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Williamstown Yoga & Meditation Newsletter
Term Four 2014
109 Douglas Parade | Williamstown | 3016
www.williamstownyogaandmeditation.com.au
Principal: Fiona Hyde [email protected]
I looked in Temples,
Churches, and Mosques.
I found the Divine
in my heart ~ Rumi
•
Sacred Pause Workshop with Fiona Hyde, Sunday
19 October, 2-5pm;
•
Tigress Yoga, 5 week dynamic series, commencing
Friday 24 October, 6.00-7.30pm
•
‘My Secret Garden’ workshop for girls aged 8-12
years, Saturday 29 November, 1.30-4.30pm
And more!!!
For information about these events, please read on or go to:
www.williamstownyogaandmeditation.com.au.
Introduction
Warmest greetings to you all and welcome to the fourth
edition of the Williamstown Yoga & Meditation Newsletter for
2014, a quarterly publication that informs you of what is going
on within our yoga community.
Just a few more months till the end of the year, and what an
exciting and inspiring collection of rich offerings we have at
WY&M! Here is a taster of what you can expect over the next
few months at WY&M:
For regular updates and yoga class information, check out
the new timetable online, visit our facebook page, or pick up
a timetable when you next visit us.
WY&M facebook page
If you haven’t already liked our WY&M facebook page, we
would love it if you did. That way you can keep a close eye
on us to see what we are up to, and we always love to share
interesting quotes, reflections and photos on our page. Just
click on the link below and it will take you to our page. Then
click like:
•
Two new Gita Yoga classes on Sunday morning, 89.15am and 9.30-10.45am with Peter Bozovic;
•
A new Yin Yoga class with Cherie on Wednesday
evenings, 6-7pm;
•
A free 3-step ‘Life on Purpose’ Program with
Transformational Hypnotherapist, Boris von
Rechenberg
•
Six free TFT (Tapping Therapy) Sessions with
Melissa Davy
Wishing you a wonderful term of yoga with us at WY&M and
look forward to seeing you soon. Please note that all regular
classes at WY&M will run until Sunday 21 December 2014.
Regular classes will then resume on Monday 19 January
2015. For those of you keen to start 2015 with an extra
injection of yoga, I will be offering an early morning intensive
from Monday 12 January to Friday 16 January (read on for
further details).
•
Melbourne Dharma Talk, Friday 17 October, 6.308.30pm
Namaste, Fiona & the teaching team
at Willi Yoga & Meditation
•
Satsang Chant Evening with Dean Das and the
Mind-Yoga Chant Group, Saturday 18 October, 78.30pm
https://www.facebook.com/WilliamstownYoga
\
___________________________________________________________
Introducing our new Gita Yoga teacher:
Peter Bozovic
Well, I’ve finally done it. It has been a few decades in the
making and now, the formal teaching part of my life has
begun.
My name is Peter Bozovic and starting term 4, I will be
teaching classes at WY&M centre on Sunday mornings.
Yoga has been a big part of my life since embracing its
philosophies and the way it tries to answer the big questions
– Who am I? Why are we here? What’s it all for? When will
the Bombers win their next premiership?
I have been going to the Gita School of Yoga for many years
and have applied the yogic philosophies we study into my
daily life. I am an accountant by profession and have utilised
my understanding of the universal/metaphysical laws of
energy in the development of businesses I work in. My
particular interest is in the yogic aspects of money/business
and have been known to devour the ‘prosperity’ sections in
bookshops. Over the years I have been introducing people to
look at the business world through yogic eyes. Now, I can
practically do this by teaching yoga within the sacred safe
environment at WY&M centre.
Last year I graduated as a Gita Yoga teacher. Gita Yoga
was brought to the West for the times we are experiencing
now. The specifically formulated sequence of Hatha Yoga
exercises work to bring balance to our physical, mental and
emotional bodies. The practices can be done by ‘every-body’
so you can come in at any level.
