Reflections from YogaVahini: Upcoming Programs February

Dear Sanga,

Greetings from Chennai!

I have always wondered about what keeps one's practice regular and evolving. While we talk about high level concepts, just keeping the wheel of daily practice well oiled and moving, giving us a smooth ride, seems to be a challenge for most people. We can perhaps arrive at a good rhythm sooner, if we took care of a few essential details!

Creating a concrete sense of what we do as a daily practice takes attention, time and consistent effort.

Rather than muddling over what to do, how much etc. start with one small essential practice for the day like a few important asanas (that serve your needs more than anything else) in which you will stay longer and breathe deeper with attention and care, a pranayama practice of 24-40 breaths. you can make some small changes on other elements of your practice based on your changing needs. Maintain a routine of practising at the same time (more or less) of the day and journal after the practice.

Keep it simple.

There is no need to change your practice everyday. When you stay with the same practice for a length of time, you will be able to go beyond the tangible, gross experience of the body and breathe into the more subtle exploration. It will also make the mind more steady and resilient.

Taking care of cultivating healthy eating habits and a good sleep routine are paramount for an aspiring practitioner. Remember, it is small, incremental changes that we make and sustain for a length of time that help create healthy habits for the body, sense organs and the mind.

And of course, working with a teacher whom you meet for a class at least once a month. Being observed, corrected and guided by a caring teacher will make your practice very special and your learning exponential!

And I have heard one of my teachers say that if your practice is regular you will attract sincere students…

At YogaVahini, we aspire to create more practitioners who care for themselves, others and the earth! This year, we have lined up a few community outreach programs in Chennai and Hyderabad. If you live in these locations or can travel once a month or even once in a few months, do reach out to us so you can participate in offering simple yoga practices for people with various health and therapeutic needs.

The February Sangati series with a special exploration of the Panca Maha Bhuta by Lakshmy Narendra, this will be an evening practice (in India) for a change! Hopefully more people can join and benefit!

Sriram's much awaited online course on the Bhagavad Gita and practices based on Sankhya has been moved to March 15th, don't miss it! If you are in a time zone that is not convenient, no worries, all registered participants will get recordings of the sessions for a short period of time.

The next batch of Yoga for Women, group class begins in February. Group classes are a good way to start, restart and reinvent your practice, being part of a committed group and regular guidance from a teacher can get you on track with actively committing to promoting your health and well-being.

If you are reading me reiterating what I have already said many times before, well, we all need this again and again, right?

With all my good wishes and prayers,

Saraswathi.

Sangati is our special series of practice sessions led by senior teachers from YogaVahini, with an intention to foster continued practice and study for the whole community. It is open to all. Reasonable level of good health is required to join these sessions. We are also assuming you are already a practitioner in this tradition, so it is not for beginners.

Our intent is to strengthen our own personal practice that will help us deepen our awareness, clarity and conviction on this path. Senior teachers will take turns to lead the sessions for a period of time to help explore deeper dimensions and subtler elements in practice. Each series (4-6 weeks duration) will follow a particular theme offered by the teacher based on what inspires them. We are also happy to offer what the Sanga would like to explore collectively. Do write to us!

In February we will explore Pañca Mahā Bhūtas with Lakshmy Narendra, a senior therapist from YogaVahini.

For more information & registration, click here:

A 10-session course to get drawn into the teachings of the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita keeping the larger picture of Yoga and Yogasadhana and the Yogadarshana of Patanjali. We shall chant the Gita and study the gist. Each session includes a practice with Asanas and Pranayama focussing on ideas of the Pancamahabhutas and the Dashendriyas in Samkhyakarika.

For more information & registration, click here:

This course will enable today's women to deepen self-awareness towards better self-care: improving your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Join and encourage the important women in your life to join and experience the special power of yoga!

For more information & registration, click here:

YogaVahini is a vibrant and growing community of Yoga practitioners, students, teachers, and therapists. We strive to provide an environment such that our personal learning flows into daily life seamlessly, manifesting as coherent and harmonised action.

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