What is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha Yoga , also called Hatha Vidya, is a particular system of Yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama , a sage of 15th century India, and compiler of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika . In this treatise Swatmarama introduces Hatha Yoga as 'a stairway to the heights of Raja Yoga ', hence a preparatory stage of physical purification that renders the body fit for the practice of higher meditation . The Asanas and Pranayama in Raja Yoga were what the Hindu Yogis used to physically train their body for long periods of meditation . This practice is called shatkarma . The word Hatha is a compound of the words Ha and Tha meaning sun and moon), referring to Praana and Apaana, and also to the principal nadis (energy channels) of the subtle body that must be fully operational to attain a state of dhyana or samadhi . According to the Monier Moneir-Williams Sanskrit Dictionary, the word "hatha" means forceful. It is a strong practice done for purification. In other respects Hatha yoga follows the same principles as the Raaja Yoga of Patanjali including moral restraint yama and spiritual observances niyama . Hatha Yoga is what most people in the West associate with the word " Yoga " and is practised for mental and physical health throughout the West.

Etymology
Hatha Yoga , pronounced in Hindi, is also known as hatha vidya or the "science of hatha" yoga. The word Hatha comes from combining the two Sanskrit terms "ha" meaning sun and "tha" meaning moon. The word "ha" refers to the solar nadi (pingala) in the subtle body and "tha" the lunar channel (ida). However, when the two components of the word are placed together, "hatha" means "forceful", implying that powerful work must be done to purify the body. Yoga means to yoke, or to join two things together, hence hatha yoga is meant to join together sun (masculine, active) energy with moon (feminine, receptive) energy, thus producing balance and greater power in an individual.

Origins
The most comprehensive text of Hatha Yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Yogi Swatmarama . This work is nonetheless derived from older Sanskrit texts on Yoga besides Yogi Swatmarama's own yogic experiences. It includes information about shatkarma (purification), asana (postures), pranayama (subtle energy control), chakras (centers of energy), kundalini (instinct), bandhas (muscle force), kriyas (techniques; manifestations of kundalini), shakti (sacred force), nadis (channels), and mudras (symbolic gestures) among other topics.

Traditionally, Lord Shiva is credited with propounding Hatha Yoga. It is said that on a lonely island, assuming nobody else would hear him, he gave the knowledge of Hatha Yoga to Goddess Parvati, but a fish heard the entire discourse, remaining still throughout. Lord Shiva took mercy on the fish (Matsya) and made him a siddha , who came to be known as Matsyendranaatha. Matsyendranaatha taught Hatha Yoga to Chaurangi, a limbless man who was given hands and feet by Matsyendranaatha just by looking at him. Hatha Yoga Pradipika mentions Adinaatha, Matsyendranaatha, Gorakhanaatah and many other yogis who became famous Hatha Yogis.
Many modern schools of Hatha Yoga derive from the school of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya , who taught from 1924 until his death in 1989. Among his students prominent in popularizing Yoga in the West were Sri K. Pattabhi Jois , famous for popularizing the vigorous Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga style, B.K.S. Iyengar who emphasizes alignment and the use of props, Indra Devi and Krishnamacharya's son T.K.V. Desikachar who developed the Viniyoga style. Desikachar founded the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai , with the aim of making available the heritage of yoga as taught by Krishnamacharya.

Concept
Traditional Hatha Yoga is a holistic yogic path, including moral disciplines, physical postures asanas , purification procedures shatkriyas , poses mudras , yogic breathing pranayamas and meditation . The Hatha yoga predominantly practised in the West consists of mostly asanas understood as physical exercises.

Hatha Yoga is one of the two branches of Yoga that focuses on the physical culture, the other one being Raja Yoga . Both of these are commonly referred to as Sadanga Yoga , i.e., Yoga of six parts ('sad' meaning six and 'anga' meaning limbs). The six limbs are described below in detail. Svatmarama emphasies many times in his Hathapradipika text that there is no Raja Yoga without Hatha Yoga and no Hatha Yoga without Raja Yoga. The main difference is that Raja Yoga uses asanas mainly to get the body ready for prolonged meditation, and hence focuses more on the meditative asana poses: Lotus Posture Padmasana , Accomplished Posture Siddhasana , Easy Posture Sukhasana and Pelvic Posture Vajrasana . Hatha Yoga utilizes not only meditative postures but also cultural postures. Similarly, Raja Yoga's use of Pranayama is also devoid of extensive locks Bandhas .

