May 2007 – Issue 47

Keeping Up With Heather: Flying Off Again
Article: Spiritual Cinema
Recipe: Banana Muffins  
Meditation Room: Contract/Relax for Tension Release
Thoughts On: Your Path
Updates: Yoga Classes in Canberra,  Yoga Workshops, YTT Canada, Australia 

Keeping up with Heather

Hello Friends, 

As we move into the month of May I begin my preparations to head back to Canada for 5 months of study, teaching, visiting family and friends, and the immense enjoyment of a Canadian summer.  I will be teaching Yoga classes and workshops in Canberra right up until the time I leave, so please see our "upcoming events" for what is happening in Australia between now and June when I depart.  In my absence many of the amazing grads from our most recent Yoga Teacher Training program will be offering classes around Canberra. I will keep you updated on what is happening during the winter months in Canberra, and I do hope that you can find the support and resources that you need to maintain your fitness and Yoga practice (wherever you are in the world).

In Canada I will be working with private Yoga, Pilates and massage clients, teaching classes and workshops, and will be a part of a Yoga Teacher Training program at Balance Yoga Studio in Tottenham.  As well, I will be continuing my training as a Thai Yoga Massage practitioner, studying Ashtanga Yoga, and deepening my studies in Ayurveda.  The "Messenger" will keep you posted on all upcoming events during my travels.

Chris will be remaining in Australia for the majority of the time that I am away, and he will also be offering some workshops and private sessions, namely topics such as "Meditation: the Basics", "Self Mastery I", and other personal growth and development topics.  He is planning a 6-week trip to Canada to offer workshops and private sessions again, and we will keep you posted on his itinerary.

Travelling overseas always brings a great deal of excitement and anticipation.  What an amazing world we live in that we can step onto a plane and in just a few (well...more than a few) hours we can be on the other side of the world, experiencing different cultures, different landscapes, and expanding our horizons on all levels.  I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share my time between two such incredible countries as Canada and Australia, and to have such great friends and students in both countries that always welcome me "home" whenever I step off the plane.

Wishing you all safe travels in your own journeys... 

Namaste, Heather.

Films of the Heart

We have recently been talking a lot about some of the new "spiritual" films that are making their way onto the screen, both big and small, in the past few years.  Some would say that this is further proof that the evolution of the human spirit is, although a truly personal journey, gaining a collective force.  We have discussed "The Secret" and "An Inconvenient Truth" recently in the Messenger, and last year there was great attention paid to "What the Bleep Do We Know".  This year there are more and more films with a positive message and an intent for personal growth coming into theatres, and we hope that you are finding time to enjoy them.  Most recently "Conversations with God", based on the book by Neil Donald Walsch, "Fast Food Nation" based on the book by Eric Schlosser, and "Illusions" starring Kirk Douglas are making waves at film festivals, spiritual centres, and homes around the world.  If you are looking to enjoy some of these new films, that will surely entertain, inspire and inform, you might check out a website that offers a DVD club of spiritual films.  Although the service may not be available in your neighbourhood, this is a great way to keep in touch with the newest films coming out that may be of interest to you.

www.spiritualcinemacircle.com offers reviews, news of new releases, and sales of spiritual DVD's from around the world.

If you have seen a film recently that you think deserves a credit as a "spiritual film", why not write in to the "Messenger" and tell us all about it?  At a time when reality TV dominates the airwaves with juvenile hi-jinx and hormone-laden dramatics, it is a blessing to have so many great films out there to inspire us in our personal evolution.  But, I can't keep up with all the new movies, books and music by myself, so if you have something you'd like to share, write to heather@yogatrinity.com and tell us all about it!

Wishing you, as always, happy viewing...

Recipe: Banana Muffins

In a recent frenzy of baking (must be the cold temperatures here in Canberra) I have been trying my hand at some baking, which I assure you doesn't always come easily to me, so any baked recipes I offer here are tried, tested, and child-proof.  Here is a recipe for Banana Muffins that have tolerated my heavy-handed technique, and a few interesting substitutions.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups organic flour (I used gluten-free and it worked fine)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup organic milk (soy milk worked just as fine)
• 1 free-range organic egg beaten
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup mashed banana
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (I used almonds once, and dried fruit another time, both worked well)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400.  Grease a 12-cup muffin pan.  Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. Make a well in the centre.
2. Mix milk, egg, oil, banana and walnuts in a small bowl.  Pour mixture into well.
3. Mix batter until just moistened; do not overmix
4. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.  Bake until golden brown (or a toothpick inserted into centre comes out clean).

Makes 12 delicious muffins, serve hot, or they do freeze well for later...

Meditation Room

Contract/Relax Exercise

This exercise is an extremely useful technique in releasing tension, anxiety and stress from the body and the mind.  It is particularly useful for students who prefer a more "active" method of meditation, as this involves the body, the mind, and all the senses, it is very helpful for the active and energetic student.  The benefits of this exercise are derived most simply from the active and conscious contraction of the muscles, which helps us to remove the subtle tensions that we hold from day to day that cause aches, pains and heaviness of the body.  On a more subtle level, this exercise helps to teach the body and the mind the difference between tense and relaxed, thus leaving us free to choose a more relaxed way of living.