I enjoy life and have wonderful family support. My wife is
currently studying to be a Gita Yoga teacher and our 9 year
old son teaches us many lessons. My favourite film is Monty
Python’s ‘Life of Brian’; I am not always politically correct; l
love going to and watching sporting events; we have a
campervan and enjoy the outdoors; I love food; I enjoy
challenging people to get out of their comfort zone. I count
my blessings every day.
I will be teaching 2 classes on Sunday mornings starting at
8.00am and 9.30am. It is a great way to begin the day with
renewed energy and prepare for the start of the working
week. Come along to stretch, learn and laugh.
Thanks to Jules for her wonderful work each and every
Sunday to date. We all wish her well in her new endeavours.
\
Yin Yoga with Cherie
Wednesdays, 6-7pm
WHAT IS YIN YOGA ?
To really understand Yin yoga or any yoga, it’s best to come
and EXPERIENCE IT first hand!
I will, however, attempt to describe what Yin yoga is.
The terms Yin & Yang come from Daoist thinkers, who
observed the natural world and saw that it appeared full of
contrasting elements. For example, the dark night gives
ways to the brightness of the day, water can flow like a
stream but can also freeze into a hard block of ice. Through
these sorts of observations, it was concluded that heavy &
light, loud & soft, luminous & dark must all be part of a
harmonious balance that preserves the natural order of the
world. As humans, we are part of the natural world, and
need to find balance to ensure health & harmony. As part of
this natural order of the world, we also have change, the
constant ebb and flow, the never ending cycle, yin becoming
yang and yang becoming yin. To be able to thrive – in body
& mind - we must adapt to change.
Generally, Yin consists of hidden, dark, cold, still, downward,
earth, calm, connective tissues. Yang consists of exposed,
light, hot, moving, upward, heaven, excited, muscles.
With all that said, Yin yoga refers to a way of holding
postures (asanas) for longer period of times in a relaxed and
non-aggressive manner in order to stress the deeper Yin
connective tissues, which include ligaments, joints, and
fascia. These are all considered Yin tissues relative to the
Yang muscle tissues (that are easier to see and change).
The Yin postures are typically held anywhere from 2 mins up
to 10 mins to moderately stress (traction and gentle
compression) and stretch the connective tissues & joints, and
the muscles being targeted must be relaxed.
On the other hand, Yang physical activities are rhythmic
movement and include things like running, weight lifting and
yoga that cultivates strength and stability. Yang energy
encourages us to go higher, faster & take risks. The yang
practice cultivates the inner fire needed to commit to
change. However, we also need the cooling, contemplative
practice of Yin yoga to understand what needs to change.
In the world today, most of us have an overly Yang lifestyle
and we can emphasize form over substance, and ignore how
we feel on the inside, losing touch with the inner, deeper part
of ourselves. Yin Yoga is that journey back inwards !
___________________________________________________________
‘As important as it is for our physical and mental well-being
to be strong, it is not muscular strength that gives us the
feeling of ease and lightness in the body, it is the flexibility of
the joints’ (Paul Grilley)
We need both Yin & Yang exercise, as they complement &
supplement each other. The practice of both Yin & Yang
yoga is necessary for a balanced body, calm mind & to
connect with the effortless flow of existence, which brings
harmony to the soul.
I would love to share the experience YIN YOGA with you…
Wednesday night’s 6 -7pm.
With love & blessings, Cherie
\
Meditative Yoga
with Deb Robertson
Tuesdays 7.30 - 8.45pm
In this class, you are offered the space and time to unwind
from the stress of daily life, open your body and mind to
deeper levels of relaxation and ease, and link with the
positive qualities that live inside your heart. After the class,
you can then leave feeling more settled, peaceful, and ready
for restorative sleep.
This class is suitable for all, but is particularly beneficial for
individuals experiencing difficulties with breathing, auto
immune, pain management, panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia,
stress management, and hormonal imbalances.
Deb is skilled at adapting practices and providing support to
suit individual needs, both physically and emotionally.
