2021 - THE YEAR OF YOGA
This is the year, 2021, is the year to either try a class, come back to class, make room in your life for an extra class, develop your home practice or allow the Yoga to permeate your daily life. After everything we have been through over the past 12 months it is time that we all make some shift or change in how we go about things in our day to day lives to accommodate the huge changes that are happening all around us. At Yoga Yamabushi you will find classes that teach a practice that is physically demanding, will focus and calm the mind and is spiritually grounding, supported by a small community of caring, welcoming and kind humans. What we learn in class manifests in every part of our lives on so many different levels. So join me this year and make some space for something positive. You might have to give up something to come to class, rearrange some things in your life or ask someone to help you get there, but that is part of the process of Yoga becoming something that is integral to who you are and how you live in this world.
With all the uncertainty surrounding us this year seems somehow simpler. My questions for the year boil down to two questions: how many classes will I run and what creative projects will I put my energy into? Another reason for this paring back is the physical pain and discomfort I have been experiencing these last couple of months. My body has felt like it has been unraveling and rebuilding much like what is happening in the external world. I have had to deconstruct my whole mindset around my yoga and work out what my body and mind really need right now. Luckily from years of practising with Emma and Sundernath I have many tools in my tool box. I have been using the squat done on the outside edges of the feet, taught to us many moons ago, regularly. (I can’t remember what it was called or if it even had a name!) A month ago I could only face turning on to the outside edges of my feet and slowly I have found the confidence to slowly go up and down. And what a gift it is. Working the Kurchashira and Gulpha marma points and Apanavayu it eases the discomfort in my sacrum and hips and the pain down my leg disappears (for an hour or two 🤪). With my old friend padmasana and so many other seats not accessible to me at the moment I have had to focus on what I can do, and there is plenty. See my Instagram page for a video of this squat.
I declare 2021 to be the YEAR OF YOGA!
Bring a friend to a restorative class
There is only one New Moon class this term that coincide with our timetable on Friday 12 February, 9.15am. Feel free to come along, even if this is not your usual classe and bring a friend who might need some time to rest. The New and Full Moon classes sit outside the usual Shadow Yoga Preludes and are a full restorative practice that is a very useful practice to know. It is similar to the menstruation practice and can be used, not only to coincide with the moon’s energy but whenever a more restful practice is needed.
Shadow Yoga Workshops - Deepen your practice
Emma and Sundernath will be teaching 3 workshops in Melbourne in April. Don’t miss this opportunity to work with true masters of their craft.
16–18 April
Nrtta Sadhana (Shiva Tandava form) with Emma Balnaves.
Six classes. Early bird discount until 16 March.
19–23 April
Individual Asana with Sundernath & Emma Balnaves.
Five day Individual Asana.
Early bird discount until 19 March.
24–25 April
Pranayama with Sundernath.
For students who are accomplished in Shadow Yoga, Nrtta Sadhana forms, and Padmasana. Early bird discount until 24 March.
Here’s to a happy and health 2021, with plenty of Yoga!