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!
Peak Pose: Bird of Paradise
The Bird of Paradise stands strong on one lovely, long and powerful stalk, this single stalk represents the strength needed in your stationary leg and core to open up into the pose. The flower itself is a striking contrast of colour and that mimics the crests of tropical birds peeking through the leaves.
In our journey toward Bird of Paradise, we’ll flow through a Mandala Salutation to open the side body, shoulders, hamstrings and hips with binds, twists and forward folds. Usually considered to be an advanced asana, there are many ways in which to bloom for this asana; one variation we’ll explore in class this month uses the wall and a yoga belt, thus taking care of the balance and or bind element so we can focus on the boldness required of the upper body and the bind to find full bloom!
Yin Yoga + Restorative Yoga are not the same. And here’s why.
Restorative yoga and yin yoga are two styles of yoga that are often used interchangeably, when in fact they are complete opposites.
So why do the two get confused? From the outside, they appear to be similar practices because they are both floor based practices and often use props to support the body. Like most yoga practices, both Yin and Restorative Yoga can promote relaxation and stress relief.
The Dance of Shiva
Our PEAK posture this month is NATARAJASANA, more often known as Dancer’s Pose. This classical asana is both a backbend as well as a standing balance that requires focus, persistence and most of all - patience! Nataraja is a reincarnation of the Yogi God Shiva, as Nataraja, he dances as the God of Destruction; born out of liberation that comes from fear of change, he teaches us to ride the waves of change toward our own bliss.
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 Classes for the Family
The ultimate goal of yoga is to unite and in doing so connect with the present moment. And nothing deserves our presence more than children, who are naturally born yogis. When families practice yoga together, the benefits are plentiful.
Each month we offer a Family workshop-style yoga class in our Kingsley Yoga Studio. A fun, interactive experience for adults and kids to interact through play, partner yoga, breathing, and mindful touch. Family Yoga is suited for kids aged 5-10 years and adults of all ages and abilities.
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.
Warm Up this Winter with Yoga
Don't let the cold weather be an excuse to stop caring for your body - warm up with YOGA this winter! Whether you’re taking a calming yin + restorative yoga class, or a more vigorous VINYASA FLOW class, or something that combines a little of each, your body will thank you!
Lean into the Light: Rhythm + Ritual Through Yoga
Emerging from the restful depths of winter, it can often be challenging to attune our mind and body to the vibrancy of the spring season, much like a hibernating bear waking up from months of deep, dark slumber, it takes a little effort to shed the layers of winter. Just as the seasons change and transform, so do does our yoga practice. We can shake off the more yin and restorative nature of winter to embrace the dynamic yang energy of moving towards spring with yoga practice tailored towards the nature’s rhythm.