Hi !
We hope you all had a lovely Easter break and feel as blessed as we did to have such wonderful weather. Spring has definitely arrived, as the evenings are getting longer, the daffodils are starting to bloom and it's even light in the mornings now as we cycle down to the shala - what a difference that makes!
We only have one workshop review this month. Do let us know if you have any reviews, stories or experiences you'd like to share with us - we'd love to hear from you. Email us at news@ashtangabrighton.com
Don't forget, the BNHC will be closed on Bank Holiday Mondays, 3rd May and 31st May.
Namaste!
-
In This Issue:
Forthcoming Workshops- Workshop Reviews
- Jargon Corner - Ujjayi
- Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
- Off The Mat
Forthcoming Workshops
Ashtanga Clinic with Sarah Miles, BNHC, Brighton, last Sun of every month (Apr 25th). Click here for more info.- Creative Vinyasa: Weaving the Eight Limbs with Liz Lark, Yoga Akasha, East Grinstead (May 30th). Click here for more info.
- Vinyasa Yoga Weekend Workshop with Matthew Sweeney, Triyoga, London (Jun 11th-13th). Click here for more info.
- Ashtanga Yoga for the Rest of Your Life with David Williams, Triyoga, London (Jul 15th-18th). Click here for more info.
- Manju Jois Masterclasses, including self-practice, led classes, pranayama, chanting & philosophy, BNHC, Brighton (Sep 24th-26th). Click here for more info.
- Union Yoga Teacher Training with Brian Cooper, BNHC, Brighton (Sep 2010-Sep 2011). Click here for more info.
Workshop Reviews
Ashtanga Intensive with Kino MacGregor at Union Yoga, Edinburgh
Mar 5th-7th
I first heard about Kino MacGregor from a friend who told me how amazing Kino is. I thought it would be great to experience being taught by the youngest woman to hold a Certification to teach Ashtanga Yoga.
The workshop started on Friday with an incredible demo. It was very inspiring to see Kino on her mat. She moves and breathes in such beautiful accordance that you find yourself completely mesmerized. She told us how very hard it was for her to get to where she is today. She’s been through all the pain.
Saturday morning was a Led Primary class with 70ish people in the room. It was a very hot and very energetic class. Kino challenged us by counting slowly and encouraging us to stick with her count. The afternoon was about inversions, handstands and the art of balance. It was really hard work but I enjoyed it very much.
Sunday morning was a Mysore class and we split into two groups, one group starting at 9.00am and the second group at 10.15am. Kino gave me some amazing adjustments and I noticed how very strong she actually is. The afternoon session was about fearless backbends. We really worked deep inside our bodies to discover how to activate the muscles required to backbend safely and deeply.
I came away from this workshop very motivated. Kino gave us lots of little hints and tips which I’m trying to put into practice every time I get on my mat.
- Beate Broll
Jargon Corner
This month's jargon is:
Ujjayi
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronounced: "oo-jye-ee"
Ujjayi (or Ujaya) breathing is a breath technique (or pranayama) created by gently constricting the opening of the throat to create some resistance to the passage of air. It is sometimes called "the ocean breath" as the gentle pulling in of the breath on inhalation and gentle pushing out of the breath on exhalation against this resistance creates a well-modulated and soothing sound, similar to the sound of ocean waves rolling in and out.
Ujjayi is a diaphragmatic breath, which first fills the lower belly (activating the first and second chakras), rises to the lower rib cage (the third and fourth chakras), and finally moves into the upper chest and throat. Inhalation and exhalation are both done through the nose. The "ocean sound" is created by moving the glottis as air passes in and out. As the throat passage is narrowed so, too, is the airway, the passage of air through which creates a "rushing" sound. The length and speed of the breath is controlled by the diaphragm, the strengthening of which is, in part, the purpose of ujjayi. The inhalations and exhalations should be equal in duration and controlled in a manner that causes no distress to the practitioner. When done properly, ujjayi breathing should be both energizing and relaxing. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali suggests that the breath should be both dirga (long) and suksma (smooth).
Ujjayi is also known as the "hissing breath", "cobra breath" or "victorious breath" and is most often used in association with the practice of yoga poses, especially in the vinyasa style, as it concentrates and directs the breath, giving asana practice extra power and focus. This breath enables the practitioner to maintain a rhythm to their practice, take in enough oxygen, and helps build energy to maintain practice, while clearing toxins out of the bodily system. It is especially important during transition into and out of asanas, as it helps practitioners to stay present, self-aware and grounded in the practice, which lends it a meditative quality. It is also a helpful way for the yogi or yogini to keep the vital life force, or prana, circulating throughout the body rather than escaping from it.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are considered one of the most influential texts on yogic philosophy. In each issue we'll reveal a sutra for your reflection.
This month's sutra: 1:2
yogah cittavrtti nirodhah
Yoga is the ability to focus all the diverse fluctuations of thought in just one direction.
Translation provided by Hilary Macrae
Hilary has taught yoga and trained yoga teachers for many years in the tradition of Sri Krishnamacharya and his son Desikachar.
She has an MA in Sanskrit Literature and teaches the philosophy of yoga and Vedic chant. She can be contacted for individual lessons on 01273 710505 or by email.
This newsletter is lovingly prepared by Ashtangis for Ashtangis. But we need your help! If you have any information about forthcoming workshops, a review or article you have written or anything you would like to see in the next issue, please