February Class Recap
Here is a little recap of some of the themes and peak poses covered this month.
With Jill we did:
Mantra building- We explored creating a mantra (affirmation, word or phrase) to guide us through our practice. It was also something that you take off the mat and may help you to cultivate positivity, especially in times of challenge.
Some of the mantas that Ihave used time an time again are as follows:
I am enough.
Positive thoughts create positive feelings.
Patience.
With Ed we did:
Peak pose: Pigeon
Theme: Being present
Our theme to contemplate at times tonight is being present. There is so much time we spend thinking about what has happened and what may happen in the future. These thoughts can become quite challenging to live with and it is helpful to have strategies to deal with this fear with compassion.
In my own experience I have found that it was helpful to thank these thoughts of fear and anxiety for coming into my mind as the thoughts were there through fear and this fear is there to protect us. So, when dark thoughts come in, thank them for being there and then invite them to move off. After you have dismissed fear or anxiety for that
moment, invite gratitude for that moment and breath. I invite you to use this strategy whenever you feel overwhelmed or anxious about life. Return to this moment and be grateful.
Peak pose: Half Handstand
Theme: Love (It was valentines!)
Tonights theme is not surprisingly based around love. Of course I do not assume to have a universal definition of love, except to say that there is an unquantifiable amount of love in the world. It is one resource we will never run out of. As yogis we have the opportunity to spread love in abundance. To ourselves, our bodies, our friends and families, our universe - everywhere. As you move through your practice - consider love in every move and every breath.
Peak pose: Malasana
Theme: Control
We all tend to run around aiming to control everything in our lives. As we are chasing after this control our mind is unsteady and unable to be at peace. When yoga is practiced continuously over time, and with devotion and sincerity, it will become a firm resting place for the mind. When a consistent practice is maintained, it can be a stable foundation which can be built upon to achieve calm and peace. Tonight, let go of any expectation of what a pose should look like or where you should be and be content with what you are doing.
Both Jill and Ed:
In the last week of February we began to dive into the first of the 5 Yamas- Ahimsa, which means non-violent. We explored this idea of non-harming through our warriors. For more information on the Yoga Yamas and Niyamas check out our latest blog post: https://connectyoga.co.nz/blogs/yoga-articles/yoga-yamas-and-niyamas
We look forward to practicing with you next month!