NEWSLETTERAUTUMN 2011

17th August 2011

exeterlovesyoga
Welcome to our first newsletter
exeterlovesyoga is 3 years old!
By James Russell

Exeterlovesyoga has come a long way in 3 years. When we started in 2008, there were just 4 of us. Wed recently qualied as Yoga teachers and were looking for ways to promote our classes, using the internet. We were teaching about ten classes a week between us. There are now eleven teachers on the site, advertising around 50 classes a week in a range of styles and traditions. The popularity of Yoga continues to grow and its been a big year for the Exeter community. In January, the new Lotus Loft Studio opened in Southernhay, offering a range of classes and workshops in a wonderful new space. Jax has written more about the Loft further on in this Newsletter.

In June, with the help of Nicki Glassbrook, we hosted the third annual 108 Sun Salutes in Belmont Park. A big thank you to everyone who took part and made this such a fun event. In July, we unveiled our new website. Weve made some improvements and now have a site which is clearer, faster and that works on the new iphone and smartphone technologies. We also have a new Courses & Workshops page so you can quickly access info about whats on offer. This summer, we also welcomed 3 new teachers to the site: Alice Chapman, Jules Yount and Martha Chester. Alice specializes in restorative and Yoga Therapy. Jules is teaching

Vinyasa ow classes at all levels. Martha is an authorized Kundalini teacher. We hope you enjoy our newsletter. There are lots of articles about Yoga, plus take a look at some of the inspiring workshops coming up this autumn. Also, don't miss your chance to win a free exeterlovesyoga t-shirt! Id like to say a big Namaste to all the Exeter Yogis and Yoginis. Thank you everyone for making this such a vibrant Yoga community. As one new-comer recently exclaimed Wow, theres such a lot of Yoga in this town! Its true: theres a a lot of Yoga in Exeter. You could say that: Exeter Loves Yoga! Namaste

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Posture Focus Vrikshasana: Tree Pose

Each newsletter, we will focus on a posture that is in harmony with the coming season. A great autumn asana is the tree posture. It is particularly poignant at this time when we become a little more aware of the beauty of the trees around us. The Tree posture is one of the 84 classical Asanas of Hatha Yoga and there are numerous ancient carvings in India (i.e. Sri Menakshi temple, Madurai) depicting Lord Shiva in this auspicious pose. The earliest written reference is found in the Gheranda Samhita, circa 1700 CE. The tree posture is accessible for practitioners at all levels of ability. The foot of the lifted leg is usually placed on the inner thigh of the standing leg. If you nd the balance difcult, then the foot can be placed on the ankle or the calf. The raised leg can also be placed in Ardha Padmasana, the halflotus (the favored position of Lord Shiva.) The hands are usually held above the head, palms joined together or sometimes open as in Prana Mudra. A useful tip is to focus the eye gaze (Drishti) at a point on the oor about one metre in front.

Vrikshasana
Place the right foot at the top of the left thigh and stand on the ground like a tree. This is called Vrikshasana.

Gheranda Samhita 2:36

The legs represent the roots of the tree, buried underground, and the trunk of the tree begins at the trunk of the body, growing all the way up through the spine and the arms, which are the branches. Alaana Kaivalya
Mentally, this posture helps us to become more grounded: to disengage

from the chatter of the mind. We create a situation in which the mind is encouraged to unite with the body. If we start getting caught up in the mental dialogue, we inevitably wobble or loose the balance completely. Physically, the tree pose enhances the stability of the nervous system. The ankles and feet are strengthened, as are the calves and the thighs. It also stretches the muscles of the legs, groin and chest.