Various props (bolsters, chairs and blankets) are offered to
provide greater ease and comfort.
Each class includes simple movement lead by the breath;
specific breathing practices, visualisation, gestures,
bhavanas (attitudes) and chanting. Relaxation (savasana)
concludes each session, providing individuals with the
opportunity to stop doing, thinking, worrying and just rest and
restore.
Brooke, a gorgeous young woman, has been attending these
classes for a couple of years. She writes:
‘I have experienced many positive benefits of regular
attendance at Deb’s yoga classes, as she is a wonderfully
patient and knowledgeable teacher. Some of the benefits
include improved flexibility and posture, strength of mind and
body, in addition to development of core abdominal strength
and improved sleep. Yoga is a fantastic way to undertake
relaxation and to restore vitality and balance to your life’
(Brooke Andrews - Clinical Psychologist, BSocSci
(Psych)(RMIT),
BA
(Psych,
Hons),
MPsych
(Clinical)(Ballarat), MAPS, MAACBT).
Kathy Wilson comes for similar reasons. She finds the
‘moving meditation’ allows her to access calm, stillness more
readily than sitting meditation. She writes:
‘Having dabbled in yoga for over twenty years, I felt I needed
to link my mind as well as my body. The exercise component
was important but the mind component was becoming more
important to me. I was drawn to the wisdom of Deb's yoga
classes. I feel I learn or experience something positive in
each class. I know I have just scratched the surface of this
amazing world and Deb is helping me to navigate it. The
class is very nurturing, physically and mentally. Yoga used to
be something I did once a week in a studio as a form of
exercise. Now it is part of my daily life. It has enriched my life
so much. Thanks.’
\
Tapping for Health and Happiness
with Melissa Davy
Try it FREE (2 weeks only)
Commencing Wed 15th Oct
What is Tapping and who would benefit from it?
Tapping, also known as EFT (Emotional Freedom
Technique) or TFT (Thought Field Therapy) is a hightly
effective technique used to clear negative emotions that are
affecting a person’s mental or physical health. Based on
Chinese Medicine, by tapping on specific acupressure
points on your face, hands and upper body, it allows you to
relieve these negative emotions (and physical pain) in a short
space of time.
Tapping is suitable for anyone of any age who would like to
reduce or eliminate; stress, frustration, fear, anxiety,
depression, anger, resentment, emotional or physical
pain, addictive behaviour, guilt, or shame.
Tapping is painless and does not require a person to believe
in the therapy for it to be effective. Often those who are most
sceptical are amazed at the results.
___________________________________________________________
What are the other benefits of Tapping?
* Increased energy
* Better sleep
* Feeling lighter, calmer, more confident or focussed
* Improve your relationships with others and yourself
* Feel more in control of your emotions (& your life)
* Improved health
When can I try it FREE?
Free group classes will be available for 2 weeks on the
following dates.
* Wed 15 Oct at 11.30am and 1.30pm
* Fri 17 Oct at 11.30am
* Fri 24 Oct at 11.30am
* Sat 25 Oct at 11.30am and 1.30pm
Each session will be 1 hour in duration. No special
requirements. Just bring yourself :)
Additional information can be collected from the studio, or
you can contact Melissa directly on 0402 504 665
Teacher's Profile - Melissa Davy
In 2008, 35 years worth of hurt, anger, frustration and
disappointment finally took their toll. From a strong,
confident, independent woman (and a successful Mechanical
Engineer), I managed to become so sick and miserable that it
was a struggle just to get out of bed. Here, my journey
began!!
Through my own three year battle with anxiety and
depression I discovered three things that played a crucial
part in my recovery. Tapping, yoga, and the re-alignment
of my beliefs with my values. Two and a half years ago I
completed my training as a TFT Tapping Therapist and
resigned from my 15 year career as an engineer. My values
and beliefs are now aligned and I am so passionate about
sharing this amazing technique with you, and
assisting you on your journey. Whether it is just something
small that is niggling away at you, or something that has
affected you for most of your life, tapping can help. Tapping
absolutely changed my life. It gave me my life back! It helped
me find myself, and gave me the strength and courage to
overcome all life's challenges. Today I feel proud and
confident in who I am, and more in control of my life.
