My focus this week has been all about holding to our core, no matter what. Often in life we feel like there is so much darkness that we can’t even begin to think there may be light at the end of the tunnel. Or even if there is light that it’s just a train coming headlong at us. This has been true especially in the last couple of years and financial markets which felt so structured and stable came crashing down. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been affected by this in some way. It’s uncomfortable, unpleasant and we generally want it gone.
The thing is, yoga isn’t about making the bad stuff not happen, we’re still going to get buffeted and in some ways, the more we open up the more we get sensitive to the buffeting and it may indeed feel stronger. The invitation of yoga is that, far beyond our physical core strength there is an energetic core strength, a belief in the greatness of ourselves which is always there whether we choose to see it or not. Like a flower growing up through concrete, our inner goodness will find a way through anything. The practice of yoga is holding firm the light inside us always and working every day on and off the mat to stoke our own greatness, so that it may shine bright even in places of darkness.
A quote from John Friend via Sianna Sherman goes: True core strength is the ability to look deep inside and really see your own beauty.
Friday 30 September 2011
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Yoga from the inside out
We talk a lot about yoga from the inside out. It’s pretty pervasive, Google yoga from the inside out and you’ll see what I mean. There a wonderful book by Christina Sell, called Yoga from the Inside Out which rocked my world the first time I read it. So, as always, how do we put this on our mats? It’s definitely not the only way but I’ve been practicing this recently through the three focal points in Anusara yoga: the core of the pelvis, base of the heart and the upper palate. This is where energy pools and the point from which we extend back out into the world as our brightest selves.
When we know ourselves better we know our truth, our authenticity and we move from that place. What is it that we truly desire, that we really want to align ourselves with. Then we are in a place of responding rather than reacting, moving from our heart to another heart. The barriers we build up for ourselves come crashing down and there is no hiding our light. I’ve been finding recently that when I place my true intention of what I most desire from my heart in the focal point of the pose I’m working with I get so much more on and off the mat. It is very super cool.
When we know ourselves better we know our truth, our authenticity and we move from that place. What is it that we truly desire, that we really want to align ourselves with. Then we are in a place of responding rather than reacting, moving from our heart to another heart. The barriers we build up for ourselves come crashing down and there is no hiding our light. I’ve been finding recently that when I place my true intention of what I most desire from my heart in the focal point of the pose I’m working with I get so much more on and off the mat. It is very super cool.
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Cheers!
I’m feeling an enormous amount of gratitude at the moment. I find myself pinching myself regularly just to check in with my life and where it could be had I not stepped on to this incredible path. I’ve had to be brave, face my demons and stuck doggedly to it. I’m not saying that all is rosy in the garden and life doesn’t throw the odd curveball and I’m definitely a work in progress... however, what I’ve noticed is that giving thanks is like putting all your chips on red and getting them back with interest: Every. Single. Time.
Once you start looking, you see the world unfolding infront of you as building blocks of interconnected offerings from people you’ve never met and probably never will. The guy who designed the road, with the road markings, signs and crossings to the road sweeper who keeps it clean so you can get to where you need to be. Sure, the intention might not have been one of divine offering, though it was definitely an act done to support a life. You can give thanks for that.
These are the easy ones, what about that thing you’ve been putting off, that email which got your hackles up, the bit of you which has a tantrum because you can’t do a yoga pose? Can you be grateful for all that stuff too? Seriously, if you can, it changes you. You’re no longer a slave to every situation, you respond, not react.
I learnt a meditation at the weekend from Lisa Sanfilippo, which goes: scan your body and feel where there’s a block, can you name the emotion – fear, angry, sadness. Breath in: I feel, Breath out: And I welcome it.
Pretty powerful. Pretty awesome. Thanks Lisa.
Once you start looking, you see the world unfolding infront of you as building blocks of interconnected offerings from people you’ve never met and probably never will. The guy who designed the road, with the road markings, signs and crossings to the road sweeper who keeps it clean so you can get to where you need to be. Sure, the intention might not have been one of divine offering, though it was definitely an act done to support a life. You can give thanks for that.