This is a wonderful posture to help us connect with nature: try going for a walk somewhere peaceful, ideally in the woods. When you come across a tree you particularly like the look off... take a little time to warm up and then try going into a tree pose. Bring your attention to the tree. Make a connection. Imagine how it feels to be a tree: put down roots into the earth through your standing leg and reach into your ngertips feeling your Seasonal Challenge: try Vrikshasana branches expanding and extending up a little each day. Start with 5 breaths on into space. each side and then when you are able to Breathe deep. Enjoy. sustain the balance; 10 breaths; 15 (Remember to thank your tree breaths and so on. Make sure your afterwards and if youre feeling breaths are full, deep and steady. Ujjayi particularly blissful maybe give it a hug!) breath is always helpful. Namaste

Yoga & Body Method in the heart of Exeter Lotus Loft

By Jax

Lotus Loft Studio

The Lotus Loft provides a warm, supportive and welcoming environment for students of all ages and abilities for personal growth and pure enjoyment. Whatever your experience we welcome everyone from the inquisitive beginners to those who wish to deepen their practice to those who are simply looking for a calm space to escape. We offer Hatha Yoga classes in the following traditions: Iyengar, Holistic, Anusara Inspired & Ashtanga Vinyasa. We also host workshops with visiting guest teachers and have so far welcomed a

variety of subjects from Acceptance and Forgiveness to Voice workshops to a series of half day workshops to help you nd work that inspires you! We are located in the heart of Exeter in the beautiful green area of Southernhay just two minutes walk from the High Street. The Centre provides mats, blocks and all other Yoga equipment to make your visit effortless & enjoyable. For more info on classes workshops & events please visit www.lotus-loft.co.uk

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Restorative Yoga - A Quiet Practice.

By Alice Chapman

Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodhah. Yoga is that which stills the mind. And with a still and quiet mind we can dwell, even in this world, in peace. There are a multitude of yoga styles, classes, teachers and ways of practicing out there, all with one united goal, to calm the drunken monkey of our minds, (or the chimpanzee in the cappuccino cafe). Having recently studied on the Devon School of Yoga Postgraduate Teacher Training and Yoga Therapy course, it has been noted time and again the benets of taking time to relax. There is a growing interest in yoga in recent years. As stress increases, free time becomes scarce and the spiral continues from there. I am reminded of the meditation master who instructs his students that if they cannot nd 5 minutes in their day to sit still and meditate, then they need to nd one hour. Restorative Yoga is a practice of stillness, using supports such as bolsters, blankets, straps and blocks so that once in your chosen asana, you are supported and can stay for a longer time (sometimes up to 15 minutes) allowing the body to release deeply, trusting the props to hold your body position and allowing the muscles which would normally be integral in maintaining posture to let go. In this space the body is stretched but the muscles relaxed, this takes the effects of each asana to a profound level. Once the muscles relax the stretch begins to access the fascia or connective tissue, that which connects and supports muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels and nerves. It is within this tissue, which permeates the entire structure, that the meridians of eastern medicine
Alice Chapman Alice specializes in restorative Yoga and Yoga therapy.

In the stillness and simplicity of sitting, there are opportunities for observation that are not so present when we are moving. And if we are able to embrace the boredom of meditation it becomes more like equilibrium in which we could be free from that craving for entertainment.
Norman Blair

lie, or the Nadis or energy channels in the yogic tradition: the lines of communication and support for the entire physical and energetic being. Working with the meridians we can release deep, long-standing tensions and unlock energetic patterns which lead to reaction as opposed to action or Samskaras. Taking time in each asana turns the practice into a meditation. Noticing how different physical positions affect the mind is a fascinating practice. Following the ow of the breath and breathing deeply employs the parasympathetic nervous system. We connect with restful intuition, peace in stillness, and it is there that we can nd healing. Allowing time to be in that space, remembering that the verb Asana comes from the root verb to be is where yoga becomes therapy and the body remembers how it can heal itself. Bi-monthly restorative yoga classes are held at Derekthedog yoga studios, the next class is 11th September.

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Prana and the Subtle Body The first Goal of Hatha Yoga
By Fran Allen

