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

Oneness

Oneness

premaria

In his book “Messages to Mankind” Swami Chidananda writes:

The true basis of human unity where all beings are at one is the factor that is the essential being within us. Superficial factors express diversity; there is a difference. In form all are different. Diversity, more than unity, seems to be the law of creation. In everything, everywhere upon the face of the earth, we find diversity. No two leaves are alike but even though a tree is full of diversity, and is full of diverse branches, twisting twigs, leaves, flowers, fruits, etc., is rooted in unity. The root is one; the tree springs from oneness. So, if you trace all diversities to their source, the apparent diversity is found to be based upon unity, based upon oneness, having a singleness of source. There could no more be an apt analogy to bring home to us the truth of oneness of mankind than that of the tree with its diverse branches, shoots and twigs being founded upon the one, viz., the root.

bottle brush tree in flower
bottle brush tree in flower

Raw Banoffee Caramel Cheesecake

premaria

I made this delicious raw cake for an Easter treat….. Did not look as good as the original, but delicious!!! @nourishingnicola

nourishingnicola's avatarNourishing Nicola

Holllllyyyyyyyy caramel banana coconut taste explosion! This cake is one of my new favourites! It’s super easy to make and even better, it’s completely healthy! Made from whole and unprocessed ingredients, free from sugar, dairy and gluten you can’t possibly feel guilty for eating it 🙂

IMG_7618Base

3/4 cup raw almonds

1/2 desiccated coconut

5-6 medjool dates (soaked for 5 minutes to soften)

1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor, blend until combined and then spread into the base of a lined circle cake tin

2. Place in the fridge/freezer

Banana Layer

1 whole banana

1 cup raw cashews soaked overnight and drained

2 tbs melted coconut oil

1/2 cup coconut milk

1/4 cup pure maple syrup (you could also use coconut nectar/rice malt syrup)

1 tbs white chia seeds

3. Blend everything in the processor, starting with the cashews alone and gradually adding the other ingredients until…

View original post 83 more words

Happy Easter

Happy Easter

premaria
Holidays can sometimes put a lot of pressure on individuals. Travelling through busy airports and train-stations, being struck in traffic on long distance travel. Meeting with family just because it’s a tradition to meet with family members on holidays, when otherwise there is not much contact or much in common. It can be more of a burden, than a pleasurable joy.
I like to share with you this good affirmation from Louise Hay for a situation like this or similar:

“I release all drama from my life and now get energy from peace.”

Swiss Easter chocolate bunny
Swiss Easter chocolate bunny
Thoughts create your reality

Thoughts create your reality

premaria

Energy goes where the thought goes. 

Put your thoughts, words and actions on what you really want; you attract and create this. 

 

Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus

 

 

 

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

 

 

Change your outlook to be happy.

Change your outlook to be happy.

premaria

“If you change your outlook, vision, imagination and attidude even a bit you can be happy everywhere.

Man/woman suffers on account of his/her own imagination and old habits of thinking. He/she never allows him/herself to be changed. This is Maya – the illusion.”

Sri Swami Sivananda
SAM_5725_small
Geranium in my garden.

 

 

Compassion

Compassion

premaria

“Compassion to all beings is the expression of spirituality.”

Swami Sivananda

 

Bromeliad Flower in my garden.
Bromeliad Flower in my garden.
The Spirit of Christmas

The Spirit of Christmas

premaria
Christmas Spirit
Christmas Spirit

 

“The true spirit of Christmas you find in the centre of your own heart.

Not in the shopping centre aisles.”   Prema Maria