Melbourne Dharma Talk
Friday October 17, 6:30-8:30pm
Come and join us for a special evening of Qigong and
Meditation that will leave you feeling refreshed and centered.
This workshop will teach you:
• The Great Breath Regulator - By harmonizing breath and
movement, you can fully circulate and rebalance your energy
(qi). Easy to practice and remember, this is one of the most
popular exercises at our centres in Taiwan.
• Crystal Ball Visualisation Relaxation Meditation - In Daoist
theory the central meridian is one of the major passageways
for the body’s energy (qi). This reclining exercise instills a
deep sense of relaxation and stillness.
• An introduction to the Chinese art of tea - We will conclude
the practice with enjoying some fresh Taiwanese oolong tea,
which is unsurpassable in quality for tea of its type. We
welcome any questions about the practices.
All levels of experience welcome.
Cost: $15
To register visit our blog:
http://melbdharmatalks.blogspot.com/
\
Satsang Chant Evening
Saturday 18 October, 7-8.30pm
Dean Das and the Mind-Yoga Chant Group invite you to a
wonderful evening of chanting, meditation, ‘informal’ talks,
and Q & A’s. A satsang is the coming together of ‘likeminded’ people in the enjoyment of the celebration of the
Self. Come, join in, or just listen and leave uplifted with your
soul singing.
Everybody is welcome, including families with children.
No bookings are necessary.
Cost: $20 / $30 per family
Payment at the door.
For more information, contact Fiona on:
E [email protected]
M 0431 080 157
___________________________________________________________
Sacred Pause Workshop
with Fiona Hyde
Sunday 19 October, 2-5pm
Spring is a time of growth and change, renewal and new
beginnings.
Just as a flower bud opens its delicate petals to receive the
light and warmth of the sun, we too can breathe life-affirming
energy into places that may have lain dormant during winter
and allow our inner light to radiate outwards.
Come and join me for this three hour workshop as we
explore the ‘essence’ of spring with movement, breath,
focused attention, sound and relaxation.
All welcome! Cost: $55 / $45 (conc).
M 0431 080 157 E [email protected]
\
Tigress Yoga – Dynamic Five Week Series
with Claudia Schilling
commencing Friday 24 October, 6-7.30pm
What is Tigress Yoga?
Imagine a sensuous, guided journey of generating your real
feminine power, in what feels like a whole body prayer.
Tigress Yoga offers vitality secrets specifically designed to
awaken your female body. For many women, they speak of it
as quenching a thirst they didn’t even know they had. It’s like
being deeply hydrated from within, where what was laying
dormant inside gets to arise in Her full glory. Think of living in
a desert and then coming across a glorious oasis that is
actually real. Some say coming to Tigress Yoga is like finding
a pot of gold or being given permission to have something
that’s always been out of reach. And even if embodying
Shakti is already familiar, it’s a brilliant way of nourishing your
feminine essence, with a highly effective structure to dissolve
into, in the company of women you get to receive more from
than you can practising alone.
Most yoga taught today comes from masculine lineages that
as beautiful as they are, don’t address the intricacies of
developing feminine essence for women. Tigress Yoga is
specifically designed to awaken your female body.
Becoming an integrated woman takes courage, education,
embodiment & a supportive atmosphere to flourish in. As a
Tigress Yoga instructor I am here to assist the liberation of
your authentic power – your Shakti essence. Be part of a
tribe where the freedom of your wild feminine nature and
unapologetic self is celebrated.
