Hatha-Yoga with Natasha in The Rocks, Sydney | Meditation centre

Hatha-Yoga with Natasha

Locality: The Rocks, Sydney

Phone: +61 2 9622 0406

Address: newtown/camperdown 2042 The Rocks, NSW, Australia

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• Medical and health
• Education
• Alternative & holistic health service
• Meditation centre

25.01.2022 A timely online release of Agniyogana on demand. You can now watch this beautiful film in your home and absorb the wisdom and beauty in your own time. Enjoy

25.01.2022 An important quality to develop with all sadhana

23.01.2022 Early bird price ends tomorrow. Please contact myself or Hatha Yoga Desha to register and experience working with my teachers. Wisdom flows from those with direct experience and commitment to this path.

23.01.2022 Now that the world is opening up again after lock down we find ourselves in a time of transition. Our entry into quarantine having been sudden, unexpected and, ...for many, traumatic it is to be expected that some people have galloped out of the starting gate as if racing against the rest of us to be first to get their lives back. But since the lives they are returning to are gone - left behind in a world whose trajectory has irrevocably shifted - expectations that may have been relatively reasonable a mere three months ago have now been rendered unrealistic. The pragmatic approach to our not-particularly-brave new world is rather to make an unhurried shift back from sequestration, to progressively unfold ourselves from the indoor into the outdoor mode of being. We can term this process a sandhi, a Sanskrit word that indicates any two things joined together. The English words join, junction (and for that matter conjugal, juxtapose, syzygy and zygote, among many others) all emerge from the Proto-Indo-European root *yeug- from which also emerged the Sanskrit word yoga. The bodys joints are sandhis, as are a countrys treaties and boundaries, euphonic word combinations, the horizon, and any opportune instant. In the Vedic era the most significant sandhis for worship were the Three Sandhyas, the three moments in the day that involved shifts in the nature of light: dawn (the transition from dark to light), midday (when light is at its highest and swings from increasing from dawn to decreasing toward dusk) and dusk (the transition from dark to light). (Tantrikas and others often worship instead at the fourth sandhi: midnight, the midpoint between dusk and dawn.) Ayurveda teaches that vata has the potential to become aggravated at any juncture, hence the well-known dictum rtusandhishu vyadhayoh jayante (diseases are born at the junctions of seasons). Of the various joints that each of us negotiates daily the changeover from sleep to wakefulness and vice versa is particularly critical for our health. Far too many people make it a habit jump out of bed and into action without permitting their bodies the opportunity to warm up and gradually shift from the static inertia of slumber to the dynamic inertia of diurnal activity. This impatience disrupts the natural rhythms of prana, the life force, which translates into the physical body as physiological disharmony that is often worsened by blood sugar imbalance due to stimulants and simple carbohydrates. Add in grief from the past and fear of the future, both vata-deranging emotions, and a pattern of unevenness has been set in motion that often lasts all day. What applies to the day applies even more to the seasons of the year, the year itself, the joints of life (birth, adolescence, menopause/andropause, and death) and the switch from outer to inner focus in such activities as meditation retreats and intensive medical treatments. The key to a satisfying life is smooth transitions, departing gracefully from the previous and accelerating slowly into the following, proceeding calmly and methodically forward in pursuit of our goals. This is true for every transition, and particularly so as we emerge from enforced isolation back into public life. Each of us has the chance to make a new beginning, one that might have been impossible without this couple of months of obligatory seclusion. William Henry Channing, Unitarian clergyman, crusader for womens voting rights, and Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives during the Civil War, described his ideal of a healthy life thus: To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common -- this is my symphony. As society shifts gears yet again may we each of us take this excellent advice to heart and, leaving behind the precipitousness of the past move gradually into the future!