Hatha represents opposing energies: hot and cold (fire and water, following similar concept as yin-yang), male and female, positive and negative. Hatha yoga attempts to balance mind and body via physical postures or "asanas", purification practices, controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance and strength and are practised to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind in preparation for meditation in the pursuit of enlightenment. However if an individual has too much phlegm or fat then purification procedures are a necessity before undertaking pranayama.
Ashtanga is the yoga of Patanjali , the compiler of the Yoga Sutras . It is composed of eight limbs: Yama and Niyama, which are ethical obligations; Asana ; Pranayama , which is breath control; Pratyahara , which is sense withdrawal; Dharana , which is concentration; Dhyana , which is meditation; and Samadhi , which is the experience of unity with God. The eight limbs are more precisely viewed as eight levels of progress, each level providing benefits in and of itself and also laying the foundation for the higher levels. Frequently Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali is being confused with Raja Yoga, Patanjali nowhere in his sutras uses the term Raja Yoga.
Note : Hatha Yoga consists of six limbs focused on attaining Samadhi . In this scheme, the six limbs of Hatha Yoga are defined as Asana , Pranayama , Pratyahara , Dharana , Dhyana and Samadhi . The basic text of Hatha Yoga is Hathapradipika by Svatmarama, a grand desciple of Sahajananda (from the lineage of Sopana, the younger brother of Jnaneshwar Maharaj of Alandi near Pune). An important part of hatha practices is awakening of Kundalini . The signs of success in hatha yoga are slenderness of the body, cheerful face, hearing mystical sound, bright eyes, sense of well-being, control over the bindu , increase in gastric fire and purification of the nadis .

Yama and niyama
Yama is a "moral restraint" or rule for living virtuously. Ten yamas are codified in numerous scriptures, including the Hatha Yoga Pradipika compiled by Yogi Swatmarama , while Patanjali lists five yamas , and five niyamas (disciplines) in the Yoga Sutra .
The ten traditional yamas are:
Ahimsa : Nonviolence. Abstinence from injury, or harm to any living creature in thought, word, or deed. This is the "main" Yama. The other nine are there in support of its accomplishment.
Satya : Truthfulness in word and thought (in conformity with the facts).
Asteya : No stealing, no coveting, no entering into debt.
Brahmacharya : Divine conduct, continence, celibate when single, faithful when married.
Kshama: Patience, releasing time, functioning in the now.
Dhriti: Steadfastness, overcoming non-perseverance, fear, and indecision; seeing each task through to completion.
Daya : Compassion; conquering callous, cruel and insensitive feelings toward all beings.
Arjava: Honesty, straightforwardness, renouncing deception and wrongdoing.
Mitahara: Moderate appetite, neither eating too much nor too little; nor consuming meat, fish, shellfish, fowl or eggs.
Shaucha: Purity, avoidance of impurity in body, mind and speech.
Patanjali's five yamas , or moral restraints, are ahimsa (non-injury), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (continence or chastity) and aparagriha (abstinence from avarice). He also lists five niyamas , or disciplines, which include shauca (purity), samtosha (contentment), tapas (asceticism), svadhyaya (study), and ishvara-pranidhana (devotion to the Lord).

Asanas (postures)
Asanas are contemplative in nature and were originally intuited by yogis during meditation ; the Kundalini naturally brings forth these postures or movements, called Kriyas , during deep meditation.These movements are meant to help to remove blockages (disease) in the causal , subtle, and physical bodies.

In the ancient author Patanjali 's work, Asana is classified as the third rung of eight in the ladder of the practice of Raja Yoga .

Hatha yoga in the West primarily concerns itself with asanas or postures.
Pranayama (breathing)
The words 'Prana' (life-force) and 'Ayama' (to lengthen or regulate) make up Pranayama. Pranayama seeks to lengthen, control and regulate the breath. In one variation, the Rechak (exhaled air), Poorak (inhalation) and Kumbhak (Retention during normal inhaling and exhaling) are the three parts of the breath that are regulated. Pranayama is practised to develop mental, physical and spiritual strength. Though the beginner's Pranayama is relatively harmless, safely progressing to more advanced practices requires the guidance of a knowledgeable teacher. Students in Supta Badha Konnasana , or Reclining Bound Angle; sometimes called Bound Butterfly.

Health benefits ascribed to yogasana practice
Different asanas are recommended by practitioners to cure or prevent problems ranging from constipation to cancer. It is known to reduce stress and other mental worries.

In the West
The 2005 "Yoga in America" survey, conducted by Yoga Journal , shows that the number of practitioners in the US increased to 16.5 million with the 18-24 age group, showing a 46% increase in one year.
Another major stream of influence was Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh (1887-1963) and his many disciples, including Swami Vishnu-Devananda - founder of International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, Swami Satyananda - of the Bihar School of Yoga, and Swami Satchidananda - of Integral Yoga, among others.

Hatha Yoga Holidays

What is Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar Yoga , created by B.K.S. Iyengar , is a form of yoga known for its use of props, such as belts and blocks, as aids in performing asanas (postures). It is firmly based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga as expounded by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras , emphasizing the development of strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, as well as concentration ( Dharana ) and meditation ( Dhyana ).

A form of Hatha Yoga , it focuses on the structural alignment of the physical body through the development of asanas. Through the practice of a system of asanas, it aims to unite the body, mind and spirit for health and well-being. This discipline is considered a powerful tool to relieve the stresses of modern-day life which in turn can help promote total physical and spiritual well-being.

