When, like a tortoise withdrawing his limbs, one withdraws each and all of the senses from their objects, his wisdom is established. – Bhagavad Gītā, 2.58 prati = away from or against āhāra = food; what we take in through our senses; external influences pratyāhāra = withdrawal from external influences; sense withdrawal Those of you … [Read more…]
Wed. Apr. 10th, 7:30-8:45pm – New session (11 weeks) of Traditional Hatha Yoga starts at the Meredith Centre. All levels. Registration is through the Meredith Centre. Drop-ins are also welcome. Sat. Apr. 20, 4:00-5:00pm – Community Kirtan at Vraie Nature Yoga. This a free event, open to all. Join us for the singing of yoga … [Read more…]
This month, my wall calendar has been telling me: “Breathe, you are alive.” This is a reminder to acknowledge and honour each breath, each moment of life. Each breath gives us life, sustaining our body and mind, allowing us to be and act in this world. By some mysterious will, some divine miracle, breath flows … [Read more…]
On Sunday, we held a Kirtan here at Vraie Nature Yoga in Chelsea. We sang five yoga mantras, and then chanted OM together 108 times. It was a special hour that stands out for me as I look back on my week. As I introduced the mantras, I offered a short translation and explanation of … [Read more…]
I’ve had a special request this week to write a few words about the harmonium. For those of you who don’t know, I now have one of these wonderful instruments, and I’ve been using it to accompany our kirtans at Vraie Nature Yoga. What is kirtan? It is a gathering of folks to sing yoga … [Read more…]
Tāḍāsana (Mountain pose): Stand with your feet together or hip width apart, the outside edges of your feet parallel. Spread your toes. Spread your weight evenly through the feet, front to back, and side to side. Lengthen your spine, drawing the tailbone downward and the crown of the head upward, slightly tucking the chin. Expand … [Read more…]
Friday, March 8, 7-8:15pm: TGIF Candelit Yin Yoga at Vraie Nature Yoga in Chelsea – Use your studio membership, class pass, or choose the drop-in option ($22). This is a gentle, meditative yoga class suitable for all levels of experience. New to Yin Yoga? Learn more about it here. Sunday, March 17, 4:00-5:00pm: Kirtan at … [Read more…]
This year, my calendar features the wisdom and calligraphy of Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. February’s page looks like this: Beneath this beautiful calligraphy, we find the explanation that true love consists of: loving kindness (maitri in Sanskrit) – benevolence, friendliness, good will compassion (karuna) – the desire to help, to alleviate another’s suffering joy … [Read more…]
As a yoga teacher, I get to observe people practising yoga. Not that I’m staring at you while you practice – but I do I let my gaze drift around the room. Sometimes, something will jump out at me, and then I pay more attention. Lately, I’ve been noticing more of this: body language that says … [Read more…]
Shavasana (corpse pose): Lie down on your mat, on your back, arms and legs apart, palms turned upwards. Let the feet be as wide as your mat. Draw your shoulders away from your ears, and your tailbone toward your heels; this lengthens the spine on the mat. Close your eyes. Relax your body. Shava = corpse; Asana … [Read more…]