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
discover sensuality as a pathway to presence
feel nourished from the inside-out
learn how to listen to your feminine body
embrace the sexiness of your vulnerability
dissolve illusions holding you back
get in alignment with your true desires
love who you are
increase your sexual vitality
enjoy empowered intimacy
become an integrated woman of love
Part of the prayer in Tigress Yoga, is finding one’s way
through the masks and layers that separate women from
each other. It’s often a challenge for new students, yet a truly
rewarding one to meet. Once there in the circle, each woman
has the chance to recognise that the only thing standing
between her and her full feminine potential is the illusions
she allows inside of her. The yogini process itself, is like an
unravelling or an unplugging from all that is not true, and reorientating to the reality of her essential nature, as a woman
of love & pleasure. It is not only a very personal prayer, it’s
something that extends to the nourishment of the collective
feminine soul
Get in touch with your tigress spirit * free yourself * create
more love & beauty in this world.
ALL women welcome!
Cost $140
Contact Claudia for details:
M 0423847560
E [email protected]
\
Yoga and Wellbeing Retreat
with Deb Robertson
Sunday 2 November to Tuesday 4 November
Some spots are still available in the Yoga and Wellbeing
Retreat at the beautiful Hummingbird Eco Centre in Red Hill.
The retreat takes place over Melcourne Cup Weekend from
2pm Sunday 2 November to lunchtime Tuesday 4 November.
The booking deadline has been extended until Sunday 11
October.
Yoga and mindfulness practices will reduce resistances in
___________________________________________________________
body and mind, settle you on solid ground, leaving you free
to pick up your pens and express yourself with enthusiasm
and confidence. This retreat offers you the opportunity to
stop your everyday activities and reconnect with yourself,
within and without. Writing practice will draw on your inner
resources and the fresh new energy flowing.
Includes a 30 minute Phone Session.
Our yoga room is spacious and light, equipped with mats,
bolsters, blankets and chairs for your comfort. Yoga practices
will allow you to safely explore your body, mind, breath and
emotions through asana, pranayama, chanting, study and
reflection of select sutras.
100% Free for a limited time.
Last year’s participants are moving quickly to secure their
spot, so if you are interested, call Deb on 0448 978 818, or
you can download a brochure at www.yogadanam.com.au
You'll have the opportunity to identify and resolve limitations,
overcome obstacles and consolidate insights, as well as
identify resources and tools for facilitating any change you
desire, in living your 'Life on Purpose'.
"Three months on and my life has totally changed. After all
these years I finally enjoy my life fully. I've grown to like and
accept myself, have become a better friend and partner, and
I have a new purpose in my life."
'Gary' Naturopath
Why is this Free?
\
1. To launch the Program and spread the news by Word of
Mouth.
Boris’s Corner…
Fresh Start, New Beginning
2. You may wish to book a further session with Boris at Willy
Yoga.
Spring is an opportunity for renewal and rebirth. And
although most of us like that idea, we feel stuck in the
circumstances of our lives.
Note: There is no obligation, no pressure. In fact, after the
free program you may find that you have all you need
to make exciting new changes in your life.
"Thank you very much for the session yesterday. I feel
AMAZING!! Buzzing. Grounded. Clear. Energized and ReVitalized."
'Sophia' Dr. of Traditional Chinese Medicine
However, most clients enjoy the work so much, that after
their free session, they decide to book a paid 90 minute
session.
Would you too like to enjoy change in your life?
Do you feel fully connected with your Life's Purpose?
Here's your chance!
"This is so exciting! In my heart I feel and know this work is
important for me. Thank you. I am really looking forward to
our next session."
'Lina' Teacher
Boris is launching his 'Life on Purpose' Program
He has created a 3 Step Program to help you determine
whether you're on the right path. It's easy to get started right
now. Simply email [email protected] to
receive the Starter Pack by return email.
Boris will guide you through the 3 Easy Steps, helping you
assess whether you're on track, truly living your 'Life on
Purpose'.
Note. The average number of sessions is 3, depending on
the person.
"Thank you Boris, I really enjoy our sessions."
'Ella' Florist
Why book a Transformational Session?
Case Study:
"Thank you Boris, I feel amazing. I'm almost in disbelief that
the past decade is behind me, that my suffering is in the past.
