Tag Archives: Asana

Yoga Retreat August 2019

19 Feb

So far this year, about once a week someone or two came back to a yoga class, who hasn’t been in class for a while/years. It’s interesting; often when people miss for a long period, they are almost embarrassed to come back to a yoga class. There is no need to be embarrassed to return to the yoga class after a long absence.  As I hear this excuse a lot, if you wan’t to come back to class come back, no questions asked.


The next excuse I hear from people not coming to a yoga class is: “I’m not flexible”.  Well that’s the purpose of yoga to become flexible and allow movement to your own ability. Improve and moving to your own level. 


The same counts for the Yoga Retreat, you can be a complete beginner to attend the 
Yoga & Meditation Weekend in August, Friday 16/8 – Sunday 18/8/2019.

  • We will return to the same venue as last year, Luther Heights Youth Camp in Coolum Beach. The accommodation is very simple, bunk beds, dorm style. But since we occupy only a third or quarter of the beds available, we can spread out nicely. There are separated niches to share with your friends & family. You need to bring your own linen. 
  • Toilets, showers are basic & clean.
  • The vegetarian meals are delicious, and a good variety.
  • Even good coffee (a luxury, not following traditional yoga ashram rules).
  • So rather than a luxury yoga Retreat, this is more a traditional Yoga & Meditation Camp, as they used to be, when Yoga first arrived in the West. Or more like a Yoga Ashram in India, where the focus is on the practice of yoga, rather than a luxury bed & spa. (which is very nice, but has it’s price). 
  • This allows me, to keep the price below $450
  • The cost the for whole weekend is $420 (including the yoga program, accommodation and meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  • We are surrounded by beautiful, peaceful nature, trees and grounds. Views over the ocean and towards Mount Coolum.
  • Spectacular sunrise, to start the day with Sun Salutations and Meditation.
  • Short walk to the beach and Point Arkwright lookout. 
  • A good location and opportunity to immerse into the practice of Yoga. Dust of the winter blues, getting ready for Spring.
  • My friend Amrita Kamala will mostly likely join us again, to play the harmonium.
  • As a new activity this year, we might have a camp fire on Saturday evening. The Camp has the facility for this, but of course this will be weather permitting only. If no fire restrictions.
  • For the Retreat Weekend to go ahead, I need a minimum of 15 -18 bookings. 
  • Please let me know by 31 March 2019, if you are seriously interested to attend the Yoga & Meditation weekend.
  • As by then I can cancel the venue without any extra charges, and of course I would refund your deposit as well. Fingers crossed, that will not be the case. 

Please contact me for any questions and bookings. I can also send you a detailed pdf file by email , or you find all the important details by following this link:

https://hathayogaipswich.com.au/retreat/

Looking forward to hearing and seeing you,

Prema Maria

Sunrise Meditation, Retreat September 2018.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Quote

September 2018 Yoga Weekend

16 Aug

via Retreat

I have a few last minute spaces available, if you would like to join our Yoga & Meditation Weekend.

Friday 7th – Sunday 9th of September 2018.

The cost for the weekend retreat is $420 including, Yoga & Meditation program, accommodation, meals. 

If you are short on time you can join us for one day only Saturday 8th – Sunday 9th of September 2018, at the cost of $300.-

All bookings need to be confirmed and paid by 30/8/18.

Please, don’t hesitate to contact me for any questions and discuss details.

Looking forward to begin Spring in Queensland with a Yoga Weekend: release – relax – recharge.

OM Shantih – OM Peace, Prema Maria

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Asana – proper exercise

15 Apr
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.

 

IMG_5552_Ardha-Matsyendrasana small

Ardha Matseyndrasana – half spinal twist.

IMG_5510_Halasana small

Halasana – the plough.

IMG_5920_spinal-twist in triangle small

Standing spinal twist in triangle – Parivritta Trikonasana.

