Surya: the hindu Sun God

Om suryaya namaha

It's the holiday season and while most are focussing on Christmas, some people are honouring the winter solstice, which occurred today; representing the shortest day.

From now on, whilst still in midwinter, we can look forward to lengthening hours of daylight and the promise of spring ahead as the sun returns. In yoga, the sun is worshipped through the surya namskara, the sun salutations, traditionally practiced just before dawn to herald the coming day.

This morning I offered my personal practice to Surya, the hindu deity representing the sun. In classic depiction he rides resplendent across the heavens in a horse-drawn chariot, appearing at dawn, the embodiment of will-power, vitality and courage.

Open day, Rowan Centre, Glastonbury High Street

You may already be aware, that the Ashtat Centre at the top of Glastonbury High Street has new owners. Sue and Pete Jennings hold a vison for continuing work in the creative and holistic arts. They have renamed the centre, henceforth it is to be known as the Rowan Centre.

Sue and Peter are hosting an open day this Saturday, 20th December. You are invited in for a chat, a mince pie and glass of mulled wine between 10am and 4pm and admire the recent redecoration and newly installed exhibition of paintings. You can take part in programme of talks and taster sessions including the Louise Hay method, emotional freedom technique and story telling.

I will be holding a (free!) 30 minute yoga session at 3pm, I'd love it if you could join me, why not pause your Christmas shopping for some gentle stress relief! No need to book, just turn up or if you're not in the mood to practice, just pop in and say hello!

For further details contact the Rowan Centre on: 01458 837881

BKS Iyengar of Pune turns 90 today

BKS Iyengar of Pune turns 90 today. This incredible man is well loved, internationally renown and respected by yogis of all disciplines. I studied with one of his senior students in South London for a period of several months.

The Iyengar method is characterised by a stringent regard for precision and alignment in the poses, faciliated by the use of props such as straps, blocks and bolsters. Iyengar teachers are rigorously trained to a high standard and exhibit a high degree of reverence for their guru, this is a classic system of yoga.

Iyengar's contribution to yoga is vast: a natural philosopher and scholar, he has produced several classic texts dealing with all aspects of the practice, most notably Light on Yoga. If you have not yet experienced the Iyengar method, the nearest dedicated studio is in Bristol. For further information on the great man and his fascinating life, check out the official website:

http://www.yogawest.co.uk/index.php
http://www.bksiyengar.com/

Goma in concert - review

Last Saturday I attended a concert by the family group Goma. Goma are talented spiritual musicians who offer their work in the name of their guru (teacher), Mahavatar Babaji. The programme consisted of mantra (prayer) and bhajan (song); both aspects of Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion. Music flowed seamlessly for 2 hours, the singing accompanied by traditional musical instruments played by Gopal Hari & Ambika (pictured) and their sons. The evening was well attended by friends and familiar faces from Glastonbury; it was an uplifting and rewarding experience and I look forward to their next local appearance. Below is a link to Goma's schedule, hosted on the main Babaji UK website, where you also can find further information about Babaji. Audio CD's of Goma's music are available for purchase from Hemp in Avalon, Marketplace, Glastonbury.

http://www.ombabaji.org.uk/calendar.htm

Coming into stillness

A glance up at the skyline reveals that the trees have shed their leaves, and are now bare and silhouetted. The days and nights are cold and wonderfully still, winter time is upon us.

I am enjoying the stillness and using my yoga to connect deeply with the seasonal mood. At the start of practice one may enjoy coming into a quiet seated posture in preparation for pranayama.

Drawing one’s attention and focus inwards as the trees withdraw their life force, we become stiller, quieter, and connect with our inner self. During breathwork, see if there is a natural pause available at the end of the inhalation and exhalation.If it is comfortable, place your attention there and allow the pause to lengthen. Take time at the end of practice for a long savasana; go deep and fall into the centre of yourself.