Atma Gyanam

Taking inspiration from the animals the yoga postures imitate...

https://youtube.com/shorts/JzbeoRTJ9lc?feature=shared

This old photo represents one of my favourite memories from all my years practicing yoga. You see me here sitting with my teacher Swami Mukti in the ashram of her Guru. It was the day of my mantra initiation which was powerful and blissful. Later we sat around learning to make malas. It's something of the sweetness of that day I hope to share on this Mantra & Mala Workshop.

Ivana Tara Prekopova reminds me to mention that the early bird price is until the end of July. Book through her website. www.yogawithivana.co.uk

A friend recently sent me an article about someone quitting their yoga practice because of the commercialisation of yoga and increasingly experiencing judgemental attitudes in yoga classes, and scandals of famous yoga teachers.

I think it's worth remembering that most yogis gave up all possessions and walked away from society to pursue the practice.

There may be some simple useful tools for specific yoga practices (like a rosary if you practice mantra or prayer), but beyond that nothing you can buy will help.
There is great benefit from being with people who have already walked where you want to go (satsang), beyond that no school or group or public opinion of what is or isn't yogic is worth your attention.

Also here is a picture of a Hare sitting between shadow and light.

'People wail aloud that they are poor and suffering, but no one sincerely turns away from the sources of their suffering.' Yoga Vasistha translated by Swami Venkanteswarananda

This teaching and countless others across human history agree that turning away from the apparent and enquiring into reality (including the reality of who/what you are) is the most powerful way to peace and happiness.

So in fun ways that help health and wellbeing at every level that's what each Bhava Yoga and Meditation class works towards. www.theyogatree.co.uk for class times etc.

Drop in no need to book, or message me for more information.

Step out of the world for a week around the summer solstice.
The retreat is like a pop up Ashram. You have the chance each day to enjoy the yoga of posture, meditation, devotional chanting, self enquiry, and even in simple way of life. As well it's a digital detox, chance to try not talking, and time to walk or rest in nature.
Three places remain.

Ancient meet modern methods of

promoting a long life in a healthy body.

1hr Tea Ceremony and Superfood, 1hr Immortal Breath and Movement, 1hr Sauna and Ice. £45. . 12.30-3.30pm Saturday 25th Feb

Booking Essential [email protected]

We are born crying, while everyone around us is happy. Kabir says live so that we go smiling while those around us may mourn.

For those who have not heard, Yoga Tree regular Gale passed away recently in a swimming accident at Winterton. She was a kind intelligent smiley presence in many classes, courses, and workshops here and will be missed. Our hearts goes out to her husband and daughter. Lily, her daughter, asked for these details of Gale's memorial to be shared, for those who may wish to attend.

Monday 4th July 10am class with me is only on zoom this week. Please message if you don't have link. 🙏

In the posture and the meditation classes this month we're working with a theme of nonviolence. It's partly a reminder to avoid harming yourself in practice, and partly an opportunity to develop that virtue. You can try bringing in a resolute sense of nonviolence in posture, breath, and daily life. Imagine having such an atmosphere around you that you calm things down, and spontaneously stand up for peace.