tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202455402009-07-09T07:26:38.793+08:00shiny yoga*“it's time to start living the life you've imagined.” ~ henry jamesshinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-13290168993414133332009-07-04T15:27:00.006+08:002009-07-08T08:51:40.328+08:00Body Mind LifeIt can prove a battle trying to find the time to practice as a student. I hear it over and over again - that there's just not enough hours in the day. And true - we can all practice our yoga whether on the mat or not, but for me, my body and mind just <strong><em>get it</em></strong> when I step on the mat. All the fuzz in my head just disappears, the stress in my realm just leaves, and I just <u>am</u>.<br /><br />But between a full time job with a lot of over-time, teaching yoga part-time, and then living around that, I don't get on the mat as a student nearly as often as I like. Which is why I was absolutely blissed out when I made it to a couple of classes as a student at Surry Hills Body Mind Life studio this past week, with a dear friend, and had one of the best classes I've had in a long time!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355885111063281682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 63px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SlPtIb67ABI/AAAAAAAAAWU/NcE_GO8BCfk/s320/bml.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div>Some days your body balances, flies, floats, the planets all align and the perfect teacher guides you through a breathtaking practice - this is what happened when I stepped into the Power Basics class on Thursday evening. For those who've not tried it, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bodymindlife.com.au">Body Mind Life</a> is a vibrant studio in the middle of the city, right near Central Station, with a beautiful big heated room to practice in. Having not been a fan of heated yoga prior to this year, I missed out on some of the amazing teachers they have - but better late than never.<br /></div><br /><div>The room is not as hot as a Bikram practice, but the classes here (especially the power and vinyasa) are nice and flowing so you really warm up quite a lot - hint, be sure to have a towel with you! You will sweat! But the flow of the sequences ensures you're not just focussed on the heat - something I feel that lacks in Bikram. </div><div> </div><div>Michael was the teacher who led our Thursday evening Power Basics class and let me say it, Mike - you rocked it! This class was truly fabulous.. catering for all levels, he had a smile in his voice and explained the poses so well. We started off with some pranayama, then worked through the strong power sequence, and just when we thought we couldn't take it anymore, he'd make us crack into a smile and his amazing uplifting energy converted me - I can't wait to go back next week : ) </div><div> </div><div>I followed this up with a fabulous fluid Vinyasa class on Sunday evening with Andrew, and again my heart was singing. As much as yoga is physical, it is a mental/spiritual practice as well and Andrew really bought these elements together in class. Plus, a teacher who talks about peppermint magnums is a teacher I'd like to come back too! ;) </div><div> </div><div>As a teacher myself, I know how challenging it can be to teach a large room full of students at different levells, but both Michael and Andrew made it look (and sound) like a walk in the park. THANK YOU for a gorgeous practice that made me remember why I love yoga so much.</div><br /><div><strong><u>Deets: </u></strong><br />Body Mind Life studio in Surry Hills is on Foveaux St, <a href="http://www.bodymindlife.com.au/">www.bodymindlife.com.au</a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-1329016899341413333?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-90516454497288962162009-07-01T08:12:00.002+08:002009-07-01T08:26:41.667+08:00A Farm in the City<p align="center"><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uaVJjzGJHQE&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uaVJjzGJHQE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></p><p align="center">Check out the awesome trailer for <strong><span style="color:#009900;">EDIBLE CITY,</span></strong> a link I spotted on the great site, <a href="http://www.letyourlifebloom.com/2009/06/making-your-city-edible.html">Let Your Life Bloom</a>. So many fabulous, relvant and inspiring movies coming out : )</p><p align="center">Enjoy x</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-9051645449728896216?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-88500976724390226652009-06-28T16:23:00.005+08:002009-06-28T16:48:55.136+08:00The Yoga Smorgasboard<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SkcuT9qqdNI/AAAAAAAAAWE/i3xH51eyRWE/s1600-h/imagine.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352297602659022034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 203px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SkcuT9qqdNI/AAAAAAAAAWE/i3xH51eyRWE/s320/imagine.jpg" border="0" /></a>Today I tried by first <a href="http://www.bikramsutherlandshire.com.au/cms/">Bikram yoga class</a> - truthfully, not too hot compared to what I was exepcting, as I think my power yoga training and those 5 hour yoga sessions prepared me well!<br /><br />However, if you're new to yoga - perhaps stepping into a hot hot hot room of 38 degrees for the very first time ever would turn you off the practice for good! Oh the other hand, maybe a more meditative practice is going to be too boring for you.<br /><br />The good news is that there are so many different traditions of yoga, and different styles within each of those traditions - and then again, different teachers within each of those styles. Really - if one class doesn't suit you, try and try and try again - it could change your life.