“The goal of Integral Yoga, and the birth-right of every individual, is to realise the spiritual unity behind all the diversity in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of: a body of optimum health and strength; senses under total control; a mind well disciplined, clear, and calm; an intellect as sharp as a razor; a will as strong and pliable as steel; a heart full of unconditional love and compassion; an ego as pure as crystal; a life filled with supreme peace and joy.” – Swami Satchidananda. The awareness that we gain by practising yoga helps brings intention to all our actions, both on and off the mat, permeating every layer of our being, and shaping the foundation of our approach to life. This is the energy that we take into the world, everywhere we go, in all our daily interactions, affecting everyone, and everything we come into contact with. When we understand the nature of this core of peace is central to our being, we present ourselves authentically, and express goodwill for the benefit all. The following programs and special events aim to share the joy and healing power of yoga, and invite you to open to the experience of inner peace and wisdom.

 Summer Salutes

Monday 26 February 6:00-7:30pm, $22/$19 or use your class card

The sun salutes acknowledge the sun as the provider of light and warmth for our planet and as a symbol of our inner light or consciousness. Many variations exist, yet all begin and end with the hands together at the chest reminding us to draw attention to the heart to experience inner wisdom and light. Surya Namaskar mantras recorded by Swami Satchidananda will inspire a vibration of peace and calm.

 Autumn Meditation

Saturday 3 March and Monday 5 March, incorporated within usual class times, no extra fee

Meditation provides the means to access an inner knowing, enabling us to realise our full potential. Practising in a group creates a harmonious atmosphere which deepens that experience. During the first class of every season we will lengthen the meditation component within the regular hatha yoga sequence, extending access to innate intelligence, awakening awareness and enlightening consciousness.

 An Extra Hour of Being

Saturday 31 March 9:00-10:30am, $22/$19 or use your class card

We are all familiar with the physical body, the breath, the mind and the intellect, but according to the yogic philosophy we have five levels of being called koshas. These koshas are illusionary sheaths or veils that conceal our true nature. We will savour the extra hour around Daylight Savings Time, unite with the light of our inner being, and understand that we are divine beings experiencing a human life.

Salutations

Doug, Deb, Roz and Jaala are now certified to teach Integral Yoga Hatha Beginners Level 1. Congratulations on your dedication and commitment to studying the teachings of Swami Satchidananda. May you lead by example and share the love and light of Integral Yoga with all those you are in contact with. Jai!

2018 Classes

Classes recommenced on Monday 29 January. Fees remain unchanged. To support the continuation of classes, please commit to regular attendance. It is widely recognised that students benefit significantly when attending on a consistent weekly basis and the merits of the practices are intensified for those who attend twice a week.

Holiday Realisation

During the holidays it was a privilege to enjoy a myriad of quality European museums and theatre – ballet, drama, opera, classical music, comedy and musicals – fine dining, and a veritable smorgasbord of yummy breakfasts with hot fruit punch, bagels, chocolates and croissants! Highlights included the Christmas markets and spa pools in Baden-Baden, Swan Lake ballet in Stuttgart on Christmas Day, a noisy fire alarm activating sprinklers, evacuation and subsequent hotel relocation in Paris, and fireworks in London to welcome the New Year. The USA greeted me with zero visibility sea fog in Clearwater Sand Key overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and glistening white snow at Satchidananda Ashram where I visited my esteemed yoga teachers Satya and Sadasiva. It was a memorable trip, yet the best part of the entire experience was arriving home!

May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light!

Om…Marie

“Yoga is not a religion. It is a science, science of well-being, science of youthfulness, science of integrating body, mind and soul.”

“We only have control over two moments in our lives; here and now. There is always room for change, but you have to be open to that change.”

“Yoga is not about touching your toes. It’s about what you want, where you think you can go, and how you will achieve it when you get there.”

“Yoga takes you into the present moment; the only time where life exists.”

“Yoga is a powerful vehicle for change. As you build strength, you start to believe in your own potential. It’s a way to freedom. By its constant practice we can free ourselves from fear, anguish and loneliness.”

“Do it with passion or not at all.”

“Yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming.”

“Understanding without practice is better than practice without understanding. Understanding with practice is better than understanding without practice. Residing in your true nature is better than understanding or practice.”

