Yoga is Alive! – an ever-flowering and unfolding Practice – and the daily benefits it brings, support and nourish us on every level of our Being.

In Sanskrit (the ancient written language of Yoga), Bija means ‘Seed’ – symbolising the potential and growth inherent within the wholistic practices of Yoga, as well as within ourselves…

SEEDS OF PRACTICE

Yoga Nature has grown from the seeds of traditional Hatha Vinyasa Yoga – and is ever evolving… Mardi shares and teaches the art of ‘Living Yoga’ – and draws deeply from the fluid, embodied wisdom of Asana and organic movement; Pranayama and Breath Awareness; Meditation and Deep Rest; gentle Self Inquiry; simple Presence; and the universal wisdom of Dharma and Nature Herself!

From the Yogic perspective, real understanding can only arise through direct experience. By exploring Yoga’s Seeds of Practice, we not only transform our health and wellbeing, we can also access a deeper place within ourselves – and awaken into our connection with all of Life!

NATURE
Within and Without

The natural world is one of our greatest teachers. She invites us to reconnect. She reminds us of our true Nature. If we take time out to be with, and in Nature, we rest quietly in the simplicity of Life being lived all around us. Growing, flowering, transforming. We begin to feel the embrace of peace and harmony that is always with us. And a natural rejuvenation starts to unfold…

DHARMA
An innate wisdom

‘That without which nothing can exist; “As it is, so it is”… That which supports us in the same way that a tree “supports” its leaves…’
(Open Dharma)

Both simple and complex, Dharma refers to an innate Wisdom, the Universal Truth or the Natural Law of Life. It encompasses and supports all of Life, including ourselves. As we dive deeper into the practice and experience of Yoga, we can draw upon the essential insights and teachings found within the wisdom traditions of India (particularly Yogic and Buddhist philosophy). These Teachings arise from direct experience, and are an invaluable guide for understanding ourselves, our Practice, and all of Life. As our understanding of the Dharma grows, so does our understanding of Life itself.

EMBODIED ASANA
Natural, steady and sweet

‘Yoga must not be practised to control the body:
it is the opposite, it must bring freedom to the body, all the freedom it needs.’
(Vanda Scaravelli)

In the west, Asana is generally referred to as physical postures. However, in the practice of traditional Hatha Yoga, Asanas are a deeply embodied experience: ‘Dynamic internal dances in the form of postures. These help to keep the body strong, flexible, and relaxed. Their practice strengthens the nervous system and refines our process of inner perception.’ (3)

When we practice embodied Asana, we practice with the intention:
‘sthira sukham asanam’
Asana should be steady and sweet.
(Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Sutra 11.46)

Or more specifically, every Asana: ‘…should be done with a feeling of firmness, steadiness and endurance in the body; goodwill in the intelligence of the [mind], and awareness and delight in… the Heart’. (4)

In a Yoga Nature class, we explore and learn the essential principles of embodied Asana. Working with these principles – along with the natural embodied wisdom of organic, somatic movement – we are able to access a deeper, more subtle Awareness of what it means to be comfortably centred ‘in the Body’ as well as the Mind – and Asana becomes a delightful meditation in action!

VINYASA
In the Flow

The poetic nature of the body and breath.
The poetry of the Aliveness!

In Life, everything is connected, there is always a flow… In Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa means ‘to place, or put together in a special way’. Quite often, this is referred to as a vigorous and dynamic series of physical movements.

However, the principle of Vinyasa can also be experienced as a moving meditation connecting the body, breath and mind – within a single Asana or posture, as well as within a series of Asanas strung together like a mala (garland). Although not visibly perceptible to others, Vinyasa can also be experienced on an even subtler level – as the continuous flow of the breath.

No matter what aspect of Vinyasa we are exploring at the time, there is a common thread – All are never static. All are full of Aliveness and Prana (life force). There is always a flow…

PRANAYAMA
Breath is Life!

Pranayama is the ultimate tool to energise the body –
steady the mind – and access our Bliss!’
(Clive Sheridan)

The practice of Pranayama is beautiful and profound, and is one of the most essential and important cornerstones of Hatha Yoga. Generally, Pranayama can be defined as breathing practices, however, this does not convey it’s full meaning.

