It is with much sadness that I inform our student body that The Yoga Room will close it's doors at midday today, in compliance with government direction.  Our school has delivered yoga classes, workshops, YogArt and Led Practice to our community for 22years now and I am extremely proud of our teachers and our students in their progression and learning along the yoga path.

I feel very strongly about continuing to offer yoga to students as it is through what we have learnt in our yoga practice that we are able to 'tread the path between caution and courage', as Fiona reminded me last Saturday.  I am unsure if we will reopen again but I am determined to continue to provide yoga classes to our valued students on line at this point in time.

I am offering Zoom classes as from this morning.  The Monday classes have been informed via email about procedures to join their regular class and I will be sending out emails to each class with information on how we will proceed on line.  This is taking time and energy to put together and I ask for your patience as I get our Zoom classes up and running.  The format won't be perfect but we are open online and still offering classes for the rest of term.  Please join me on the mat and practice your class in your home - maybe other family members might like to join you?

I will give further updates on our online options in the near future.  In the meantime, look out for the email and jump on Zoom for your regular class until term finishes.  

Love, light, blessings and good health to you and your family,

Yours in Yoga

Tricia

Below is a copy of the email I sent out yesterday.  It appears some students did not receive it so I am posting again.

I am reviewing our classes due to the implications of Covid-19.  As valued students of The Yoga Room, we wish to maintain healthy guidelines as set out by the NSW Government.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-latest.aspx.  

In line with this advice, the following steps are to minimise unnecessary risk to students and teachers.  Things are moving fast but at this stage our school needs to observe the following:

• Could all students wash and dry their hands in the bathroom before and after class.  There is also hand sanitiser on the table as you walk in the door.  
• Disinfectant Spray is available to clean all mats after the class and the mats will be left out to dry thoroughly after each class.
• You can also spray blocks.
• NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO PURCHASE YOUR OWN YOGA EQUIPMENT.  There are some mats available at The Yoga Room.  If you have your own mat, belt and blocks, please bring them to class.  You can also purchase equipment from Iyogaprops.
• No adjustments will be made to students in class.
• Please spread out as much as possible
• If you return from an overseas trip please don’t come to class for 14 days.

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! 

'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.

I am holding classes over the weekend designed for those who wish to 'dip their toe in' and try yoga.  I will teach two classes:

Saturday 1 February from 3.30-4.30pm; and

Sunday 2 February from 3.30-4.30pm.

If you know anyone in your family or circle of friends who would like to come along, please ask them to email or ring me.  They are welcome to attend one or both of the classes.  The cost is $15 for one class and $25 for both. The classes are designed for those with no yoga experience but are fine if you have done a little yoga before.  We will look at standing poses, twists and forward bends as well as alignment of the skeletal body for good posture.  A relaxation segment will conclude the class and leave participants feeling refreshed and grounded.