Iyengar Yoga is characterized by great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment . Iyengar pioneered the use of "props" such as cushions, benches, blocks, straps, and even sand bags, which function as aids allowing beginners to experience asanas more easily and fully than might otherwise be possible without several years of practice. Props also allow tired or ill students to enjoy the benefits of many asanas via fully "supported" methods requiring less muscular effort.

Standing poses are emphasized in Iyengar Yoga. They build strong legs, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination and balance, ensuring a strong foundation for study of more advanced poses.

Unlike more experiential approaches where students are encouraged to independently "find their way" to the asanas by imitating the teacher, an Iyengar Yoga class is highly verbal and precise, with misalignments and errors actively corrected. Iyengar teachers complete at least 2 years of rigorous training for the introductory certificate. They may complete subsequent intermediate levels and senior levels of certification, potentially entailing a decade or more of training.

Iyengar also developed extensively ways of applying his practice to various ailments , diseases , and disorders . Many of these sources of suffering , from chronic backache to immunodeficiency to high blood pressure to insomnia to depression to menopause , have specific programs of Iyengar yoga associated with them. These programs are formulated in their most advanced form at the center of Iyengar Yoga: the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute located in Pune , India .

Iyengar never intended to create a discrete branch of yoga called "Iyengar Yoga" - this was a name applied to his style by his students.

Iyengar Yoga Holidays

What is Anusara Yoga?

Anusara Yoga is a modern school of yoga started by John Friend in 1997; it is a popular hatha yoga style with a Tantric philosophy . Friend continues to take an active role leading the expansion of the school and training (and certifying) teachers.

The emphasis of the school is on a set of "Universal Principles of Alignment" which underlie all postures, "heart opening" postures and the spiritual/meditative benefits of hatha yoga .
Attainable bliss and joy in practice and everyday life are an important aspect of the underlying philosophy of this school. Many western students with a modernist bent find this school attractive.
According to American yoga magazine, Yoga Journal , Anusara Yoga is "the ultimate American (western) yoga: It's upbeat, optimistic, entrepreneurial, systematic, and do-it-yourself-friendly, and...It's spiritual but not dogmatic. It creates a sense of community. And it appeals to Westerners' pioneering spirit by suggesting that there is yet another frontier to conquer-the one inside us."

Philosophy
The underlying philosophy of this school of hatha yoga is Tantric in nature. As such, the manifest universe (perceived through our senses and mind) is seen as a manifestation of the Divine. The nature of the Divine - God, the undifferentiated Absolute, the Essence of everything and everyone, the Transcendental - is pure bliss. The nature of God, by its very definition, is absolute and free of any limitations.
In a grand game of hide and seek , the Absolute seeks to experience its own blissful nature by creating a vast, infinite diversity of form.
Opening Invocation
Traditionally an Anusara yoga class might open with the singing of the following mantra:

Om Namah Shivaya Gurave
I offer myself to Lord Shiva , the Auspicious One, who is the True Teacher within and without,

Saccidananda Murtaye
Who assumes the forms of Reality, Consciousness, and Bliss,

Nishprapanchaya Shantaya
Who is never absent and is full of peace,

Niralambaya Tejase
Independent in existence, the vital essence of Illumination.

Om
Aum

The Three A's - Attitude, Alignment, Action
The practice of Anusara Yoga can be broadly categorized into three parts: Attitude , Alignment , and Action .

Attitude
The concept of Attitude is related to the Tantric concept of Iccha Shakti , which is defined as the energy or power of fullness, or will. The concept of Attitude is related to the heart . Attitude , according to John Friend, is the "power of the heart as the force behind every action or expression in an asana." It is "the aspiration to reawaken to our divine nature, and the celebration of life."

Alignment
The concept of Alignment is related to the Tantric concept of Jnana Shakti , which is defined as the energy or power of awareness. The concept of Alignment is related to the mind . Alignment , according to John Friend, is the "mindful awareness of how various parts of ourselves are integrated and interconnected."

The Universal Principles of Alignment
Opening to Grace : The practitioner sets the intention to place oneself in alignment with the flow of Supreme Consciousness. For asana practice, this includes having an attitude of soft-hearted devotion, and open-mindedness.

Muscular Energy : A drawing of energy from the periphery of the body into a central location in the body, called a Focal Point. The goal is to increase stability, strength, and physical integration in the pose.
Inner Spiral : An expanding energy spiral. In the legs it runs from the feet up through the pelvis into the waistline area. Inner Spiral rotates the legs inward, moves the thighs backward, and widens the thighs and pelvis.
Outer Spiral : A contracting energy spiral. In the legs it runs from the waistline area down through the tailbone and out through the legs and feet. Outer Spiral draws the pelvis and thighs closer together, moves the tailbone and thighs forward, and rotates the legs outward.
Organic Energy : An outward extension of energy from the Focal Point through the core lines of the body to the body's periphery, which increases expansion, flexibility, and freedom in the pose.
Action
The concept of Action is related to the Tantric concept of Kriya Shakti , which is defined as the energy or power of action. The concept of Action is related to the body . Action , according to John Friend, is the "natural flow of energy in the body, which provides both stability and joyful freedom."

