Tag: hatha yoga

Asana – proper exercise

Asana – proper exercise

premaria

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

Mama & Baby Yoga Class

Mama & Baby Yoga Class

premaria

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

 

 

Christmas / Summer Break

Christmas / Summer Break

premaria

This week are the last yoga classes for 2014:

 

Cameron Park, Scout Hall, Easton Street, Booval

  • Tuesday 16/12/14, 6pm–7:30pm

Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights

  • Tuesday 16/12/14, 9am – 10:30am *) followed by meditation 10:30am-11am, if you wish to stay.
  • Wednesday 17/12/14, 9am – 10:00am Seniors Yoga class  *) followed by meditation 10am – 10:30am, if you wish to stay.
  • Thursday 18/12/14,  5pm – 6:30pm
  • Thursday 18/12/14,  7pm – 8:30pm

 

Plus the Yoga Class at the PCYC Ipswich Wednesday 17/12/14, 6:30pm – 8pm

 

In the New Year all the classes will resume as above, on Tuesday 13th January 2015.

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

Christmas Tree in Brisbane 2011
Christmas Tree in Brisbane 2011

© Photography Maria Steiner

Satsang Friday 21 November

Satsang Friday 21 November

premaria

Friday 21 September, Satsang and additional Hatha Yoga Class

Frangipiani in my Garden
Frangipiani in my Garden
This week is the monthly Friday hatha yoga class and Satsang. Make sure not to miss it, it’s the last one for 2014. 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!

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

What:   Hatha Yoga Class (breathing exercises, sun salutation, 12 basic postures, guided final relaxation.         When:  5pm – 6:30pm
Cost:    $14  or  regular class pass  (no free trial class on this day).

What:   Satsang: is a combination of meditation, uplifting Sanskrit chants, yoga lecture.
When:   6:45pm – 8:15pm
Cost:     $7 (or free if you attend the earlier class)

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

 

© Photography Maria Steiner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Five Points of Yoga

The Five Points of Yoga

premaria

Swami Vishnu-Devananda condensed the whole yoga tradition into a very practical system, aptly named ‘The Five Propers or ‘Five Points of Yoga’:

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.
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.
3. Proper Relaxation (Savasana)
Long before the invention of cars, planes, telephones, computers, freeways and other modern triggers of stress, the Rishis (sages or seers) and Yogis of yore devised very powerful techniques of deep relaxation. As a matter of fact, many modern stress-management and relaxation methods borrow heavily from this tradition. By relaxing deeply all the muscles the Yogi can thoroughly rejuvenate his nervous system and attain a deep sense of inner peace.
4. Proper Diet (Vegetarian)
Besides being responsible for building our physical body, the foods we eat profoundly affect our mind. For maximum body-mind efficiency and complete spiritual awareness, Yoga advocates a lacto-vegetarian diet. This is an integral part of the Yogic lifestyle.
5. Meditation (Dhyana) and positive thinking
Here is the most important point of all, we become what we think. Thus we should exert to entertain positive and creative thoughts as these will contribute to vibrant health and a peaceful, joyful mind. A positive outlook on life can be developed by learning and practicing the teachings of the philosophy of Vedanta. The mind will be brought under perfect control by regular practice of meditation.

” Health is wealth, peace of mind is Happiness. Yoga shows the way.”

– Swami Vishnu-Devananda

The Seven Chakras

The Seven Chakras

Satsang 26 September

Satsang 26 September

premaria

Friday 26 September, Satsang and additional Hatha Yoga Class

 

Prasad - bliss balls
Prasad – bliss balls

 

This week is the monthly Friday hatha yoga class and Satsang. Make sure not to miss it. 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!

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

What:   Hatha Yoga Class (breathing exercises, sun salutation, 12 basic postures, guided final relaxation.          When:  5pm – 6:30pm
Cost:    $14  or  regular class pass  (no free trial class on this day).

What:   Satsang: is a combination of meditation, uplifting Sanskrit chants, yoga lecture.
When:   6:45pm – 8:15pm
Cost:     $7 (or free if you attend the earlier class)

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

 

© Photography Maria Steiner

 

Friday 29 August, Hatha Yoga Class and Satsang

Friday 29 August, Hatha Yoga Class and Satsang

premaria
First Jasmin flowers of the Season.
First Jasmin flowers of the Season.

 

The next Satsang and additional Hatha Yoga class is already this Friday 29 August  2014. Relax your body and nourish your soul:

 

Where:  Raceview Scout Hall, Taylor Street, Eastern Heights

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

Time:  5pm – 6:30pm

Cost:    $14.00  or  regular class pass  (no free trial class on this day).

 

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

Time:   6:45pm – 8:15pm

Cost:     $7.00 or FREE if you come to the 5pm class

 

In between the two sessions we have a cup of (herbal) tea and some raw carrot cake I made earlier.
You are most welcome to join for just one of the classes. If you like an extra exercise session you come to the Hall 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.
Looking forward to seeing you soon. Please contact me if you have any questions.

 

© Photography Maria Steiner

 

Satsang Friday 25 July

premaria

The next Satsang and additional Hatha Yoga class is on Friday 25th July 2014. Relax your body and nourish your soul:

 

Where:  Raceview Scout Hall, Taylor Street, Eastern Heights

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

Time:  5pm – 6:30pm

Cost:    $14.00  or  regular class pass  (no free trial class on this day).

 

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

Time:   6:45pm – 8:15pm

Cost:     $7.00 or FREE if you come to the 5pm class

 

In between the two sessions we have a cup of (herbal) tea and something sweet.
You are most welcome to join for just one of the classes. If you like an extra exercise session you come to the Hall 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.
Looking forward to seeing you soon. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

in my Garden
in my Garden

 

© Photography Maria Steiner

 

Wise words by Yesudian

premaria

SAM_5441

…. more wisdom from the book YOGA and HEALTH by Selvarajan Yesudian and Elisabeth Haich, first published in 1953.

 

The entire system of Hatha Yoga is based on returning to a natural way of living, an intuition which guides the human  mind from a higher plane. It is based on a return to an inspiration of the mind and thus becomes a valuable asset for the new world now being born for the new generation which will lead a happier, more natural life. As the clamour of weapons dies away, a new, freer world will be born, and the time is fast approaching when we shall have to bind and heal man’s wounds and train his body in a healthier, and more conscious manner.

May God grant that the three greatest gifts of Hatha Yoga — health, strength and youthfulness — may be transmitted to this new generation.

 

Yoga and Health
Yoga and Health

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Satsang Friday 30th May 2014

premaria

The next Satsang and additional Hatha Yoga class for that week is on Friday 30th May 2014. Relax your body and nourish your soul:

 

Where:  Raceview Scout Hall, Taylor Street, Eastern Heights

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

Time:  5pm – 6:30pm

Cost:    $14.00  or  regular class pass  (no free trial class on this day).

 

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

Time:   6:45pm – 8:15pm

Cost:     $7.00 or FREE if you come for the 5pm class

In between the two sessions we have a cup of tea and something sweet.
You are most welcome to join for just one of the classes. If you like an extra exercise session you come to the Hall 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.
Looking forward to seeing you soon. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

 

Roses in my Garden.
Roses in my Garden.

 

 

© Photography Maria Steiner