Preparation: In a comfortable seated position, or preferably lying on the back reduce or remove all distractions of sound, light, or physical discomfort.  Take a few deep breaths, and slowly close the eyes.  Bring the awareness to the body and sense any areas of tension and tightness in the body.  Observe the body without judgement.  Set an intention to gently “guide” the tension from the body, leaving the body restful, easeful and relaxed.

To Begin: Lift the right leg a few inches off the ground, inhale and squeeze all the muscles of the leg, pointing the toes away from the body.  Hold the tension until you feel the body beginning to resist against the tension, then exhale and let the leg completely relax and drop back onto the ground.  Be sure that you don’t “set” the leg down, let it completely release and relax.

Move on to the left leg, then follow with right leg again this time with foot flexed, left leg with foot flexed, right arm making a fist, left arm making a fist, right arm spreading the fingers, left arm spreading the fingers, move to the buttocks, then abdomen, chest, shoulders up to ears, shoulders down into body, then gently roll the head from one side to another a few times to release the neck.  Finally, move on to the face, begin by making an ugly prune face, squeezing all the muscles in towards the nose.  Follow with Lion Face, stretching all the muscles of the face by opening the mouth, sticking out the tongue, rolling the eyes back in the head and stretching all the muscles of the face, jaw even the ears.  

Be sure to inhale as you contract, and exhale as you relax, this will facilitate the greatest release of tension.  You can't go wrong with this exercise, so feel free to experiment.  If you find tension, contract it then relax it and you will find the body responding.

Once you complete the contract/relax technique, let the whole body relax and let the breath come back to normal.  Move the awareness around the body sensing the relaxation in the body. If you find there are still areas of tension or tightness, use the contract/relax movement again to release more tension.  This is a good starting point for Yoga Nidra, or you can simply take a few breaths enjoying the sensation of release, and then go on with your day.

Upcoming Events

More Yoga Classes in Canberra

• Tues (Apr 24-Jun 5) 
• 6:00-7:00pm Core Yoga (Yoga/Pilates)
• 7:15-8:30pm Hatha Yoga (all Levels)
• Wed (Apr 25-Jun 6): 
• 7:30-8:45pm Ashtanga Yoga (intermediate) 

Classes are held at the ACT Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Lady Denman Drive, Yarramundi Reach.  Join anytime, for info call 0406 784 878 or heather@yogatrinity.com    

Please note that the May 2 Ashtanga class will be held at the Southside Community Centre, 63 Boolimba Cres, Narrabundah.

Yoga Workshops

Go "Beyond the Asanas" and experience the philosophies and techniques of Yoga to calm the mind, open the heart, and experience the inner peace and stillness that Yoga can offer.

Chakra Yoga will explore the energy centers that create a link between our physical body and our non-physical body.  We will explore each of the 7 major chakras.  Learn how you can enhance your mental, physical and emotional health by working with the energy centers through movement, diet, color, the elements, sound, and meditation.  A 3-hour interactive and experiential workshop.

• Date: Friday May 18, 6:30-9:30pm
• Venue: Southside Community Centre
• Location: 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah, ACT
• Cost: $30 for one person, $50 for two students or two workshops

Mantra Yoga will explore the amazing benefits of sound on body, mind and spirit.  It is said that this form of Yoga leads one most quickly to a state of peace, calm, and connection.  We will explore some of the most common sounds in the Yogic tradition, as well as some simple chants for enlightenment, peace, and happiness.  Please keep in mind that chanting is not singing, and all voices are welcome.

• Date: Saturday June 2, 10:00am-12:30pm
• Venue: Southside Community Centre
• Location: 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah, ACT
• Cost: $30 for one person, $50 for two students or two workshops

YTT Canada

Balance Yoga Studio will be offering another 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program from September 2007 to March 2008 in Tottenham, Ontario, Canada.  For more information call Shira 905.936.YOGA or visit www.balanceyogastudio.ca     

YTT Australia

We will offering another 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and Personal Development Retreat from Nov 18-Dec 16 in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia.  This program is rapidly filling up, so please view the details at www.yogatrinity.com/ytt and register your interest with heather@yogatrinity.com 

Sanskrit Glossary:

Chakra: wheel 

A Chakra is a "wheel" or vortex of energy.  There are 7 major Chakras or energy centres in the body which act as a gateway between our physical self and our non-physical self including mind, emotions, and spiritual body.  

The chakra may be defined as the interface point between the physical aspects of the human body and the subtle, non-physical framework from which the physical is derived.

Gregg Braden, Awaken to Zero Point.

Thoughts On...The Path

If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it's not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That's why it's your path. ~ Joseph Campbell

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness.  Just because they are not on your road does not mean they have gotten lost. 
Jackson Brown

Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life. 
Burton Hills

...focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.
Greg Anderson

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast -- you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. 
Eddie Cantor