<br /><br />But where to start? There's a <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/165">great article on Yoga Journal</a> that you should take a peak at to give you a bit of an idea of what's out there. But really, I can't suggest strongly enough to just get out there and try it. Further, there is no one way to get into yoga - read about some ways people got into the practice <a href="http://dailycupofyoga.wordpress.com/2007/07/17/why-did-you-start-yoga/">here, at Daily Cup of Yoga</a>.<br /><br />So - have I convinced you yet? Go yogis, go! I promise you, yoga has the power to change lives. : )<br /><br />Now tell me, how did YOU get into yoga, and what practice floats your boat? <div><div></div><div>Looking forward to hearing the stories!</div><div>x stella</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-8850097672439022665?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-86675588894609641312009-06-26T08:15:00.002+08:002009-06-26T08:25:20.765+08:00This week I'll commit to...<div><span style="color:#ff9900;"><strong>an artist date with a friend.</strong></span></div><div></div><br /><div>Even though yoga was traditionally practiced one on one with a teacher, most of us in the West practice yoga in a group. Still, side by side on our mats, it is a solo practice - moving in and out of poses with our own breath guiding us (especially in a <a href="http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&amp;defl=en&amp;q=define:Vinyasa&amp;ei=fRNESrCZLNHk-QaF5PEO&amp;sa=X&amp;oi=glossary_definition&amp;ct=title">vinyasa</a> class).</div><div></div><br /><div>When we paint, draw, sew or write - again, it's a solitary practice. Yes, it might be for the enjoyment of others, indeed it may be inspired by others - but we sit to do these things on our own.</div><div></div><br /><div>Hence I was very inspired to read <a href="http://inthewishstudio.blogspot.com/2009/06/through-their-lens.html">this great idea of an artist date with a friend</a> on the gorgeous blog, Wish Studio. It encourages you to follow yr passion but to do it with a friend. The writer went on a photo date with their partner, and then created diptychs (dual photos side by side) to share their day. </div><br /><div></div><div><strong><em>I love this idea!!!</em></strong></div><br /><div></div><div>In fact, this week, I'm committing to asking a friend out on an artist date and will soon post the results here. I love how two people can look at exactly the same thing and see something different - here's to individuality!</div><div></div><br /><div>Would you be interested in joining me on this challenge?</div><div></div><br /><div>x<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351425570729116754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SkQVNBlARFI/AAAAAAAAAV0/L764q5cCOWE/s320/tie+yr+shoes.jpg" border="0" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-8667558889460964131?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-81750897011845620922009-06-24T12:23:00.003+08:002009-06-24T12:32:36.785+08:00Today my Twitter feed reads...Today my Twitter feed reads... <strong><span style="color:#993399;">think happy thoughts! manifest happy day! repeat to self! </span></strong><br /><br />I'm struggling today. I'm feeling very overwhelmed as life is busy - the day job is busy, the night job is busy, the STUFF I need to do and be, it's all busy. I had a bit of a 'moment' on Sunday night when I realised I still had to do a lot of cleaning and organising for the week ahead (<em>how</em> did it get to be Sunday night already?!). But I sat down and thought "next best action".<br /><br />When things are overwhelming and I can't see straight, what's the <strong><em>"next best action"</em></strong> I need to do to keep moving? For me, on Sunday night, it was to pull out my diary and schedule a night at home this week. Then to write a list of what needed to be done, and then jump into bed with a cup of tea and a good book.<br /><br />I get frustrated at myself a lot of the time because I don't practice yoga as a student as often as I'd like to. I don't catch up with my friends as much as I 'should'. I don't have enough chill time as I want. But still, I have a lot - I have a yoga practice, beautiful friends, and a gorgeous home to chill in. I have a job I love, I have a diary to doodle and draw and write down all the lists of things to be completed in, I have a wonderful family and I have every new day to start again.<br /><br />I might have a slow computer that drives me absolutely bonkers, but I have a computer. Tell me friends, what are you grateful for today?<br /><br />PS - follow me on Twitter - twitter.com/shinyyoga<br />x<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-8175089701184562092?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-63060724251339229592009-06-16T10:32:00.003+08:002009-06-16T10:36:40.440+08:00Winter Yoga & Tea Workshop<div align="left">Two of my fave things - a beautiful strong yoga practice, and yummy hot tea in winter. So why not combine the 2 of them? That's exactly what I've done and now YOU must come and enjoy the winter in this fabulous workshop:</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347748127571398658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SjcElqQnUAI/AAAAAAAAAVs/jLmwVGpSNws/s400/yoga+and+tea.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Winter Yoga &amp; Tea workshop @ Newtown Fitness First<br /></span><span style="color:#ff9900;"> Saturday July 4 @ 1pm – 3:00pm</span></strong></span><br /><br />Enjoy a delicious &amp; mindful yoga practice accompanied by steaming cups of yummy complimentary tea to warm the heart this July.<br /><br />Indulge in chai tea to warm the body up, sip on peppermint tea to cool things down, and let chamomile tea wind your practice down as you enter a beautiful restorative meditation.<br /><br /><strong><u>Cost: </u></strong>FREE for Fitness First members however bookings are essential to shinyyoga@gmail.com $20 for non-members. Open for all levels.