Newsletter August 2017
As classes start again this autumn term there is a change in energies. In the animal kingdom too, there is a scuttling around preparing for winter burying berries and nuts. Coats and fleeces are thickening for warmth and, as John advises his class, winter drawers on!
I love the holidays but it is good coming back to regular classes. There are many wonderful retreats offered this and next year.
The first is at Hawkwood College, Stroud Gloucestershire – 6th-8th October. (To enrol on this weekend please contact Hawkwood directly – 01453 759034 or info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk)
A day of Yoga at Beaconsfield Hall, Shipton-under-Wychwood – 3rd February 2018
Two days of Yoga at Beaconsfield Hall, Shipton-under-Wychwood – 10th – 11th March 2018. Narain Ishaya will be joining us and giving talks in the evening and after lunch each day.
Come and join us for an early summer retreat in the Greek Island of Lesbos – 9th – 16th June 2018. We have ascertained that all is well there and the refugees are looked after in a camp by the harbour in (Molyvos) Mytilene. United Nations are sending them food parcels. The boats of refugees have stopped coming over from Turkey.
After the success of this year we will be returning to Park Place – 7th – 11th July 2018. Perhaps Gary will give us another of his piano recitals?
If your initial reaction to a retreat is “yes”, then don’t take any notice of the follow up thoughts (ego) such as “I haven’t done enough practice.” “I am not as good as I was.” “They cannot manage without me at home.” Etc. I am honestly not concerned about how good your postures are. It’s where your attention is. All aspects of yoga are about quietening the mind and when we are working in a group there is more chance of you being focussed in the now. Giving 100% concentrated attention to the practice, being one 100% focussed on what you are doing now. The body is a wonderful tool. It’s always here and now so we learn through yoga how to wake it up; synchronising mind and body. Breathing is key in this. When we are in the present giving full attention to the posture we become at one with it, there is no past or future, only the strength, joy and freedom of the movement. The human mind can only give 100% attention to one thing at a time, it may seem as if we can multi-task but really the mind is ricocheting from one thing to another. When you are able to give your whole attention to the posture many things happen. The mind falls quiet and the heart opens and you are in a state of yoga. You feel strong, centred, happy and free.
“Follow your Bliss” – Joseph Cameron
Ruth