Yoga – Page 10 – Hatha Yoga Ipswich

Hatha Yoga Ipswich

Asana – proper exercise

Asana – proper exercise

April 26, 2015April 27, 2015premaria

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:

Headstand (Sirshasana)
Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana)
Plough (Halasana)
Fish (Matsyasana)
Forward bend (Paschimothanasana)
Cobra (Bhujangasana)
Locust (Shalabhasana)
Bow (Dhanurasana)
Spinal twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
Crow pose (Kakasana) or Peacock pose (Mayurasana)
Standing forward bend (Pada Hasthasana)
Triangle (Trikonasana)

Trikonasna - the Triangle pose — Trikonasna – the Triangle pose

© Photography Maria Steiner / Ian Grasmeder

Satsang Friday 21 November

Satsang Friday 21 November

November 18, 2014premaria

Friday 21 September, Satsang and additional Hatha Yoga Class

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

November 15, 2014January 11, 2019premaria

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

Friday 29 August, Hatha Yoga Class and Satsang

Friday 29 August, Hatha Yoga Class and Satsang

August 27, 2014premaria

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

Friday Class 14th March

March 6, 2014premaria

The next Satsang and Friday yoga class is on Friday 14th March 2014:

Where: Raceview Scout Hall, Taylor Street, Eastern Heights

What:    Hatha Yoga Class (breathing exercises, sun salutation, 12 basic postures, guided final relaxation).
Time:    5pm – 6:30pm
Cost:      $14.00 or regular class pass (no free trial class on this day).

What:    Satsang, we begin with silent meditation, then Kirtan Mantra chanting and a lecture about some of the yoga philosophy, finishing with a purifying light ceremony (arati).
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 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 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.

See you soon.

Namaste

Prema Maria

Bromeliad

© Photography Maria Steiner

New Brochure

February 17, 2014February 17, 2014premaria

Back in November I created a new brochure promoting the yoga classes I teach and services I offer.

brochure, back & front

With the summer in Australia I forgot to write a post about it. So last but not least here it is. Just a short note. Most of you have a copy of this brochure already, if not pick up yours next time I see you.

new brochure, three fold

SAM_5196 — new brochure, inside + outside

Satsang Friday 7th February

February 2, 2014premaria

The first Satsang and Friday yoga class is this week Friday 7th February 2014:

Where: Raceview Scout Hall, Taylor Street, Eastern Heights

What:    Hatha Yoga Class (breathing exercises, sun salutation, 12 basic postures, guided final relaxation).
Time:    5pm – 6:30pm
Cost:      $14.00 or regular class pass (no free trial class on this day).

What:    Satsang, we begin with silent meditation, then Kirtan Mantra chanting and a lecture about some of the yoga philosophy, finishing with a purifying light ceremony (arati).
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 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 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.

See you soon.

Namaste

Prema Maria

Tranquility

© Photography Maria Steiner

Start 2014 with Yoga

January 18, 2014premaria

The Yoga classes resume on Tuesday 21st of January 2014.

Asana - Hatha Yoga Class — Asana – Hatha Yoga Class

All classes as per schedule, locations, days, times and cost:

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

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

Cost for Senior Class

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

Plus every Wednesday 6:30pm – 8pm the Yoga Class at the PCYC Ipswich.

Looking forward to another good year of Yoga.

OM Shantih OM
Prema Maria

© Photography Maria Steiner

Satsang Friday 22 November

November 17, 2013premaria

On Friday 22nd November 2013 is our next Satsang (silent meditation, Kirtan, yoga lecture) and extra Hatha Yoga Class. This is the last Friday class for this year.

Where: Raceview Scout Hall, Taylor Street, Eastern Heights 4305

What:    Hatha Yoga Class (breathing exercises, sun salutation, 12 basic postures, guided final relaxation).
Time:    5pm – 6:30pm
Cost:      $14.00 or regular class pass (no free trial class on this day).

What:    Satsang, we begin with silent meditation, then Kirtan Mantra chanting and some good read from one of the many books by Swami Sivananda, finishing with a purifying light ceremony (arati).
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 tea and something sweet. Some raw chocolate goodies or a vegan cake.

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.

Chanting Kirtan and Mantras is very uplifting, purifying and calming for the mind.

Please let me know, if you have any questions.

See you then.

Prema Maria

Spring into the new Season

September 9, 2013September 17, 2013premaria

Spring is here !!! The days are warm, the sun is shining. An excellent time to come out of “hibernation” and kick-start your dormant yoga practice. If you have never tried Yoga before, it is a good time to begin something new. Your first class is free! Give it a try, you might like it!!

Jasmin in flower

The current times, locations and cost are:

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

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

Cost for Senior Class

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

In addition I teach the weekly Yoga Class for the PCYC Ipswich, every Wednesday evening 6:30pm – 8pm.

Yoga in the Park, FREE for everyone, every class. Thursday morning 9:30am – 10:30am at Mountview, Napier Park, Redbank Plains http://www.themountviewestate.com.au/festival-of-fun/

I look forward to welcoming you to one of these classes soon.

Prema Maria

Early spring harvest, my homegrown strawberries and pineapple.

© Photography Maria Steiner