from a dedicated yoga space

How exciting to receive correspondence from the US. I love that people are enjoying my blog and interacting. It is my true pleasure to support others by sharing my experience and participating in the flowing and growing of yoga across our beautiful planet! 

Here are my thoughts and suggestions:

Choose festivals you like! This may sound obvious, you will be living that environment twenty four hours a day for up to a week or even longer. It makes sense to go somewhere enjoyable where you will be able to relax and have good times.

Initial contact: Email the healing/wellbeing area co-ordinator as well as the workshop co-ordinator to find out who is managing yoga. Larger festivals may have a designated yoga co-ordinator. There is usually a link on the festival website; if not send a mail to the general info address and ask to be put in touch with whoever co-ordinates workshops/yoga/wellbeing. 

When you have a relevant someone's attention; set out your proposal. Emphasize your passion for yoga and teaching, why you are interested in that particular festival and highlight any specialism you can offer. Family and partner yoga as well as beginner yoga are always well received. The more the festival is aligned with principles of mind-body-spirit connection and alternative lifestyle, the more you are able to go deep and offer mantra, sutra, pranayama etc.

A clean carpeted floor is a must!

Apply early in the year, in the UK Feb/March is about the right time to register an interest. Generally speaking, the larger the festival, the greater the level of organisation and pre-planning required. Attach a link to your website. If you don't have a business site I recommend setting up a facebook page or blog for a free online presence so as to present your approach to yoga, training and experience, ideally with photos. Think of it as your cyber CV!

Yoga teachers are expected to carry professional indemnity insurance, recognised teaching qualifications and possibly a clean criminal background check.

Popular events may have a full quotient of regular, returning teachers. Don't be discouraged! You could offer your services as a yoga team support/back-up teacher, teaching assistant or karma yogi. Chances are a gap in the timetable will arise and you will be able to step in! And you are sowing the seeds of success for forthcoming festivals and making connections within the festival yoga community.

Generally, teaching work is unpaid, you get a free ticket in, and time to yourself to enjoy the festival when not teaching. Friends and family will have to buy a ticket.

A quiet, outdoor meditative practice

Be bold and approach festivals that currently have no yoga, organisers may be receptive to introducing it. Be clear about your needs: often there is a general workshop space: will it be suitable? Clean and dry? I don't recommend yoga under the elements, ideally the space is carpeted and designated shoe free. One of my favourite all time venues was a silk parachute draped between trees forming a beautiful translucent canopy and allowing cool air to circulate: blissful!

Mats are usually supplied by the yoga coordinator. Always check in advance. If you are sole teacher and are committed to several festivals, seek out used mats: Contact local yoga studios, teachers, gyms and wellness centres and ask if they are disposing of any used mats, offer to take them in return for a donation to their favourite charity. Call your friends!  You could post similar requests in health food stores and online communities such as freecycle.

Props?  For ease and simplicity I tend to modify my teaching to match the environment. There may be cushions and meditation blocks available if you are working within a dedicated healing area. I once taught inside a tipi strewn with sheepskins!

Fun and exuberance of family yoga!

A typical festival yoga session is one hour long. When I am sole teacher I offer a daily morning class at ten am. If I feel like giving more I may schedule a restorative session late afternoon. 

Decide your policy on children participating, whether you have a cut off time for starting, as folks tend to see things happening from outside and wander in. Yoga can be extremely popular; you may need an upper numbers limit, though it can be fun to spill out onto the grass if the sun is not too fierce!

You have a great opportunity to self-promote. Take flyers, cards etc if you have upcoming events to promote. I always collect email addresses, by circulating a form on a clipboard at the end of each session. Follow up with a courtesy email to the group promptly after the festival to thank your students for attending the sessions and for subscribing.

Other essentials: travel clock, incense and lighter, chimes, leg warmers! A flexible, positive attitude!

I hope that this is helpful, festival yoga is so much fun!

Yoga related questions are always welcome here and on facebook

Namaste

Jennifer

Summer yoga: creating a balanced practice with ayurveda

Peaceful, easy twist

I love, love, love the summer; the bright, early mornings are a perfect call to practice. Holding the sun in my heart I begin my sun salutations with a joyful spirit. The body is warmer and looser in the summer and it should be possible to sustain a vigorous asana practice. 