John Friend draws the following analogy on the use and interplay of Attitude , Alignment , and Action in one's yoga practice:
A musician (yogi) makes music (performs an asana) by expressing his heart ( Attitude ) through the playing ( Action ) of a properly tuned instrument ( Alignment of the body). The highest expression of an asana (the most beautiful music that a musician can potentially play with a particular instrument) occurs when the instrument of the body is optimally Aligned , the Action is strong and balanced, and the Attitude is spiritually pure and powerful.

Anusara Yoga Holidays

What is Jivamukti Yoga?

Jivamukti yoga is a method of yoga which was created by David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1984, and which reintegrates the physical, philosophical and spiritual aspects of yoga. The Jivamukti method of yoga is one of the nine internationally recognized styles of Hatha yoga , the other eight being Ashtanga , Iyengar , Viniyoga , Sivananda , Integral , Bikram , Kripalu , and Kundalini . In the western world the rather physical part of yoga is mainly emphasized. More and more people start taking yoga classes in order to make their bodies firmer and fitter. Nevertheless some of the yoga practitioners find out during their exercises that what has started out as purely physical practice may transform into a more spiritual experience. David Life and Sharon Gannon took up teaching because they were eager to share the fact that yoga represents more than just a system of exercises, but a path to enlightenment and a spiritual practice. Jivamukti yoga thus becomes a living translation of the Indian system of yoga for the approach of the westerner mind so that the practice doesn't remain out of reach. Among the elements emphasized by Jivamukti yoga we can count meditation, devotional chanting or the study of the ancient texts.

The meaning of the word Jivamukti (pronounced Jee-va-mook-tee) can be translated as follows: Jiva means individual soul and mukti means liberation. The word comes from the Sanskrit jivanmuktih, which translates liberation in this life. The name Jivamukti yoga reflects the fact that it is possible to have a beneficial and fulfilling life in the world but also progress spiritually, perhaps even touching the liberation state.

There are five tenets of Jivamukti yoga which must be considered before taking into account the practice of it. The first one is the study of the ancient yoga teaching including Sanskirt chanting. The second one is the acknowledgment that universal consciousness is the goal of all yoga practices, known under the name of Bhakti . The third tenet is Ahimsa , that urges for a non-violent, compassionate life-style, which stresses the importance of ethical vegetarianism. The forth one is the Nada , as the development of a sound mind in a sound both through deep listening. The last tenet of Jivamukti yoga, but not the least, is meditation, that paves the way to the ever-lasting reality inside of us. Another fact to be considered before taking on Jivamukti yoga is the fact that the classes tend to be quite physically intense. Although it may seem difficult, the great fame of Jivamukti yoga in the United States cannot pass unnoticed; there is a Jivamukti yoga School in New York, and there are trained teachers teaching it all over the country.

Each session of jivamukti yoga is inspired by a theme and includes music, chanting, scriptures, postures, meditation and pranayama. This form of yoga has caught extreme popularity in both the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Many yoga studios have adapted this form of yoga and many people are following it also.

Popular Poses of Jivamukti Yoga
Some of the more popular or commonly used asanas for jivamukti yoga are surya namaskar (sun salutation) for beginning the day, natarajasana (dancing shiva) for creating peace in oneself but at the same time concentrating on movement focused on Shiva. The dancing Shiva helps us grow stronger in balance and stamina as well as increase our stamina. The matsyendrasana (half seated spinal twist) help us massage our digestive organs and maintain proper blood circulation to these. Many yogists believe that this pose can cleanse the body because it focuses on the digestion and the internal organs. Other more spectacular and complicated yoga asanas have other benefits for us. These benefits not only focus on our body but also our mental health. Other jivamukti yoga asanas or postures have many connotations that are linked to the gods and other things in nature. Many of the postures (both modern and traditional) have names that focus on plants and animals common to the region or best describe actions of their deities. The names of these postures or yoga asanas can be very appropriate descriptions.

Jivamukti yoga has been put together by people who have studied yoga intensively along with several masters who wish to bring this practice to many other people. The main point of jivamukti yoga is to meet the needs of the individuals who wish to better their lives through the practice of yoga. Although, traditional yoga is seldom practiced outside of India and its surrounding countries, the revision of some forms of yoga has brought the practice to the attention of many people.

Jivamukti Yoga Holidays

What is Sivananda Yoga?

Sivananda Yoga , after teachings of Swami Sivananda , is a non-proprietary form of hatha yoga in which the training focuses on preserving the health and wellness of the practitioner. Sivananda Yoga teachers are all graduates of the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course , and students widely range in age and degrees of ability. Unlike Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga's more athletic program involving Bandhas , Sivananda training revolves around frequent relaxation, and emphasizes full, yogic breathing.