Life has a new glow about it, colours seem brighter, and I'm
feeling light."
'Trish' 'Designer'
Shared with client's permission. Identity and profession
protected:
'Trish' was a very successful 'designer'. Everything she
touched turned to gold and her work was internationally
recognised.
___________________________________________________________
She had customers worldwide, and she had nearly
everything she ever wanted. Then disaster struck; a series of
misfortunes and bad advice led to bankruptcy.
Trish fell into a deep despair. Although she had acted
honourably and paid out most her staff and suppliers, her
reputation and confidence were in tatters.
Diagnosed with 'traumatic stress disorder',
Diagnosed with 'traumatic stress disorder', and 'chronic
fatigue', she was eventually put on a 'mental health plan', and
a 'permanent disability' pension. She lived quietly like a
hermit, a shadow of her former self.
After a decade of depression, anxiety and various failed
attempts to get her life on track, she was referred to Boris by
her friend.
In just one 120 minute Transformational Session with Boris at
Willy Yoga, a decade of suffering ended. 'Trish' blinked with
disbelief at the end of our session.
"I feel amazing...So light. It's really that easy?" she half
asked, half stated.
A week later, a follow up call confirmed she was feeling great
and enjoying her new life.
"I keep expecting to wake up tired and ill. Instead I get out of
bed and get my day started. Everything's changed."
Although this kind of instant success is unusual, it does
accurately represent the potential power of the
Transformational Sessions, when you choose to embrace
change, and decide to allow healing in your life.
Is Change Painful?
Change doesn't have to be as disruptive, time consuming, or
painful as we think...
It turns out that change is painless - as long as we are
properly prepared for it.
It is not change itself which hurts, but our resistance to it.
And resistance to change arises only when we are not
properly prepared for it.
Since the Willy Yoga launch back in May, Boris
has facilitated around 70 sessions.
To build clientele in Williamstown and in order to spread the
word by mouth, Boris is continuing to offer these powerful
sessions at a reduced price.
For a limited time, 90 Minute Transformative Sessions will be
offered at half price, for $125.
The maximum number of sessions at this price is 3, and is
available to new clients.
Boris, Freiherr von Rechenberg 0414 706 404
https://www.facebook.com/WholeBeingNet
http://www.wholebeing.net/
\
‘MY SECRET GARDEN’ WORKSHOP
for girls aged 8 to 12
Saturday 29th November 2014, 2pm to 4pm
In the world we live in today, young girls are surrounded by
images and messages that challenge the way they view
themselves as an individual and importantly as a female.
The aim of the workshop is to provide a ‘secret’ place within
themselves, where they can tend to their garden, plant the
seeds of their dreams, sit quietly in reflection, nurture the
positive aspects of themselves... to ultimately create a life of
possibility, joy, abundance & amazing experiences.
Having a strong inner sanctuary will be a foundation for the
girls as they enter into their teenage years & womanhood
with all its challenges… allowing them to stay connected to
the truth of their femininity, when outside influences try to tell
them otherwise.
After being guided through a meditation, the girls will create
their own ‘visual garden’. This visual garden can then be
used as a vision board, a place to post affirmations,
inspirational messages & a reminder of the inner place they
can go to, to centre themselves, when times are challenging.
The key is to lay the right foundations, so change is natural,
easy and painless.
Cost: $55.00 (includes all materials & afternoon tea)
Transformational Sessions - Limited Offer
Enquiries & Bookings: Jody Kalpenos 0434 511 255
or [email protected]
___________________________________________________________
2015 Early Morning Intensive
with Fiona Hyde, 6.30-8.00am
Monday 12 January to Friday 16 January
An opportunity to begin the year with focus and stability,
resting firmly on the earth, remaining quiet, and diving into
the heart of being.
Five 90 minute sessions incorporating gentle flowing asana
sequences, concentration on the breath and mantra, creative
visualisation and relaxation.
Rather than forcing ‘purpose’ or the development of
‘intention’ for the year, these practices will assist in providing
the inner space and quietude for clarity and insight to emerge
organically and intuitively.