<br /><strong><u>Location:</u></strong> Newtown Fitness First (330 King St)</p><p>COME ALONG! Book in now! xo</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-6306072425133922959?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-24638577542612432902009-06-01T12:30:00.000+08:002009-06-01T12:31:37.726+08:00Best. Idea. Ever.<p align="center"><object height="225" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2555184&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=0&amp;show_byline=0&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2555184&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=0&amp;show_byline=0&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object></p><p align="center"><a href="http://vimeo.com/2555184">Bon Iver</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/blackcabsessions">Black Cab Sessions</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-2463857754261243290?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-80022939664145229392009-05-26T10:32:00.003+08:002009-05-26T10:46:27.696+08:00A Yoga Practice without Inversions...is like lemonade without lemons.<br /><br />A yoga practice without inversions is like a marriage without a spouse, lemonade without lemons, or a body without a heart—the essence is missing. Inversions set yoga apart from other physical disciplines: Psychologically, they allow us to see things from an alternate perspective. Emotionally, they guide the energy of the pelvis (the energy of creation and personal power) toward the heart center, enabling self-exploration and inner growth. Physically, they stimulate the immune and endocrine systems, thereby invigorating and nourishing the brain and the organs. When done correctly, inversions also release tension in the neck and the spine.<br /><br />Read all about inversions <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1162?print=1">here</a>, and over <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/1578">here</a>, as well as <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/214">here</a>, <a href="http://blogs.yogajournal.com/makeover/2007/02/intro_to_inversions.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/finder/browse_categories/inversions">here</a>. <br /><br />What are YOUR thoughts on inversions? Have you practiced them: if not - why not? If so, what's your experience been?<br /><br />PS - EXCITING news.. new winter yoga workshop to be announced shortly, all about (of course) INVERSIONS. Put <strong>1pm on Saturday July 18th</strong> in your diaries, for a 2.5 hour workshop. Details coming asap x<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-8002293966414522939?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-42800552992542981022009-05-25T11:19:00.002+08:002009-05-25T11:24:56.604+08:00Soundtrack :: MayYoga is all about feeling, and moving energy. MUSIC is such a conduit of energy and has the ability to completely uplift, slow down, or change the pace of a class. Some schools and traditions of yoga don't play music during class - but anyone that has come to a Shiny Yoga class knows that soul-filled music is absolutely key!<br /><br />Over the last month these tracks (in no particular order) have been on high rotation in my classes:<br />1. Serpentine - Kate Havnevik<br />2. Not Too Late - Norah Jones<br />3. Thank You - Dido<br />4. I Will Possess Your Heart - Death Cab For Cutie<br />5. Those To Come - The Shins<br />6. Beach Baby - Bon Iver<br />7. Until We Bleed - Lykke Li<br />8. Sweet Lil Gal - Ryan Adams<br />9. Cello Son - Jose Gonzalez<br />10. Sunny Road - Emiliana Torrini<br />11. Grapevine Fires - Death Cab For Cutie<br />12. Northern Skies - Dido<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-4280055299254298102?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-34341696296270650072009-05-23T16:35:00.002+08:002009-05-23T16:43:25.659+08:00How I Know I'm HomeIn class, we learn to find stillness in our minds, our breath and our bodies, right there on the floor in the gym/studio/insert wherever you practice here! It doesn't matter if people are loud right next to us, it doesn't matter if there are distractions all round - can you find silence in yr own mind, right now?<br /><br />Similarly, just like we find stillness no matter what is going on outside - what is it in us, that makes us create a 'home' as opposed to simply a house? Is it our physical surroundings? Or can we find 'home' where our heart is?<br /><br />Inspired by this post at <a href="http://shuttersisters.com/home/2009/5/22/how-i-know-im-home-mid-2009-edition.html">Shutter Sisters</a>, take a moment to figure out what is it that creates HOME for you:<br /><br /><em>1. On returning to the house, my first cup of tea at the kitchen table (which always has a full bowl of fruit on it, above).<br />2. Finally lying down in my bed at night.<br />3. The smell of nag champa incense.<br />4. Resting my head on Marcus' chest.<br />5. Sitting on </em><a href="http://www.chookooloonks.com/blog/2009/5/14/love-thursday-quiet-spaces.html" target="_blank"><em>our new swing</em></a><em> at dusk! (preferable in concert with #4, above)<br />6. The smell of baking. Anything baking.<br />7. The sound of my daughter Alex singing quietly to herself in her bedroom.<br />8. Turning on the twinkle lights in our kitchen.</em><br /><em><br /><br /></em><em></em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-3434169629627065007?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-34663163649938769312009-05-19T07:03:00.002+08:002009-05-19T07:07:29.136+08:00Sadness... & Joy for a Life Lived to the Full!