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:

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