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News: Easter Workshop, a Simple Sequence for Your Home Practice and Handy Tips

Hi there, it's Tricia here!

I can't believe we are halfway through term one already and Easter is just around the corner.  I hope you are enjoying your class and are gaining confidence with your yoga.  Steph, Fiona, Sharon and myself LOVE sharing our knowledge and seeing you grow and progress along the yoga path.  

This gorgeous autumn weather is perfect for an early morning practice.  So set your alarm 20 mins earlier tomorrow, roll out your mat and practice this simple sequence.  Afterwards, you will feel energised, clear headed and able to move through your day with ease.  

Home Practice

A Short Simple Morning Sequence

Handy hints for Practice:  Remember to keep your wareness on your breath and work to your individual capacity.  If you have the book How to Use Yoga by Mira Mehta (see below), I have placed the relevant page number near the Asana so you can follow along. 

Forward Virasana (P 27):  Support forehead and buttocks to rest comfortably, especially if you have cranky knees.  Alternatively lay on your back with legs up the wall.  Relax the jaw, breath quietly for a minute or two.

Baddhangullyasana (p 17 seated version):  Stand in Tadasana or sit on a chair or with legs crossed. Interlock the fingers, press the palms away from the chest and inhale to raise the arms up.  Take 6 breaths.  Bring the arms down, change the interlock and go on the second side.  

 

Trikonasana (p 15):  From Tadasana (p 13), step or jump the feet apart, turn to the right.  Exhale the right hand to the shin, top arm stretching up.  Turn the chest and look up (if you are balanced).   You can take the top arm to a chair if feeling unstable, or if menstruating.  Inhale come up and go to the other side.

Warrior I (p 17):  From Tadasana, step or jump the feet wider than the last pose and turn to the right.  As you inhale, take the hands to hips (beginner) or take the arms above the head (experienced - as per image above).  Turn the right (toes out 90 degrees and turn the left toes in a little deeper) and turn the chest out over the right leg.  As you exhale, bend the right knee to a square.  Keep the left leg firm and left heel pressing to the mat to create stability.  Inhale come up, turn and go on the left side.  Keep hands to hips if menstruating or if too strong on the shoulders.

Marichyasana III:  Sit on a blanket or similar height with legs straight out in front (Dandasana).   Bend the right knee and place the heel close to the groin.  Inhale the left arm up, exhale and turn to the right, placing the left elbow on the outer right knee.  You can also clasp the knee for a gentler version.  Place the right hand on the floor or to a block to keep the spine straight.  Take 6 breaths, inhale to come back to the centre and repeat on the left side.  

Note:  If menstruating, twist on the open side, i.e. place the right elbow on the inside of the right knee and turn to the left. This way the abdomen is kept soft 

 

Savasana (p 49):  Lay on your back, close your eyes and focus on exhaling away any tension.  Stay for up to 10mins.

Gently roll to the side, come up to sitting and enjoy the effects of your practice.  Well done and have a great day!!

Book Review - How to Use Yoga by Mira Mehta

This is a wonderful book for beginners as well as experienced students.   It is well illustrated with concise descriptions of each Asana.  It has a 10 week course as well as sequences for headaches, menstruation, stiff hips and stiff shoulders.  You can purchase a copy at the Studio for $25.00.  It's also widely available on line.

Easter Holiday Workshop 

'Can you answer your thoughts with the breath?'

This is a quote from an article I read recently and it stuck in my head.  It's such a simple question, and yet the challenge is very real.  This is the question ask ourselves in the Holiday Workshop.

I'm so excited to be offering this workshop.  I'm a real fan of this longer format which gives us the opportunity to look in more detail at this simple but challenging question.  I would love for you to join me while the weather is perfect for early morning practice.

The morning sessions will focus on active but steady, grounded asana practice.  The evenings will focus on quiet, inward looking asana with a focus on Pranayama (breathing exercises), Savasana and working towards meditation.  The workshop is suitable for all levels and will take your yoga to a place that is more considered, steady and thoughtful.  I offer all students the following times and options:

 Tuesday 21 April 6.30-8.00am Asana 5.30-7.00pm Restorative Asana and Pranayama or Deep Savasana and meditation
Wednesday 22 April 6.30-8.00am Asana 5.30-7.00pm As above
Thursday 23 April 6.30-8.00am Asana 5.30-7.00pm  As above
Friday 24 April 6.30-8.00am Asana 5.30-7.00pm As above.

 

8 sessions:  $175

6 sessions:  $145

4 sessions:  $100

2 sessions:  $54.

Booking now open.  Use this link:  https://orangeyogaroom.com.au/collections/all/products/easter-holiday-workshop or enrol and pay in class.

See you on the mat! 

Other articles:

July Holiday Timetable

 

As the Winter School Holidays approach, carve out some time for yourself to step onto the mat.  The time and effort it takes to get to class, will reward you with peace and rejuvenation.  The studio is warm and all that is required is some effort from you to get through the door!

Why should you prioritize yoga during the holidays?

Yoga is not just a physical practice; it is a holistic experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. If you are juggling work and children in the holidays, taking the time to unroll your mat and breathe deeply can provide a sense of calm and clarity that is much needed during this busy time.

How can you motivate yourself to attend yoga classes during the holidays?

