Our Body is always in the present moment. So is our Breath. However, it’s often our Mind that is elsewhere – absorbed in past memories, or future plans. As a result, we can sometimes move through life feeling disconnected – from our Body, and ourselves.

The practice of Hatha Yoga invites us to reconnect. To directly experience the freedom of the Present Moment – through the amazing and intuitive wisdom of our own Body-Mind, and the practice of embodied Asana (the physical postures of Yoga).

Over the years, we may have developed a particular, limited ‘view’ of our Body – how it appears or looks, or how it functions (or doesn’t); or, what it seemingly can or can’t do. Yoga invites us to look again. To feel into our physical sense of self, from a totally different perspective. Without judgement, without competing, Yoga invites us to begin from wherever we are.

A POWERFUL AND PRECIOUS GIFT

From a Hatha Yoga perspective, we see the Body as a wonderful gift – a powerful and precious tool for understanding ourselves. Not to mention a powerful way to help us enhance our health, increase our vitality (Prana), and discover a lasting experience of harmony and Wellbeing!

Rather than identifying with the Body (in a negative way), we learn to embrace the Body with equanimity and mindfulness – welcoming all that it is. In this way, it can become one of our greatest teachers.

Of course, the wholistic teachings of Yoga also remind us, that we are not ‘only’ this physical body! But, it’s also made clear that this is the perfect place to begin, to understand ourselves – and all of Life, a little more.

In class over the past few months, we’ve been exploring certain Asana (Yoga Postures) more deeply, and this has naturally brought up questions and insights from students. In all instances, these observations have come from feeling into the body, and developing a subtler awareness of what is aligning, lengthening, opening, contracting, supporting, releasing. Students are noticing how they’re feeling as they move, and while they are ‘still’. They’re noticing the energetic qualities that arise during and after each posture, and the flow in between. They’re noticing thought patterns. And, as each Asana is explored, this natural curiosity and Self Inquiry continues to unfold…

BEGINNER’S MIND

No matter where we are in our life’s journey, there’s always great benefit when we come to our Yoga practice, with what Zen Buddhists call a ‘Beginner’s Mind’. In this way, we can make fresh, new discoveries and insights about ourselves, and Life. It is this depth of Self Inquiry and natural curiosity – this feeling into and listening to the body – that helps to transform physical exercise into a more subtle and direct, embodied experience. This is the essence of Yoga in action!

Ultimately, embodied Asana is yet another tool for ‘Waking up’ to ‘What Is’, in the Present Moment. It’s a precious Seed of Yoga that is to be planted and nurtured. Day by day.

EXPLORE FOR YOURSELF

If you already practise Yoga, (or even if you don’t yet!), you can also explore some of the simple principles of embodied Asana as you move through the day.

First, and most importantly…

Take a few moments to feel a sense of Gratitude for this Body, and how it continues to help you throughout each day. Try to let go of any tendency to judge yourself, or your Body. Be kind to yourself. It’s ok to start from wherever you are, as you are!

Now, take a few minutes to become fully aware of your whole body.

Become aware of your posture. Just noticing, not judging. How are you sitting, standing or lying down? Can you get a sense of your whole body? Or is it easier to become aware of a certain part? Your toes, hands, sitting bones? Are your shoulders relaxed or tense? Is your belly soft or tight? Is your jaw clenched or relaxed? Can you feel your heart beating? Is you breath soft? Are you frowning? Maybe you’re smiling!

It’s through the wholistic practices of Yoga, that we learn to transform these simple observations into deeper states of Wellbeing.

Yoga helps us to develop a more subtle and intuitive awareness of our entire Body. We learn Asana (Yoga Postures) and techniques to cultivate vital energy (Prana), and transform our health and wellbeing – from the inside, out. Over time, this clear light of awareness begins to reveal a vibrant and ever-present Aliveness – of Body, Breath, Mind and Heart!

Exploring in this way, we begin to reconnect with ourselves – to experience what it means to be truly alive, ‘embodied’ and fully present – in each and every moment…

Enjoy!
• OM Shanti ~ Mardi •

What I’ve shared here, is a simple and practical taste of some of what we’ll explore in Yoga Nature’s 6 WEEK BEGINNERS COURSE, starting 23 October 2018!

Within this Course, students will learn and explore YOGA’S ESSENTIALS – including key foundational Yoga postures to enhance strength, flexibility, balance and awareness. Natural alignment principles and variations for each Asana (Posture) will also be taught, to ensure everyone experiences the benefits of Yoga, as a path towards vibrant wellbeing.

Curious to know more?
Please see below for details…

This practical and inspiring Beginners Course offers a clear and accessible introduction to Yoga’s essentials for health and harmony.

Learn and explore…
Key physical postures, simple breath awareness techniques, practical meditation, deep relaxation and gentle mindfulness – in a peaceful setting surrounded by Nature.

If this resonates with you (or a friend),
please get in touch with Mardi on 0409 660 531.

• You can read them here. •

Curious about other Yoga Nature offerings?

Yoga Nature offers Classes in KELVIN GROVE + BROOKFIELD, as well as Personal Yoga Sessions + Guidance  |  Beginners Courses  |  Immersions + Workshops in the Brisbane area.

You can LEARN MORE HERE
or feel free to contact Mardi on 0409 660 531 (or via email) with any questions you may have. I’d love to hear from you!

WELCOME TO YOGA NATURE ~ Mardi is dedicated to helping people reconnect with their essential Nature and the vibrant Source of Wellbeing, through the wholistic practices of Yoga. At its heart, Yoga offers us precious tools to live life fully – with more clarity, understanding, ease and joy… We begin to Awaken!  Mardi shares an authentic approach to Yoga, creating a supportive, joyful and energising space for seekers of wellbeing, curious beginners, and Yogins with an adventurous spirit. 

If you’re curious to know more about Yoga Nature’s Classes, personalised One-to-one Sessions and unique Courses and offerings, you can get in touch with me here.