<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/ShHppdZlVZI/AAAAAAAAAVk/JlHGCAfmrKU/s1600-h/SriKPatthabiJois1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337303931886589330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/ShHppdZlVZI/AAAAAAAAAVk/JlHGCAfmrKU/s400/SriKPatthabiJois1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois<br />July 26, 1915 - May 18, 2009</span></em><br /><br /><div align="left">Oh no! I just read over at The Reluctant Ashtangi that Pattabhi Jois has passed away. When words don't come.. <a href="http://reluctantashtangi.blogspot.com/2009/05/moments-of-sadness-and-gratitude.html">I will post what she wrote on her blog</a>:<br /></div><div align="left"><em>As I was finishing up my closing poses, I received word that Astanga yoga guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois passed away this morning. I spent a few moments in reflection and gratitude for his lifetime of work, bringing Astanga yoga to the west and dedicating his life to this practice.<br /><br />Although indirectly, he was a teacher to me and a source of inspiration to thousands of others around the world. My thoughts are with his family this morning.<br /><br />OM, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti</em></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-3466316364993876931?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-30993464608994284722009-05-18T07:55:00.000+08:002009-05-18T07:56:27.981+08:00The Beckoning of Lovely<p align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0QVQSZA9zSk&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0QVQSZA9zSk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p align="center">What a beautiful, fabulous, amazing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QVQSZA9zSk">idea</a>!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-3099346460899428472?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-33524573221903357882009-05-13T10:26:00.002+08:002009-05-14T16:25:40.413+08:00Can you move out of a comfort zone?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SgvVUzzZWJI/AAAAAAAAAVc/TeAjXUiRznw/s1600-h/3045948868_78e270c723.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335592737030363282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SgvVUzzZWJI/AAAAAAAAAVc/TeAjXUiRznw/s400/3045948868_78e270c723.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><em>"Our biggest victories come from moving out of our comfort zones. Many people turn their back on their passions because they are too scared that criticism will kill them, or that their jealousy will wreck them, or that their need for control will paralyze them. </em></div><div align="center"><br /><em>The truth is that in the end,it is our avoidance that wrecks us, kills our dreams, and paralyzes our actions."</em> ~<a href="http://christinekane.com/" target="_blank">christine kane</a>~</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-3352457322190335788?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-64823045899255867302009-05-12T12:28:00.007+08:002009-05-12T12:50:06.034+08:00Not-So-Fun Run!<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj8l182kEI/AAAAAAAAAVU/TO5fH1jnPa0/s1600-h/IMG_1721.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334791485688025154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj8l182kEI/AAAAAAAAAVU/TO5fH1jnPa0/s320/IMG_1721.jpg" border="0" /></a> The day started out fun! My sister, my little niece and I were set to run the <a href="http://www.mothersdayclassic.org/">Mothers Day Classic Fun Run</a> for charity, despite the rainy outlook. Look at Luca (above) ready and excited in her running gear, ready to go : )<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj8WgAB8-I/AAAAAAAAAVM/HzAGdOFDHG0/s1600-h/IMG_1722.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334791222097736674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj8WgAB8-I/AAAAAAAAAVM/HzAGdOFDHG0/s320/IMG_1722.jpg" border="0" /></a> The rain didn't stop us! We headed down to Stuart Park in Wollongong, right near the beautiful beach. Even on this wet day, there were still loads of people getting ready to race and participate in this annual event, raising money for research into Breast Cancer.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj8NSqIVMI/AAAAAAAAAVE/sgVfLZSMs2g/s1600-h/IMG_1723.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334791063897396418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj8NSqIVMI/AAAAAAAAAVE/sgVfLZSMs2g/s320/IMG_1723.jpg" border="0" /></a> We found a park, and it was time to get ready! Photo opportunity first.. Luca and I about to embark on the day! My sister notices it first - Luca doesn't look happy in this photo at all! But perservere we will.... or perhaps not. A quick look at the sky and the heavy drops of rain mean it will start pouring rain soon, so we stay in the car, and get ready to drop Luca off at Mum's house so sister and I can race on our own.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj7_v6_a-I/AAAAAAAAAU8/zWeznTDWLHQ/s1600-h/IMG_1724.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334790831234575330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj7_v6_a-I/AAAAAAAAAU8/zWeznTDWLHQ/s320/IMG_1724.jpg" border="0" /></a> Dark grey skies make for great photos! But then we start hearing some not very happy noises from the back seat... OH NO, not far from Wollongong little Luca gets sick. To all the mums out there, I can understand how your heart breaks when your little one is ill. The tears were enough to start me crying - and the unanimous decision was that it was home time for these 3 little ducks.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj72ybEkJI/AAAAAAAAAU0/dHaay718QNo/s1600-h/IMG_1728.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334790677287178386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj72ybEkJI/AAAAAAAAAU0/dHaay718QNo/s320/IMG_1728.jpg" border="0" /></a> Half way home, Luca passes out - sleep at last! Poor little petal.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj7jzX4nEI/AAAAAAAAAUs/LgWoM4aeB7E/s1600-h/IMG_1730.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334790351124732994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj7jzX4nEI/AAAAAAAAAUs/LgWoM4aeB7E/s320/IMG_1730.