We are excited to announce that we are now back in full-flow after our respective overseas trips. I have come back excited and motivated to offer the best I can to our loyal customers.
Above: The opening ceremony.
The idea of going on a 300 hour training course for a month seemed like a good idea when I was on holiday in January. I remember phoning my wife after our first session wondering if I would make it through the next four weeks! The training was thorough, interesting and helpful. I was in a group with four women, the oldest of which was 42. So, for a 53 year old man to keep up with these ladies, was a challenge.
Above: The 300 hour group at the graduation ceremony.
Here is a picture of what our days looked like:
- 5.45 - Neti nasal clean with salt water.
- 6.00 - 7.00 - Pranayama practice.
- 7.15 - 8.30 - Power vinyasa flow.
- 8.30 - 9.30 - Breakfast.
- 9.30 - 10.30 - Philosophy.
- 10.30 - 11.30 - Anatomy.
- 11.30 - 12.30 - Alignment and adjustment.
- 12.30 - 1.30 - Lunch.
- 1.30 - 3.00 - Study.
- 3.00 - 4.00 - Ayurveda
- 4.30 - 6.00 - Ashtanga Yoga.
- 6.30 - 7.30 - Meditation.
- 7.30 - 8.00 - Dinner.
Although the timetable was arduous, there was a purity and clarity to it which made it enjoyable. I have no regrets about doing this course, I feel proud that I did it and stayed the course. Perhaps if I am to be honest about my learning, I would say there are three main parts to my yoga practice that I learnt.
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Trust the process. I was not prepared for what I encountered and I felt afraid I would not be able to sustain it. It dawned on me that thousands of people make it through these trainings and as long as I work hard at it, things will take care of themselves. This was particularly true in ashtanga yoga where we had to learn the chant, the sandskrit numbers and the sandskrit names of the sun salutations. By the time the exam came about, I was singing the chant to myself. The process took care of itself.
Above: This is the Ashtanga Primary series we had to learn and teach. Overwhelming at the start.
- Patanjali laid a formula for you, the yogi, to reach a state of samadi - bliss. This is a systematic guideline to take your through your practice. I knew about the eight limbs of yoga, but they became much more clear to me. The more familiar I became with these limbs of yoga, the more I realised how yoga can be practiced every minute of the day and you do not need to be on the mat to practice. I will gently work where I can to implement these eight limbs of yoga into my life, my friends and family and my environment.
Above: This is me 'helping' Yeo with 'Ubhaya Padangushtasana' during our alignment sessions.
- Stay the course! If you embark on a life of yoga you will be working towards a world where there is no hurting people, no stealing, no lying, control of the senses and a generosity of spirit. This takes work and effort but the breakthroughs are beautiful.
Above: This is a beautiful Lotus Flower from a temple we went to for a water-purificaiton ceremony.
To the community of Connect Yoga, thank you for your loyalty to us. Jill and I are committed to bring you the best we can in each class. Thank you.
August Challenge
Jill and I are pleased to announce an exciting August Challenge to entice you all to do more yoga. For the month of August:
- Come to 6 classes and you will go in the draw to win a free 5-class pack and some other small spot prizes.
- Come to 10 classes and you will automatically get 10 credits and go in the draw for a sport prize or the 5-class pass.
- The draw will be held on the 3rd of September in the church hall along with bubbles and snacks.
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Here I am with the 300 hour group having completed 108 sun salutations. It was hard.
We can't wait to see you on the mat!
Namaste,
Ed and Jill