Muse of the Month: Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge
Saraswati is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma: the Creator of the Universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation and growth, Saraswati symbolizes the creative power of Brahma.
She is The Flowing One ~ Saraswati means “the one who gives the essence (Sara) of our own Self (Swa).”
Through this Goddess we reflect upon the essence of self, the part of us that can only be that and nothing else.
Connecting with our inner selves requires discipline, perseverance and creative energy; these are the qualities that Saraswati helps us bring forth.
As we move into the craziness of Christmas, I believe we all need a bit of Saraswati magic! Class numbers inevitably dwindle as we find excuses to forgo that which keeps us sane! She is the perfect muse to keep us honest; whether you yoga or whatever other personal sadhana/disciplines and practices you might have up until November, when they fall by the wayside in favour of…consumerism?! Whether you consume of media, food or material goods, we usually forgo our inner peace Christmas.
It’s so easy to let ourselves fall prey to the pull of external pressure and pursuits, so we can call on Saraswati’s qualities to remain discipline, steadfast and do our best to keep the peace when we’re in the company of friends and family that we find challenging.
Saraswati will also be the focus of my vinyasa flow classes over the next few weeks, helping me (and hopefully you too) to maintain my sadhana; connecting and committing to being our best selves no matter what this crazy time of year throws at us!
Your Brain During Birth
One of the ways in which we can better connect to the limbic system is through self-awareness, this is THE MAIN principle of yoga and it's one of the reasons why a prenatal specific yoga practice throughout pregnancy can be of immense benefit - not just to prepare the body and connect with your baby but more so to prepare the mind! By increasing our self-awareness through practices of pregnancy yoga, pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation practices we become better attuned to our inner landscape, connecting with and becoming aware of different sensations on a deeper level and thus preparing us to move into the limbic part of the brain during the birth of our baby.
BEGINNERS MIND
{Beginners Mind}
We all have behaviours and habits grounded in assumptions and past experiences. We label things as bad, good, easy or challenging.
Life as we know it is in a constant state of change, so how would things be different if you chose to experience each situation as though it were happening for the first time?
In the mind of a beginner, experiences are brand new, not yet formed and this can help us to be present with what is happening NOW in the present moment.
Whether or not you are a beginner is irrelevant, we can choose to see things as they are and leave space for inquiry, NEW experiences, and for growth. 💫
Yoga for Mums + Bubs
Mum + Baby Yoga classes provide a gentle invigorating practice of nurturing sequences for mum while at the same time playing and bonding with your baby. Whether you're an absolute beginner or you practiced yoga before the birth of your baby; post-natal yoga provides new mums time for self-care, connection and community in a safe welcoming space.
Learning to Love…Dolphin
Learning to Love Dolphin Pose - this challenging posture is great for opening the upper back and building much needed strength in the shoulders and upper body BUT it can be alot to get our head around…literally! As with any challenge - we can use this asana to learn about ourselves from the inside out.
Pregnant in Perth? Here’s why you need a Pregnancy Yoga Class!
Attending specially designed prenatal yoga classes is not just about accommodating your growing belly, it’s also about expanding your mind, exploring your options for birth and joining together as a collective community as you begin your journey into motherhood. Pregnancy yoga offers a depth and a warmth beyond the yoga postures themselves, and like everything in life, some teachers will resonate more than others, so seek out a class (and a suitably trained teacher) that suits – you’ll know your community when you find it!
Golden Goodness
Hatha Yoga is the practice of bringing the mind and the body into balance, but it's far more than just postures and yoga pants! Extend your yoga practice beyond the yoga mat; apply Ayurvedic principles to keep your body nourished and your mind clear. Extend your yoga practice beyond the mat; apply Ayurvedic principles to keep your body nourished and your mind clear.