23.01.2022 Whenever my #Guru ji would put us in #meditation in the early morning hours he would say Never understand meditation as a burden. Always do it lovingly. As wi...th anything the #saints say, there are #secrets to this that go deeper than the obvious meaning. It is possible that approaching our #sadhana with #love can also aid our physical, mental, emotional #well-being and serve to reformat negative patterns that may have been established #inutero or during #birth. This loving attitude will exert a #healing influence on the #Vata that is predominant during #brahmamuhurta and the #relaxation will allow for the smooth flow of #Prana. More here: https://buff.ly/2xcmUeK , a short course that includes #DrWelch the ebook: #Dinacharya: Changing Lives Through Daily Living #ayurveda #ayurvedalife #ayurvedalifestyle #sunday #sundaymorning #dinacharya #dailyroutine #habits #potent #artofmedicine #artofliving #drclaudiawelch #FoundationsOfAyurveda #DrSvoboda See more

22.01.2022 A good read during this time

22.01.2022 The Healing Abilities of Trees Taoist Masters observed that trees are tremendously powerful plants. Not only can they absorb carbon dioxide and transform it int...o oxygen, but they can also absorb negate forces and transform them into good energy. Trees strongly root with the Earth, and the more rooted the tree, the higher it can extend to Heaven. Trees stand very still, absorbing the Earths Energy and the Universal Force from the Heavens. Trees and all plants have the ability to absorb the light of the energies and transform it into food; in fact, they depend on light for most of their nourishment, while water and earth minerals make up about 30% of their nutritional intake. Trees are able to live very long lives. Absorb Earth Energy: 1. Create warmth in your navel and bring the energy up to the crown. 2. Project the Chi out into the top of the trunk of the tree. Enter the tree and feel that you have a connection with it. 3. During this process you can stand farther away from the tree (ten to thirty feet). As your practice continues you can project your energy easily from far away into the tree. Let the tree take in your negative or sick energy. The energy you receive back will be balanced. 4. Let your energy flow down the trunk of the tree to its roots and into the Earth. Let the Earth Energy purify your energy. Bring this combined energy up through the soles of your feet to the perineum, then up through the Thrusting Channels, or through the Governor Channel running up the spine. Let the energy flow up to the crown and project it outward again. Repeat the process nine, eighteen, or 36 times. The more you repeat the process, the more your energy will refine and increase. You will notice the Thrusting Channels and the Microcosmic Orbit are cleaner and brighter. Once you have established a good connection with the tree, you can send your sick energy to the tree from a far distance to refine your energy or improve your health. 5. Meditate while sitting under a tree once you have developed the ability to feel the trees Chi, you can sit under the tree and meditate. Draw the trees energy into you through the stations points of the Microcosmic Orbit. https://upliftconnect.com/the-microcosmic-orbit/

20.01.2022 Vadivu - Animal postures and forms from Kalaripayyatu - the worlds first martial art, est. 1000BCE. In the 6th Century CE, a monk named Bodhidharma introduced... Kalaripayattu to China which then later formed into Shaolin Kung-Fu, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu and other Asian martial arts. According to the Mahabharata, Shiva taught Kalaripayattu to Parashurama, who was the sixth avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu. Inspired by various Kalaripayyatu masters including Kalari Kendram Delhi, Kalari Vadivukal and Sri Raj Devi Prasad. Gaja Vadivu: Elephant stance Simha Vadivu: Lion stance Varaha Vadivu: Wild boar stance Ashva Vadivu: Horse stance Sarpa Vadivu: Snake stance Kukuda Vadivu: Rooster stance Marjara Vadivu: Cat stance

19.01.2022 "One must begin at the root and grow slowly, grow with patience and grow through persistence."- Shandor Remete #shadowyoga

19.01.2022 SEASONAL MANDALA ebook by Emma Balnaves is out now at shadowyoga.com Illustrations by Alexandra Gilbert This booklet was designed as a tool for practitioners, t...o help explain the connections we have to mother nature and how to use these connections in our daily life. #shadowyoga #hathayoga #traditionalpractices #mothernature #seasonalmandala #dailypractice #emmabalnaves

18.01.2022 Looking forward to this moving artwork and documentary on the traditions of hatha yoga carried out in the modern world

18.01.2022 Studios get to open as of next week I will be teaching at two studios.... Hatha Yoga Desha Monday 6-7.15pm ~ Balakrama... Thursday 10-11.15am ~ Intro to Shadow Yoga Thursday 6-7.15pm ~ Prelude (CYS) Friday 6-7.30am ~ Personal Practice Note: I am teaching Thursday and Friday classes temporarily until Penny returns to teaching. Update will be given. The Yoga Factory Wednesday 6.15-7.30am ~ Personal Practice Please feel free to contact me for booking. Classes are limited in number due to government regulations. Peace and love to all

18.01.2022 "In a pandemic, self-isolation is called quarantine. In Buddhism, it is called retreat. From the cave of our home, like the meditators of ancient times, we can consciously kindle the lamp of compassion and connection." ~Lama Willa Miller

