Emma Whitaker in Sydney, Australia | Education
Emma Whitaker
Locality: Sydney, Australia
Reviews
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25.01.2022 Every day there is a sunrise & sunset, we can choose to put ourselves in the way of beauty. So much or our experience depends on where we place our attention. Where can you find the moments of beauty in your day? ... See more
16.01.2022 Sitting outside in the sun preparing to teach Primary Ethics at my son’s school. The topic is Pride. Got me thinking about how how societal messaging around pride comes before a fall can contribute to a sense of foreboding when we try to do something new, or go out on a limb? Does anyone else also experience this, or thoughts like who am I to put myself forward in this way? I believe that in practicing regular meditation, we are able to access a deeper part of ourselve...s that isn’t conditioned in this way, that frees us up to explore greater possibilities. Here is an excerpt from M.S.Rosso, ‘Reclaiming the Virtue of Pride’: To view one’s life as a work of art is to recognize that we are capable of becoming better and greater than we currently are. And if your life is a kind of self-creation, you don’t have to remain as you currently are; you can reinvent yourself as often as is necessary. The only question that remains is what kind of human being you would choose to become.
16.01.2022 Sign the petition in comments if you want to support the right of First Nations children to be taught about their culture & in their languages’ at School
12.01.2022 I've been promising to upload a meditation resource for some time in my classes... so after a fair bit of wrestling with technology here it is A short & sweet taste of ISHTA meditation, which I offer after class. Even a short meditation, practiced regularly can bring untold benefits. https://www.youtube.com/watch
11.01.2022 Join me Friday mornings @the_concentric for yoga follow by hot chai tea & conversations on the balcony after class x x
11.01.2022 How often do you feel bad when things don’t work out the way you think they should? Do you fall into self criticism, shame, anger or blame ? Perhaps there is an alternative, which isn’t about settling for mediocrity, but conversely developing more emotional resilience to carry on & grow...
10.01.2022 The construction team are almost finished preparing our beautiful new wellness space, we’re now waiting for the dust to settle, letting everything evolve in it’s natural time. Sometimes situations require space, time & patience to resolve, rather than effort or pushing. What is unfolding in your life that requires patience right now? #reflection #wellness #yoga #mindfulness @jadeyogamats
10.01.2022 Excited to be in New York for a 3 day ISHTA Mediatation training with Alan Finger. I’ve already been incorporating elements of this style in my own personal practice (after being introduced to it at a teacher training by Mark Breadner earlier this year). Looking forward to sharing in my classes in the new year!
09.01.2022 Wise words from this beautiful teacher
09.01.2022 Join me on Fridays at @the_concentric for post - yoga chai & chats on the balcony x x
08.01.2022 Everything is interconnected, people, country (land) & spirit; one expression of consciousness. First Nations people have this understanding deeply embedded in their culture. I had the privilege of observing this up close whilst leading Immersions to Borroloola. I hope to be part of a future that see’s indigenous wisdom shared & integrated into the fabric of modern Australia.
08.01.2022 https://youtu.be/piVfwCm97ns I've been promising to upload a meditation resource for some time in my classes... so after a fair bit of wrestling with technology here it is A short & sweet taste of ISHTA meditation, which I offer after class. Even a short meditation, practiced regularly can bring untold benefits.
05.01.2022 So happy to be able to share this video showcasing The Concentric made by the amazing team at Plazitas Creative. The style reflects our commitment to acknowledging the true history of Australia, the home of First Nations People & supporting charities & initiatives that support the movement towards reconciliation. Come join us in this beautiful oceanfront space for a workshop or yoga class with me, Paola de Teliga, Samantha Hillier, & Yoga with Zara. We operate out of a co-share space which is also available to hire during the week for events & corporate meetings. Please help me promote the community by sharing this video
05.01.2022 A short introduction to my new venture The Concentric, inspired by a vision of greater wellbeing for all .
03.01.2022 When I worked at St. Ignatius College, Riverview, I was deeply touched by Jesuit spirituality (even though I wasn't Catholic); the experience truely changed my life for the better. It brought a new awareness to my felt understanding of the world. I learned about the discernment of spirits... being able to recognise & respond appropriately to what you feel, choosing the path that takes you towards God or higher consciousness. Much of this influences the way I teach yoga & medi...tation, even if I don't use the Ignatian vocabulary, the teachings became a part of who I am & how I see the world. In a time of growing fear surrounding the Corona Virus, I wanted to share theses wise words of reflection from Fr. James Martin SJ. jamesmartinsj Dear friends: Since so many people are being affected (and some infected) by the Coronavirus, some spiritual advice. Mainly: don't give into fear, panic or demonization. St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, talked about two "movements" in the spiritual life, which can help us right now. One movement comes from God, the other doesn't. St. Ignatius, a master in spiritual discernment, called the one that doesn't come from God (and that also moves us away from God) the "evil one" or the "enemy of human nature." And it works in specific ways, which we are seeing played out today on a worldwide stage. It’s the way of the evil one, as St. Ignatius says, to cause gnawing anxiety, to sadden, to set up obstacles. In this way he unsettles people by false reasons aimed at preventing their progress." Sound familiar? So don’t let the evil one draw you to lies, rumors and panic about the Coronavirus. Because that will just draw you away from the grace, and the help, that God wants to give you. That interior voice that relies on rumors and leads to panic is not coming from God. Ground yourself instead in reality. What is coming from God? St. Ignatius tells us: God’s spirit stirs up courage and strength, consolations, inspirations and tranquility. So know your enemy! And also "discern the spirits." In short, anything that leads to despair is not coming from God. Anything that builds up hope is.
03.01.2022 I was deeply honoured to be able join a yarning circle last night at The Concentric with strong & beautiful local Aboriginal women leaders & other beautiful ...local women. We shared food, stories & culture, getting to know each other & sharing the gifts of our presence, allowing the movement of spirit to touch our hearts. We as non-indigenous Australians enjoy the benefits & blessings of this wonderful country; & with this privilege we have a responsibility to recognise that it is a land that was Stolen from First Nations People & do what we can in our own way to take the steps towards true reconciliation. #alwayswasalwayswillbe #community #connection #women #NAIDOC2020 See more
02.01.2022 For those of you asking about other classes. Would appreciate your feedback here
02.01.2022 Really fascinated by this hypothesis. Read on to discover the how research suggests breathing through the nose (as opposed to mouth) ujjayi breath, & breath retention kumbhaka increase Nitric oxide which is indicated to inhibit viral reproduction at early infection stages. See links to papers in Patrick’s copy as well as main article.
01.01.2022 The body keeps score. So much of what drives us comes from stored unconscious patterning in the body, that influences the way we perceive the world & our place in it. In my yoga classes we have been practicing moving away from conceptualising/ judging (our modus operandi) towards FEELING. Through concentrating on noticing subtleties of body sensation, eventually we are able to open to the wholeness of our present moment, rather than have it coloured by the the narrow lens of our past experience. With that awareness we are better able consciously choose how we wish to experience each moment. What are your patterns? How do they influence the way you experience life?
01.01.2022 Another reason to practice the alternate nostril breath Pranayama. As promised in class, I will shortly post a few videos of the practices online for those that wish to have guidance in establishing a home practice. See also link in comments to study that investigates the effects of alternate nostril breathing. Will explain more about how this aligns with yogic philosophy in classes this week
01.01.2022 Excerpt from the short talk I gave tonight about how yoga & mindfulness practice, can help us live in alignment with our higher potential. (Additional video in comments)