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:

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!