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.

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!

We will again hold YogArt in the January holidays 2020.  This workshop is a fun and healthy way for children to express themselves and learn yoga in a nonjudgmental, friendly environment.  We start with a yoga session followed by a snack, then art led by Abigail Hawke who is a primary school teacher.  We have fun exploring yoga poses within a story or an adventure.  We use our imagination, move our bodies and learn some mindful ways of working together as a group and individuals.  Sometimes the teachers have more fun than the students!

3-6yrs    9.00-10.45am - Yoga and Art

7-12yrs  11.00am-1.00pm - Yoga and Art

The workshops include yoga and art tuition, snacks and art supplies.

Please arrive 5mins before your session and bring a drink bottle and a paint shirt to keep clothes protected.

BOOKINGS:   HTTPS://ORANGEYOGAROOM.COM.AU/COLLECTIONS/ALL OR CONTACT TRICIA@ORANGEYOGAROOM.COM.AU.

Enrolment for Term 1 2020

Wishing all our students a wonderful 2020 filled with learning and progression along the path of yoga.  Term 1 commences on Monday 3 February and if you haven't yet enrolled, please do so asap.  Enrolments are open on line or you may pay a deposit by placing $20 in an envelope and delivering it under Yoga Room door to secure your place.  

Casual Holiday classes

If you're still procrastinating after a holiday, now is the time to get on the mat and start 2020 by rebooting your yoga practice.  All students are very welcome to join Steph for the remaining two holiday classes.  All the classes are casual and open to all levels.  

The new casual rate for 2020 is $24, but for the January classes, it will remain at $23.

Bookings for Casual classes can paid in class on the day or on line at https://orangeyogaroom.com.au.  Use Tuesday 5.15pm and Thursday 9.30am Casual Class booking buttons.

January Intensive 22-25 January

There are still places left in the Intensive and all students are welcome to attend.  The Intensive format gives us the time to develop and refine our yoga practice and to experience the effects of steady, consistent progression over these 4 days. There are 6 Sessions as follows:

Wednesday 22 January 5.30pm-7.30pm – Asana/Restorative
Thursday 23 & Friday 24 January 6.30-8.00am - Active Asana
Thursday 23 & Friday 24 January 5.45-7.30pm - Restorative/Pranayama
Saturday 25 January 8.30am-10.45am - Asana
Saturday 25 January 11.30am-1.00pm – Setting Goals for 2020 Workshop.

Attendance at all 6 sessions is recommended as the Intensive is taught as a complete learning unit, but the following variations are offered:
6 sessions $180 +free Setting Goals Workshop
5 sessions $150 (add $30 for Setting Goals Workshop)
4 Sessions $130 (add $30 for Setting Goals Workshop).

A deposit of $30 is required upon booking.  Please email me with your intention to attend and specify which sessions you will attend.  I will then email you bank deposit details.

Setting Goals Workshop

This workshop is separate to the Intensive and students are welcome to attend the workshop without attending the Intensive.  Students who attend all 6 sessions of the Intensive may attend the workshop free of charge.   Bookings essential.

Steph, Fiona, Sharon and myself look forward to spending another term on the mat progressing and learning together in Term 1 2020.

Happy New Year to everyone in our yoga community!  

I know most of you have heard this before (because I say it every year), BUT .......  I do love the New Year.  The promise of a fresh start and the infinite possibilities that come with it, is irresistible.  2020 is also a new decade, which is twice as exciting.  

Setting Goals  Workshop Saturday 25 January 11.30am-1.00pm

Setting goals gives us direction, momentum and extends us to look more deeply at what we want to achieve.  Setting goals is a great way to help us have a purpose and to make ourselves accountable.  At the beginning of each year I set my goals for the next three months, for one year, 3 yrs and 5 yrs.  If you would like to do the same, join me for the Setting Goals Workshop on 25 January.  I would love to take you through this process and set you up for 2020 and into the future.  We may even make a 10 year goal to celebrate the new decade.  You may wish to set some goals around your yoga practice.  You may wish to practice Headstand (Sirsasana) proficiently, get your health on track, improve your finances or find some balance with family and work.  The cost is $30 and is open to anyone.  Friends and family are welcome.  The Setting Goals Workshop is free to students attending all sessions of the Intensive (22 January to 25 January).

Begin the new decade with positivity and direction!  Contact me to enrol in this workshop.  You will be most welcome!

I hope you are staying calm and centred in the face of this frantic time leading up to Christmas.  As part of the usual last minute shopping, I have had a few calls for gift vouchers over the past few days.   I am working from home and happy to be available for anyone wanting a voucher for classes or yoga equipment up until 3.00pm on Christmas Eve.  There is loads of equipment in stock, ready and waiting to find a home and get put to work on the mat.

Fiona, Steff, Sharon and myself wish all our students a healthy, safe and fun Christmas with lots of laughs, the odd present and happy times with family and friends.  

Until 2020, stay well and keep practising your yoga!

Begin 2020 by renewing your commitment to your yoga practice.  Consistent, regular practice brings rewards in many ways.  Practising yoga regularly encourages a healthy lifestyle, a positive attitude and an ability to remain centred when the world around is unpredictable, overwhelming or just plain busy.  All students are very welcome to join Steph for the following classes to maintain their practice over the holidays.  All the classes are casual and open to all levels.  

The new casual rate for 2020 is $24, but for the January classes, it will remain at $23.

Bookings for Casual classes can paid in class on the day or on line at https://orangeyogaroom.com.au.  Use Tuesday 5.15pm and Thursday 9.30am Casual Class booking buttons.

Bookings for Intensive to be paid in class or via direct deposit.

Term 1 2020 commences on Monday 3 February and is a 10 week term for all students.  Term 1 2020 bookings opened on Monday 9 December.

Firstly, I simply had to post this image of Kim practising Urdva Padmasana in Sarvangasana in class a few weeks ago, to compliment Owen's version of the asana in a previous post!!  It's the result of consistent, dedicated practice.

2020 A Clean Slate

As most of the student body knows by now, I am a huge fan of the New Year.  A clean slate and a new beginning offer so much promise.  It's a time to look at what's important in our lives, what we would like to put front and centre as a goal to work towards, and to generally assess how we are going to spend our time in 2020.  What will you prioritise in 2020, and how are you going to spend your time in 2020?  These are some of the questions we will contemplate in the Intensive and the Setting Goals Workshop in January.  

The Intensive format gives us the time to develop and refine our yoga
practice and to experience the effects of steady, consistent progression
over these 4 days. All levels welcome.

Intensive 22-25 January

Wednesday 22 January 5.30pm-7.30pm – Asana/Restorative
Thursday 23 & Friday 24 January 6.30-8.00am - Active Asana
Thursday 23 & Friday 24 January 5.45-7.30pm – Restorative/Pranayama
Saturday 25 January 8.30am-10.45am - Asana
Saturday 25 January 11.30am-1.00pm – Setting Goals for 2020 Workshop.

Attendance at all 6 sessions is recommended as the Intensive is taught as a
complete learning unit, but the following variations are offered:
6 sessions $180 +free Setting Goals Workshop
5 sessions $150 (add $30 for Setting Goals Workshop)
4 Sessions $130 (add $30 for Setting Goals Workshop).
A deposit of $30 is required upon booking.
Book in class or email Tricia.