Central to all the practices of Yoga is the movement of Prana, life force or vital energy. Prana is in matter, but it is not matter. It is in air but it is not oxygen. Through the practice of asanas and pranayama, more prana is taken in and stored in the body, bringing great vitality and strength. Prana ows though the body by way of the Nadis, energy channels. According to the ancient yogis, there are about 72,000 nadis. There are 3 main nadis, the most important is Sushumna which runs through the very core of the body from the perineum to the crown of the head. On either side of Sushumna are Pingala nadi and Ida nadi. Ida is the left channel. Ida is white, feminine, cold, represents the moon and is associated with the river Ganga (Ganges). Originating in Muladhara (the base chakra), Ida ends up in the left nostril. Pingala is the right channel. Pingala is red, masculine, hot, represents the sun and is associated with the river Yamuna. Originating in Muladhara (the base chakra), Pingala ends up in the right nostril. Sushumna is the central channel passing through the main chakras and is associated with the river Saraswati. Running up the body from just below Muladhara chakra, the base chakra to Sahasrara chakra at the crown of the head. Chakra is the Sanskrit word for 'Wheel of Light or Energy'. We have seven major chakras, the highest is Sahasrara Chakra, beyond Sushumna at the crown of the head. Muladhara Chakra, (the base chakra) is the meeting place of the three main nadis and is known as Yukta Triveni meaning Three Streams. In Muladhara Chakra, Shakti, the static unmanifested Kundalini, is symbolized by a serpent coiled into three and a half circles around the central axis Svayambhu-linga at the base of the spine. The serpent lies blocking the entrance to Sushumna with his mouth. Sushumna remains closed at its lower end as long as Kundalini is not awakened. The techniques of Hatha Yoga consists of using Prana to awaken kundalini, by guiding its circulatory movement through Ida and Pingala down to the base of the spine into the space where Kundalini lies coiled. The asanas help to purify the body, speech and mind so that when Shakti

Kundalini awakens it rises up Sushumna, energizing the seven chakras. As Kundalini passes through each of the main chakras, different states of consciousness are experienced. When Kundalini reaches the Sahasrara Chakra the yogi attains samadhi, the liberation of the bondage of the ego or 'I' illusion. This means to become master of the body and emotions, no longer the slave. A liberated being still operates on the material plane but has reached a level of consciousness and existence beyond time, space and causation of negative karma...

DerektheDog Yoga Studio Warmest Welcome to All!

Our aim is to enhance, improve, develop and transform your well-being in all aspects of life through pure Yoga practice. Derekthedog Yoga centre offers the widest variety of Yoga classes with the most highly regarded, experienced teachers in the area. With more than 20 classes a week on the schedule, its suitable for all abilities and experience in the most relaxing, calm, light and tranquil environment in the heart of Exeter City Centre. Everything from gentle and restorative practices to dynamic and systematic forms. We offer courses, workshops, yoga for pregnancy, yoga theory and even teacher training. Om Shanti Taster Class 5 or 2 for 1, bring a friend! For more info www.derekthedog.co.uk 01392 255031 DerektheDog Yoga Centre 3rd Floor, Queens Walk, Queens Street, Exeter EX4 3RP

DerektheDog: Collectively over 100 years of Authentic Yoga Teaching Experience

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108 Salutes to the Sun Belmont Park

By James Russell

In June, the 3rd annual 108 Sun Salutes 'Yogathon' was held in Belmont Park. This was the largest event so far with over 60 Yogis and Yoginis joining together to share their practice. The event was organized as part of the Respect Festival who kindly welcomed us right into the middle of their festival. For thousands of years, in India the number 108 has been regarded as a particularly auspicious and sacred number. Its also a nice big number of Salutes to have a go at. The salutes were led by a variety of teachers from diverse traditions of Yoga, and we were treated to a range of styles from from Ashtanga-A salutes to traditional Satyanada Salutations.

Amidst the noise, chaos and blaring dance music it was very special to see so many people quietly focused on their practice together. Some people came and did the whole 108, some 2 or 3. Some festival-goers, walking by, joined-in: free Yoga for everyone, outside, right in the heart of the community. Thank you everyone for coming along and making this such a wonderful day and to Nicki Glassbrook for all her hard work. Watch this space, as weve got plans for next years event. We hope to have more information on this in the Spring 2012 edition of this newsletter.
OM RHAM MITRAYA NAMAHA Salute to the Sun, the friend of all. Surya Namaskar Mantra

Anusara Yoga Flowing with Grace

By Lisa Roberts

Since its formation in 1997, Anusara yoga has become one of the most highly respected hatha yoga systems in the world, attracting thousands of yoga students worldwide.

to enjoy their practice and become more open hearted. For more infor mation check out www.anusara.com or www.omshop.com.

