Yoga

This term we have been focussing on precision in some of our traditional postures such as Triangle (Trikonasana) and rotated Triangle (Parivritti Trikonasana) and the head to knee pose (Janu Sirsasana) and rotated head to knee pose (Parivritti Janu sirsasana).

The rotations are especially good in Spring when we focus on the meridians of the Gall Bladder and Liver, which is about opening the sides and twisting the spine. These postures are good for digestion, joints and tendons and good for creating energy as well as clear vision and getting rid of anxiety. These postures also get rid of anger, frustration, annoyance etc and help us to be flexible in our view of life.

Spring is a time that we can create change so we have also been continuing with our Salutes to the Sun incorporating side bends, rotations and the Moon posture to bring an overall balance and energy to the body. Spring is a time to also spring clean the body with greens, sprouts, steamed or lightly sautéed food. It is best to avoid heavy oils and heavy food at this time of year. Fruits are good as is good quality vinegar on salads.

We have focussed on chants from many different cultures in our relaxation. Chanting brings the brainwaves to the back of the brain to create calmness and openness to the heart to bring joy and peace to all our interactions. As a follow up on the use of sound we are having a special evening on Monday 19^th December (see back of newsletter).

We have worked on the cakras of Visuddhi (throat centre) to improve and access our ability to communicate from a sense of the element of space both inwardly and outwardly. We have also focussed on the Agna cakra (eyebrow centre) to create clearer vision, mental alacrity, and to help us to use our intuition with wisdom and to access our spirituality.

We have felt the energy at these cakras, visualised the images, practised breathing from the back cakra centre to the front cakra centre (shuddhi) and repeated the mantras: ham for the throat centre and Om for the eyebrow centre. All these practices will enhance the qualities of these cakras, and as always it is imperative that you only practise what can be done easily by you.

The sense of expansion and retraction/relaxation of energy is also a vital aspect of yoga practice both in the postures and in opening cakras, try it in your life when you need to re-energize or take a short time out.

Please note I am trying to organize a yoga retreat in the Kimberley region in the first week of May next year – I’ll keep you posted.

Pilates

This term in Pilates we have been using the small balls to continue to create an unsteady base of support as well as the stretchy straps for strength. The aim has been on doing slow and steady movements to increase our strength.

By using the stretchy straps in a double action with precision and slow speed we work the muscles in both directions which should prevent sore muscles developing. The aim is to work to fatigue, so if you aren’t getting a strong enough work out you need to go to the next level of strap or use a shorter strap of the same intensity or use two straps while proceeding to the next level. We have built up to doing 2 sets of each type of movement to build maximum strength.

We have also been practising rowing techniques which was put to good test last weekend when we combined a walk with a canoe trip – which everyone enjoyed immensely.

Many people have been asking for dvds on some of our routines, I shall attempt to make some over the Christmas holiday period including a routine to do after gardening!

Monthly walks

Our monthly walks will continue next year. Everyone has really enjoyed these walks, the first one for next year will be Friday 10^th February and will be another 4-7pm walk, again I shall need names to arrange car pools. Thanks to Pam and Ivan for having us back for wine and cheese, we may end with a barbecue at the next one. Put the date in your diary now and we’ll organize carpools in the first week back.

Web launch

The web launch was fantastic, thank you for participating and helping out with all the jobs that helped to make this occasion memorable and enjoyable for all of us. So far we have nearly reached $400.00 in our donation to the MS society.

Food/gift donation

After the success of last year’s donations of food and toys, I shall collect again for the Magic Moments foundation, please leave your donations of food, drink or new toys/gifts in the boxes in the hall. Thankyou to Donna and Karyn for offering to help with the driving of items to Mascot. We shall be taking them into the collection point on Friday 16^th December. Thankyou in advance for your generosity.

Vounteers

Thankyou to all the volunteers who have helped so generously in making it possible for many students to attend yoga, you are inspiring to all of us.

Finally, thankyou as always for your continued loyalty, attendance and enthusiasm, this year has been very exciting and fulfilling and I look forward to seeing you next year. Enjoy the spirit of Christmas and a happy 2006

Annette