Cost: $150 / $130 (conc).
M 0431 080 157 E [email protected]
\
Svadhyaya and Dreams:
Personal Reflection
Walk with one foot in each world;
one in what is generally called the real world,
but the other in that inner world which is just as real
- an old Gaelic expression
When I commenced Sivananda Yoga teacher training with
Joy Spencer in 1997, I remember Joy advising us to never
talk about politics or religion during our classes. And I have
endeavoured to follow Joy’s advice to this day. This is
despite being brought up as a highly active leftie and then
radical feminist at the University of Melbourne!
The world is not in great shape at present and mainstream
media does everything it can to escalate fear and division
amongst people. An ‘us’ and ‘them’ dichotomy reigns
supreme, and we are encouraged to support ‘this’ or ‘that’
viewpoint/country/political or religious struggle, not both.
Most of us know that yoga means ‘unity’, to yoke, to link, to
join together. Our practice is ultimately moving us to a place
where dualities are seen for the illusion that they are, and we
begin to experience ‘all’ as ONE. Light and dark coexist. To
deny the ‘darkness’ within us and to not give it expression or
voice, leads to its projection onto an ‘other’.
So without referring to current world events, without
mentioning politics or religion, I would like to share something
very personal with you here – a dream. Please take it as an
offering by one yoga practitioner to endeavor to integrate
‘this’ and ‘that’ within herself, but which can also be utilized to
help navigate my way through external, potentially divisive
situations.
Svadhaya is an essential component of yoga practice.
Traditionally, svadhyaya was understood as ‘the study of
sacred texts’, and there are enormous benefits related to
this. The study of sacred literature is a great way to facilitate
self-study. The mind is less consumed with the pettiness
often associated with day-to-day happenings and more
exposed to higher thoughts and words of inspiration, giving
us the strength to look within. By focusing on a higher ideal,
we also enable positive energy to flow into all areas of our
lives.
Yet svadhyaya also includes any activity that cultivates selfreflective consciousness - listening to inspiring teachers,
chanting scriptures, studying our dreams and all learning,
reflection and study that helps us understand ourselves; that
helps us get in touch with our true nature.
In this way, our yoga practice does not end when we get off
our mats or our meditation cushions. Rather, our practice
permeates every aspect of our lives – how we treat
ourselves, how we treat others, the food we eat, and how we
interact with the world. Every moment of our lives is a
moment of potential practice. A moment when we can
practice being fully present, fully aware. As yoga teacher
Judith Lasater (2000) writes: ‘…to practice is to pay attention
to your whole life: your thoughts, your bodily sensations, and
your speech and other actions. As you do, you will discover
that nothing is separate from anything else…’
And Donna Farhi (2000): “Any activity that cultivates selfreflective
consciousness
can
be
considered
swadhyaya…The form that the self-study takes is
inconsequential. Whatever the practice, as long as there is
an intention to know yourself through it, and the commitment
to see the process through, almost any activity can become
an opportunity for learning about yourself. Swadhyaya means
staying with our process through thick and thin because it’s
usually when the going gets rough that we have the greatest
opportunity to learn about ourselves.”
Reflecting on the content of our dreams is one way of
understanding what is occurring within our ‘inner world’.
Sutra 1:38 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, relates specifically
to witnessing one’s dreams as a way of accessing the
subconscious:
___________________________________________________________
svapna nidra jnana alambanam va (sutra 1:38)
…recollecting and contemplating the experiences
of dream-filled or dreamless sleep during
a watchful, waking state
I have been recording my dreams for 30 years, keen to
understand and reflect on their symbolic meaning so as to
better understand my ‘inner world’. My reason for sharing a
dream with you is, as mentioned, to provide an example of
how we may work towards integrating different aspects of our
being, not on the surface, but deep within our subconscious.
This may also then impact on our ‘outer world’ and how we
perceive and experience external struggle and conflict…
So here goes…
A friend has asked me to go to her husband’s workplace to
investigate a possible ‘affair’ he is having with a colleague.