Here are some suggestions: 

 - Surya namaskara; between three to five each of type 'A' and 'B' from the classic astanga vinyasa practice. Or vary the classic hatha sequence; introduce a standing twist following warrior. 

 - Use the power and energy of a strong inhalation to sustain standing poses such as garudasana and utkatasana, holding each for five slow breaths, maintain drishti!

 - Explore backbends and twists more deeply; the exhilaration and freedom of urdhva dhanurasana is hard to beat! 

Now for balance: let us not be tempted to create a one-sided yang practice; imbalance is the cause of stress and ultimately injury and illness in the body and mind. Ayurveda advises us to temper the pitta or fire element of summer with measures that cool the constitution. We wish to avoid overheating the body and the emotions! 

Meditative shoreline practice at dusk

 - Favour the cool early morning or dusk. Refrain from practising between midday and three pm when the sun's energy is most powerful.

- Enjoy strong poses, but release any forcefulness or competitive thoughts. Don't be tempted to push yourself  further or deeper; cultivate a relaxed attitude of lightness and playful enquiry.

 - Counterpose strong asana with restorative poses: forward bends and supine twists. Lengthen your exhalation in these poses and surrender deeply, allowing the body to fully relax.

 - Practice in loose clothing made from natural fibres, light colours if possible: pale blue, green and white evoke the cooling tones of  nature. 


 - During meditation, focus on heart centred loving thoughts; releasing irritations and frustrations towards oneself or others.  Metta meditation is great and so is the Buddhist mantra: Lokah samasta sukhino bhavantu May all beings be happy and well.

 - Visualisation: walking along a shoreline at dawn or dusk, feeling the cooling breeze upon your skin, soothed by the calming flow of the waves. 

 - Post-practice: drink plenty of water. For extra benefit add a 30ml shot of pure aloe vera juice.
 
Enjoy your yoga and stay well!

Recommended reading : Yoga and Ayurveda by David Frawley
View additional photos from my visit to Goa, March 2009  on facebook

Notes on practice

Here are some photos taken at a private group session at the weekend. I have annotated  them with some thoughts and comments on the poses.

Parsvottanasana Intense side stretch pose

A strong pose. Lengthens the spine, strengthens the legs, opens the shoulders. It may be more appropriate to hold the elbows rather than inverting the hands in prayer pose.

Maintain and establish a steady base by balancing bodyweight between the left and right legs before exhaling forwards.

Explore balance: if the legs wobble, raise the body up.

Keep attention in the upper arms inviting the shoulder blades to move closer together.

Janu sirsasana head to knee pose

Notice the range of flexibility within the group. It is important to watch the mind and not strain and stress the spine by forcing the head down. Maintain aliveness in the straight leg and keep the foot alert, opening the back of the knee and elongating the hamstrings.

Shashankasana Hare pose

Wonderfully restorative. Allow the shoulders to drop and relax. Spread and soften the hands. Exhale fully out of the back ribs. Maintain vigilence and alertness while surrendering deeply.

Makrasana Crocodile pose

A great way to pause and soften the back of the body before investigating back bends. The forehead rests on interlaced fingers allowing the back of the neck and upper spine to lengthen. Big toes touching cause an outward rotation of the hip bones; freeing the sacrum and releasing the tail bone.

Supta matsyendrasana Supine spinal twist

Magnificent lumbar twist. Delivers double benefit: A relaxation response as the body receives full support from the ground. All twists are energising and here the breath can flow freely into the side ribs.

Be free with the arms. Take your gaze to the fingers of the outstretched hand, keep the face soft, maintain presence.

Venue: Yelverton Barn,  Meare Court Farm, Wrantage nr Taunton, Somerset

To arrange a group yoga session at this venue, visit www.somersetspa.co.uk or call Liz on 01823 480570

For other locations contact me directly.