Method
The Sivananda training system aims to retain the vitality of the body, retard the decaying process, and decrease chance of disease, by simply and naturally cultivating the body. The system philosophies are summarized in 5 principles.
Five points of Yoga
Proper breathing: Pranayama
Exercise: Asanas
Relaxation: Savasana
Diet: Vegetarian . A yogic diet is encouraged, limited to sattvic foods , void of rajasic foods as well as tamasic foods
Positive thinking and meditation : Vedanta and Dhyana

Classes
A session of training typically starts with every practitioner resting in Savasana , and begin with Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma , preceding rounds of Surya namaskara , before the standard program of the 12 basic asanas. A session averages 90 minutes, and the traditional program may be followed flexibly by the instructor, allowing for some variation.

Sivananda Yoga Holidays

What is Energy Yoga?

Energy Yoga
Energy Yoga has been developed to increase vitality and health in the physical body whilst also working with the psycho-spiritual connection to quieten the mind. Energy Yoga is gentle classical hatha yoga that focuses on the breath to bring about profound changes in the body by increasing prana - the universal life force energy flow. Prana is present in all things but may become depleted as a consequence of stress and illness. Energy yoga is suitable for anyone of any age and every level of fitness.

Energy Yoga Holidays

Jivamukti Yoga Holiday With Durga Devi

9-16 June 2009

Durga Devi, the name given to Denise by her beloved teachers, Sharon Gannon and David Life, is a former dancer and competitive gymnast who grew up in New York City. After high school, she studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology and hung out in Manhattan's East Village soaking up the downtown music and art scene, which inspired her to take up guitar and become a singer/songwriter. Durga spent ten years performing as the lead singer for several bands, most recently Lady Luck, which released an EP and a full-length album and toured Europe and the United States. Several close friends introduced Durga to yoga in 1994 .
Asana practice felt very natural to the former gymnast, but it was the chanting, the philosophy and the ancient and holy teachings of yoga that really hit home. Durga has been a devoted student at the Jivamukti Yoga Center, N.Y. for over eight years.
Durga taught at the New York Center for over 3 years and is currently living in London to help launch the London Jivamukti Yoga Center. In addition to her Jivamukti teacher training and most recent Jivamukti Yoga Advanced Certification, she completed teacher training at the Laughing Lotus Yoga Center in New York City. Durga is especially inspired by Sharon Gannon and David Life, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Ammachi, John Friend, Yogeswari (Estelle Eichenberger), and Joan Suval (direct disciple of Shri Brahmananda Saraswati). Kirtan training with Jai Uttal inspires her chanting which is a very important component in her teachings. She also is inspired by Bhagavan Das and Krishna Das for opening up the doors of bhakti, uniting song and heart. All of her teachers have brought many blessings to her life for which she is truly grateful and she will continue to inspire and uplift the lives of all whom she teaches.

Yoga Holiday itinerary
There will be two sessions of yoga, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. During the rest of the day, the participants can either relax at the hotel swimming or sunbathing, take walks or join activities which are decided due to the groups's requests; like boat trips, visit to the Turkish bath, dinner at Bodrum etc.

For ideas about what to do, please visit our Bodrum page.

For reservations please contact :Jivamukti Yoga Centre London 300 Kensal Road, Units 136-137, London, W10 5BE
Tel. +44 (0)20 8960 3999
Fax. +44 (0) 20 8960 4232
Email: durgad66@yahoo.co.uk
Website: http://www.jivamuktiyoga.co.uk/

Iyengar Yoga Holiday With Lorraine McConnon

2-9 May 2009

Lorraine first studied with BKS Iyengar in 1986 and was fortunate to be under his guidance again for the Yog Sadhana in India in December 2004 She has been a life long practitioner of yoga and qualified as an Iyengar yoga teacher in 1986. Lorraine is fully insured and qualified to Junior Intermediate 3 Level.
She is a full time yoga teacher and teaches yoga to many people from different walks of life, including school children, the corporate sector, the Metropolitan police and trainee and qualified yoga teachers.

Lorraine's teaching manner is warm and inspiring. Her instruction is the culmination of 20 years experience, it is detailed and precise whilst being positive and patient at all times. Lorraine has studied with BKS Iyengar and Geeta Iyengar (his daughter) and other internationally renowned teachers too numerous to mention.
Technically, she draws exclusively from the Iyengar method, which she finds unsurpassed in its depth, refinement and subtlety.

"Regardless of how you learn, Lorraine will help you connect to Iyengar yoga in an exacting yet accessible way. She is proof that high standards and empathy are not mutually exclusive. The personal benefits have been so all-encompasing (no down-sides) that I have made a class taught by Lorraine available to all employees at my company on a weekly basis."
— Louise Southcott (Managing Director, Link Stratagies)

Yoga Holiday Itinerary
Two classes per day (one afternoon free)

For reservations please contact :
Lorraine McConnon 15 Haven East 146 Dalston Lane London E8 1NL
Tel. +44 7957195618
Email: mailto:lorrainemcconnon@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.artofyoga.co.uk/

Anusara Inspired Yoga Holiday by Kikuchi Yoga

22-29 June 2009

Susan was first introduced to yoga in what began as play with some friends at age 18 in the Washington D.C. area. She continued to practice on and off through the years, until her early 30s when she suffered from a degenerating disc. Since then, she never stopped. The practice of yoga was a gateway to keep her connected to a spiritual practice - something she had allowed to dissolve as a rebellious teenager. In hindsight, the upbringing her mother had given her was full of gifts, including a strong, daily practice in Buddhism.