16.01.2022 It lies within all of us

16.01.2022 Lovely week heading into the new year with daily morning practice

15.01.2022 6 week beginners course commences this Tuesday evening. Start date: 9th July Location: Dr Earth Newtown (upstairs) Time: 6.30pm - 7.35pm Investment: $120... Please contact me with interest and queries. All welcome See more

15.01.2022 Primary asana morning intensive May 14th-16th 6.30 - 7.45am (photo credit Camila Cruz)

15.01.2022 The practice of yoga requires an open, fluid and sensitive mind, which should not be confused with an emotional mind. ~ Shandor Remete #shadowyoga

15.01.2022 I recommend sitting still or lying down and just listen

12.01.2022 Happy year of the metal rat...

11.01.2022 The Moon will move into its deeply waning balsamic phase early Thursday morning, February 20, and this phase will last until the new Moon on Sunday, Februar...y 23 at 10:32 AM EST (3:32 PM UTC). The balsamic phase is the time of the month for healing, rest, rejuvenation, clearing, and letting go in preparation for new energies coming in at the New Moon. This waning Moon is the most auspicious one of the year for those of us who worship Lord Shiva, as His sacred festival known as Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, will occur the day before the new Moon on the night of February 21 into the day of February 22 (Friday night into Saturday). Then the New Moon will culminate at the pratipada tithi on the next day, February 23. Each month of the year, yogis celebrate the night before New Moon as Shivas Night (Shivaratri), a time for deep contemplation and inner quiet, a time to journey within and bask in the true inner light that exists beyond the world of form. However, the Great Night of Shiva (Maha Shivaratri) takes place only once a year on the chaturdashi tithi right before the Sun and Moon join together in (sidereal) Aquarius. This is because Lord Shiva presides over this astrological sign, which is symbolized by the Water Bearer who pours forth the water of life, known as kundalini shakti, the essence of spiritual power, wisdom, purity, peace, and rebirth. The immortal rishis of India understood that the days around the New Moon in Aquarius are a special time for connecting with the inner light of Shiva. Physiological and bio-energetic processes can become activated through spiritual practices like chanting and meditation. This is related to the Sun and the Moon alignment that takes place not only up there in the heavens but also down here in our sublime energetic system in the higher chakras. One of the aspects of Maha Shivaratri that I love the most is that it commemorates Lord Shiva as Nilakantha, the Blue Throated One who, in order to save the world, swallowed the pot full of poison that came out of the great cosmic ocean during the samudra mantham (the allegorical churning of the great celestial waters) The poison was so deadly that Shivas throat turned blue. Thus, Maha Shivaratri every year is a powerful a time for purification within all of us and in the world. Aum Namah Shivaya! Happy Maha Shivaratri and Happy New Moon of Purification ahead! Love and light, Juliana <3

10.01.2022 Registrations close this Saturday

10.01.2022 Classes are cancelled this week. I will be in Adelaide growing and learning more about this wonderful science we call yoga First class back is Tuesday 16th April Happy Navaratri! May you get to dance with the Goddess