Classes and Workshops at the Lotus Anusara means owing with grace or Loft following your heart and was founded by John Friend, who studied Iyengar Yoga for Ongoing - Wednesdays 6.30 8pm. many years. Mixed level.
Lisa Roberts Lisa is an Anusara Inspired teacher who has spent many years training with Bridget Woods Kramer, the UKs leading Anusara teacher.

Anusara Yoga is unique, as it is an integrated practice that combines the art of the human spirit with precise alignment principles and the science of bio-mechanics. This creates a practice that empowers, uplifts and inspires yogis

Anusara Inspired workshop on Saturday 12th November For info contact Lisa on 07979 372 041 lisaroberts16@yahoo.co.uk

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Living the Yamas and Niymas Aparigraha

By Jay Kipling

APARIGRAHA owning only what is necessary; non-hoarding;

believing that we live in a universe in which there is enough for everyone. When my mother died, ve years after my father, I was too oored by grief to go through all of the things in her retirement at. So I put them into a storage unit, vowing to deal with them box by box, month by month. Four years on I am just coming to the end of this process. And it has been an education in ways I never imagined. Not because I of the discovery of any racy hidden secrets, but because my own journey into aparigraha.

It was the shove I needed. By the end of this year the storage unit will be no more. My loft is pretty much under control and my knew-found enthusiasm for de-cluttering has spread throughout the house. Ive just spent a blissful weekend throwing out les of press cuttings from my PR business after transferring the best ones onto hard drive, and there are ve more bags of charity shop stuff waiting in the hall.

Of course Ive not yet got it down to the one bowl/one mug/ one coat level that we could argue constitutes only what is necessary. But I now throw at least one thing out for everything new I bring into my house andbreaking Im an only child so not only did all the responsibility land on news.. shopping no longer holds its appeal. So Ive more time, money and creative energy. And Ive discovered a whole me, but it consisted of my entire family heritage..in stuff. internet community of minimalists. People, mainly in the US, whove downsized joyfully to tiny apartments or reduced to My parents werent epic hoarders of the How clean is your 100 possessions, whove rid themselves of debt, depression house? calibre. Our homes were always neat and tidy, and overwork, and shaken off the pressure of consumerism newspapers recycled and things put away. Plus we moved that keeps us believing the next purchase will make us countries and houses on a reasonably regular basis, so clear happier, prettier, smarter, better. outs routinely occurred. But they boxed up and hung on to things for sentimental reasons Ive found my teething rings, my fathers business cards from our days living in Singapore, Mums art college sketch books. And I always tended to do the same, to keep things that represent milestones, feelings, special people, occasions. But as the months passed by I started to become exhausted and even angry by the hours I spent sorting, bagging, selling, puzzling over what to do with it all, and feeling sad at memories I didnt even know I had and didnt particularly want. It started to eat my time, sap my energy and stop me from living in the now. Id got rid of the fridges and sofas and impersonal items earlier on. Amazon and e-bay was good for anything of value (and youd be amazed what has value). But it was the sentimentals that oored me. For example my fathers piano, which I learnt to play on, which hed told me was the focus of all his familys East End knees ups, which I had no room for, which was too battered to sellbut I just couldnt bear to dispatch to the dump. By chance I came across Francine Jays wonderful book The Joy of Less. It helped me realise that my stuff wasnt my parents. Nor was it me. Sometimes we fear getting rid of certain items are equivalent to getting rid of part of ourselves. Yep, guilty. Even stuff thats hidden away (be it in the hall closet, down the basement or across town in a storage unit) stays in the back of our minds. In order to free ourselves mentally, we must shake off our stuff entirelyWhen were no longer chained to our stuff, we can savor life, connect with others, and participate in our communities. Were more open to experiencesThe less baggage were dragging around (both physically and mentally), the more living we can do! She advised a conversation with my stuff, asking it whether it lls my heart with joy when I look at it, or was just proof of an experience or an energy sapping obligation. And so we talked, my stuff and me. And Ive found the piano a home. Its gone up to Leeds where a friend of mine is happily revisiting her childhood piano lessons on its battered keys. That makes me a great deal happier than having it sit in a storage unit. Jay Kipling www.jayyoga.org Resources: www.missminimalist.com www.rowdykittens.com www.becomingminimalist.com www.zenhabits.net www.peaceandprojects.com

Jay Kipling Jay has been teaching in Exeter for a number of years and recently returned from Jamaica where she completed advanced training in the Ashtanga Vinyasa method.

