Category: Hatha Yoga

Pranayama – proper breathing

Pranayama – proper breathing

premaria
Based on the “Five Points of Yoga” as outlined by Swami Vishnu-Devananda-ji.
2. Proper Breathing (Pranayama)

Yoga teaches us how to use the lungs to their maximum capacity and how to control the breath. Proper breathing should be deep, slow and rhythmical. This increases vitality and mental clarity.

Breath is life. We can live for days without food or water, but deprive us of breath and we die in minutes. In view of this, it is astonishing how little attention we pay in normal life to the importance of breathing correctly. To a Yogi there are two main functions of proper breathing: to bring more oxygen to the blood and brain: and to control prana or vital energy, leading to control of the mind.

What is proper breathing?

Breathing correctly means breathing through the nose, keeping the mouth closed, and involves a full inhalation and exhalation which bring the whole of our lungs into play. There are three basic types of breathing: clavicular (shallow), intercostal (middle) and abdominal breathing (deep). A full yogic breath combines all three, beginning with a deep breath into the abdomen and continuing the inhalation through the intercostal and clavicular area. Without lifting the shoulders. The abdomen fills, the chest rises.  When we inhale, the abdomen expands and the diaphragm moves down, massaging the abdominal organs. When we exhale, the abdomen contracts and the diaphragm moves up, massaging the heart. In the beginning it is very helpful to place one hand on the abdomen, and the other one on the chest.

Pranayama literally means control of life force or vital energy. Prana=vital energy, yama=control.

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Anuloma Viloma – the alternate nostril breathing is one of many yogic breathing techniques or exercises.

© Photography Maria Steiner

Asana – proper exercise

Asana – proper exercise

premaria
Based on the “Five Points of Yoga” as outlined by Swami Vishnu-Devananda-ji.

1. Proper Exercise (Asanas)

Our physical body is meant to move and exercise. If our lifestyle does not provide natural motion of muscles and joints, then disease and great discomfort will ensue with time. Proper exercise should be pleasant to the practitioner while beneficial to the body, mind and spiritual life.

Asanas or yoga postures/exercises focus on increasing and maintaining flexibility of the spine, toning and rejuvenating the nervous system. The gentle stretching, twisting and bending movements bring flexibility to the joints and muscles of the body, as well as massaging the glands and organs. Circulation is also improved, ensuring oxygen to all the cells of the body. The different poses put pressure on various points, which help to relax the nervous system and therefore also helps to release stress.

The Sanskrit word Asana means steady pose, therefore holding the yoga postures is beneficial.  Taking a few deep breaths in every pose, slowing down.

 

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Ardha Matseyndrasana – half spinal twist.
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Halasana – the plough.
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Standing spinal twist in triangle – Parivritta Trikonasana.

© Photography Maria Steiner

Friday 24th February 2017

Friday 24th February 2017

premaria

Time for a Friday Hatha Yoga Class and Satsang Meditation.

Coming up on Friday 24th February 2017:

At the Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights.

5pm – 6:30pm  Hatha Yoga Class (breathing exercises, sun salutation, 12 basic postures, guided final relaxation)

6:45pm – 8:30pm Satsang (silent meditation, uplifting Sanskrit chants, an inspiring reading)

The cost is $15 or  one tick on the class pass.

You can join for both sessions to get most benefits, a good way to end the working week. Or if this is not possible for you,  just attend the Hatha Yoga class or the Satsang/Kirtan class.

In between the two sessions we have a cup of tea and something sweet.

If you know you will be coming  for sure, please let me know (message, email or in class). Otherwise it is perfectly fine to just show up and bring your friends.

Looking forward to a yogic start into the weekend. OM OM OM

Maria Prema

 

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Christmas Break 2016

Christmas Break 2016

premaria

The Christmas Break this year is for two weeks,

24th December 2016 until 6th January 2017.

The last yoga classes in 2016 are on Thursday 22/12/16.

All the yoga classes resume in 2017 on Tuesday 10/01/17.

As per usual schedule, days, times locations.

Christmas in Brisbane, December 2016.
Christmas in Brisbane, December 2016.

Satsang Friday 4th November 2016

Satsang Friday 4th November 2016

premaria
Next week on Friday 4th November 2016 we have a Friday hatha yoga class and Satsang.
In a  Satsang class we begin with silent meditation, then Kirtan Mantra chanting and a lecture on different yoga topics and philosophy.
It is  a stress-releasing way to start the weekend, letting go of the week. Do something good for your soul, even if you feel tired at the end of the week. You will feel a big difference come Saturday morning!
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Jacarandas in flower at the Raceview Scout Hall.

 

Where:  Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights

What:   Hatha Yoga Class (breathing exercises, sun salutation, 12 basic postures)

Time:  5pm – 6:30pm

 

What:   Satsang (silent meditation, uplifting Sanskrit chants, an inspiring reading)                                                                                                                           

Time:   6:45pm – 8:30pm

Cost:     $15.00  or   class pass  (no first free trial class on this day).

 

The lecture for this month will be on the Mantra. The meaning of OM, why we meditate on OM, the benefits of chanting Mantras.