“When you inhale, you are taking the strength from the divine. When you exhale, it represents the service you are giving to the world.”

“Remember the emphasis on the heart. The mind lives in doubt and this heart lives in trust. When you trust, suddenly you become centred.”

“Breathe in my courage and exhale my fear. Fall in love with the process.”

I have studied the yoga practices for many years, sourcing knowledge and understanding from near and far. And where did I discover the sage gems of wisdom quoted above? They are printed on my new t-shirt! Inspiration evolves from many and varied sources!

Picnic Brunch

Saturday 2 December 10:30-11:30am, No charge

Maintain a peaceful perspective and mingle with likeminded people. Please bring your own lunch or a small plate of vegetarian food to share. We will picnic on the lawn in front of the hall, or inside if the weather is unsuitable. Everyone is welcome, not only Saturday students.

Silent Night – Hatha Yoga

Monday 18 December 6:00-7:30pm, $22/$19 or use your class card

“The word listen contains the same letters as the word silent”. Alfred Brendel. Silence is trying to tell us something! We will flow through the foundational Integral Yoga sequence with a minimum of instruction, synchronising the practices with the natural merits of the silence accompanying our true nature, exposing our hearts to an inflow of quiet and stillness to endure throughout the holidays.

Restorative Yoga with Shanthi in Sandringham

Sunday 21 January 3:00-4:15pm, $22/$19 concession

Restorative Yoga focuses on physical and mental relaxation via poses aided by props, enhancing their therapeutic benefits. This gentle empowering session will help you de-stress, re-energise and re-balance. Suitable for people of all levels of fitness and health, including pregnant and postnatal women, those who are managing aches and pains, sleep deprived, or simply wanting to unwind. No prior experience is necessary for this session at Shanthi’s home studio. Please email integral_yoga@bigpond.com for the address.

Photography Society

Monday 4 December

The Photography Society members require extra asset up time for their annual presentation night, and no hatha yoga class can be held in the hall. Previously we have used the South Room for a special event however this room is now used as an op shop and is no longer available. As an alternative you are welcome to attend the Saturday class and/or picnic as detailed above.

The Gift of Yoga

Are you looking for a meaningful gift for someone who would benefit from practising hatha yoga? During December please consider the ‘Newcomers Card’ intended for family and friends who do not currently attend Integral Yoga classes. This 5 class gift card offers excellent value at $75 and is valid until 31 March 2018. Integral Yoga hatha promotes an easeful body, a peaceful mind and a useful life.

Summer Break

The church folk will close the hall during January necessitating a break from classes. The last Monday class is 18 December, resuming 29 January and the last Saturday class is 16 December, returning 3 February. I will take a short holiday prior to immersing myself in the teachings and lifestyle of Integral Yoga at the Satchidananda Ashram in Virginia USA. I will not access phone or email messages between 20 December and 25 January. Shanthi has kindly offered to monitor the email on a casual basis and respond to current matters. I will attend to any other issues when I return.

Open Your Heart and Be At Peace

It’s especially helpful to continue your hatha practice in the midst of the flurry of end-of-year celebrations and I hope to see you at class prior to the break. If not, please accept my sincere thanks for your support of Integral Yoga during 2017. As you prepare for the holidays, be grateful for the bounty in your life and open your loving heart to those in need. Allow the festive season be filled with gratitude for the joy we experience each day and be at peace.

Please contact me if you require further information regarding any of the items detailed above. May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light!

Om…Marie

Integral Yoga hatha classes incorporate many aspects of the traditional yoga wisdom. We observe Raja insights when concentration and meditation emanate from the ethical principles of the yoga sutras, express Karmic understanding by not expecting praise for our efforts, share Bhakti attributes to support fellow students, enhance Japa traits through chanting and expand Jnana qualities by developing a witnessing attitude. Naturally the regular classes focus mostly on hatha, however with regular practice we develop a profound inner awareness and open to the deeper experience of the classical elements of yoga. This encourages us to take the attitude we develop on the mat into our everyday life, cultivating a meditative approach in all actions, and incorporating conscious use of all the senses so that ‘All Life is Yoga’. I understand that yoga and peace starts with me. Swami Satchidananda expressed this beautifully. “Yoga believes in transforming the individual before transforming the world. Whatever change we want to happen outside, should happen within. If you walk in peace and express that peace in your life, others will see you and learn something.” We can be of greater service in the world, not so much by what we do, but by who we are. Let us aspire to continue to practice hatha yoga together, deepen our understanding of the teachings, refine the insight that guides our life, and integrate yogic wisdom to promote peace and calm throughout the community.