When I arrive, an office ‘party’ is in progress.
All of a sudden, panic fills the room and a ‘state of
emergency’ is called. All the doors to the building are locked
(we’re in a large skyscraper) and everyone is told to run –
immediately. We have to escape, but we are told to go
upstairs first.
I ask what’s happening. A man, known to everyone in the
building, has come. Everyone fears him. Everyone is
terrified of him. It’s almost as though ‘he’ is the ‘devil’. The
entire building has been shutdown and pandemonium reigns
– because of this one man.
So I too, am terrified. I run with everyone else. Somehow, he
has managed to enter the building. We have to escape.
Now a few of us are outside and we’re running on a road. A
female psychologist is with me and I ask her about this guy.
She says he has a personality disorder. We keep running.
Then someone says that he’s left the building – we can go
back now. I keep saying: ‘are you sure? Are you certain? Are
you really, really sure?’ I’m terrified. I don’t feel certain that
it’s safe to go back.
We all head back though and enter the building. Now we’re in
a round, tower, climbing up. I’m on a ledge and suddenly we
all realise that the guy is inside – he’s at the top of the tower,
starting to climb down. I knew it. Now we’re dead. He’s a
monster.
He comes down to my ledge…I’m dead. He comes up close
to me. Puts his arms around me. I’m terrified. We look into
each other’s eyes…and then, right there and then, I decide to
let go and soften. With his arms wrapped around me, and
mine around him now, I give in and melt in his arms. I realise
he needs love. He needs softness. I surrender. I offer no
resistance. I am open and vulnerable and I am at peace. All
fear, all terror, has dissipated. He is no enemy. He is a
frightened animal. He needs love. This is just what he needs.
He needs me.
Now he and I are sitting on some grass outside and he
shows me something he has made with soft blue cotton –
some type of craft object. Interesting. I have a little book of
colourful photos of artwork from different cultures/traditions.
We are flicking through it and suddenly stop because we
both notice similar craft to what he has – but in the book, the
craftspeople have made beautiful blue flowers. Amazing that
we have made this discovery – found the tradition/culture
from which he is from.
I say to him that I would like him to have the book – a gift
from me to him. He is really touched.
*
This dream reminded me of a wonderfully confronting poem
by Thich Nhat Hanh:
Please Call Me By My True Names
Don't say that I will depart tomorrow –
even today I am still arriving.
Look deeply: every second I am arriving to be a bud on a
Spring branch, to be a tiny bird, with still-fragile wings,
learning to sing in my new nest, to be a caterpillar in the
heart of a flower, to be a jewel hiding itself in a stone.
I still arrive, in order to laugh and to cry, to fear and to hope.
The rhythm of my heart is the birth and death
of all that is alive.
I am a mayfly metamorphosing on the surface of the river.
And I am the bird that swoops down to swallow the mayfly.
I am a frog swimming happily in the clear water of a pond.
And I am the grass-snake that silently feeds itself on the frog.
I am the child in Uganda, all skin and bones,
my legs as thin as bamboo sticks. And I am the arms
merchant, selling deadly weapons to Uganda.
___________________________________________________________
I am the twelve-year-old girl, refugee on a small boat, who
throws herself into the ocean after being raped by a sea
pirate. And I am the pirate, my heart not yet capable of
seeing and loving.
I am a member of the politburo, with plenty of power in my
hands. And I am the man who has to pay his ‘debt of blood’
to my people dying slowly in a forced-labor camp.
My joy is like Spring, so warm it makes flowers bloom all over
the Earth. My pain is like a river of tears, so vast it fills the
four oceans.
Please call me by my true names, so I can hear all my cries
and laughter at once, so I can see that my joy and pain are
one.
Please call me by my true names, so I can wake up and the
door of my heart could be left open, the door of compassion.
\
We hope you have been nourished by reading this
newsletter. Please pass it on to your friends and family
to inspire! Thankyou.