TEACHERS & YOGA BACKGROUND
It is therefore no wonder that her ultimate teacher is her mother Hisako. She raised Susan as a Buddhist in America during the 1960s - a time of great transformation - full of protests, liberation movements, civil rights and the blossoming of Eastern philosophy and thought. Susan witnessed her mother's creation of a Buddhist community with fellow Japanese women, in their own personal efforts to find a place for themselves at this special time in America. She was taught great determination, passion, courage, wisdom, and enthusiasm from Hisako. From a young age, her mother quite lovingly taught her siblings and Susan about the preparation of Japanese cuisine, appreciation of massage, and care of the body. Susan's mother gave them a great appreciation for art, and for playing and listening to music. She also insitilled in Susan the idea that with vision and the right intention, dreams can come true. These teachings have been invaluable to Susan over the years in both in her personal life and in her spiritual practice.
Susan chose to name her yoga after the Kikuchi name, in honour of Hisako and our ancestors. The family crest contains 7 petals of the chrysanthemum (Kiku) and the straight line across represents earth (Chi). It was painted by her mother in Sumi ink. This crest was given to the Kikuchi family during feudal times by the Imperial family. Apparrently, we come from a family of samurai warriors. In her own small way, Susan tries to keep Mum's Iccha or Ichinen alive in her teaching. In her early stages of Alzheimers, this new cycle in our relationship has given Susan an even greater appreciation for all her mother has taught her, and a sense of urgency and presence in the time they spend together. Susan's yoga background includes many years of practice and study, including Sivananda, Kripalu, Ashtanga, Hatha, Scaravelli and Anusara ®. She was blessed to have begun my journey of studies in Canada, with Kripalu teacher, Helen Goldstein and with Glenn Mifsud at Stillpoint Retreat Centre. It was the desire to serve and empower others in their yoga practice, and to learn to heal her own body, that led Susan to take a strong interest in the therapeutic aspects of Anusara ® .

YOGA TRAINING & STUDIES

Susan's yoga training includes over 700 hours of Anusara ® , half of which has been with John Friend, the founder of Anusara ® , in both Levels I and II Teacher Trainings, Teacher Immersions, Therapeutics, Master's Immersion, and four Advanced Intensives. She has assisted senior certified teacher Jayendra Hanley in Europe and taken countless trainings, workshops and classes with other senior certified teachers such as Desiree Rumbaugh, Amy Ippoliti, Martin & Jordan Kirk, Sianna Sherman, as well as Tantric philosophy scholar Douglas Brooks. Susan's initial Yoga Teacher Training was a 200 Hour Teacher Training at Stillpoint Yoga, in the Sivananda tradition. She has also taken countless other classes and workshops with many other top yoga teachers over the years. For the last three years Susan has been an Anusara-Inspired T teacher. She is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and she is in the process of becoming certified Anusara ® teacher.

ANUSARA UNSPIRED YOGA HOLIDAY AT ATAMI HOTEL
With the week kicking off the summer season, lots of time outdoors will be spent practising yoga, enjoying the sea, the swimming pool, and the good company of other fellow yogis. Our daily outdoor practise includes invigorating asana, vinyasa, surya namaskar, pranayama and meditation practise, in the breathtaking setting of Paradise Bay and all its natural beauty.
Please note that ALL classes are designed for all levels , making the retreat suitable for students of different abilities, including those who may be new to yoga, and those who have practised various other types of yoga.

This retreat includes 2 yoga classes a day, single or shared accomodation, and 2 meals a day - brunch and dinner. Meals are a tasty mix of Turkish and Asian food.

For Reservations please contact Susan Desmarais of Kikuchi Yoga

email: mailto:kikuchiyoga@mac.com

http://www.kikuchiyoga.com/

Skype: kikuchiyoga

Europe: +39.346.376.3722

Hatha Yoga Holiday With Lizzy Giles

11-18 May 2009


Lizzy has been practicing yoga since introduced to her at college in the 1980s. It was much later after a career as a dancer that the true depths and benefits of yoga became clear. The inner balance, calm and strength found through practicing inspired Lizzy to learn more in order to deepen her own practice and share the essence of yoga with others. She teaches Hatha yoga inspired by many great teachers and clients from a wealth of disciplines and physical abilities.


Initially trained at the Sivananda Ashram in Kerela, India, Lizzy later completed IPTI two year teacher training with Inner Healing School of Yoga in Wellingborough. She is holds a Birthlight Diploma to teach and BWY module in Postnatal yoga for mother and baby. Lizzy is qualified in Thai massage also ITEC Anatomy, Physiology and Swedish massage and although she no longer practices finds this knowledge complements her yoga teaching.