Full Moon – Hatha Yoga.  Saturday 4 November 9:00-10:30am, $22/$19 or use your class card

The auspicious energy of the full moon inspires us to open our heart to ourselves and to others. In the company of those sharing a similar vision, this intensifies our sensitivity to kindness, love and affection. We will harmonise each of the practices in the basic Integral Yoga hatha sequence with the virtues of our true nature.

Restorative Yoga with Shanthi and Marie in Sandringham.  Sunday 19 November 3:00-4:15pm, $22/$19 concession

Restorative Yoga focuses on physical and mental relaxation via poses aided by props, enhancing their therapeutic benefits. This gentle empowering session will help you de-stress, re-energise and re-balance. Suitable for people of all levels of fitness and health, including pregnant and postnatal women, those who are managing aches and pains, sleep deprived, or simply wanting to unwind. No prior experience is necessary for this session at Shanthi’s home studio.

Picnic Brunch

Saturday 2 December 10:30-11:30am, no charge

Maintain a peaceful perspective and mingle with likeminded people. Please bring your own lunch or a small plate of vegetarian food to share. We will picnic on the lawn in front of the hall, or inside if the weather is unsuitable. Everyone is welcome, not only Saturday students.

Silent Night – Hatha Yoga

Monday 18 December 6:00-7:30pm, $22/$19 or use your class card

“The word listen contains the same letters as the word silent”. Alfred Brendel. Silence is trying to tell us something! We will flow through the foundational Integral Yoga sequence with a minimum of instruction, synchronising the practices with the natural merits of the silence accompanying our true nature, exposing our hearts to an inflow of quiet and stillness to endure throughout the holidays.

Swami Asokananda – Melbourne Visit

Advance notice for your calendar – January 2019

Integral Yoga teacher Caroline Giles of Experience Yoga is hosting a range of yoga programs to be presented by Swami Asokananda, the president of the New York Integral Yoga Institute. Please register your interest via https://experienceyoga.com.au/swami-visit-signup-form/ and you will receive further details.

Classes as Usual

The Saturday and Monday classes will continue without a break during the Cup weekend.

Please contact me if you require further information regarding any of the items detailed above. Advance bookings for special events are always appreciated. May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light!

Om…Marie

Live Well – Annual Retreat Day with Marie and Shanthi in St Kilda Road

Saturday 14 October 9:15am-5:00pm, $100/$95 Full Day, $60/$55 half day

Empower yourself with effective strategies to live a fully conscious life. To derive maximum benefits you are encouraged to attend for the whole day, although bookings may be accepted for the morning or afternoon only. The retreat is for students of all ages and levels of experience and includes a nourishing hot lunch catering to your dietary requests. Space is limited and bookings are essential.

Spring Group Meditation – Being

Saturday 21 October 10:30-11:00am, $5

Meditation provides the means to access an inner knowing, enabling us to realise our full potential. Uniting in a group creates a harmonious atmosphere which deepens that experience. This session incorporates guidance to access innate intelligence, awaken awareness and enlighten consciousness. It is suitable for everyone regardless of experience, faith tradition or cultural background. This is the final session of the 2017 Group Meditation Series with the underlying theme of Self-Awareness.

Full Moon – Hatha Yoga

Saturday 4 November 9:00-10:30am, $22/$19 or use your class card

The auspicious energy of the full moon inspires us to open our heart to ourselves and to others. In the company of those sharing a similar vision, this intensifies our sensitivity to kindness, love and affection. We will harmonise each of the practices in the basic Integral Yoga hatha sequence with the virtues of our true nature.