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You are most welcome to join for just one of the classes. If you like an extra exercise session you come for 5pm.
If you like to learn/practice meditation and get deeper into the yoga philosophy or if you like the Sanskrit Chants (Kirtan) please come to the hall for 6:30pm.
In between the two sessions we have a cup of (herbal) tea and something sweet.  I made a raw vegan chocolate cake, it’s setting in the freezer.
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raw chocolate cake, vegan, gluten-free

You get most benefits if you join for the whole program from 5pm onward. But if this does not suit you, you are most welcome to come only for the yoga class or meditation/Kirtan (Satsang) only.
Looking forward to seeing you soon. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Prema Maria
New Prices as of 1st November 2016

New Prices as of 1st November 2016

premaria

On the 31st of October 2016 it will be 10 years since I teach yoga classes here in Ipswich, QLD. Time to give myself a payrise.

These are the new prices for the yoga classes as of 1st November 2016:

  • first trial class: free

  • drop-in class   $15

  • 5-class pass (valid for 2 months)  $70

  • 10-class pass (valid for 4 months)  $120

Cost for the Senior Class (remains the same) on a Wednesday morning 9am:

  • first class: free

  • single class  $10

  • 10-class-pass  $80

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    Hibiscus flower in our front Garden.

 

Prices for eye-pillows. Presently available in ten different colours. I make them myself.

$15 each

$20 each with matching removable cover.

 

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Eye pillows available in ten different colours. I sew them myself.

 

Street Art in my honour

Street Art in my honour

premaria

A dear yoga student of mine and beautifully, gifted, talented Artist Lee FullArton did some local artwork in my honour.

The traffic light control box on Jones Road, Bellbird Park (it’s on the way from Ipswich to Springfield). If you are in the local area go have a look, it’s beautiful and fun. Adding some coulour to the traffic and roads.

I feel humbled and it also makes me feel integrated in the local community. That my yoga classes have such wonderful influence on many people.

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Traffic control box at Jones Road, Bellbird Park. On the way from Ipswich to Springfield.
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Art by Lee FullArton. Prema the Yogi.

Lee’s words: “Dedicated to my beautiful yoga teacher Prema Maria At Jones Rd Bellbird Park.” “My pleasure you inspire and guide the well being of so many people .. a tribute is fitting xx”.

 

 

Spring is here

Spring is here

premaria

Spring is here: how wonderful it is warm and sunny. Now more excuses to stay under the warm blankets and covers. Come out, dust off your Yoga mat, before you feel it’s too hot to do anything.

Try something new, if you have never been to a yoga class.

If your practice got slack over winter, we are still here. Same times, same locations.

Looking forward to welcome you on the Yoga mat.

See you soon, Maria Prema 

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Cameron Park, Scout Hall, Easton Street, Booval

  • Tuesdays, 6:00pm–7:30pm

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights

  • Tuesdays, 9:00am – 10:30am *) followed by meditation 10:30am-11am, if you wish to stay.
  • Wednesdays 9:00am – 10:00am Seniors Yoga class  *) followed by meditation 10am – 10:30am, if you wish to stay.
  • Thursdays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
  • Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

 Cost  (new prices as of 1st November 2016)

  • first trial class: free
  • drop-in class $14.00   $15
  • 5-class pass (valid for 2 months) $60.00   $70
  • 10-class pass (valid for 4 months) $100.00   $120

Cost for Senior Class

  • first class: free
  • single class  $10.00
  • 10-class-pass  $80.00

https://hathayogaipswich.com.au/classes-cost/

Yoga during Winter

Yoga during Winter

premaria

Even through the colder months, the hatha yoga classes will be on as normal once again.

According to the weekly schedule https://hathayogaipswich.com.au/classes-cost/

Just please remember to bring socks, jumper and if you like even a blanket for the final relaxation. It will make you feel more comfortable. Just coming back from Switzerland, I realise that there is no bad or cold weather, only wrong or not enough warm clothing. 

On the other hand, being physically active and doing any kind of exercise in the Queensland Winter is the best Season for it. Plus it helps you build your immune system and emotional well being.

While in Switzerland I went for a walk almost every day. Young and old everyone goes for bushwalks, hiking and short pleasant strolls, no matter the temperature and weather conditions. It’s a daily dose of nature’s medicine for well being.

One of my friends (a working-mother of two young children aged 4 and 6, they walk or play outside every day) told me, she read in a study: That if everyone would go for a good walk in the fresh air amongst trees, mountains or the ocean for a total of two hours per week. There would be less illnesses, physical and emotional illness.

To good health and a positive outlook on life.

Maria xx

 

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Auf dem Gurten, Bern. May 2016
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Grindelwald, May 2016

 

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Guetschwald, Luzern. May 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NO Yoga in May 2016

NO Yoga in May 2016

premaria

As most of you know, if you are a regular yoga student and receive my newsletter, I’m flying to Switzerland soon. It’s almost six years since I’ve been “back home”, so I’m very much looking forward to catching up with family, friends and spend some days in the Swiss Alps.

The last classes before I go away are this week, last class on Thursday 28th April 2016. The first yoga class when I’m back is on Tuesday 31st May 2016.