Back by popular demand, Into The Wild retreat for April 2013 is now open for registration.
This time with some refreshing additions -
Sessions led by guest teacher, Carolina Daza, The Global Yogini
and
A raw food demo and tasting session that must not be missed!
Book ASAP to qualify for the Early Bird Special.
Date: 6 – 7 April 2013
Location: Tanah Aina, Pahang
*Open to All Levels*
Click here for more details.
The attitude we carry into our day pretty much defines the experiences in our life. How then does the attitude we bring to our asana practice help to sculpt the way we choose to live? Forward bends, back bends, twists, inversions, arm balances, whatever it is, there is always a logical and beautiful analogy behind every motion, every pose.
To an untrained eye, the idea of coming into Camel Pose is everything to do with flexibility of the spine. But really, if we approach Camel Pose with 100% flexibility there is high risk of hurting ourselves. On the other hand, if we approach Camel Pose with 100% strength, how then can the body bend back and the heart fully open? There must be an enough support and strength to provide stability before we are able to let ourselves go and experience joyful freedom in the full pose.
Finding a find balance between strength and flexibility is key in our yoga practice. Once we master the symbiotic relationship between these two elements, that is when we find harmony and stability without rigidity or naive vulnerability. In life, we must cultivate inner strength to stay grounded and at the same time allow a part of us to open up and taste what the world has to offer. We need to be true to ourselves by staying so strong internally that the occasional stumbling block and obstacle we encounter cannot throw us off permanently for we are able to find another way back to our intended path.
Whenever I feel derailed or defeated in, I close my eyes and think about my time on the mat and the sensation of those moments where I stayed connected and committed in the process of coming into a difficult pose. This is the space where I am reminded that somewhere beneath me, lies the ability to be strong, flexible and adaptable in the face of any challenge.
Still fresh from the energetic buzz of Amy’s workshop last weekend, I made a personal commitment to set a few goals for 2012. Yeah….I know it’s a little too late for a new year’s resolution but better late than never! Most of the time my resolutions lose their initial Uummmpphhh with time. So now an ‘in-your-face’ vision board is what I must resort to. A vision board….what an obvious solution. Why hadn’t I thought of it earlier…Gahhhh!
I look forward to going for workshops like the recent one, where people are always open, supportive and willing to share their knowledge. All that collective energy from practising in a group only intensifies the blissful experience. Imagine taking a potent shot of Peace+Love+Joy+Harmony. Every moment is an opportunity to expand and learn not only from the teacher but from the participants alike. Those who can do the advanced poses do them with beautiful grace and those who can’t, simply watch in unenvious awe. Every now and then, the skillfulness of an accomplished practitioner spills over to a progressing one who receives the new found ability with heartfelt gratitude, realising then that his or her abilities are only defined by the mind.
This was just what I needed. The last burst of excitement of this magnitude was when I made the transition from office job to yoga teacher. Then, everyday seemed like a crazy adventure as I fiddled with WordPress setting up my website, cracked my head for content (my excuse is that writing doesn’t come naturally to me) and kept my ears and eyes peeled like a vulture, ready to snap up any teaching job that was available. Now that I am more or less in a comfortable place, the time has come to create a new chapter in my life.
My new chapter consists of 4 goals for 2012, or what remains of the year. I still plan to add more goals along the way (ahem…very ambitious!)
1) Include green juicing in my daily regime
2) Continue with Phase 2 of my balcony garden project
3) Work on unsupported handstand
4) Work on unsupported forearm balance
All this plus a generous boost of DEDICATION & TENACITY and *fingers crossed*, I shall arrive at the end of 2012 juicier, greener, stronger and naturally higher!
Now open for bookings…
Hurry get your Early Bird Special rate!
Date: 16 / 23 June 2012
Location: Vila Manja Day Spa, 41 Jalan Damai, Kuala Lumpur
*Open to All Levels*