 Restorative Yoga with Shanthi and Marie in Sandringham

Sunday 19 November 3:00-4:15pm, $22/$19 concession

Restorative Yoga focuses on physical and mental relaxation via poses aided by props, enhancing their therapeutic benefits. This gentle empowering session will help you de-stress, re-energise and re-balance. Suitable for people of all levels of fitness and health, including pregnant and postnatal women, those who are managing aches and pains, sleep deprived, or simply wanting to unwind. No prior experience is necessary for this session at Shanthi’s home studio.

 Classes as Usual

The Saturday and Monday classes will continue without a break during the Cup weekend.

Spring Fair

Saturday 14 October

As the church folk will be holding their annual spring fair, no classes can be held at the hall. Instead, you invited to the Live Well retreat day detailed above. “It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” – Dale Carnegie

Integral Yoga Teacher Training and Living Yoga Programs

Chitra Stern is seeking expressions of interest in a Level 1 Integral Yoga Teacher Training program and a Living Yoga program, open to students interested in deepening their experience of yoga. For further details please email Chitra at chitra108@bigpond.com

 Please contact me if you require further information regarding any of the items detailed above. Advance bookings for special events are always appreciated. May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light!

Om…Marie

“If spring came but once a century instead of once a year, or burst forth with the sound of an earthquake and not in silence, what wonder and expectation there would be in all the hearts to behold the miraculous change.”- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

As we emerge from the cold days of winter into the freshness of the new season, we are welcomed with an array of sights, sounds and scents that ground our attention in the present moment. Springtime brings us the opportunity to revel in the growth and transformation that surrounds us. Whatever we give our attention to will grow. Regular yoga practice helps plant seeds of inner peace and blossom into self-awareness, mental focus and emotional calm. The upcoming programs emphasise ways to take advantage of the spring season and practice self-care, both on and off the mat.

Spring Stillness and Sincerity – Hatha Yoga.  Monday 4 September 6:00-7:30pm, $22/$19 or use your class card

The basic Integral Yoga sequence includes a wide range of practices emanating from the stillness in the present moment. Some invite us to open up to others. Some inspire us to take care of ourselves. The sincerity of our intent exposes an innate awareness. In time we are drawn beyond the mere activity of the body toward the underlying wisdom of the teachings.

Balance – Spring Equinox – Hatha Yoga.  Saturday 23 September 9:00-10:30am, $22/$19 or use your class card

The spring equinox, when day and night, dark and light are equal, is a time of balance, a time to let go any habits which don’t serve us, and discover new ways of living that nurture our true potential. We will add a variety of balancing asanas to the basic Integral Yoga format to help draw body, mind and spirit to a state of union.

Live Well – Annual Retreat Day with Marie and Shanthi at St Kilda Road.  Saturday 14 October 9:15am-5:00pm, Space is limited and bookings are essential

$90/85 early bird by 11 September, $100/$95 after 11 September, $60/$55 half day

Empower yourself with effective strategies to live a fully conscious life. To derive maximum benefits you are encouraged to attend for the whole day, although bookings may be accepted for the morning or afternoon only. The retreat is for students of all ages and levels of experience and includes a nourishing hot lunch catering to your dietary requests.

Spring Group Meditation – Being.  Saturday 21 October 10:30-11:00am, $5

Meditation provides the means to access an inner knowing, enabling us to realise our full potential. Uniting in a group creates a harmonious atmosphere which deepens that experience. This session incorporates guidance to access innate intelligence, awaken awareness and enlighten consciousness, and is suitable for everyone regardless of experience, faith tradition or cultural background. This is the final session of the 2017 Group Meditation Series with the underlying theme of Self-Awareness.

 Please contact me if you require further information. Advance bookings for special events are always appreciated. May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light!

Om…Marie

If you find that you are falling away from your regular yoga practice, just come back to it. Some of us may stop and start many times, but with consistent experience, we ultimately find the sense of balance and inner calm that is the true essence of our intent. “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Maria Robinson

 Integral Yoga Hatha – Saturday 19 August 9:00-10:30am, $22/$19 or use your class card

Swami Satchidananda served as a living example of the wisdom of yoga and its goal of self-realisation. His mission was to promote interfaith understanding and harmony. A brief history of his life and philosophy will interweave throughout the traditional Integral Yoga hatha sequence.