Alternatives to the sticky yoga mat

Traditional asana practice on rugs

Brightly coloured, tightly rolled sticky yoga mats; we all own at least one and they are usually the default choice for practice.

The modern mat is highly convenient:  light, portable and durable. I certainly reach for mine without any thought every morning. I had a reminder this week that other choices are indeed possible.

Concluding a session at a client's house, I bent to pick up my mat. There was resistance, Sticky mats, how aptly named. The mat was virtually glued to the floorboards, which had been recently varnished. I forcefully peeled it away. Messy.

When I returned the following week, I gingerly patted the floor. Still sticky. Perhaps there was a cotton rug we could use? A folded blanket or sheet? The improvised solution was a pair of single duvets; one each. Doubled over, pristine white, creating a zen like mood.

We had a restorative session, what else to do? The duvets were inviting us to relax deeply and surrender into softness. Utterly blissful.

We began seated, with the challenge of locating the sitbones under a layer of padding. Working on all fours was very easy and gave welcome support to knees, which often suffer with hard flooring. Most of the time was spent supine, maintaining presence and alertness while enjoying the duvet's soft embrace.
 
The sticky yoga mat is a recent western invention which has been successfully exported to India. In traditional environments one is more likely to practice on some kind of natural textile.

At an ayurvedic clinic in Kerala I received instruction upon a folded white sheet. This reflects the focus on breathwork and meditation characteristic of a classical approach to yoga.

Cotton mats are widely available

In Mysore, astanga vinyasa  practitioners typically double up; a modern sticky mat for stability and resistance in the standing sequences and also a traditional woven yoga rug. This absorbs perspiration, prevents skidding and is more comfortable for backbends and the finishing sequence.

For sensuality and authenticity a woven cotton mat is a great practice aid; the bright colours will lift your mood and your spine will appreciate the extra support.

I recall a Scaravelli yoga workshop in Devon with Bill Wood, we used folded woollen blankets to explore standing poses. This was taking mindfulness in asana to a new level; a very different conversation requiring radical honesty and revealing the full extent of ones ambition in the poses.
 
Each surface yields a different experience and different benefits. It is fun to vary one's practice and experiment with alternatives to the sticky mat. Refresh your perspective and enjoy the change of sensation.

Transformations, going with the flow...

My personal yoga journey, now in its eigth year, has taken an unexpected turn. Following four years of introspection and inner attention through the Scaravelli method I find myself yearning for a more expressive and expansive experience of asana. I want to enjoy movement and form again.

I will be taking some workshops this summer with experienced teachers of vinyasa flow: Seane Corne, Shiva Rea are teaching in London this summer and I am excited about tasting the vibes of the sexy, urban hip Jivamukti studio. Synchronistically (all coincidences are meaningful)I have been offered a slew of Energize yoga work and have just bought an iPod, lstening to electronica and compiling yoga beat soundtracks.

In terms of yoga styles, this pretty much represents a complete volte face and it is quite something to acknowledge on a personal level. It feels important to follow this feeling of excitement and intuition, not to judge it or judge yoga.

It is so so easy and obvious to suggest that certain forms are more serious or frivolous than others. The body-mind must be allowed to express itself in which ever way is most appropriate at the time and not held back by the rational mind, which usually takes longer to catch up with the evolutions (revolutions?) initiated by the inner being, the higher self.

Quite literally I have to go with the flow on this one....

What makes a good yoga student?

“Am I a good yoga student?” A question posed in earnest after class recently.

Fundamental expectations of basic courtesy such as arriving on time, respecting other students and paying for the session have, happily, always been met by my students. I love the variety of people who turn up to class. I relish having high quality interactions with my students.

Mostly I am dealing with a group of regular attendees whom I am getting to know incrementally and respectfully, a mutual rapport deepening over time. Occasionally one meets a new student who has a powerful and invigorating effect, bringing new perspectives. They may stay for one or two classes only before they continue their sadhana (spiritual journey) elsewhere.

Personalities vary greatly; and we do bring our personality to yoga. A student may be passive and quiet, working without an apparent need for attention or they may like to engage the teacher with questions, comments and requests for explanation or assistance.

