Welcome everyone to the start of Term 1 at The Yoga Room.  Firstly, It is the start of the year and we are going back to basics so that we can all begin on the same page - more on that later.   The words above, although written long ago, are applicable to a yoga practice and to meditation.  Some of us live in our heads, jam-packed full of thoughts, opinions and ideas racing around at great speed (often described as 'the monkey mind').  Others are more attached to the physical body.  We have ideas about how we look and how others see us.  

On the yoga mat, we are observing the physical body and bringing awareness to the breath and mind.  We work to align the skeletal body so the muscle stretches evenly over the bone, letting go of effort, noticing when thoughts arise, and when the mind gets busy.  Practising asana (yoga postures) is challenging for us when we first start yoga.  Some of us are stiff, have injuries or are simply getting older.  If we are to calm the mind and find a sense of peace, we need to make friends with the body first.  The body and the mind eventually move a little closer by consistent practice over time.  Some of the basic Asanas that we work on in class can be challenging and require effort and energy at first.  As teachers of the Iyengar Method of yoga, we place great emphasis on posture and alignment to create a strong foundation for your yoga practice.  BKS Iyengar says that you can find stillness of mind in the alignment of the body.  

We come onto the mat for another term of learning and practising Yoga.  Start where you are now, and be happy with even the smallest amount of progress this term.  To unite body, mind and breath is a long term learning goal but along the way enjoy your class.  When we all turn up each week and work hard, the class moves with a little more ease because the energy in the room carries the group steadily forward.  When students commit to a weekly class, the intention to learn and progress is clear.  As teachers we value your commitment.  Thank you for stepping onto the mat with us again this term.

'Ethical action is not based on caste, birth, or rank but on the inherent connection we have with ourselves, each other, the world at large, and the way we see the relationship between our actions and their effects.  Positive actions become jewels that trickle down through the web of life, because all of our actions have implications for others.  Our skillful actions can have very positive effects in community and family, among animals and plants ...'  

Michael Stone:  Yoga for a World out of Balance

The quote above is from a book I am reading at the moment.  The essence of the book is about taking what you learn on the mat into your daily life.  Here is one way you can do just that!

The Yoga Room is taking part in a Fundraiser for the RFS organised by the local Indian community.  You can help those communities who have been devasted by the bush fires and are struggling to rebuild their lives.  There will be yummy home cooked food (primarily Indian vego) and yoga sessions.  What more could you want?

Grab some friends and come along and support this worthwhile event by attending our yoga session from 7.00-7.30pm.  Your action will have a trickle down effect and give support to those in need at this moment in time.