Prana mean vital energy or life force. Ayama is defined as extension or expansion. Therefore, Pranayama means extension or expansion of the dimension of Prana. (6)

We can access the subtle, energetic benefits of pranayama in various ways:

•   Simple, mindful, unrestricted breathing – feeling the natural flow of the breath;
•   Learning to synchronise the body with the breath – energising and free-flowing; and
•   A more in depth study and practice of the essential techniques and rhythms of classical Pranayama – a transformative and complete practice within itself!

These techniques can be explored and cultivated to harness or encourage the free-flow of Prana – and can be either calming or invigorating, depending on the intention of our Practice. As we open up to the transformative qualities of Pranayama, the vibration rises, and we begin to access Life’s most subtle energy – the Aliveness!

MEDITATION
The Door to Awakening

Natural meditation arises from deep within the Body – not the Mind!

As our Yoga practice evolves, we naturally prepare ourselves for Meditation. Meditation is vast, open and limitless, and therefore incredibly hard to define! In it’s simplest terms, Meditation is an act of surrender and letting go – of resting the habitual mind and all of it’s patterns, stories and distractions. It is in this letting go that space is created for insights to naturally arise, and a deeper clarity and connection to unfold. The practice of Meditation allows this space, and from within it, the potential for something to spontaneously arise and expand…

There are many techniques and forms of meditation, but at it‘s essence, it can be as simple as allowing the Body to deeply rest down into the support of the Earth; or feeling into and embodying the breath – aware and fully present in the moment – to just simply be. Sitting meditation as well as the natural practices of Deep Rest and Savasana, are all forms of meditation. In time, and with dedicated practice, compassion and patience, we begin to fall in Love with Meditation and the sense of peace and equanimity it brings. It then becomes an integral, insightful and beautiful part of our Practice, and our lives – pointing the way to the door of liberation, and beyond!

SVADHYAYA
A natural curiosity and an open mind

Svadhyaya means study of the Self. Quite often the practice of Yoga becomes a catalyst for a deeper inquiry into the question ‘Who am I’, and how we relate to ourselves, and the world around us. The essential ingredients for Self inquiry to flower, are a natural curiosity and an open mind.

When we take the time to look deeply into the nature of ‘Self’, we slowly begin to see our true colours, and real understanding starts to flower. With continuous dedication,  kindness, unwavering patience and love, this practice of Self Inquiry, Mindfulness or Witnessing Awareness, provides precious insights, that shine a light on the path to Freedom!

SANTOSHA
Gratitude and Equanimity

The meaning and essence of Santosha is contentment. Having an acceptance and gratitude for what life presents to us in the moment – both pleasurable and painful – and experiencing this with equanimity. Not an easy task! Our practice of Yoga provides fertile ground for the exploration of Santosha. It is a seed of practice that requires constant attention and care. As our understanding grows, we begin to feel a natural gratitude – for our Practice, ourselves, and all of Life… this gratitude spontaneously arises from a source within the Heart, like a bubbling spring. Inexhaustible, and ever fresh!

‘AS THE SEED IS IN THE PLANT,
AS THE SHADE IS IN THE TREE…’
(Kabir)

All of these Seeds of Practice need to be planted and nurtured. In time they will grow, flower and bear fruit… revealing our true essential Nature!

‘Put seeds and cover them.
Blades will sprout
where you do your work.‘
(Rumi)

• OM Shanti •

 

Curious about Yoga Nature’s offerings?

Mardi offers Classes in KELVIN GROVE + BROOKFIELD (Brisbane), and Online via Zoom – 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.

1. reflections upon the meaning of Dharma, by Open Dharma
2. Vanda Scaravelli
3. Donna Farhi
4. BKS Iyengar from his commentary on the ‘Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali’
5. experiential wisdom from my beloved Teacher, Clive Sheridan
6. BKS Iyengar ‘Light on Pranayama’, sourced from Yoga Arts