In truth I cannot state a preference for any kind of behaviour or personality type. To categorise students as ‘good’ implies that there is a possibility of being ‘not good’, or ‘less than’; and this is simply not the case! All must be welcomed and accepted for who they are and how they learn. There can be no room for judgement, particularly from the teacher, who best serves by remaining a neutral prop, a facilitator.

The other aspect to the question is the need of the student to receive validation from the teacher in the form of praise or approval. This is such a common scenario as many of us from an early age have not been loved or accepted for who we are are, rather we have built a conditioned and therefore fragile sense of self-esteem and self-respect, needing someone outside of us to tell us that we are ‘good’ that we may feel worthy or even loveable.

One’s yoga can be a valuable space wherein one cleanses the false self, sheds expectations and conditioning and cultivates self awareness. Let us practice for the sheer enjoyment of yoga and commitment to a deeper level of self-understanding. Let us relinquish ideas of succeeding and failing; let us practice without attachment.

This is the very advice offered by Patanjali in the yoga sutras:

Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tat nirodhah I.II

I respectfully offer the following translation: the mind is quietened through repeated practice and non-attachment

In other words, to be a good student; show up for class and then let go!

For a detailed look at the yoga sutras of Patanjali http://www.rainbowbody.net/HeartMind/Yogasutra.htm

Beyond asana: The case for an inner yoga

When I tell people what I do, that I teach yoga, people imagine stretching and movement. And indeed the poses are so useful to us in the west in countering our busy, often stressful lives. For many, the weekly yoga class is a precious opportunity to move the body, calm the mind, release tension, and come away feeling calmer, focused and relaxed.

However effective and enjoyable, the postures represent a fraction of the practice of yoga: the astanga yoga or eight limbs described by the great indian sage Patanjali over two thousand years ago. A complete practice includes breathwork, meditation techniques as well as honouring moral and ethical precepts. In short, a template for how we might live in the world, yoga becomes a lifestyle.

I undertook my final teacher training in India, studying one to one with my teacher. At our first session he observed me as I moved through a sequence of poses that by then had become comfortable and familiar. “No more bending” was his considered conclusion. He taught me the power and beauty of mantra, chanting ancient prayers in Sanskrit, deepened my knowledge of pranayama, breathing techniques and we meditated together daily, releasing the mind to become absorbed in an inner bliss. Later in my studies I added mudra, sacred hand gestures to refine and intensify other aspects of the practice.

I have felt increasingly moved to offer a yoga that combining pranayama, mantra and mudra. Thus enabling one to move from the external world to the internal; from the physical body to the subtle body, to become fully centred, surrendering deeply and becoming absorbed in the self.

We had the first class today and it was a subtle and powerful experience. Intimacy and sacred space were created as we sat together, student and teacher in a circle forming a mandala, the symbol of wholeness. The joy of this way of working is that each of us becomes responsible for our personal experience, there is neither a constant referencing of the teacher, nor a need to give adjustment or correction. In stillness and quiet we practiced with eyes closed and a focus on our private, internal experience.

Personally I felt deeply calmed and relaxed and this was reflected in the comments and feedback of the students. The class runs weekly throughout February and March at Shekinashram, Dod Lane Glastonbury.

Details here:
http://www.jivayoga.co.uk/pages/yoga/inner-yoga-classes.php

Beginner’s Yoga: Getting started - practical tips

During January I receive many enquiries from those who are new to or returning to yoga. I wanted to share some thoughts and suggestions for anyone who is embarking upon the yogic path.

Which style of yoga will you pursue? Take a moment to think about the benefits you would like. Traditions vary greatly from physically demanding to relaxing and restorative. If you are seeking a spiritual focus, look for a class that includes chanting and meditation.

Choosing the right teacher is key to success and a sustained practice. Opt for drop-in classes rather than paying for a term. Calling ahead for a chat with the teacher is a good way of easing nerves and getting a feel for personality and teaching ethos. You are looking for someone friendly and approachable, a source of inspiration and support who can give individual guidance even in a group context and be sensitive to your needs and learning style.

