is named after Garuda, the mythical eagle, who had the beak and wings of a bird but the body of a man.
Garuda Asana does for the arms and legs what the Spinal Twist does for the spine, twisting and squeezing first one side and then the other, to increase circulation to the limbs. It is an excellent remedy for varicose veins. Because the leg that supports your weight is bent, this strengthens your leg muscles.
Squeezing your arms and legs together while maintaining the balance improves circulation and develops an awareness of your extremities, right up to your fingers and toes. Hold the pose, breathing deeply, then repeat on the other side, changing arms and legs.
Eagel Pose, Maria, March 2016Eagle Pose, Maria, May 2015
The Camel – Ustrasana. The camel pose, also known as the sitting wheel.
This Yoga posture gives you all the benefits of the backward bends. Strengthens the thighs while improving the flexibility of the back. If your knees are sensitive and to protect them from pain, use a blanket or other cushion under your knees. In the beginning reach back with one arm only holding onto your foot, while stretching the other arm up to the sky. Alternatively place your hands on your lower back, leaning back as far as you can. Keep the chin forward, don’t tilt the head back, only the upper body. If this feels good, reach back with both hands to hold onto your feet.
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 ….
While Im travelling I offer some Yoga classes online on Zoom.
I have the dates marked in my calendar, but will always confirm again.
The times are Ipswich/Brisbane time.
If you have a yoga class pass, I will tick it off, once I’m back home in Ipswich, and we know the connection worked well. If you pay for the single, individual class, please pay after the class (not before), I want to be sure this works good for everyone.
Wednesday 18 June 5pm
Tuesday 24 June 6pm
Tuesday 1 July 6pm
Wednesday 9 July 5pm
If you would like to join one of the above online Hatha Yoga classes, please send me an email to hathayogaipswich@gmail.com to receive login details. Thank you !!
On Tuesday 22 July the Yoga classes resume as per our well known times and locations, at the Scout Halls and online Zoom.
While I’m away, I will teach one Yoga class per week online. Some weeks it will be on Tuesday 6pm, others on Wednesday 5pm, Brisbane time. If you would like to join online, please send me an email to hathayogaipswich@gmail.com.
All the Yoga classes in-person and online will resume on Tuesday 22nd July 2025.
I have yoga classes recorded on video, that you can practise for yourself any time. Some of you have one or two of these videos, time to have a look in your digital library or an old email.
The Videos availabe are:
Hatha Yoga class 60 minutes
Senior’s Yoga class 60 minutes
25 minutes short Hatha Yoga class, morning energiser or evening cool down.
12 minutes Sun Salutations
8 minutes Standing Sun Salutations
I can send them to you via dropbox or google drive.
The cost per video is $22 for the 60 minutes classes, $11 for the shorter practices. Once dowloaded on your end, you can watch and practise daily.
All our Yoga classes at almost usual times and locations. At the Scout halls or online on Zoom, please let me know if you need the Zoom link. If there is a slight change, I’ll inform those of you affected directly. Otherwise scroll down for locations, days & times. Hatha Yoga and Senior’s Yoga classes:
Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305
The next Meditation class at our home in Silkstone is on Friday 23rd of May at 5pm – 6:30pm. You need to book and confirm for this session. Thank You!!
For the month of April we have YOGA during the Queensland School Holidays.
I take a short break after Easter; we have NO Yoga classes on Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 of April. This is the week between the Easter and the ANZAC day long weekends.
Apart from the above mentiond dates, all classes as usual,
At the Scout halls or online on Zoom, please let me know if you need the Zoom link:
Raceview Scout Hall, 32 Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305
Our first Meditation for the year is already coming up, on Friday 17th January 2025 at 5pm – 6:30pm. You need to book for this session. Thank you, call or text Maria on 0423 477 725.
Hatha Yoga Ipswich 