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sister takes her little bundle of joy out of the car and into the bath. Home at last! So all in all it was an eventful day - despite no race running. Although you will be pleased to know that while I didn't run the 5k at the event with the other Pink ladies, I did jump on the treadmill and did my 5k's for charity nonetheless!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj7bXb0m3I/AAAAAAAAAUk/W5ru_QJjPq8/s1600-h/IMG_1731.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334790206186101618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Sgj7bXb0m3I/AAAAAAAAAUk/W5ru_QJjPq8/s320/IMG_1731.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><p align="center">Happy Mothers Day to all the mummies out there : )</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-6482304589925586730?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-53153376805488951482009-05-11T10:32:00.004+08:002009-05-11T10:38:59.112+08:00shiny yoga* AUTUMN NEWSLETTER ‘09<div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#993399;"><strong>“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us” – Joseph Campbell</strong></span><br /></div><strong><br />NAMASTE fellow yogis!</strong><br /><br />Welcome yogis! It’s getting colder so it’s the perfect time of year to indulge in some heart warming yoga sequences and a strong practice which helps to build ‘tapas’ (fire in the belly). What’s so good about the heat? Apart from keeping oneself snug in the cool weather, heat is great to build flexibility in the body, so keep coming to class : )<br /><br />Earlier in the year (February) was when I did some more teacher training, it was a course with world-renowned yoga teacher, Baron Baptiste, who had his first visit to Australia. He teaches a style of yoga called Power Flow Yoga and it’s very dynamic and wonderful – it’s all about finding your own power in your practice, and while it is practiced in a heated room, it can be practiced in a room at normal temperature, and this month I’ll be sharing the Power Yoga sequence with you all to help assist in building that toasty heat and discipline in the body.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334389339573382562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SgeO127m7aI/AAAAAAAAAUc/vU-YmKxIUYA/s400/dream.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><strong>Food for the MIND… </strong><em>What am I watching at the moment? </em></span><br />The DVD that has absolutely changed my view on nutrition and how we heal ourselves is FOOD MATTERS. The DVD is available for everyone to purchase at <a href="http://www.iku.com.au/">Iku Wholefoods</a> (all over Sydney) or you can watch the trailer at <a href="http://www.foodmatters.tv/">http://www.foodmatters.tv/</a><br /><br />In a word, AMAZING. And while we’re living the theme of POWER in our classes this month, this dvd is a perfect fit. We most definitely have the power to shape our own lives by what we ingest in them – what gives us energy, what depletes our resources, what makes us happy or cranky – it all comes back to food and fuel. Let food be thy medicine indeed!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><strong>Food for the SOUL… </strong><em>What am I listening to right now? </em><br /></span>The music gig highlight of the year for me so far was definitely <a href="http://www.myspace.com/boniver">Bon Iver</a>, so those coming to my classes will still be hearing his beautiful tunes on the mat! Related to this, <a href="http://www.4ad.com/news/dark-was-the-ni/">Dark Was The Night</a> is a wonderful 2 disc compilation featuring not only Bon Iver but many other musicians (Feist, The National, Sufjan Stevens.. many of whom I’ve played in class!) with all proceeds going towards finding a cure for HIV/AIDS.<br /><br />Speaking of Charity Fundraising, some of you came along to my Yoga Under the Trees outdoor class recently, to raise money for the Africa Yoga Project. My friend Diana is currently in Nairobi, working to build a school with funds raised for the project, and also teaching orphans yoga. You can read a letter from Diana about all she’s been up to and where YOUR donations are making a difference, <a href="http://shinyyoga.blogspot.com/2009/05/what-goes-on-in-africa.html">on my website</a>. THANK YOU for your support : )<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Some of Diana’s letter<br /></strong></span>Hi everyone! The dust has settled and I am here in Nairobi - Let me give you a run down on what we have been up to!</em><br /><em>We were staying in a beautiful sanctuary on the outskirts of Nairobi, a great place for us to get to know each other. The days however were spent in the centre of town at a place called Sarakasi, meeting with the students of the boot camp. </em><br /><em>We then traveled in small groups with some of the students to where they live. The slum area of Nairobi is confronting to say the least. No electircity, open sewage and garbage are the norm.</em><br /><em>We spent an afternoon playing with the children, teaching yoga, and meeting the parents of participants. The next morning we had another safari trip and a visit to a different Masai Village. AYP is sponsoring Masai orphans from these villages. Paige and Baron (Baptiste) offcially opened the new AYP school and we sang and ate bbq goat to celebrate!... </em><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><strong>Food for the BODY…</strong> <em>Come along to a class!</em> </span><br />I’m doing a number of yoga covers over the next week and would love to see you there. And on yr way to class, why not pick up a <a href="http://www.greensmoothiequeen.com/the-green-smoothie-queens-challenge">super green smoothie</a>? (I promise you, they taste yummy! And they’ll keep you healthy in the cold weather!)