Consider class times and how this will affect your commitment. Choose a day when you have plenty of free time so that you can arrive ahead of time rather than late and flustered. Seasonality is another factor; many of my students enjoy an evening class during summertime, but find this a very different proposition on a cold, wet, dark winter’s night!

Save money! If you have tried the class and are prepared to commit, offer to pay for a block of sessions and you may well be offered a discount. If on a low income call ahead, there may be a concessionary rate.

There is no need to buy specific yoga clothing unless you follow a dynamic, power or hot yoga. Light stretchy layers such as leggings and short sleeved tee shirt will allow a full range of movement; you may consider whether you need to invest in a supportive bra.

Many studios and teachers supply yoga mats for student use at no extra cost. You may prefer to have your own. Check supermarkets for a budget buy (under £10). I recommend that you pay more and invest in a quality branded mat when you are ready.

Yoga DVDs, wallcharts and books are useful resources once established. I don’t recommend them for beginners. Start your practice with a trained teacher to ensure you progress at an appropriate pace and so avoid injury.

Yoga is therapeutic but is contra-indicated in certain circumstances. If you have had recent surgery or have an active medical condition, do first check with your GP/medical practitioner and if you get go ahead, inform your teacher at the start of class or call ahead. If pregnant you should look for a specific pregnancy class as many postures in a regular class will be unsuitable.

Enjoy your yoga! You are setting out on the path of improved health, self knowledge and spiritual fulfilment.

The twelve names of the sun

With cold feet and a warm heart, I have just returned from watching the midwinter solstice sun emerge from the night sky as it rises over Glastonbury Tor, a well observed ritual within my community. Sun worship is an ancient practice; early humans evolved spiritual beliefs and rituals that reflected their relationship with the natural world, and created symbols and deities representing the sun as a symbol of consciousness.

The sun is referenced liberally throughout ancient Indian texts and in the physical yogic tradition, we have surya namaskara, sun salutations, which are performed daily before sunrise. It is a flowing breath linked sequence of postures that generate prana, purifying and rejuvenating the practitioner.

I love the timelessness of surya namaskara and how, as we move through the poses we are connecting ourselves with thousands of years of yogic wisdom and honouring our connection to the rythms of nature. On a study trip to India three years ago I was introduced to a set of bija (seed) mantras that accompany surya namaskara, thus giving a complete and powerful spiritual practice. The sun is named in between each of the thirteen rounds, praising its aspects as follows:

Om mitraya namaha – the sun as friend
Om ravaye namaha – he who shines
Om suryaya namaha – dynamic aspect
Om bhanave namaha – remover of darkness and illusion
Om khagaya namaha - by whom we measure time
Om pushne namaha - who bestows strength and nourishment
Om hiranyagarbhya namaha – the golden germ of all life
Om marichaye namaha - Lord of the dawn, he who illuminates
Om adityaya namaha – the cosmic mother, boundless and inexhaustible
Om savitre namaha - vivifying and stimulating
Om arkaya namaha – source of life and energy
Om bhaskaraya namaha – revealing all truths and showing the path to enlightenment

The practice concludes:
Om sri savitre surya narayanaya namaha – salutations to the universal spirit

Using mantras in conjunction with the physical form allows us connect to and awaken these divine qualities and thereby embrace the tremendous strength and potential that exists within.

Chin mudra - gesture of consciousness

Chin mudra is well known and commonly associated with yoga: picture a yogin in seated pose, eyes closed, hands balanced on thigh or knee, open palms with thumb and forefinger touching. A simple yet auspicious form.

Sit comfortably, either in sukhasana, siddasana or padmasana. Rest the back of the wrists on the upper thigh, close to the knee. This in itself creates a closed energy circuit within the body and stimulates one of the main nadi (energy channels) on the inner thigh. With relaxed arms and soft, open hands, touch the tumb and tip of forefinger. Close your eyes and immerse yourself in the rhythm of your breath, inhaling and exhaling through the nostrils.

Symbolically, chin mudra represents the joining of jiva atma or individual consciousness with brahma or universal consciousness. An appropriate mantra would be so-ham, inhaling so and exhaling ham. Brief and powerful, so-ham can be interpreted as I am that; a reminder of our true and infinite nature.