Yoga Holiday Itinerary
There will be two classes a day except one evening (tbc) when there will be no class. All classes will be accessible for beginners whilst offering challenges for those with more experience. Generally classes will be more dynamic in the morning (8am tbc.) with a greater emphasis on breathing and relaxation including yoga nidra in the early evening (5pm tbc.). Excursions and activities such as visiting a local village/market, Turkish Baths, walks, pampering and water activities besides swimming and relaxing in the sun can be arranged as a group or individually.

Contact Lizzy for further information.
For reservations please contact Lizzy at:
website: http://www.yogawalks.co.uk/
e-mail: yogawalks@yahoo.co.in
telephone: +44 870 4671961

Jivamukti Yoga Holiday With Emma Henry

31 Auguıst - 6 September 2009

Emma trained as a ballet dancer from age 11. She spent six years dancing professionally around the world specialising in classical, contemporary dance and martial arts. While dancing professionaly Emma found the benefits of yoga practice enhanced her flexibility, strength, balance and focus and has now been practising yoga for 10 years.

"With a background of dance I have an excellent understanding of anatomy and alignment, which has been invaluable to my students. This also introduces a dance inspired edge and a unique flow to my teachings, creating a dynamic form of yoga promoting both cardiovascular and muscular staminar through continuity of action and sustaining posture. I love teaching yoga and giving people the opportunity for them to see how they can develop themselves and reach their full potential".

Emma initially started practicing yoga to complement her contemporary & classical dancing, and martial arts training. She found the benefits of yoga enhanced her flexibility, strength, balance and focus. Emma has been teaching full time in London for 9 years and has studied with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Rangaswami in Mysore. Emma is a qualified Jivamukti yoga teacher based at the Jivamukti centre in London. Filling her classes with warmth and humour, Emma draws on her dance and broad yoga experience to teach the gift of yoga.

Yoga Holiday itinerary
There will be two sessions of yoga, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. During the rest of the day, the participants can either relax at the hotel swimming or sunbathing, take walks or join activities which are decided due to the groups's requests; like boat trips, visit to the Turkish bath, dinner at Bodrum etc. For ideas about what to do, please visit our Bodrum page.

For reservations please contact : Emma Henry at Jivamukti Yoga Centre London 300 Kensal Road, Units 136-137, London, W10 5BE
Tel. 020 8960 3999 Fax. 020 8960 4232
Email: mailto:emma@yogaflow.co.uk
Website: http://www.yogaflow.co.uk/

Yoga Holidays at Atami Hotel

Atami Hotel features yoga holidays and yoga retreats in the secluded Paraside Bay, one of the most beautiful and spectacular locations in Bodrum,Turkey.
Peaceful and quiet, the Paradise Bay has been the source of inspiration for many people who came here to heal their souls and bodies, away from the stresses of the daily life. Lessons taking place under the trees within the vast Mediterranean garden are combined with meditation sessions to complete this unique experience.

Please visit http://www.atamihotel.com/Activity-Yoga-holidays-Turkey.htm for the yoga holiday programme

Reiki

Reiki (pronounced Ray Key) is a Japanese healing art that was synthesized into being by Mikao Usui in the late 1800's in Japan. Mikao Usui was a devout Buddhist, who, in his intense desire to understand and work with methods of medicine and healing, developed Reiki. "Reiki" is a
Japanese word for the concept: "Universal Life Energy".
Reiki's initial stages can be learned by anyone regardless of their personal philosophy and/or spiritual belief system. Through the initiations of Reiki comes a "re-awakening", a re-opening of the stronger healing potential that lies within us all.
In Reiki, the healing energy is allowed to flow into us, and then we, act as a vehicle - through which this energy can be passed on to another individual via our hands. It becomes natural to touch someone and allow this healing energy to flow when someone is in pain, and to assist in relieving this pain. A Reiki treatment restores balance and harmony to the whole person, bringing about a sense of wellness.
A client remains dressed while receiving a Reiki treatment, as Reiki will go through the material, including plaster casts. The person being treated is not "healed" by the Reiki practitioner. The client's healing comes from the "universal life force" that flows through the practitioner. The person giving Reiki is not drained of their own life energy, but actually is replenished in the process. Reiki also protects the practitioner from taking on the pain and dysfunction of another person.Reiki can relieve pain and acute problems quite rapidly. Chronic illnesses may take a series of treatments, depending on the specific nature of the disease. Whatever manifests itself physically usually also has components on the emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. Reiki honours the ecology of the person by working on all these levels. Reiki goes beyond the symptoms to treat the root cause of the disease. When we treat only the symptoms, we do not always get to the true basis of the illness.