Restorative Yoga with Shanthi and Marie at Sandringham – Sunday 27 August 3:00-4:15pm, $22/19 concession

Restore energy, reduce stress and relax completely. Restorative yoga is the practice of specific asanas with the body fully supported by pillows, bolsters and blankets. In the supported state, yoga poses can be held for a longer time, enhancing the therapeutic benefits and helping you rest deeply and completely. New and experienced students are welcome to this session at Shanthi’s home studio. For the address and further details please liaise with Marie.

 Spring Stillness and Sincerity – Hatha Yoga.  Monday 4 September 6:00-7:30pm, $22/$19 or use your class card

The basic Integral Yoga sequence includes a wide range of practices emanating from the stillness in the present moment. Some invite us to open up to others. Some inspire us to take care of ourselves. The sincerity of our intent exposes an innate awareness. In time we are drawn beyond the mere activity of the body toward the underlying wisdom of the teachings.

Balance – Spring Equinox – Hatha Yoga.  Saturday 23 September 9:00-10:30am, $22/$19 or use your class card

The spring equinox, when day and night, dark and light are equal, is a time of balance, a time to let go any habits which don’t serve us, and discover new ways of living that nurture our true potential. We will add a variety of balancing asanas to the basic Integral Yoga format to help draw body, mind and spirit to a state of union.

 Live Well – Annual Retreat Day with Marie and Shanthi at St Kilda Road.  Saturday 14 October 9:15am-5:00pm, Space is limited and bookings are essential.  $90/85 early bird by 11 September, $100/$95 after 11 September, $60/$55 half day

Empower yourself with effective strategies to live a fully conscious life. To derive maximum benefits you are encouraged to attend for the whole day, although bookings may be accepted for the morning or afternoon only. The retreat is for students of all ages and levels of experience and includes a nourishing hot lunch catering to your dietary requests.

Please contact me if you require further details regarding any of the items detailed above. Early bookings for special events are always appreciated. May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light!

Om…Marie

We might sometimes feel that we’ve lost our footing and turned away from being grounded. It may feel as though life is spinning out of balance, or without a higher purpose. Connecting with the truth of our inner nature is the most important journey we take in life. We learn that our entire purpose and involvement becomes clear when we invest in ourselves. As we find our inner peace on the yoga mat in an aligned posture, or in moments of relaxation or meditation, this profound connection with our inner being leads us to grace.  And from that grace we can continually restore our lives.

Guru Purnima – Celebration and Chanting at Sandringham.  Sunday 9 July 3:00-4:30pm, $10/$15 families

“Guru Purnima is the day you reflect on your life and honour the wisdom that life has offered.”

Ravi Shankar. Celebrate with mantras from the Integral Yoga kirtan in harmony with the core understanding that “Truth is One, Paths are Many”. No yoga or chanting experience is required, and everyone is welcome at Shanthi’s home studio.

Winter Group Meditation – Open Your Heart.  Saturday 29 July 10:30-11:00am, $5

Meditation provides the means to access an inner knowing, enabling us to realise our full potential. This session incorporates guidance to access innate intelligence, awaken awareness and enlighten consciousness. It is suitable for everyone regardless of experience, faith tradition or cultural background. Self-Awareness is the underlying theme for the 2017 Group Meditation Series. The final topic is ‘Being’ on 21 October.

Integral Yoga Hatha – Saturday 19 August 9:00-10:30am, $22/$19 or use your class card

Swami Satchidananda served as a living example of the wisdom of yoga and its goal of self-realisation. His mission was to promote interfaith understanding and harmony. A brief history of his life and philosophy will interweave throughout the traditional Integral Yoga hatha sequence.

Restorative Yoga with Shanthi and Marie at Sandringham.  Sunday 27 August 3:00-4:15pm, $22/19 concession

Restore energy, reduce stress and relax completely. Restorative yoga is the practice of specific asanas with the body fully supported by pillows, bolsters and blankets. In the supported state, yoga poses can be held for a longer time, enhancing the therapeutic benefits and helping you rest deeply and completely. New and experienced students are welcome. This session is at Shanthi’s home studio.