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Whats on this Autumn Workshops, courses and events

Here is a brief guide to the best of whats on in the Exeter area. For more information on any of these events please visit www.exeterlovesyoga.co.uk or email us at info@exeterlovesyoga.co.uk 4th September Kirtan with Barry Kristadas: An evening of Devotional songs and chanting. No singing ability needed. 7pm - 9pm DerektheDog Yoga Studio 8 Donation proceeds go to Birthlight. 12th September Nine Week Course: introduction to Ashtanga begins with Jay Kipling. Suitable for those with some level of tness or who are simply prepared to work hard. www.jayyoga.org 14th September Beginners Ashtanga Course (Part 2) with Fran Allen 6 week course. Suitable for anyone with a little experience of Ashtanga Yoga 17:30- 19:00 Every Weds for 6 weeks Derekthedog Yoga Studio 50 - (20 deposit to secure a place.) 24th September Postgraduate workshop with Duncan Hulin Kriyas, Asana, Pranayama, Chanting, Shiatsu swap and networking 10:30 - 16:30 Barefoot Barn, Chagford 35 - (15 deposit to secure a place.) 8th October More than Asana workshop with Duncan Hulin A chance to be led through the Devon School of Yoga system of sitting Kriyas. Kriya Yoga helps to cleanse the physical body and balance the subtle energy body. 11:30 - 13:30 Lotus Loft, Exeter 10 contact Nicki Glassbrook for more info: 07974024697 9th October Adjustments workshop with Fran Allen Suitable for Yoga teachers and Trainee Teachers Gain condence in giving adjustments while teaching. 10:30 - 17:00 Derekthedog Yoga Studio 32 members, 35 non-members (15 deposit to secure a place) 2nd November Beginners Ashtanga Course (Part 1) with Fran Allen 6 week course. Suitable for anyone with little or no experience of Yoga. 17:30- 19:00 Every Weds for 6 weeks Derekthedog Yoga Studio 50 - (20 deposit to secure a place.) 26th November Holistic Yoga Day with Duncan Hulin Kriyas (cleansing techniques) Asana and Pranayama 10:30 - 16:30 Harbour House, Kingsbridge 35 - (15 deposit to secure a place.) 26th November Kirtan with Barry Kristadas: An evening of Devotional songs and chanting. No singing ability needed. 7pm - 9pm DerektheDog Yoga Studio 8 Donation proceeds go to Birthlight.

Devon School of Yoga Foundation Course

If you are interested in deepening your Yoga practice or perhaps are thinking about applying for teacher training, then the Devon School of Yoga Foundation course may be suitable for you. two of which are full board residential. The emphasis is on non-competitive personal practice and self development, learning through experience. Comprehensive course notes are provided.

The Devon School of Yoga was founded in 1989 and teaches an Holistic approach to Yoga, coming 28th January - 20th May 2012 from an eclectic base of authentic practices. For more info visit www.devonyoga.com The Foundation course comprises ten days of practice and study over ve weekends in Devon,

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Win a free, limited edition, exeterlovesyoga t-shirt

Simply answer the questions below. Clue: most of the answers can be found somewhere in this newsletter!

1) What does Aparigraha mean ? 2) What does Chakra mean? 3) What is your favourite Yoga Asana? 4) What is the sanskrit name of Tree posture?
Email your answers to info@exeterlovesyoga.co.uk or use the postal address underneath. Closing date: 1st November. From those who answer correctly, we will pick two names out of the hat and t-shirts will be winging their way to them soon. Good luck! Namaste
Free t-shirt available in orange: Size L + XL

108 Sun Salutes, Belmont Park, 4th June 2011

EXETERLOVESYOGA
3 Powderham Road Exeter EX2 9BS