Think of yoga as a luxurious gift to yourself - a time to retreat from the chaos of the outside world and nurture your inner being. Set aside a specific time each day to practice, whether it's early in the morning before the day begins or in the evening to unwind. Remind yourself that by prioritizing your well-being, you are better equipped to handle the demands of daily life.  We have a number of classes running in the school holidays that are open to all students of all levels of experience.  Please join us on the mat to maintain consistency

Tuesday 8 July 6.00-7.30 pm - Session 1 Using Equipment in Class and at Home - Kim and Tricia
Wednesday 9 July 6.00-7.30 pm - Session 2 Using Equipment in Class and at Home - Tricia and Kim
Thursday 10 July 9.30-11.00 am - General class with Kim.

Monday 14 July 6.00-7.30 pm - General Class with Kim
Wednesday 9.30-11.00 am - General class with Tricia
Saturday 19 July 7.30-8.30 am - General Class with Kim.

 

All classes are open to all levels of students.  See you on the mat!

 

 

 

International Yoga Day Celebration

Hello yoga friends,

Please join us for a free class and a meal to celebrate International Yoga Day!  All students in our yoga community are invited to mark this special occasion.  The free class will be held on Friday 20 June at 5.45pm.  The class will be 1hour.  Afterwards we will have a meal together, a chat, possibly a slide show of the history of the school and a short 15min discussion.  

Please book the free class on PunchPass as usual.  If you can't make the class, please join us afterwards.  Partners and family welcome.

We look forward to see you all!

 

Housekeeping

There are no classes on Saturday 7 June or Monday 9 June. All teachers will be in Canberra that weekend, which is the Kings Birthday long weekend.  Thank you for your understanding

Namaste

Holiday Classes this Week

Hello!  

I hope you all enjoyed some down time during the Easter break.  A reminder that we are running on a holiday timetable this week before starting Term 2 on Monday 28 April.  Here are the offerings for this week.  All classes are general in nature and open to all students.

Tuesday 22 April 6.00-7.30pm - General Class with Tricia

Wednesday 23 April 6.00-7.30pm - General Class with Fiona

Thursday 24 April 9.30-11.00am - General Class with Kim

Saturday 25 April 7.30-8.30am - General Class with Kim.

See you all next week!

Namaste

 

Easter Holiday Timetable

 

As the Easter holidays approach, many of you may find yourselves caught up in festivities and family gatherings.  This is a lovely time to hang out with family and friends - the weather is ideal, and you get a few extra public holidays thrown in the mix.   It's also a great opportunity to prioritize your own self-care and relaxation to maintain balance during this busy time.

Step into the studio for an hour or so to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.  Attending a class or two over the break will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to embrace the joys of the Easter break.  All of the classes on the Easter Timetable are open to all students of all levels of experience.  Everyone is welcome!

Easter Holiday Timetable

Monday 14 April 6.00-7.30pm - General Class with Tricia

Wednesday 16 April 9.30-10.45am - General Class with Sharon
Wednesday 16 April 6.00-7.30pm - General Class with Fiona.

Tuesday 22 April 6.00-7.30pm - General Class with Tricia

Wednesday 23 April 6.00-7.30pm - General Class with Fiona

Thursday 24 April 9.30-11.00am - General Class with Kim

Saturday 25 April 7.30-8.30am - General Class with Kim.

Namaste

 

Wednesday 5.45pm Class is a recorded class this week

Hi everyone,

I hope your week is going along well.  A quick note to let you know that the Wednesday 5.45pm class has been cancelled this week (19 March) due to the scaffolding being relocated at the front door of the studio.  This is the last time we will have to cancel a class so hang in there.  

Instead of Fiona's class in the studio tomorrow night, you have the choice of coming to another class this week or booking the recorded class tomorrow night.  If you wish to access the recorded class, book as usual and log into your PunchPass account at 5.45pm tomorrow night.  You will see the recorded class sitting in your account.  You have access to the recorded class for 3 days.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  

I have already emailed the usual Wednesday night class about this change to the timetable but thought it would be worth sending a general email as well.

Thanks for your understanding.

Namaste,

Tricia

 

 

Backbend Workshop Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March

Hello Yogis,

Are you ready to take your yoga practice to the next level? Dive into the world of backbends and unlock a whole new realm of physical and emotional benefits. Backbends are not just about bending your spine; they are about opening your heart, expanding your lungs, and cultivating courage and resilience.

What are Backbends?

Backbends in yoga involve bending the spine backward, creating a deep arch that opens up the front side of the body. From baby backends to Urdhva Danurasana, there are various backbends that can be incorporated into your practice, each offering unique benefits for the body and mind.  Backbends can also be supported and very restorative in nature.

Benefits of Backbends

Backbends are powerful heart openers that can help release tension and stress stored in the chest and shoulders. They also strengthen the back muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility in the spine. On an emotional level, backbends can boost confidence, uplift your mood, and cultivate a sense of fearlessness - just ask Fiona!

How to Practice Backbends Safely

When practicing backbends, it's important to listen to your body and work within your limits. Warm up the spine with gentle stretches before attempting deeper backbends. Engage your core muscles to support your lower back and avoid compressing the spine. Remember to breathe deeply and mindfully throughout the practice.

Embracing the Challenge

Backbends can be challenging, both physically and mentally. It's normal to feel resistance or fear when exploring these poses, but remember that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Embrace the challenge, stay present in the moment, and trust in your body's ability to adapt and evolve.

Invest in Your Practice

Whether you're an experienced student or a beginner, incorporating backbends into your practice can bring a sense of empowerment, freedom, and joy. So, roll out your mat with Fiona this weekend, open your heart, and embrace the transformative power of backbends in your yoga journey.

Times

Saturday 8 March 3.00-4.30pm

Sunday 9 March 9.30-11.00am.

Link to book:  https://orangeyogaroom.punchpass.com/classes/16922039

 

Tags: yoga, yoga class