Land of Yoga Newsletter #7

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Hi Everyone!
Welcome back to a new year full of possibility,
hopefully one of great Health and fulfilment for you all.

 
Land of Yoga is back to normal now
operating the usual timetable.
And Louise (the cat) has returned fitter than ever!

 
I hope that many of you will find a way to come regularly
and gain the wonderful benefits sitting here waiting for you.
May Total Health be your reward.

 
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THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

 
The following are brief descriptions of an ancient text
as a guide to contentment and wisdom.
Practise these ways for certain synchronicity with others:

 
1)Be Impeccable with your Word:

 Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean.
Avoid using the word to speak against yourself,
or gossip about others.
Use the power of your word in the direction
of Love and Truth.

 
2)Don’t take anything Personally:

 
Nothing others do is because of you.
What others say and do is a projection
of their own reality, and their own dreams.
When you are immune to the opinions and actions
of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

 
3)Don’t make Assumptions

 
Find the courage to ask questions and to express
what you really want.
Communicate with others as clearly as you can,
to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama.
With just this one agreement
you can completely transform your life.

 
4) Always do your Best.

Your best is going to change from moment to moment;
it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick.
Under any circumstance, simply do your best,
and you avoid self-judgement, self-abuse, and regret.

 
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CONFEST

 
Over the New Year I went again to Confest -
my favourite festival and to me the best gathering
of people I can expect to ever be with.

 
Permanently situated near Moulemein/Denilequin
just over the NSW border, the site includes Gulpa Creek
which provides the necessary cooling for 45 degree days.
As a massive campsite, the area has an extended network
of hoses channelling drinking water around.
There is a vegetarian market. That’s about it.

 
Very much a family environment, kids are everywhere
doing their own thing in a very safe, mostly drug-free place,
while the adults attend hundreds of alternative therapy workshops
held for free all day long, including Yoga, Tai-Chi, Massage,
Nutrition, Body-painting, Hypnosis, Feldenkreis, Tantra, 12-Step,
Men’s Groups, Women’s Circles, Chanting, Kundalini, Reiki,
Feng Shui, Drumming, Tarot, Runes, Flower Essences, Mandala,
Communication, Didgeridoo, I Ching, Meditation, First Aid…

 
There is no electricity, hence no loud speakers booming Trance
music, so the place is generally quiet except for the constant
distant sound of drumming groups and dancing.
Fire-twirling, juggling, an Art Centre, a massive mud bath,
a steam room...and many people either sit around
the chai tent talking, or at the river swimming.

 
The best thing for me is that almost every person there
is well-developed on a personal level. These are people
who mostly place wisdom, maturity, health, and community,
- and personal responsibility - as priorities. 

Confest is on every Easter and New Year periods.

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 PRE-NATAL YOGA

 It seems like heaps of people around Preston
are pregnant at the moment! That’s great,
and it makes me feel the presence of Family.

 
For those who are pregnant,
from a Yoga perspective at least,
the greatest priority is that they focus on Relaxation
at least once a day, for say 30 mins. On their own.

 
Lots of deep breathing, and the big ‘SIGH’  is perfect.
If doing any stretching, the biggest emphasis is on Gentleness,
and on moving Blood around the body.
This keeps all the cells fresh, clean, and vibrant.
Pregnancy is not the best time for striving, pushing, trying hard,
seeking perfection, or fitness. It is a time to nurture
one’s own body as well as that of the baby’s.

 
Yoga Nidra is recommended every day.
Meditation, also.

 
Hopefully some pregnant mums get such opportunies.
They may need to be supported in this by their partners!

 
There is one Pre-Natal Class at Land of Yoga
every Monday 9.30-11.00 AM.

 
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DOCTOR QU’AC

 
Please feel free to submit some questions for discussion.
Email to toby@landofyoga.com

 
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UPCOMING EVENTS:

ENTER THE YOGA DREAM

 
Sunday Feb 3^rd, 10am-3pm.
A Deep experience of Yoga, the normal 10-12 Class runs, 
we take a short break, and then go back in for more.
This is a real opportunity to experience a range of Yoga practises
without being rushed, having time to open up and release.
No-one has said that these sessions are difficult.

Cost $24/20.

 
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LEMONS!

 
Does anyone have a surplus of fresh lemons?
We always need some at the centre,
and would gratefully accept some donations. Thanks.

 
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I hope you all are nicely settled again
after the often frenetic time of Christmas and summer.
And I hope to see many of you again in the centre
investing further into your own well-being.

 
Lots of love, Toby.

See Toby as YOGA BEAR! FUN YOGA FOR KIDS Funny and Creative DVDs and Magical Dream CDs available at www.yogabear.com.au