<br /><span style="color:#333333;">Tuesday 12 May – 7:45pm @ Kings Cross Fitness First<br />Friday 15 May – 6:45pm @ Kings Cross Fitness First<br />Sunday 17 May – 3pm @ Randwick Fitness First (1.5 hrs) + 5pm @ Kings Cross Fitness First (1.5hrs)<br />Tuesday 19 May – 7:45pm @ Kings Cross Fitness First<br /></span>** And I’m still assisting in classes at Samadhi Yoga in Newtown on Tuesday mornings (6.30am and 8am) for the next couple of weeks : )<br /><br />Remember friends, If not now, <em>WHEN</em>? Get to it &amp; see you on the mat : )<br />Till next time, take care! stella xx<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc33cc;">Get your yoga on! Permanent Classes with Stella:<br /></span></strong>Mondays 6.30pm @ Park Street Fitness First 8.30pm @ Darlinghurst Fitness First<br />Wednesdays 6:30pm @ Newtown Fitness First 8.30pm @ Rockdale Fitness First<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-5315337680548895148?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-51925778071108830452009-05-07T07:18:00.005+08:002009-05-07T09:06:49.234+08:00What goes on in AFRICA<p>Hi Friends, I <a href="http://shinyyoga.blogspot.com/search/label/africa%20yoga%20project">mentioned here on this blog</a> that I was raising some money for the Africa Yoga Project, which some of my friends were going to Africa as part of. Well dear Diana (who wrote the letter below) is currently in Nairobi with Paige Elenson, the mastermind behind the whole project. Have a listen to what YOUR donations have helped create - and <strong>THANK YOU</strong>:</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332860520307987602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SgIgY3WplJI/AAAAAAAAAUU/E5mlzFVOhic/s320/africa+yoga+peeps.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;"><strong>IMAGE ABOVE: </strong>Kinndli (top row, first) of the Kinndli Yoga Podcasts Baron Baptise (top row, blue scarf) of the Power Yoga Teacher Training I did in February this year Diana is 3rd from the left, front row!</span><br /></p><p><em>Subject: Part one!<br /><br />Hi everyone!<br /><br />The dust has settled and I am here in Nairobi with Paige. Let me give you a run down on what we have been up to!<br /><br />The first part of the trip were full of contrast. We were staying in a beautiful sanctuary on the outskirts of Nairobi, a great place for us to get to know each other. The days however were spent in the centre of town at a place called Sarakasi, meeting with the students of the boot camp. Sarakasi is an acrobat and dance training centre. The students from here made up the majority of the training participants.<br /><br />We then traveled in small groups with some of the students to where they live. The slum area of Nairobi is confronting to say the least. No electircity, open sewage and garbage are the norm.<br /><br />We spent an afternoon playing with the children, teaching yoga, and meeting the parents of participants. After an experience like this you are never the same again. I get chills just writing about it.<br /><br />We then traveled to a Masai Village where AYP is funding a school being built. We carried stone with the women and I am proud to say I have nailed together the roof structure of a school in Kenya!<br /><br />We then drove to Amboseli National Park for a short game drive and a well deserved rest. The next morning we had another safari trip and a visit to a different Masai Village. AYP is sponsoring Masai orphans from these villages. Paige and Baron (Baptiste) offcially opened the new AYP school and we sang and ate bbq goat to celebrate!<br /><br />There was a documentary team as well as professional photographers with us the whole time. So photos will appear soon!<br /><br />Time to work now, more soon, love Diana</em><br /><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-5192577807110883045?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-86443986347843527392009-05-01T07:55:00.002+08:002009-05-01T08:04:41.590+08:00FOOD MATTERS!<p align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/r4DOQ6Xhqss&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/r4DOQ6Xhqss&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p align="center">Last night I watched a phenomenal documentary about food and our relationship with nutrition: <a href="http://www.foodmatters.tv/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Food Matters</span></a>. </p><p align="center">This DVD is available to purchase online or locally in Australia at all <a href="http://www.iku.com.au/">Iku Wholefood outlets</a>. Seriously - do yourself a fabour and <strong><em>WATCH THIS NOW</em></strong>!</p><p align="center"><em>"Food Matters is a must see for those looking to take control of their health"</em> <span style="color:#666666;">(John Gray, PhD, NY Times Best Selling Author 'Men Are From Mars, Women Are from Venus')<br /></span>"Outstanding" <span style="color:#666666;">(John Robbins, Author of 'Diet For a New America')<br /></span><br /><em>"Anyone who is serious about their health needs to watch this stunning film"</em> <span style="color:#666666;">(Christiane Northrup, MD, author of The Wisdom of Menopause and Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom)</span><br /><br /><em>"Thought provoking, informative, and compelling, this film matters."</em> <span style="color:#666666;">(Rory Freedman, co-author of #1 NY Times Best Seller 'Skinny Bitch')</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-8644398634784352739?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-66575106701605840632009-04-29T07:16:00.003+08:002009-04-29T07:26:49.944+08:00What is Yoga?Gary Kraftsow in the recent issue of <a href="http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/yogaplus/">Yoga+Joyful Living</a> shares:<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>"...yoga isn't about getting to know the postures. It's about getting to know yourself."</strong></span></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>*Thanks to </em><a href="http://namastefromduluth.