Atami Boutique Hotel in Paradise Bay, Bodrum, Turkey offers Reiki sessions by Melek Mjaanes. you can find detailed information about Melek and Atami Hotel at http://www.atamihotel.com/

Chakra Meditation

Within our bodies there are focal points of energy that we use, whether consciously or unconsciously, to affect reality and allow us to fully experience and realize events that unfold before us. These focal points are called Chakras.
Chakras are located in important parts of your body such as your head or heart. Any organs within the area of these Chakras are used to control; and are, therefore, directly affected by the properties of that Chakra. There are seven Chakras located throughout the body, each with their own unique attributes and characteristics:

The Root Chakra is located directly at the base of the spine, also known as the coccyx. This Chakra is closely related to the body and our ability to master it. One’s health, constitution and security are linked to this Chakra. In addition, the realization of how our bodies connect to the material world is focused here.Color: RedGems: Ruby, Garnet

The Naval Chakra is located in the lower abdomen. This Chakra is associated with the acts of giving and receiving, and is tied into the more physical feelings of love, passion and sexuality. The feeling of pleasure is also linked with this Chakra, so one may feel focus and feedback in this Chakra during moments of harmony, generosity, group creativity and selflessness.Color: OrangeGems: Amber, Coral

The Solar Plexus Chakra is located just above the navel and below the chest. This Chakra is a focus point for our force of will and our sense of transformation. Concentration and control of our personal energies originate from this point. One’s sense of power and authority, as well as self-control and discipline of the ego converge here. This Chakra can be used to sense the very use of one’s internal energies to affect what is outside the body.Color: YellowGems: Amber, Gold

The Heart Chakra is located at the center of the chest and is the focus for love and understanding. Feelings that stem from this love such as forgiveness, compassion, balance and harmony radiate from this point. This Chakra also nurtures the rarified feeling of unconditional or divine love, love that goes beyond the physical.Color: GreenGems: Emerald, Malachite

The Throat Chakra is located in the throat area between one’s chin and the top of the sternum. This Chakra is linked to one’s powers of communication. Through this Chakra, one can realize truth and knowledge; honesty, kindness and wisdom and how these elements can be conveyed through thoughtful speech.Color: Sky BlueGems: Turquoise, Blue Topaz

The Brow Chakra is located in the forehead, right above our eyes. This is also known as the region of the "Third Eye" in Buddhist and other belief systems. This Chakra is related to our perception beyond the physical realm. Intuition, insight, imagination and clairvoyance can all be associated with this Chakra. One can also focus their realization of their own soul, divine wisdom and peace of mind in this point.Color: IndigoGems: Lapiz Lazuli, Sapphire

The Crown Chakra is located at the very top of the head. As one might guess, this Chakra is associated directly with dealings of the mind and spirit. This Chakra is deeply tied to the exploration of one’s consciousness and place in space and time. Oneness with the universe, your spirit and will, inspiration, divine wisdom… all the things that deal with the Higher Self are rooted in this Chakra.Color: VioletGems: Amethyst, Diamond, Quartz Crystal

Color vibrates in the body along the meridians through the chakras. When one of the chakra centers is out of balance, it effects other centers. In other words when one chakra center is out of balance, you are out of balance. One way to balance the chakra centers is through meditation.
It is also through meditation that you can discover whether you are in balance; which for many of us, because of the stress in our life or simply being out of touch with ourselves, is often a question.

Are you in balance? Meditation can be used to both discover whether we are in balance and to obtain balance. Other keys to discovering whether or not you are in balance can be found in physical illnesses or ailments. This is briefly discussed on each of the seven chakra pages with links above. For example, an imbalance in the first or root chakra can manifest as a weight problem, hemorrhoids, degenerative arthritis, knee troubles, and/or sciatica.

"Centering" and "grounding" techniques should be used before beginning these meditations. A grounding technique can be as simple as feeling your connection to the earth and visualizing a root growing from your body into the earth and being focused and present. Centering usually requires your being relaxed. Three deep abdominal breaths through the nose, focusing on relaxing your entire body, feet to crown, and simply feeling centered within your body will often serve as a centering technique. For those of you who are not that familiar with your body, the act of tightening and then relaxing your body from your feet to your head and then visualizing the act of centering a pot on a pottery wheel will often work as a centering technique. Imagine throwing a wet ball of clay onto the center of the spinning wheel and then with your hand around the moist clay, thumb on top, find the center of the clay and slowly push it to the center of the wheel, breathing deeply from your abdomen as the wheel spins with the clay centered perfectly.
Whatever method you use, take your time and achieve a deep state of relaxation. You may want to count to 10, 20, or 30 or visualize walking down 10 or 20 or 30 steps, whatever it takes to become relaxed.
Lengths to time devoted to meditation will grow with practice.

Length of Time Results
3 minutes: circulation and blood stability affected
11 minutes: pituitary and nerves begin to changes
22 minutes: the three minds balance and begin to work together
31 minutes: the whole mind, the aura and the 5 internal elements (earth, water, air, fire and ether) are affected
62 minutes: the conscious and subconscious are integrated
2.5 hours: changes to the subconscious last the whole day
It generally takes 40 days to change a habit; 90 days to confirm the change; 120 days before the change is a part of who you are and 1,000 days before you are master of the new you.
Daily practice of spiritual exercise, such as some form of Yoga or Tai Chi (often called a moving meditation), will also aid in balancing the chakras.

Atami Boutique Hotel in Paradise Bay, Bodrum, Turkey offers Meditation sessions by Melek Mjaanes. you can find detailed information about Melek and Atami Hotel at http://www.atamihotel.com/