© Photography Maria Steiner

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Friday 24th February 2017

17 Feb

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

 

altar-2

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spring is here

12 Sep

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 

img_2488

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/

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Yoga in 2016

10 Jan

This Year we continue with the regular yoga classes and timetable, at least as a start. I know some people would like different times and days. Though many loyal yoga students are happy with it and used to the well known times & days. It also works easiest with the locations/ scout halls the classes are taken. 

SAM_6026

Cleaned Yoga mats ready to go.

Here we go:

Cameron Park, Scout Hall, Easton Street, Booval

Tuesdays, 6pm – 7:30pm

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights  

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

 

Plus the Hatha – Yoga class every Wednesday night 6:30pm – 8pm at the PCYC Ipswich.

 

Yoga & Meditation Weekend Retreat

This year I’m again organizing and teaching a Yoga Weekend at Gunnebah Retreat near Murwillumbah, NSW. 

26th – 28th August 2016 (Friday – Sunday).

I teach the whole yoga & meditation program. The delicious vegetarian meals are lovingly prepared by the Gunnebah Catering team, Vanessa from Tulsi Foods.

Early Spring is a good time to recharge your batteries, shed the winter blues and set new intentions. Get ready for the New Season with a weekend of intense yoga&meditation, surrounded by beautiful nature. We enjoy delicious vegetarian meals. You can look at it as a detox; having no meat, fish, alcohol, processed food and too much sugar for a whole weekend.  Join us, you will not regret it.  

20150829_121038

Bush walking at the Retreat with views to Mount Warning. Photo from August 2015.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Friday class 18th September

7 Sep Prema playing harmonium.

Altar with gerbera flowers.

Altar with gerbera flowers.

I hope you had a good start into Spring.
It’s time to get back into the routine and I like to offer again some extra classes for your practice in the new season.
It has been a while since the last Friday Hatha Yoga Class and Satsang Meditation. Next session:

Friday 18th September 2015 at

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights:

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

The cost is $15 or regular class pass 

6:50pm – 8:30pm Satsang (silent meditation, uplifting Sanskrit chants, an inspiring reading)

The cost is $8 or free if you come to the 5pm class.

In between the two sessions we have a cup of tea and something sweet.
If 5pm is too early for you, you can just come for the Satsang, please arrive for 6:30pm. Or only do the hatha Yoga class.
If you know you will join one or both of the classes for sure, please let me know. Otherwise you can always just show up, no booking necessary.
Looking forward to a good start into the weekend. See you soon,
Prema Maria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Yoga & Meditation Weekend

28 Apr Mount Warning
This year I’m organising and teaching  a weekend retreat again, it has been four years since I offered a yoga retreat last time.

Early morning walk / meditation.

Early morning walk / meditation.

It takes place at the Gunnebah Retreat Centre near Murwillumbah, northern NSW. We have been there before and it’s an ideal location for a yoga weekend, surrounded by most beautiful nature. In the past I used to prepare and cook the meals myself, lot’s of work before and during the retreat for just one weekend. This year the Gunnebah catering team, will provide all our vegetarian meals. So less karma yoga for all of us, no chopping, cooking and doing the dishes. Instead kick back a little. Therefore also the higher cost than in the past.
The Retreat is from Friday 28 – Sunday 30 August 2015.  It is open to newcomers, beginners, if you need to give your yoga practice a fresh boost and experienced yoga students.
The hatha yoga class will be mostly two hours, instead of the usual 90 minutes like in the weekly classes. So more time to go deeper into postures, explain details, more variations and holding postures longer. We practice the silent japa meditation, maybe Tratak (gazing at the flame of a candle) and chant Kirtan (mantra singing), as I bring my harmonium along.
During the lectures we might also cover other topics, than the classic yoga philosophy Vedanta. Wisdom, knowledge, practices, a holistic approach to life, etc. that interest me and I like to share more with you. For example: How the moon influences our bodies, the way it guides the ocean tides. (Saturday 29/08 will be a full moon). The facts and importance of the fascia. Tapping Solution for EFT (emotional freedom technique).  Such interests and similar.
So it will be a very uplifting, inspiring and empowering weekend. Practicing and learning the vast horizon of Yoga, Meditation, Mantras and more. While we are in the middle of beautiful rain forest nature.
For more information please browse through the Retreat section on this website, phone or email me.
Looking forward to hearing and seeing you soon.
Namaste, Maria Prema

Pranayama practice

Pranayama practice

Outdoor eating at Gunnebah Retreat.