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-is-yoga.html"><em>Kristin from Namaste From Duluth</em></a><em> for sharing this on her blog originally!</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-6657510670160584063?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-60513186098776041432009-04-25T18:37:00.005+08:002009-04-27T09:32:26.283+08:00RUN STELLA RUN! (for charity)Hi friends : )<br /><br />I have entered the <a href="http://www.mothersdayclassic.org/">2009 Mother's Day Classic on Sunday 10 May</a> to raise funds for breast cancer research. <a href="https://mothersdayclassic.trickytix.com.au/sponsor/view/4099/stella-chambers"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Will you dig deep into your pockets and sponsor me for a dollar or 2?</strong></span></a><br /><br /><br /><em>Did You Know:</em><br /><em>* Breast cancer is the major cause of cancer among Australian women.<br />* More than 2,800 women will die from the disease in a single year.<br />* Despite the significant loss of life, survival prospects continue to improve. Over 96% of women will survive at least one year after diagnosis, and almost 87% will survive five years or more - a 15% increase since the 1980s.</em><br /><br />I'm inspired by the knowledge that research is gradually improving the survival rate of the one in nine women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their life.<br /><br />All profits raised from the Mother's Day Classic (a national event) are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, who fund research into the prevention, detection and treatment of the disease.<br /><br />I ask to you to consider sponsoring my participation in the 5km walk/run by following <a href="https://mothersdayclassic.trickytix.com.au/sponsor/view/4099/stella-chambers"><strong>this link</strong></a> to my online fundraising page and donating.<br /><br />All donations will be sent electronically and securely to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. A tax deductible receipt will be sent to your inbox .<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Please sponsor me at my sponsorship page: </span></strong><a href="https://mothersdayclassic.trickytix.com.au/sponsor/view/4099/stella-chambers"><span style="font-size:130%;">https://mothersdayclassic.trickytix.com.au/sponsor/view/4099/stella-chambers</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><br />Love n sunshine,<br />x stella<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328580866211250802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SfLsENd3AnI/AAAAAAAAAUM/KZcaYWGGnS4/s400/run.jpg" border="0" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-6051318609877604143?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-88596181154133570192009-04-24T07:20:00.005+08:002009-04-24T07:38:30.326+08:00The trail you leave behind...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SfD4w6BtVgI/AAAAAAAAAUE/FnJI2plwbOQ/s1600-h/bell12049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328031878273127938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 370px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SfD4w6BtVgI/AAAAAAAAAUE/FnJI2plwbOQ/s400/bell12049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.jengray.com/archives/001183.html">Jen Gray shares on her website:</a></div><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;"><br />"dont forget to take a look back at the trail you are leaving behind..."<br /></span><br />is it one of love<br /></strong><strong>one of bitterness<br /></strong><strong>one of goodness<br /></strong><strong>is it one of anger?<br /></strong><strong>is it a path filled with adventure<br /></strong><strong>or one caked with fear?<br /></strong><strong>is it a path riddled with regret<br /></strong><strong>or one decorated with peaceful assurance? "</strong> </div><div></div><div><br />What is the path you're leaving behind you? As Baron Baptiste shared with us on training earlier this year, the way you are NOW is the way you are always. If you are bitter TODAY, you are bitter always. If this comparison makes you feel uncomfortable - do everything in your power to change it, NOW.</div><div></div><div>Namaste x</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-8859618115413357019?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-20380009485994175392009-04-22T07:02:00.004+08:002009-04-22T07:14:31.957+08:00Daily Insight - Be Aware of Your BreathThere is a whole range of yoga newsletters out there on the web, and one of the best I receive is Yoga Journal's <strong>Daily Insight</strong> <a href="http://yogajournal.p0.com/preference.jsp">(sign up here)</a>. Today's was spot on - all about the breath. So simple but so transformative. As I enter a phase in my teaching where I'm looking at demonstrating less and being present more, it's very fitting. After all, isn't yoga all about the breath? Believe it or not, it's not about becoming a pretzel ;)<br /><br /><strong>April 21, 2009 :: Be Aware of Your Breath</strong><br /><br />Until you start doing yoga, you may never pay much attention to <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/656?utm_source=DailyInsight&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_content=b&amp;utm_campaign=DI__2009_04_21">your breath</a>. But with the coaching of yoga teachers—or perhaps just because of your new awareness of your body—you start to see all the ways your breath can vary. Is it quiet or noisy, heavy or soft? Where does it originate and how does it move through you? Is it relaxing, energizing, or making you tense? Helping or hindering your asana practice?