Autumn yoga: a quiet practice

I arrived at class today to find several of my regular students already in the teaching studio, arranged in corpse pose, covered with blankets. I took this as a sign that a quieter practice was called for!

The weather outside was pretty turbulent; the long Indian summer of warm sunny days that persisted through September and October has yielded sharply to a November of chillier temperatures and the return of the rain.

The steady yellow glow from a halogen heater in the corner of the studio was evocative of the departed sun. We used ujjayi pranayama to increase our inner fire or agni and create heat internally. This warrior breath can be used throughout the practice of sun salutations and standing poses.

The use of additional stretches, parsva chakrasana, kati chakrasana are also appropriate during the colder months and we may have to make peace with a lesser range of movement. It feels good to spend longer in restorative poses such as balasana (childs pose), creating natural pauses in our asana sequences. Generally working with fewer poses. And we opted for a a passive inversion, with the trunk relaxed on the ground and the legs raised and supported on the wall.

A longer savasana is also called for, with a blanket to retain heat; allowing the body to rest completely. As we rested quietly in the final moments of the session, the rain ceased, the sun reappeared. A welcome blessing!

October arrives!

October brings the first frosts, vivid autumnal foliage, the clocks are adjusted hastening darkened evenings and celebration: Hallowe’en, Samhain, Diwali. We bring fire into our lives through lighting and heating our homes, warming food and burning candles.

I enjoy the subtle changes that can be noticed on a daily basis at this time of year: a few final warm, sunny afternoons, the turning of a leaf, horse chestnuts, acorns and beechnuts strewn in abundance in country lanes. The enchanting morning mists, the sharp chill in the air and glorious melting sunsets.

In terms of our yoga, we can respect Nature’s rhythm by slowing our practice and taking a longer savasana so as to harmonise with the resting phase of the annual cycle. We can add heat to counteract the chilly, damp mornings with heating pranayama and meditation on the sun, fire or our own solar centre.

Ayurveda would further suggest the use of warming colours for our clothes and in our homes and taking brisk exercise outdoors at midday whilst the sun is at maximum strength. We might consider supplements to increase the digestive fire such as black pepper and ginger powder, or ashwaghanda to maintain a strong immune system.

I have started using the sauna once or twice weekly to detoxify and add heat and am favouring gently warmed soup over juices. My essential oils have become less floral and more woody and spicy: using rosemary and black pepper in footbaths and for massage.

Enjoy October!

Yoga weekend with Marc Woolford, Brighton

“No stretching!” a seemingly baffling non-yogic command rapped out by Marc during Sunday’s session. Unsurprising in the context of the Scaravelli method and Marc’s evolution of his yoga.

We were dealing with the idea of the spine as the central axis of movement and support, having explored the breath and the bandhas during Saturday's session. It seemed that every movement, every investigation we made served to illustrate how one might move from external mechanical responses, to quieter, internal rearrangements.

Freeing the breath so that the spine is relieved of its habitual burden of carrying the weight of the body. Instead support might be found from forming new stuctural relationships, creating space in the fluid core, allowing movement to follow the release of the exhalation.

As to be expected from a workshop, we looked at relatively few poses, but took plenty of time to watch Marc demonstrate and verbalise his suggestions. Adjustments were shared with the group and Marc attended to us all individually, so that our body could access this way of working, creating in Marc’s words, “Less conflict” thus then leading to “Integration”.

Marc concluded Sunday’s session in a most beautiful and unexpected way, as we rested in savasana he coaxed gentle chords from a harmonium and chanted one of my favourite Sanskrit mantra: sahana vavatu accompanied by wide, expressive oms. It was a delicious soundbath, the excited street sounds of Brighton falling away as we bathed in blissful vibrations, immersed in relaxation, a perfect conclusion.

Visit Marc's website for details of workshops, yoga holidays and retreats www.yogawithmarc.com

Natural Bodies, yoga studio in Brighton for drop-in classes, therapies, workshops and teacher training in the Scaravelli tradition www.naturalbodies.org