Live Well – Annual Retreat Day with Marie and Shanthi at St Kilda Road.  Saturday 14 October 9:15am-5:00pm, Space is limited and bookings are essential.  $90/85 early bird by 11 September, $100/$95 after 11 September, $60/$55 half day

Empower yourself with effective strategies to live a fully conscious life. To derive maximum benefits you are encouraged to attend for the whole day, although bookings may be accepted for the morning or afternoon only. The retreat is for students of all ages and levels of experience and includes a nourishing hot lunch catering to your dietary requests.

Monday and Saturday Classes

Despite a substantial rental increase, class fees for the Monday and Saturday classes remain unchanged. To help avoid a fee rise and support the continuation of these classes, please commit to regular attendance. It is widely recognised that students benefit significantly when they attend on a consistent weekly basis, and the merits of the practices are intensified for those who attend twice a week.

Thursday Class

After many years at Carnegie, Jivana will move to modern premises at Hughesdale Community Centre, at 160 Poath Road Hughesdale from Thursday 20 July at the new time of 7:30pm. Class fees remain the same and current class cards issued at Carnegie entitle students to reciprocal rights of attendance. For more information, please contact Jivana at intoyoga.info@gmail.com or 0417 301 919.

Yoga Mats with Free Mat Wipes

Yoga mats are provided free of charge for new students and for anyone needing extra support. It is highly recommended to bring your own for hygiene purposes. Thanks to those of you who do. Quality, individually wrapped purple mats are available for $30. These washable 6.2mm mats provide ample padding for floor work, yet firm support for standing poses. Free, essential oil mat wipes are available with all mats purchased during July.

Please contact me if you require further details regarding any of the items detailed above. Early bookings for special events are always appreciated. May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light!

Om…Marie

Trust in yourself and the benefits of the yoga practices. Believe in your ability and in the process of yoga as a vehicle for change and growth. No path through life is free from challenges and it is often from looking within that we learn the most about ourselves and those around us. Rather than trying to avoid any difficulty, choose which obstacle you want to face – the challenge of change and its growth, versus the barricade of remaining where you already are. Would you rather face the difficulties that might arise in your practice, or the complications of remaining in resistance and living without the positive effects of yoga?

Slow Asana – Monday 5 June 6:00-7:30pm, $22/$19 or use your class card

Consciously feel into your entire being. Explore the senses in a leisurely way. ‘Be’ and ‘Do’ slowly! This hatha yoga class invites your body, breath and mind to slow down during all phases of the primary Integral Yoga sequence and to deeply appreciate the effect of each movement emanating from the milieu of your inner stillness.

Sanskrit Hatha – Saturday 24 June 9:00-10:30am, $22/$19 or use your class card

Refine the Sanskrit pronunciation of each practice in the basic Integral Yoga hatha class. Focused repetition of the Sanskrit terms helps build a peaceful vibration throughout every layer of your being and promotes a clear contrast to the backdrop of silence from which all sounds emerge.

Guru Purnima – Celebration and Chanting at Sandringham, Sunday 9 July 3:00-4:30pm, $10/$15 families

“Guru Purnima is the day you reflect on your life and honour the wisdom that life has offered.”

Ravi Shankar. Celebrate with mantras from the Integral Yoga kirtan in harmony with the core understanding that “Truth is One, Paths are Many”. No yoga or chanting experience is required, and everyone is welcome at Shanthi’s home studio.

Winter Group Meditation – Open Your Heart, Saturday 29 July 10:30-11:00am, $5

Meditation provides the means to access an inner knowing, enabling us to realise our full potential. This session incorporates guidance to access innate intelligence, awaken awareness and enlighten consciousness. It is suitable for everyone regardless of experience, faith tradition or cultural background. Self-Awareness is the underlying theme for the 2017 Group Meditation Series. The final topic is ‘Being’ on 21 October.

Live Well – Annual Retreat Day with Marie and Shanthi at St Kilda Road

Saturday 14 October 9:15am-5:00pm, Space is limited and bookings are essential

$90/85 early bird by 11 September, $100/$95 after 11 September, $60/$55 Half day

Empower yourself with effective strategies to live a fully conscious life. To derive maximum benefits you are encouraged to attend for the whole day, although bookings may be accepted for the morning or afternoon only. The retreat is designed for students of all ages and levels of experience and includes a nourishing hot lunch catering to each dietary request. A deposit of $50 is required to confirm your commitment and secure a place. Please contact me if you have any questions, requests or suggestions to help motivate you to live well.