09.01.2022 We had a wonderful weekend hosting our teachers at Buddhist Library learning this ancient science

08.01.2022 Period Pain: What you can do at home In many traditional societies, menstruation was a time for rest and reflection, time spent in the company of other woman in... which to let go of the old and spark the flame of new life and ideas. A womans cycle was considered sacred and special, and her time away from daily life during menstruation was respected. These days, leading a hectic life, getting your period often seems more of an inconvenience than a cause for celebration. Mostly it isnt possible to take time out, but period pain can make getting through the day more difficult, or for some even impossible. It may be normal to experience discomfort and inconvenience with your cycle, but a healthy cycle should be pain free. A Chinese medicine perspective There is an old Chinese medicine saying where there is free flow there is no pain, where there is pain, there is no free flow. Period pain occurs when the blood flow in the womb is obstructed and the lining of the uterus cannot break down and exit the womb freely. We call this blood stagnation in Chinese medicine. Blood stagnation can be caused by cold, heat or blood deficiency. Cold reduces circulation through micro-vessels and causes blood to contract or coagulate. Heat causes blood to move violently and dries the blood out. In blood deficiency patterns the blood is nutritionally poor and uterine muscles become undernourished. During menstruation the blood layer, the system most closely tied to the womb, is open to the external world as the uterine lining breaks down and discharges. At this point the body is especially sensitive to environmental influences. For example, its easy to catch a cold out in a strong wind, to get cramps sitting on a cold surface or to sleep restlessly after a few drinks. Its the most vulnerable time of the cycle and a time to take special care of yourself. Menstruation and emotion The blood layer is associated with deep, complex emotion, and is where we store deep hurt, difficult memories and trauma. For those with ongoing menstrual pain, bleeding can feel like being caught in an unending, high-intensity emotional loop. Healthy menstruation presents a fantastic opportunity for allowing the physical manifestation of difficult emotions to be flushed away. Practising some self-care to promote a healthy, pain-free cycle can be very helpful. Some suggestions for promoting a healthy flow These suggestions are designed to promote a smooth and efficient menstrual flow, support the blood and reduce the impact of environmental influences the body. During menstruation: Rest a little more than usual, especially if youre tired Ensure your lower back, belly and feet are well covered and warm enough Many women feel better with a hot water bottle or wheat bag on the belly or lower back Use pads rather than tampons. This allows the womb lining to leave your body as quickly as possible. Tampon use can cause a build-up of stagnation in the womb over time. Favour gentler forms of exercise like walking, or yoga practices that have been modified for menstruation Avoid sex Avoid heavy lifting Avoid going swimming or going out with wet hair Avoid excessive sweating if possible. Hot baths, saunas, hot yoga and strenuous exercise are best avoided Dietary suggestions for menstruation Generally, well cooked, warm, easily digestible food is best at this time Eat blood-nourishing foods such as leafy greens, especially spinach and nettles, seaweed, carrots, leeks, sesame seeds, dates, eggs with runny yolks, butter, ghee, broths, red meat, livers, chicken, bone marrow and oysters. Some blood nourishing foods are very rich and should be eaten in moderation. Avoid eating food that doesnt agree with you. Gastric distress such as bloating, and constipation can increase pain in the womb Avoid heating substances during your period such as alcohol, coffee, tobacco, cannabis or large amounts of very hot spices such as chilli and garlic Avoid food that is cold in temperature such as ice cream, iced drinks and food straight from the fridge Peroneal Steaming Steaming is practiced by many traditional cultures around the world and is fantastic for regulating the menstrual cycle. It involves sitting or squatting over a bowl of steaming herbs. Its a wonderfully relaxing self-care ritual and can easily be set up at home with a little ingenuity and some herbs from the garden and pantry. Stay tuned for more information about steaming at home. Wearing a pelvic wrap A faha is a Mayan pelvic wrap made from a length of cloth (see photo). It is used in traditional Mayan medicine to stabilize the pelvis, engage the core muscles, support the lower back and optimize womb positioning. It is a wonderful daily support for day-to-day activity and is particularly helpful after childbirth, especially if there is pelvic instability, abdominal muscle separation or back pain. We have a range of beautiful handmade faha wraps available at the clinic. Severe Period pain If you experience severe period pain and havent yet found a solution, take heart. Many women do manage to overcome severe period pain. Often it just comes down to finding help thats appropriate for you and your body. If you have ongoing concerns about your cycle we suggest seeking help from a trusted health practitioner. Article by Rose Rowney

08.01.2022 Patterns of nature are amazing! #FloweringPlants

06.01.2022 The next Sydney Shadow yoga weekend workshop is coming early next year. Contact Penny or myself to register

05.01.2022 During the change of seasons, the agni becomes disturbed. To aid the body through this period, it is beneficial for the body to take a two week cleanse, fasting... on light cooked meals of stews and soups. Check the explanatory "Seasonal Mandala" Booklet by Emma Balnaves for more information on how to adapt to seasonal conditions. The Booklet on shadowyoga.com illustration by Alexandra Gilbert #shadowyoga

05.01.2022 During this time of global reflection, we are pleased to make available to you Agniyogana on demand. There has never been a more important time to journey throu...gh time and space to rediscover the inner dimensions of yoga, and the relevance of these in the modern world. To watch it online: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/agniyogana Trailer video: Monique Upton #agniyoganafilm

01.01.2022 Every beginner is faced with a set formula to learn which, by its very nature, carries the inherent danger of attachment. In yoga these formulas, or preludes as I term them, are vital for the proper cultivation of the key asanas.- Shandor Remete #shadowyoga