This tutorial explains the basic alignment cues of chaturanga dandasana, a pose found often in hatha, vinyasa and sculpt yoga. We begin with a modified version which is great for beginners, and explain how you can advance the pose as you build up your strength.
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I'm not going to lie, this is a little weird, but I've found a great new way to relax and unwind, even though it takes a little pranyama (aka breathing) to settle into it
While researching natural ways to reduce joint pain and neck stiffness I came across the centruies old technique of accupressure, and found that there is a simple way to receive the benefits of this practice at home in the form of accupressure massage mats that can help to restore health and balance to your body, bringing with it a sense of calm and wellbeing.
We are now taking bookings for our new Meditation Workshops. In this 2 hour workshop you'll learn a technique of meditation that uses silent repetition to focus the mind (mantra meditation). We'll explore your motivations for practicing, ways to establish a successful routine, how to sit comfortably, and prepare to overcome potential obstacles.
The Four Tendencies is a book written by Gretchen Rubin which proposes that we all fit into one of four personality types that shape every aspect of our behavior. Never heard of it? Check it out here The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People's Lives Better, Too) and take her free online quiz to see what personality type you fit into.
How can using this framework help you set up your home practice?
We're excited to bring Gentle Yoga back to the weekly schedule every Saturday 8-9am.
Gentle yoga is a practice suitable for beginners, seniors, and regularly practicing yogis looking for a change of pace.
This 60 minute session is designed to stretch areas of the body that are most commonly affected by stiffness and tension. Poses are included to help build strength and balance, and the session concludes with relaxation and a guided meditation.
We are so excited to be able to gather our community of yogis on a virutal platform.as well as in the studio.
There is nothing quite like the energy of being in the studio together to share movement and meditation, however feedback from our first online session was that there is definitely more of a sense of 'practicing together' and community when meeting live than there is with a pre recorded video. We're bringing together yogis from all over the country to share a practice and I feel thankful that it's possible. I'm also grateful to each of you that's willing to give this new platform a try, and invite me (virtually) into your home practice space.
Some tips for gathering on zoom:
I have been curious this week in my practice about the yogic principle of virya. The sanskrit word virya is often translated as 'effort' but can also be translated as 'energy', 'diligence' or 'enthusiasm'.
While it seems a simple concept that we of course should apply some effort in our practice, I found it interesting when I really started to look at the idea of 'right effort'.
Do we really apply as much effort as we could or should in some areas of our practice? Or perhaps do we sometimes apply too much effort?
This week as we explore the external practice of Saucha/cleanliness our journal reflections encourage you to explore how the state of the space around you affects your inner state. Make a cup of tea (or something similarly delicious) and take some time to journal and contemplate the following questions:
In our saucha practice I'm not going to tell you how to clean your house or how to take a shower, however it's not always clear how to care for our yoga mats!
If you bought your mat from our Jasper studio, it's a Jade yoga mat. These are amazing grippy mats, but some yoga mat cleaners could do more harm than good if they contain essential oils. Essential oils clog up Jade mat's 'pores' which over time will make it slippery and ineffective. Cleaners that contain alcohol and petroleum based solvents can also damage the mat and break it down. Remember to keep your mat out of direct sunlight when storing or drying as these eco-friendly mats will start to break down in sunlight.
Thankfully keeping your Jade mat clean is super easy!
I'd like you to consider how your physical surroundings affect your inner state and day to day experience. Imagine the following two scenarios and consider how you would feel before, during and after the yoga practice for each story. Please also take moment to consider how other yogis in your class may be affected by your actions and energy in each case.
Free yoga classes for when you can't get into the studio, or to keep you moving in between! Includes gentle, flow, restorative and chair yoga.
A place to learn a little about yogic philosophy, and inspiration for your practice
A collection of articles and videos to help you deepen your understanding of your practice