Outdoor eating at Gunnebah Retreat.

 

 

 

© Photography Maria Steiner / Ian Grasmeder

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Asana – proper exercise

26 Apr Trikonasna - the Triangle pose

Based on the five points of Yoga. See me blog post of November 15, 2014

https://hathayogaipswich.wordpress.com/2014/11/15/the-five-points-of-yoga/?preview=true&preview_id=876&preview_nonce=95b6934216&post_format=standard

1)  proper exercise (Asana)

What is Proper Exercise?

There are numerous modern physical culture systems designed to develop the muscles through mechanical mouvements and exercises. As Yoga regards the body as a vehicle for the soul on its journey towards perfection, Yogic physical exercises are designed to develop not only the body. They also broaden the mental faculties and the spiritual capacities.
The Yogic physical exercises are called Asana, a term which means steady pose. This is because the Yoga Asana (or posture) is meant to be held for some time. However this is quite an advanced practice. Initially, our concern is simply to increase body flexibility.
The body is as young as it is flexible. Yoga exercises focus on the health of the spine, its strength and flexibility. The spinal column houses the all-important nervous system, the telegraphic system of the body. By maintaining the spine’s flexibility and strength through exercise, circulation is increased and the nerves are ensured their supply of nutrients and oxygen.
The Asanas also affect the internal organs and the endocrine system (glands and hormones).
Traditionally, Yogis practice Surya Namaskar, the sun salutation, before the Asanas. Although there are many Asanas (8,400,000 according to the scriptures) the practice of the 12 basic postures brings out the essence and all major benefits of this wonderful system.
These 12 Basic Postures are:
  1. Headstand (Sirshasana)
  2. Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana)
  3. Plough (Halasana)
  4. Fish (Matsyasana)
  5. Forward bend (Paschimothanasana)
  6. Cobra (Bhujangasana)
  7. Locust (Shalabhasana)
  8. Bow (Dhanurasana)
  9. Spinal twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
  10. Crow pose (Kakasana) or Peacock pose (Mayurasana)
  11. Standing forward bend (Pada Hasthasana)
  12. Triangle (Trikonasana)

 

Trikonasna - the Triangle pose

Trikonasna – the Triangle pose

 

 

© Photography Maria Steiner / Ian Grasmeder

Tags: , , , , , ,

Mama & Baby Yoga Class

23 Feb

During the month of March I will be teaching a one hour Mama & Baby Yoga Class, first class is on Friday 6th March 2015.

Where:  

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305 (parking behind the hall)

When:

Friday 10am – 11am

Cost:        $14 per class

What to expect:  

For mothers with pre-walking babies (from about 2-3 months to one year old).  One hour yoga class mainly to give the mother a chance to stretch and recharge in a relaxed atmosphere. Practicing some yoga exercises and stretches for strength, balance and flexibility together with your baby and other mothers. Some exercises we will do with the baby. If at any time during the class your baby needs your full attention for a feed, nappy change or cuddle that’s fine take a break and join again later.

What to bring:      

Yoga mat if you have, otherwise a towel is fine. Blanket for your baby. Extra cushion.

Wear something you feel comfortable stretching in.

Good to know:  

This class will run for four weeks during the month of March.

 You do not need to register, just come along.

 If there is enough interest, we will continue the class in April (after Easter).

Please tell your friends and family about this special Mum & Bub yoga class.

 

Looking forward to meeting you all soon. Maria

 

Buddha Meditation

 

 

© Photography Maria Steiner

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries

%d bloggers like this: