The first Friday evening Meditation and Satsang (Mantra chanting) this year will be on the 6th of February 2026 at 5:30pm – 7pm. Please book for this class by text or let me know in the yoga class. Thank you.
Cost
first trial class: free
single class $18.00
5-class pass (valid for 2 months) $75.00
10-class pass (valid for 4 months) $140.00
Cost for Senior Classes (Wednesday 9am + Thursday 10am)
first class: free
single class $12.00
5-class-pass $55.00
10-class-pass $100.00
Payment:
You can pay cash.
Direct bank deposit (please ask me for my BSB & account number).
PayID it’s my phone number 0423477725, account name Maria Steiner.
If you would like to pay by credit, please use this button for single class payment:
We have two more weeks of Yoga before Christmas / New Year’s holiday.
The last class this year is on Thursday 18 December 2025, the Senior’s yoga class at 10am. Plus in the evening a meditation at 5pm to release the past year. If you are interested to join the meditation, please contact me on your preferred channel.
In the New Year, the Yoga classes resume on Tuesday 13 January 2026.
To finish the Year we’ll have a meditation class on Thursday evening 18th December 5pm – 7pm, with a reflection practice & release ritual of the past year. Please get in touch for details.
Cost
first trial class: free
single class $18.00
5-class pass (valid for 2 months) $75.00
10-class pass (valid for 4 months) $140.00
Cost for Senior Classes (Wednesday 9am + Thursday 10am)
first class: free
single class $12.00
5-class-pass $55.00
10-class-pass $100.00
Payment:
You can pay cash.
Direct bank deposit (please ask me for my BSB & account number).
PayID it’s my phone number 0423477725, account name Maria Steiner.
If you would like to pay by credit, please use this button for single class payment:
This is a spontanous subject and idea for our Meditation class tomorrow Friday 24 October at 5pm. (please contact me for location details).
We have a big rosemary bush growing in the herb – garden. I’m inspired to talk about the benefits of rosemary and herbs in general “how can we use herbs to improve our state of mind and general well being, can it bring calmness?” To be creative and “drop the head into the heart”, will be making smudge sticks. Be inspired and surprised by this different approach to meditation. I look forward to share some herbalims as well. Maria
Halasana is very similar to the shoulderstand pose. In this Asana all muscles from the neck to the heels are stretched.
As you practice, please watch your neck and keep your body symmetrical.
Physical Benefits
Brings fresh blood to the throat and thyroid gland.
Locking of the chin massages the thyroid gland.
Extends the cervical section of the spine giving it a powerful stretch. Same to the rest of the spine as well as hamstrings and calves.
During the inhalation intense pressure is applied to the abdomen giving a good stimulation to the digestive system.
Opens up the shoulder joints.
Energetic (Pranic) Benefits
Stimulates the vishuddha chakra (throat psychic center).
Stimulates the stomach, spleen, small intestin, heart, liver, gall bladder and kidney nadis (acupuncture meridiens).
Mental Benefits
Reduces lethargy, mental sluggishness and laziness.
Appeases insomnia and restless sleep.
Contra-indications
Do not practice halasana if you have any neck problems. Do not stretch too far and do not hold the posture too long.
halasana the plough pose, Maria in May 2007.Maria in plough pose, September 2011, Corindi Beach, NSWMaria in plough pose, February 2020.Maria in plough pose variation, Februray 2020.Maria in plough pose variation, Februray 2020.
This is a legitimate question I do get asked often. Maybe some of you wonder about this as well, but do not want to ask the question for what ever reason. Here an answer for everyone.
The mantra OM (also spelled AUM) is one of the most sacred and foundational sounds in the Yogic Traditions. Its meaning and significance are both spiritual and symbolic.
🌟 Meaning and Symbolism of OM
1. Primordial Sound of the Universe:
OM is believed to be the first sound from which the universe emanated.
It represents the vibration or frequency of the entire cosmos.
2. Threefold Nature (A-U-M): OM consists of three syllabic sounds:
A (ah) – represents creation (the waking state, Brahma)
U (oo) – represents preservation (the dream state, Vishnu)
M (mm) – represents dissolution or transformation (deep sleep, Shiva)
Together, they reflect the entire cycle of existence: birth, life, and death, and beyond.
3. The Fourth State – Turiya:
Beyond A, U, and M is silence — the stillness after the sound, representing the state of pure consciousness or enlightenment (called Turiya).
This is the transcendent reality beyond time and space.
🙏 Spiritual and Practical Uses
Meditation: Chanting OM calms the mind and prepares it for deeper states of awareness.
Yoga Practice: Often used at the beginning and end of sessions to set intention and seal the practice.
Mantra Practice: OM is frequently part of longer mantras (like OM Namah Shivaya or OM Mani Padme Hum).
🕉️ OM Symbol
The visual symbol “🕉️” represents the syllables A-U-M and the silence.
Each part of the symbol has deep significance linked to consciousness and the self.
Summary
OM is the sacred sound that symbolizes the essence of ultimate reality, consciousness, and the universe. It is both a sound and a spiritual concept — powerful, transformative, and timeless.
When we chant the Mantra OM with sound, it’s also helpful as a breathing exercise, opening the lungs and vocal cords. On an energetic level, this stimulates the heart Chakra (anahata chakra). Read my blogpost abou the Chakra ….
Hatha Yoga Ipswich 