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Led Practice - now is a great time to start!

How does it work?

Led Practice runs every Saturday from 7.00am-8.30am.  It is not a class as such, but students set up as usual and then a teacher or a Level 2 student will 'lead' the practice.  The leader will call the poses and do them.  Everyone else follows.  The leader will give alternatives to the inversions so there is no pressure to do headstand or shoulder stand if you don't yet practice these poses.

What you will do

Each student follows the leader but does his or her own individual practice.  This means each student will use equipment for support if appropriate, and shorten the timings if appropriate.  Effectively, we are all practising the same sequence but adjusting it to suit our individual needs.   

You can sign up for 5 or 10 sessions of Led Practice during the term or you can come along and pay the casual rate.  I know some students have signed which is great.  

Start Now!

It is the beginning of a new year and a fantastic time to start Led Practice.  To make the transition smooth, I will be at Led Practice this Saturday to assist any students who are new to Led Practice and need a little guidance.  Sharon will lead and call each asana and I will be available to help.   So make use of this offer and come along.  The casual rate is $15 and it's a great way to start the weekend!  Below is a piece written by one of our students where she shares her thoughts on Led Practice.

Clair's Thoughts on Led Practice

Attending weekly classes allows us to become students of yoga.  Being a student of yoga and a yoga practitioner, rather than just 'dropping into a class', is a commitment to sit with ourselves.  We take the time to come onto the mat, once, twice, three times a week, or even daily,  to observe our habits, to notice what's happening the body, breath and mind.  Alan Goode spoke about this in his weekend workshop two weeks ago.  Alan noted that a yoga practice becomes a study of consciousness, rather than just a physical activity.  A regular and consistent yoga practice gives us the opportunity to observe whats happening within ourselves without reacting.  To watch the rise and fall of emotions rather than becoming entangled within the drama of our circumstances.  

The first step on this path is to attend a class or classes.   Once you are familiar with the basic asanas, it's a great idea to join Led Practice on Saturdays 7.00am-8.30am.  Led Practice is not a class but provides the support of other students of yoga.  We come together to practice, working at our own individual capacity.  A student or teacher will lead a sequence and we all follow along.  A very simple concept.

It's also a fantastic way to start the weekend.  If you have 3 months experience of yoga, please feel free join the Led Practice group.  You can pay casually on the day, or pay on line as you enrol for your term class(es).  

One of our students gives her perspective on why we should attend Led Practice:

Why do Led practice?

Having taken some time to get my head around the idea of an early Saturday yoga practice I have become a convert. Now, like all good converts, I’m driven by a need to convince others.

But isn’t it early on a Saturday?

Yes, but you have to get up at some point and sleep is what Saturday afternoons are for. No-one ever felt worse after yoga.

I’m not good enough though…

Good enough for whom? Does it matter? Would letting going of the comparisons and competitiveness make a difference to your practice?

….and I don’t know all those hindi names!

Most of the poses you will have done before and it’s a great way to learn all the names.

If a yoga class is like going to training, then led practice is like playing the game. It’s fun, it focuses, it challenges, it reinforces, it extends, it’s non-judgemental and it gives you confidence to build on your yoga practice. 

 

Other articles:

COVID-19 Update

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

COVID-19 update on what precautions The Yoga Room is taking

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.

Times are uncertain and a yoga practice is invaluable to keep us calm and allow us to adapt to this unknown situation as it changes.  I will keep all students up to date as changes occur.

Keep practising to keep your immune system strong and I will see you on the mat.

Yours in Yoga
Tricia

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! 

Yoga off the Mat- Bush Fire Fundraiser for RFS - Sat 8 February 6.00pm

'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.

Yoga Basics - Sat 1 and Sun 2 February - for those who wish to 'try yoga'

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.

If students enjoy the classes and wish to enrol for our 10 week term commencing Monday, they will receive the Yoga Basics classes free of charge. If not, that’s fine as well.
Everyone will be very welcome.

Casual Class Tues 28 January and Start Dates for Term 1

I hope that all students have enjoyed a break and are ready to come back to class for Term 1 2020.  I am really looking forward to seeing you all again to begin a new year of yoga.  Steph, Fiona and Sharon are also excited to begin a new term with continuing students to start 2020 with a positive commitment to the practice of yoga.

Term 1 starts on Monday 3 February.  Please enrol online at https://orangeyogaroom.com.au/collections/all.  On line payments can be made by PayPay, direct deposit or credit card.  If paying cash or cheque, please let me know you are committing to a class and I can place you on the appropriate class role. 

Casual class Tuesday 28 January

I will teach a casual class next Tuesday for those students who wish to get back on the mat in preparation for the start of the new term.  All levels welcome and encouraged.  You can use the casual booking button on line or pay cash in class on the night.  I look forward to seeing you next week!