These are the easy ones, what about that thing you’ve been putting off, that email which got your hackles up, the bit of you which has a tantrum because you can’t do a yoga pose? Can you be grateful for all that stuff too? Seriously, if you can, it changes you. You’re no longer a slave to every situation, you respond, not react.
I learnt a meditation at the weekend from Lisa Sanfilippo, which goes: scan your body and feel where there’s a block, can you name the emotion – fear, angry, sadness. Breath in: I feel
Pretty powerful. Pretty awesome. Thanks Lisa.
Tuesday 13 September 2011
Thank you mother India!
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| 3 Generartions: mum, brother and nephew |
It’s such an honour because we get to remember how lucky we are to have this gift of yoga and also how lucky we are to be nurtured by our female relations and friends. Not to mention the mother of them all Shakti, the divine feminine energy, I totally jump on that slipstream with thanks every day.
It really moves me to think of the lineage of my personal female role models which have created a nurturing and supportive space for me to fly free. I find it truly astonishing that I was carried for nine months, looked after for 18 years (honestly, that’s still happening, I phoned my mum last week with a dilemma!) with the sole purpose of letting us go.
How yogic is that? We get on our mats, plug in our muscles, sweat, push boundaries and then we take Savasana and let it go.
So, here’s the plug: there are still places free on Friday, email me to book your place!
Wednesday 7 September 2011
Take my survey!
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Tuesday 6 September 2011
The big and the ugly
I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt recently, or in all honesty, had thrust upon me is that I’m a big girl and I’m strong enough to do this myself. Sure, I have unbelievable support at the touch of a button and every day I’m grateful for this. However, the fact is that once you know what’s in your heart, what your Dharma or path is it’s really only down to one person to make it happen. You. I read a quote today which I know is going to help me “don’t give up the beginning is always the hardest”. I think it’s the hardest because we never know where it’s going to end.
It’s our natural reaction to want to know how everything turns out so that we know we’re on the right road. However, as it says in the Bhaghavad Gita that’s not our business (yes, I am paraphrasing). Our business is to put in our best effort, to stay steady to our truth and then let it go. It’s really hard. Then again, what other choice do we have? If we don’t enjoy the journey then we miss it. I’m determined to enjoy my journey, and that includes, the fear, disappointment, nervousness, elation, joy, bliss. All of it, it’s all my experience.
Sunday 4 September 2011
Friday 2 September 2011
Martin Kirk is coming to London!
Very excited.com, click here for details.The Biomechanics of Anusara Yoga
Asana, anatomy & therapy
21-23rd October
London
Join Martin Kirk, one of Anusara Yoga's most highly trained certified teachers, as he weaves a full weekend of anatomy, therapeutics, asana and fun.
Martin Kirk , MSBME, is a certified Anusara teacher since 2001 and has a masters degree in Biomedical Engineering. Martin's understanding of the body is extensive. Now legendary, his anatomy and therapy trainings are in great demand worldwide.
This training is ESSENTIAL for all Hatha yoga teachers and for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the body and expand their practice. This is Martin's first workshop of this kind in the UK.
Fall in love with the majesty of the human body through artful presentations, hands-on therapeutic adjustments and practices designed to deepen your awareness of how your body optimally aligns itself for greater health.
Martin has a gift of being able to educate total beginners while engaging the sustained interest of yoga specialists, bodywork professionals and medical students/professionals. Take your practice to a whole new level of mastery!
Friday
1-4pm 'From the Core' - Anatomy of the amazing Spine and Pelvis
6-9pm Therapeutics for a Healthy Back
Saturday
9am-12pm Yoga Class - Mastering Back Bends (all levels welcome)
2-5pm 'Within Reach' - Anatomy of the Expressive Shoulders and Arms
Sunday
9am-12pm Therapeutics for Open and Pain Free Shoulders/Elbows
Martin Kirk is the author of the highly successful book Hatha Yoga Illustrated and co-author (along with J Ellen Saltonstall and Jordan Kirk) of the upcoming Yoga Anatomy: The Biomechanics of Anusara Yoga. Martin lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA with his wife and son.
http://www.kirkyoga.com/
To book your place on this amazing weekend training please email bwkyoga@gmail.com
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