Mobile Phone Etiquette

Please turn OFF your phone prior to entering class. The subtle benefits of the hatha yoga class are reduced when phones are set on silent or vibrate, and even more so if they ring! The outward energy flow distracts students from an inward focus, and hinders purification of prana, the life force vibrating at every level of our being – physical, vital and mental.

Please let me know if you require further details regarding any of the special events detailed above. Advance bookings are always welcome. May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light!

Om…Marie

Namaste

Practising yoga develops intuition. We listen to our bodies and learn to trust in the intelligence of our inner voice. The practices invite us to be present in each moment in a fresh new way. We grow to be more open, and invite a willingness to ‘adapt, adjust and accommodate’. Discovering more about ourselves and our bodies, we instinctively tune into our natural resources. Life isn’t always predictable, but yoga provides the means for us to maintain equilibrium, and to trust our inner strength and wisdom. The practices cultivate a deep sense of contentment, wellbeing and fulfilment that we can draw on during our daily activities.

Meditation 101 – Saturday 13 May 10:45am-12:45pm, $29/$25 concession

Develop clarity and improve concentration as you experience the many benefits of this age-old practice. Regular practice helps us cope with stress, improve health, unlock creativity and more! Find out what meditation is, how it works, and how it can become an enjoyable daily experience. This session is suitable for new students and seasoned meditators wishing to review the basics.

Chanting with Shanthi and Marie at Sandringham – Sunday 21 May 3:00-4:30pm, $10/$15 families

Enjoyed for thousands of years in many cultures around the world, chanting relaxes and energises the body, quiets the mind, opens the heart, lifts the spirit and connects people of all backgrounds. Everyone is welcome and no chanting or yoga experience is required. Please liaise with me for the address of Shanthi’s home studio.

Slow Asana – Monday 5 June 6:00-7:30pm, $22/$19 or use your class card

Consciously feel into your entire being. Explore the senses in a leisurely way. ‘Be’ and ‘Do’ slowly! This hatha yoga class invites your body, breath and mind to slow down during all aspects of the primary Integral Yoga sequence and to appreciate the effect of each movement emanating from the milieu of your inner stillness.

Sanskrit Hatha – Saturday 24 June 9:00-10:30am, $22/$19 or use your class card

Refine the Sanskrit pronunciation of each practice in the basic Integral Yoga hatha class. Focused repetition of the Sanskrit terms helps build a peaceful vibration throughout every layer of your being and promotes a clear contrast to the backdrop of silence from which all sounds emerge.

Future Diary Date – Saturday 14 October 9:15am-5:00pm

Expressions of interest are welcome regarding the annual Retreat Day in St Kilda Road.

Thank You

I am grateful to Shanthi and Eileen for teaching the hatha yoga classes during my absence. Thank you to all students who supported them with their regular attendance and assisted with packing up after class.

 Multidimensional Health

Jivana Jarrod Vains is aligning his passion for yoga and spiritual life as a vocation, and has launched a new venture involving energy healing, cosmic abundance and numerology. Further information is available at www.multidimensionalhealth.com.au or phone Jivana on 0417 301919.

Inner City Accommodation

A long term Integral Yoga teacher currently working in Sydney is being transferred to Melbourne at the end of June. She seeks to rent an inner city studio or one bedroom apartment, short or long term, or a share situation. Please let me know if you have any suggestions in this regard.

Please contact me if you require further details regarding any of the items detailed above. Advance bookings are always appreciated. May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light!

