Do You Still Practise Yoga?

(Originally published on helenconnollybooks.com/blog)

From time to time I meet people who knew me before I took a break from teaching yoga and meditation. They express surprise to hear that I'm not running classes and the next question is usually along the lines of, "Do you still practise yoga?"

The short answer is yes, I do. But that doesn't begin to describe exactly how I practise yoga. Many people think of yoga as a series of physical postures that you perform regularly for an hour or so on a rubber mat, before getting on with the rest of your day. Others might add a sitting meditation to the postures and consider that a total yoga practice. Still others, myself included would add some spiritual studies to the discipline along with self-enquiry and a vegetarian, sattvic diet, devoid of alcohol, tobacco or any drugs. And of course, go on regular spiritual retreats. All of which are wonderful,uplifting, educational and evolutionary in terms of consciousness. I recommend any and all of the above according to what feels appropriate to where one's feet are.

But yoga is life in every moment. Life is a meditation in every moment. We are pilots and ships' captains and we are forever flying the universal skies and sailing the cosmic oceans and fine tuning our course as consciously as we are able, moment by moment according to what presents itself from within and without. This is yoga...

For a recent while yoga has been decorating a little apartment that we bought downtown. Not knowing if it would be used for rental income or empty nest retirement purposes we considered how much to invest in the decoration and furnishing of the space. Some said, "Don't go putting nice things in there if it's going to be a rental." Hmmm.....

Yoga made it easy. We are One. The other is me. God is all. Decorate as if God will be staying there. Because God will stay there. God never, in fact, left the  building. Preparing this accommodation is my service to the divine, my gift to God and my expression of gratitude for this bountiful opportunity. Everything is flowing easily in terms of inspired choices, affordable pricing and harmonious outcome and I love how it's starting to look and feel. This is my yoga practice of now. This is inaction in action as intuition guides me. It is service without attachment or fear of loss or damage. When every moment and every movement is focussed on unified consciousness and revering the state of unified awareness then all is yoga, on or off the mat and meditation cushion. It is pure joy!

Yoga has also been taking care of my daughter after recent eye surgery. It's has even been about looking after my own health and following strict guidelines of just being, prescribed by my 'metaphysical doctor' Jai. But that's a story for another day!

I leave you with a video of the comedian Louis CK talking to Conan O'Brien about why he won't let his kids have cell phones. Yes, it's funny, but what he talks about is also yoga in action. (If the link doesn't work just google "Why Louis CK won't let his kids have cell phones" and you'll find it no problem.)

http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/21/4755158/why-louis-c-k-wont-let-his-kids-have-cell-phones

So what about you? Do you still practise yoga? What form does it take?

New Classes at Ah Yogahh

Hello Everyone,

Fall is here and so are the yoga teachers!

Monica Cordes has returned with her 9 week session of Gentle Yoga. She still has room in some of her classes and would be happy to include you in her group.

She teaches at Ah Yogahh on Weds. & Fri. from 9:30am - 10:45, and on Thurs at 5:30-6:45 and 7:00pm - 8:15.

She can be reached at 905-479-5676 or at gentle yoga@rogers.com.

****

And here is an invitation from Michelle Atzenwiler who is returning to the studio to offer a variety of wonderful Yoga Classes.

• Fall Restorative & Gentle Flow Yoga Sessions‏

 

Hello beautiful yogis and yoginis,

I hope the summer was good to you .. full of adventure, sunshine, relaxation and good company.

I'll be returning to the beautiful serene studio - Ahh Yogahh.. Yoga & Meditation Sanctuary (15 Albert Street), in Markham, offering a few different classes this Fall. Gentle Flow yoga on Tuesday evenings and Friday evening Restorative yoga.  I've seen and felt the many benefits that both these practices can bring to one's life. Simple practices for a happy life and being well. I hope you see you there.

These classes are available to all levels, no yoga experience necessary and are limited to a maximum of 9 people per class.

Bring your mat, your blanket and let's get our zen on!

Friday Evening Restorative yoga 
When: Friday evenings (October 4,11,18,25) 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Cost: $80.00+HSTLet's face it: Some yoga poses taste a little bit sweeter than others. And if yoga were a smorgasbord, restorative postures would most definitely be at the dessert table. These soothing and well-supported poses offer us the opportunity to linger quietly for a few moments and savor the simple sweetness of life.In these classes, you'll be led through a series of gentle restorative yoga poses infused with visualizations and light meditation - an optimal setting to calm the nervous system and quiet the mind for a restful, rejuvenating evening. All levels welcome.
Gentle Flow Yoga
When: Tuesday evenings (October 8,15,22,29) 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Cost: $80.00+HST
Whether you are just beginning your practice or wanting to deepen your practice, these classes will focus on the basic principals of yoga. Gentle movement, breathing techniques, and relaxation to open the body and help disconnect from the stressors of life. Fluid, regenerative, meditative, and supportive held poses leave you feeling nourished and well rested. All levels welcome.

To register, please contact Michelle @ 416 994 0639 or michelle.atzenwiler@gmail.com.Pre-registration required. As there is limited space, registration is confirmed upon payment.
Payments may be made in email transfer, cheque or cash

With love and joyful thoughts ~ Michelle

Michelle Atzenwiler CAHT, CNHP, Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, Intuitive Healer
www.blissholistics.com
'natural healing for everyday living'

www.ahyogahh.com

Some of the Greatest Promises Ever Made

(See the original of this post at helenconnollybooks.com/blog)

I've been reading Sri Swami Satchidananda's commentary in The Living Gita recently.

I came upon this quote that I just loved!

This is Lord Krishna speaking to the warrior Arjuna:

"However, I provide everything for the person who wants me* above everything else, and constantly thinks of me*. I add to what he already has and comfort him with absolute security." ~ Chap. 9, Sloka 22

*Swami Satchidananda reminds us that Krishna is not referring to himself personally, but to what he embodies: Peace. He says Jesus, Krishna, Buddha are just other names for Peace. When we forget that and get caught up in the superficial names we fight even in the name of God (and God is Peace)....crazy that, isn't it?

But if we constantly think of Peace and prioritize it then "I add to what he already has and comfort him with ABSOLUTE security."

What a wonderful promise! What a great way to simplify our lives and surrender to that higher Peace, no matter how much effort it takes to maintain our focus and tune out the myriad distractions that confront us daily. I love to know that I'm being taken care of and if the price of that nurturing is choosing Peace above all else then, of course, I'm in. Are you?

The quote also reminded me of the following from the Bible, Matthew 6:33 (which I already wrote about in In-Sourced):

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness**; and all these things shall be added unto you."

**Again "the kingdom of God and his righteousness" is another name for the God within each of us, which is Peace.

So here we have scriptures of two different spiritual paths, both making the same promise. 

Prioritize Peace in every moment. Think Peace, love Peace, share Peace, see Peace, speak Peace, hear Peace, smell Peace in the fragrance of a blossom or a baby or a guru or a puppy or a forest or an ocean.... Taste Peace in nature's food and fresh air. Touch Peace all around and make your touch peaceful. What we focus on we make more of. Then comes the fulfillment of Krishna's promise and Jesus' promise:

"I add to what he already has and comfort him with absolute security."

Peace in Abundance,

Helen