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The sky is clear and the air has the freshness of a perfect autumn morning as I walk tothe Belair community centre for Easter Slow Down with Karen from Yoga Garage. Ifeel slightly apprehensive because my experience of yoga, thus far, has been somewhatmixed. I have always hoped to feel the connection of mind, body and spirit that manypeople describe as a benefit of yoga; however, I have not yet found the type of practicethat meets both my physical and spiritual needs.A handwritten sign at the door welcomes all yogis and bids us to “come in and breathe,let busyness melt away and SLOW DOWN.” It’s a timely reminder that I am here torelax, restore and rejuvenate mind and body. I am further reassured by Karen’s warmsmile. Her simultaneous passion for and approach to yoga make me feel instantly thatthis is where I am meant to be right now.We start by gently stretching each joint. My mind is busily collecting information aboutmy surroundings. It takes in: the brightness and airiness of the space; the soft musicplaying in the background; the chirping of the lorikeets and the hum of the traffic; thescent of essential oils mingling in the air. As is usual for me, my imagination flies at topspeed; it lights on small details for a moment before blending them to create variousnarratives. Yet, my thoughts gradually slow as I enter and hold each pose. Karendescribes how thoughts, like the foods we eat, are nourishment for the body. Yoga, too,is a form of nourishment and this Yin practice aims to strengthen the lungs and digestivesystem for the coming season.I breathe, feeling tension where I did not know it was held. While the sun streamingthrough the windows casts an ethereal light across the room, it lacks the warmth itpromises and goose bumps rise on my skin. Unfortunately, I have already used myblanket as additional padding beneath what I soon realised was a pathetically thin matbought with aesthetic more than pragmatism. Karen seems to sense my discomfort and Ifeel her gently drape a blanket over me – the beauty of Yin yoga being that its long-heldposes may be held beneath a blanket and with the body supported by various props.The session lasts for two hours; yet, I lose all sense of time passing and we transitioninto the final pose: savasana. Lying on my back with my legs supported by a bolster andthe comforting weight of the blanket over my body, this is seemingly the easiest andmost relaxed pose. However, I am acutely aware of pain in my lower back, the brightlight and my mind returning to busyness. Again, Karen intuitively provides exactly what Ineed: an eye mask, with a woody, sweet scent. I let myself relax into the moment.By namaste, I feel a curious combination of rejuvenation and fatigue. This may bebecause yoga encompasses physical and spiritual work; although, further practice isrequired for me to test this hypothesis. Regardless, I feel calm and settled, nourishedand supported. This could be the beginning of something beautiful.Genevieve SeysGenevieve is a resident of Belair who has recently discovered the healing potential of yoga.When she is off the mat, she is a freelance editor who helps business professionals to delivertheir content with style and precision.Find her on Facebook or contact: gseyseditor@gmail.com
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Therapeutic Soundbath at YOGA GARAGE
Let your mind & body unwind and come into harmony with the vibration and sounds of Crystal bowls, Himalayan bowls, Gong, Cosmic Tones and gentle percussion
No effort is required as a divine sound scape is created to hold space……simply lay back, breathe and relax, allowing a release and renewal of your being
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0403 198964
Website: yogagarage.com.auChildren are welcome who are familiar with being still, quiet, and respectful of the space. (Recommended age over 12 years)
We love children but please if they are going to distract others, leave them with a loved one! Thank you!
Please bring yoga mats, cushions & blankets for your comfort, and some drinking water. For the comfort of all please refrain from using perfumes or oils before attending.
When: Saturday 4th March, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Where: Nunyara Chapel, 5 Burnell Drive Belair (just below Yoga Garage)
Cost: $30
About our presenters:
Michelle Byrne is a performing musician and chantress, and a qualified Sound Therapist through the British Academy of Sound Therapy. She also holds a Diploma of Music after having studied at TAFE and Adelaide Conservatorium of Music. Michelle is joined by her husband James Byrne, musician and musical instrument maker- he is the creator of Cosmic Tone Instruments. Together they have performed Shanti Sound Therapeutic Soundbaths since 2012, and they have been performing in their musical duo Imijri together since 2008.
www.shantisound.com.au
www.cosmictone.com.au
www.imijri.com
EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY
If you find yourself unable to attend an event, please alert us as soon as possible.
* Cancellations 21 or more days prior to start of an event will receive a full refund.
* Cancellations 8-20 days prior to start of an event can receive a partial refund or credit (20% penalty).
* No refunds or transfers are available for no shows or cancellations within 7 days of the start of the event.
Summer Yin: COOL & CALM
Join Karen Gunter for a delicious 2 hour Summer Yin practice
Summer is an ideal time to honor the sun in all of its glory and acknowledge the infinite source of light within ourselves.
In this gentle practice we will focus on the heart and large intestine meridians that run along the chest cavity as well as along the inner and outer arms.
Consider this an invitation to slow down and surrender to the joy of the present moment with an exploration of heart openers, upper back and shoulder stretches.
When: Thursday 19th January, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Location: YOGA GARAGE, Belair Community Centre, Burnell Drive
Cost: $30 Contact: Karen Gunter Ph 0403 198964 Email [email protected]
EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY
- Cancellations 21 or more days prior to start of an event will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations 8-20 days prior to start of an event can receive a partial refund or credit (20% penalty).
- No refunds or transfers are available for no shows or cancellations within 7 days of the start of the event.
Motoyama Meridian Exercises with Karen Gunter
Move every joint in every direction every day and maintain or even increase your range of movement and increase your chi – energy – prana & joy