Om…Marie

Namaste

“It is an illusion that yoga is something you do alone on your mat. In truth, everything that we learn has come down to us through a long line of teachers and students, from Patanjali’s first lectures over two thousand years ago to the creative license teachers take today as they refine poses and create new traditions. I have never subscribed to any one form of yoga, or any one teacher, but have taken the attitude that I can learn something from everyone… My inner guru became my best teacher as I experimented on the mat, coming up with my own discoveries…While yoga is a cultivation of attitude that occurs throughout your day, your mat becomes the sacred classroom you enter whenever you practise. Therefore, your mat becomes… a place to step onto with reverence and intention, to hold you in grace as you open… Before you step onto your mat, think about your intention. Why are you practising? What do you hope to accomplish today? Perhaps you want to dedicate your practice toward some purpose – the healing of a friend, the contribution to a peaceful world, or the resolution of a difficulty. Perhaps you want to calm your mind, heal your own body, purify, or develop strength. Set your intention first, and then step consciously onto your mat. Always let your body and your needs be your guide… The idea of yoga is to find your centre, your stability, and your grace… deeply feel your body and the breath within each pose… Follow your own inner timing… Yoga happens whenever your consciousness pays close attention to what you are doing… Yoga happens when you bring breath to your body, attention to a feeling, or whenever you penetrate that space between your thoughts and enter a deeper presence in the moment. Yoga happens when your actions are conscious, deliberate, and aligned with your values and virtues…” Anodea Judith

Restorative Yoga with Shanthi and Marie

Sunday 23 April 3:00-4:15pm, $22/$19 concession

Restore energy, reduce stress and relax completely. Restorative yoga is the practice of specific asanas with the body fully supported by pillows, bolsters and blankets. In the supported state, yoga poses can be held for a longer time, enhancing their therapeutic benefits and helping you rest deeply and completely. New and experienced students are welcome. This session is at Shanthi’s home studio in Sandringham. Please liaise with me for the address.

 Autumn Group Meditation – The Power of Breath

Saturday 29 April 10:30-11:00am, $5⁰⁰

Meditation provides the means to access an inner knowing, enabling us to realise our full potential. Uniting in a group creates a harmonious atmosphere which deepens that experience. This session incorporates guidance to access innate intelligence, awaken awareness and enlighten consciousness. There are no prerequisites, and everyone is welcome. Self-Awareness is the underlying theme for the 2017 Group Meditation Series. Future topics are:’ Open Your Heart’ on 29 July and ‘Being’ on 21 October.

Meditation 101

Saturday 13 May 10:45am-12:45pm, $29/$25 concession

Develop clarity and improve concentration as you experience the many benefits of this age-old practice. Meditation is increasingly being recognised by the Western medical establishment as a major component in health and wellness. Regular practice helps us cope with stress, improve health, unlock creativity and more! Find out what meditation is, how it works, and how it can become an enjoyable daily experience. This session is suitable for new students and seasoned meditators wishing to review the basics.

Chanting with Shanthi and Marie

Sunday 21 May 3:00-4:30pm, $10/$15 families

Enjoyed for thousands of years in many cultures around the world, chanting relaxes and energises the body, quiets the mind, opens the heart, lifts the spirit and connects people of all backgrounds. Everyone is welcome and no chanting or yoga experience is required. This session is at Shanthi’s home studio in Sandringham. Please liaise with me for the address or further details.

 Future Diary Date

Saturday 14 October 9:15am-5:00pm Retreat Day in St Kilda Road

Early expressions of interest are welcome.

Welcome Baby Jack – Congratulations Greer and Gareth

It is a joy to announce the safe arrival on 3 March of precious baby Jack weighing 2.9kg. Greer savoured the benefits of attending classes all through her pregnancy, and practised with us the evening prior to giving birth. It was a joy to visit them at home, with little Jack so peaceful and content. Greer thanks you all for the card and good wishes. The baby dream catcher which has been absorbing our peaceful energy at class will hang in the calm, white nursery. Congratulations, love and kisses to all the family from the Integral Yoga sangha.

 Hatha Yoga with Shanthi and Eileen – in the hall as usual

1, 3, 8, 10 April, $22/$19 concession or use your class card

Wonderful opportunities to attend class with two committed teachers entrenched in the yoga principles and lifestyle. Shanthi will teach on Saturdays and Eileen on Mondays. Please support them with your regular attendance and assist with packing up after class. And thank you Eileen for teaching on 25 March.

Classes as Usual

The Saturday and Monday classes will be held during the Easter weekend.

Contact

I am taking a short break between 28 March and 12 April and will not access phone or email messages during that time. Your queries, comments and suggestions will be attended to when I return.

Please let me know if you require further details regarding any of the special events detailed above. Advance bookings are always appreciated. May the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light!

Om…Marie