<br /><br />Yoga teaches that the breath exerts a powerful influence on the body and mind—and vice versa. When you're tense or guarded, for example, you may first hold the breath and then take fast, shallow breaths. Relaxed breathing is slower and softer and has a steady, even pattern. This deep, slow, relaxed breathing, used in <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/482?utm_source=DailyInsight&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_content=b&amp;utm_campaign=DI__2009_04_21">Savasana</a> (Corpse Pose) and other restorative poses, is most commonly associated with yoga. But to supply oxygen to the hardworking muscles in an active series of poses like Sun Salutations, we need a breathing pattern that is faster but nonetheless deep. And most subtle of all is the finely controlled deep breathing of pranayama. For best results, all three patterns require openness of the breathing space (the rib cage and abdomen) and fine coordination of several muscle groups.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-2038000948599417539?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-16547962112901321212009-04-21T12:41:00.003+08:002009-04-21T13:33:43.197+08:00Two Ducks<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Se1aYYGfqyI/AAAAAAAAAT8/I-5UWkHgDbM/s1600-h/ducks.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327013309082217250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/Se1aYYGfqyI/AAAAAAAAAT8/I-5UWkHgDbM/s400/ducks.bmp" border="0" /></a>After two ducks get into a fight, which never lasts long, they will separate and float off in opposite directions. Then each duck will flap its wings vigorously a few times, thus releasing the surplus energy that built up during the fight. After they flap their wings, they float on peacefully, as if nothing had ever happened. <p>If the duck had a human mind, it would keep the fight alive by thinking, by story-making. This would probably be the duck’s story: <em>“I don’t believe what he just did. He came to within five inches of me. He thinks he owns this pond. He has no consideration for my private space. I’ll never trust him again. Next time he’ll try something else just to annoy me. I’m sure he’s plotting something already. But I’m not going to stand for this. I’ll teach him a lesson he won’t forget.” </em></p><p>And on and on the mind spins its tales, still thinking and talking about it days, months or years later. As far as the body is concerned, the fight is still continuing, and the energy it generates in response to all those thoughts is emotion, which in turn generates more thinking. This becomes the emotional thinking of the ego.</p><p>You can see how problematic the duck’s life would become if it had a human mind. But this is how most humans live all the time. No situation or event is ever really finished. The mind and the mind-made “me and my story” keep it going.</p><p>We are a species that has lost its way. Everything natural, every flower or tree, and every animal have important lessons to teach us if we would only stop, look and listen. Our duck’s lesson is this: Flap your wings -- which translates as “let go of the story”--and return to the only place of power: the present moment.</p><p><strong>Eckhart Toll, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose</strong></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-1654796211290132121?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-31688925253036863022009-04-17T11:05:00.004+08:002009-04-17T11:14:32.019+08:00Singing Bowls & Meditation Workshop<em>I'm very excited to share an upcoming workshop that Samadhi Yoga in Newtown is holding - </em><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Singing Bowls &amp; Meditation</strong></span><a href="http://www.samadhiyoga.com.au/Singing_Bowls__Meditation.html"><span style="color:#666666;"> (details)</a></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">with Lynda Taylor on Friday 1st May, 6-8pm, $20<br /></span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#ff9900;">Bookings essential</span></strong></div><br />Come &amp; have some fun as you discover the joys of learning to play singing bowls. Lynda will guide you on a journey into the world of sound. These amazing instruments can help facilitate:<br />• Clarity of mind<br />• Deep relaxation<br />• Healing<br />• Inner harmony<br /><br />As your mind tunes into the power and subtleties of sound, the body begins to re-align to it’s natural frequencies. Resonating with our inner rhythms can lead to higher states of consciousness.<br /><br />Bookings: 02 9517 3280 <a href="mailto:info@samadhiyoga.com.au">info@samadhiyoga.com.au</a> <a href="http://www.samadhiyoga.com.au/">http://www.samadhiyoga.com.au/</a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325492716400498066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SefzaO77VZI/AAAAAAAAAT0/z4hgoo7ml-g/s320/39adec6a-5183-4563-8ea3-c6fc2e1ac8f5.jpg" border="0" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-3168892525303686302?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-35118620273758936922009-04-14T12:18:00.002+08:002009-04-14T12:21:49.158+08:00Lululemon Yoga this weekend!<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SeQO-Ov-GII/AAAAAAAAATs/lwlNoZaERSU/s1600-h/lulu_19+april+for+online.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324397121732745346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bO-MK50kJ9c/SeQO-Ov-GII/AAAAAAAAATs/lwlNoZaERSU/s400/lulu_19+april+for+online.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="color:#666666;">* click on image to make larger</span></em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-3511862027375893692?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20245540.post-59614123979919031872009-04-14T08:21:00.001+08:002009-04-14T08:23:11.190+08:00Dove :: Onslaught<p align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ei6JvK0W60I&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ei6JvK0W60I&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/20245540-5961412397991903187?l=shinyyoga.blogspot.com'/></div>shinyyogahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09409610128514667672noreply@blogger.com1