Land of Yoga Newsletter #6

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12/12/07

 
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Hi Everyone!
This is the last Newsletter before Christmas.
Please note: there is a change to the normal timetable
over this period, CLICK HERE to see.
Normal classes resume Wed Jan 16^th.

 
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Hopefully all of you in some way are connecting
with your family over the next few weeks.
It’s a good time to choose Forgiveness over Anger,
and Humility over Being Right!

 
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Film to see: Into the Wild (Sean Penn)
- For a Spiritual Human Experience.
Out Now.

 
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KARMIC PATTERNS/OPPORTUNITIES

 
Not everyone will believe this discussion,
but it is worth considering as a possible way
to understand life and the relationships we all have.

 
Personally, I have understood this concept much
more completely whilst doing the White Light Essences.
Things became very clear during this process.

 Most Buddhists will have some theory
about Karma and Karmic patterns,
which must by nature of consciousness
be played out over a certain number of lives.
For me the best way that makes sense
is that I have certain Karmas to play out in this lifetime,
and that will usually involve certain themes and/or people.

 
This can be understood on an energetic level,
and as most westerners feel comfortable accepting
that everything in existence is vibrational,
well then it can fit that energy needs to be resolved -
and can manifest in reality as things, people, and events.

 
Try considering all the people and events in your life
that represent significance - be that positive or negative.
Whatever you struggle with, whatever persists as a theme
continually unresolved, it is possible to see the karmic
pattern in this. Those experienced in meditation can always
see patterns more clearly - for they are trained -
and when one truly recognises a theme,
one can work with it, open to it, trust it, use it.

 
It is my practise to observe any movement as related
and reliable. If it persists, I observe its relevance.
And then to accept such patterns and themes
gives trust, wisdom, understanding, and peace.

 
While this may not be easy, it can be useful.
It makes sense to me that the people in my life
relate energetically - or Karmicly - and the choice
on offer is to trust this, or resist it.
Personally, I always find resistance untenable.

 
Karma means the work one must do.
When I see what Karmic theme is apparent,
I know then what I have to do.
Every moment is an opportunity to stand for
who we are and what we are here to GIVE.

 
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TOPIC OF THE WEEK:

TRUST vs FEAR

 
I recently wrote a letter to the YTAA
(Yoga Teachers’ Association of Australia).
I felt the need to express a concern about an apparent
system of Control and Fear developing in the Association.
I have included this letter if you want to see it: CLICK HERE

 
Regardless of opinion and Rights and Wrongs,
most pertinent to me is the familiar concept of Trust vs. Fear.
According to Yogic Classical texts, everything is very simple:
There is either total Union (Yoga) and Trust, or there is not.
When there is not, suffering and illness arrive.

 
The Avadhutta Gita best shows that Duality is the root of struggle.
The dualities of Good/Bad, Happy/Sad, Right/Wrong, Self/Other…
The object of Yoga is to merge with totality
as a wise understanding of reality.
Naturally, total Health would accompany such awareness.

 
The great God Insurance is a classic example of Fear.
Why would a Yogi fear something going wrong, EVER?
Especially not in a future that doesn’t exist.
And yet most of the world is in the grip of anxiety,
concern, doubt, worry, stress, resignation, and sickness.
Most people think Caution is a good way to avoid suffering,
unaware that the intrinsic doubt will always BE suffering.

 
Anyway, a good example of my own doubt
was the fact that I even wrote a letter of concern.
Being totally trusting, why didn’t I just allow them
to do what they want…myself accepting,
and knowing that all goes the way it needs to go?
Blatantly I panicked!

 
Have a look yourself: How many of your actions and reactions
are directed by Total Trust. And which ones aren’t?
The Key to Happiness and Health lies within.

 
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DOCTOR QU’AC

 
Thankfully, no-one has any concerns or health questions!
So Doctor Qu’ac can go to the Bahamas for Xmas
comfortable knowing all is well on the western front.
Feel free to bring him back!

 
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WORKSHOP IN QUEENSLAND:

ENTER THE YOGA DREAM.

 
A Five Hr session in Yungaburra, near Cairns
on Sunday Dec 22^nd, 9am - 2pm.
I’ll be running this, so if anyone is up there
or knows someone will, feel free to contact me about it.

 
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WORKSHOPS IN THE NEW YEAR:

PRANAYAMA - The Science of Breath Control

 
Back at Land of Yoga in Preston,
Sunday Jan 20, 1 - 4pm; Cost $20.

 
YOGA FOR DOCTORS

 
A FREE 2 Hr session to be held on Sun 27^th Jan.
This will be a session for any doctor interested
to find out why Yoga works,
and how it can suit their clients.
If you know of anyone who might like to come,
please let me or them know.

 
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YULETIDE BLESSINGS

 
I hope you all enjoy a break and spend some quality time
with your families. Eat well, drink well, drive well.
See you in the new year with lots of healthy resolutions
and good intentions that we can all laugh about together!

 
Try to remember the Breath.
Love Toby xx

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