MEDITATION - Gratitude

Again, for Yin Yoga, you will need any of these props... bolsters, blocks, pillows or cushions. Yin Yoga focuses on stretching the deep connective tissues in our bodies (ligaments, tendons, and fascia), rather than the more superficial muscle tissue. You will hold these floor-based postures for several minutes supported by the prop/s. Finding a point of challenge at first, you then absorb yourself into the practice with ease, allowing release of the deeply held tensions that we hold in the body and unleashing the stagnant or blocked energy. Ideal for beginners and those who wish to deepen their already established practice. This practice will focus a great deal on the hips.

In this episode Annemaree Rowley reflects on how valuable it is to create friendships. As she often states, friends are the greatest gifts of all and often quotes the wonderful depiction by essayist and writer, Anais Nin, "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."

In this practice find an anchor...something to hold the mind's focus, such as sounds around you, the sound of your breathing, your heart-beat or perhaps the sensation of the air gently caressing your face. This practice is for those who prefer to practise with long moments of silence. It has no music, but includes intermittent sounds of chimes to bring you back to your anchor. Enjoy!

Close your eyes, listen to the whispers in your body, breathe effortlessly, quiet your mind, move slowly, relax deeply...let go! Ideal for beginners and those who wish to deepen their already established practice. This practice has a little more emphasis on flexibility in the hips and introduces the full Yogic Breath (Maha Yoga Pranyama). Take it easy and remember to be kind to yourself! Enjoy!

For Yin Yoga, you will need any of these props... bolsters, blocks, pillows or cushions. Yin Yoga focuses on stretching the deep connective tissues in our bodies (ligaments, tendons, and fascia), rather than the more superficial muscle tissue. You will hold these floor-based postures for several minutes supported by the prop/s. Finding a point of challenge at first, you then absorb yourself into the practice with ease, allowing release of the deeply held tensions that we hold in the body and unleashing the stagnant or blocked energy. Ideal for beginners and those who wish to deepen their already established practice.

CONVERSATIONS - COOL, CALM & COLLECTED Our health is our wealth, that we know. Stillness of mind is imperative to retain our sanity. It takes a calm mind to be clear. It takes a clear mind to be able to look at life from all different angles and others' points of views. It takes an open heart to be compassionate, kind and willing in order to source wisdom. It takes wisdom to understand and pursue the pathways to peace. Therefore, perhaps in light of these attitudes, the question that is often asked in the schools of philosophy and to perhaps be considered at all times is: What would a wise person do? Follow Annemaree to practise mindfulness and yoga with her, and to discover the way in which the beauty of the world is viewed from her eyes and heart: https://insighttimer.com/AnnemareeRowley https://www.instagram.com/annemareerowley https://www.pinterest.com.au/annemareerowley/ https://twitter.com/coolcalmyoga https://www.facebook.com/annemaree.rowley

Sometimes the universe deals us some truly painful cards and often a vulnerable hand. So we need to surrender, to learn to accept what is. There will be many times and many situations when we simply lose control and are confronted with what we cannot change and with what scares the living daylight out of us. However, acceptance is the key to ascending and transforming our lives. "Accept what is, let go of what was and have faith in what will be."

We often think that we cannot escape the past and believe that the future is forever linked to it. And so if we don't escape our past, we carry it with us and often don't realize that by doing so, we are encumbered with the same burdens and carry on with the same thoughts, behaviours and habits that are no longer useful to us. We live 'back there' and in doing so we fail to 'live here'. The future doesn't have anything to do with the past. We just think it does. We need to let go of the future too. Truly living is 'living' in this moment, stretching time and breathing more fully. The moment is fleeting. We need to grasp it and cherish it. I am thankful to the poet who kindly allowed me to use the work "Let Go". I read it to my students often and each time I do it opens new windows for them and for me. It has helped me inhale more easily and perhaps it will resonate with you too.

We need to train our minds to think beautifully. To see the gentle, soft side of co-existence. Without each other, we cannot operate effectively. We cannot live harmoniously. We cannot be peaceful. And in the words of novelist Henry James: "Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind."

What is gratitude? It is the quality of being thankful; the willingness and eagerness to recognize the good things we have in life; to identify and to show appreciation for each blessing; and to return kindness whenever the opportunity arises. What are the gifts of gratitude? We become more mindful of the little things! We let go of the unimportant and futile. We feel happy, enthusiastic, and calm. We relish the life we lead. Thank you L.R. Knost for your beautiful poem 'Life is Amazing'.