Autumn
When autumn comes around, the air begins to dry, leaves fall; we reflect on time passing, things changing, we let go of what we no longer need.
The capacity (or not) to eliminate and let go is closely associated with the metal element in Chinese medical theory ; holding on to things, stifling grief, and a lack of ability to turn towards new opportunities have a negative effect on this element in our bodies, potentially adversely affecting the lung and large intestine meridians and their associated functions.
Typical dis-ease associated with these meridians include frequent colds, asthma, allergies, and as the lung meridian rules the skin such disorders as rashes, excessive sweating, eczema are also possible; dysfunctions of the large intestine meridian include chronic constipation, diarrhea and other bowel disorders.
Metal element in our lives and bodies is like an interface of exchange with the world around us. If it’s functioning well we feel clear and present, we are able to make clear boundaries, and let go easily and gracefully when needed. We neither cling to our possessions and relationships, nor do we lose them too easily and readily.
This capacity for exchange and energetic clarity impart a vitality to the life force in our bodies, and lays a firm foundation for the immune system. The capacity for oxygenisation from a clear functioning respiratory system is a great boon to the immune system.
Deepening the capacity of the breath and eating slightly more pungent foods (the flavour associated with the autumn) such as onions, garlic, ginger, shallots and mild chillis, help us release the misty fogginess of grief and suppressed emotion.
Practicing yoga at this time of the year, it’s a good time to put a gentle emphasis on chest-opening and gentle backbending postures that release the respiratory system and encourage us to engage more deeply with the world around us through the breath.
The « Resistance » workshop on Saturday 6th October from 2pm – 5.30pm addresses the functioning of the metal element in our lives through shiatsu and yoga. We experience the placement of these meridians in the body through basic shiatsu techniques and look at pressure points that can help alleviate seasonal illnesses. We will practice a gentle, accessible yoga sequence aimed to tonify and balance the lung and large intestine meridians.
Call Louisa on 0610 89 76 04 or email redearthcentre@yahoo.com for further information or to make a reservation.
Yoga – a Journey into Intimacy. Self-inquiry rather than self-improvement
Many practices can bring us into the present, integrated state of awareness known vaguely as « yoga » (« link, union, connection »). However it is worth noting that the yoga asana method has developed over millenia as a system of movement and breath awareness specifically designed for nourishing consciousness.
You are your body. Your body is the sum total physical expression of all experiences you have ever had. It is an obvious pathway through which to experience the present moment and everything that has brought you to it.
Practice yoga sensitively , honestly, nonviolently, and the inherent interconnectedness that is the basis for intelligent life and evolution is revealed. Nothing is wrong, nothing is imperfect or out of place , or to quote Byron Katie : « Loving what is. EVERYTHING is here to enlighten you « .
Whether you are flexible, stiff, young, old, skinny, fat, in good health or in bad health, in crisis or in calm, in any stage of life you can practice yoga : mindfully, generously making simple movements (for some the only movement possible is the breath – breathe in, breathe out : the basis for life and our only common denominator) and observing , accepting their impacts.
Discover Dynamic Yoga at Red Earth Centre with Louisa Raszyk. Weekly classes, see schedule.
FREE CLASS SUNDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 11am, Open Day.
Journée Portes Ouvertes le dimanche 30 sept 10H – 19H
COURS GRATUITS 10H – 19H dimanche 30 septembre
Thé, snacks et chat dans la cour toute la journée!!!
INFO /RESA : 06 10 89 76 04 / redearthcentre@yahoo.com
Red Earth Centre, 235, rue Lafayette Paris 10
10H Shiatsu (Louisa Raszyk)
11H Yoga Dynamique (Louisa Raszyk)
12H Hatha Yoga (Eric Zaoui)
13H Essences de Fleurs du Bush Australien (Louisa Raszyk)
14H Méditation Zen (Amy Hollowell)
15H Yoga prénatal (Tatiana Abbey)
16H Relaxation pour la Naissance (Elizabeth Echlin)
17H Hatha Yoga (Aloys Berdoll)
18H Yoga Irano (Aloys Berdoll)
Quelques pensées sur le Yoga
Yoga is now.
We need no millenia of masters, no creeds, no guru, no special dietary practices, no imposed preconceived practice, no prayer, no rationalised hope. No God, no esoteric knowledge, no cleansing techniques, we do not need to cross a desert nor force our bodies into uncomfortable shapes, we do not need to hold our breath, deprive ourselves of food, travel to India, wear orange, wear white, wear turbans, clean our intestines with cloths. No guru, no trimmings.
Because in simply in observing and accepting the inevitably imperfect present moment, yoga is . Accepting the stiffness, the stagnation, the lightness, the flow, the dull density….by using our yoga practice to truly access and accept the bodymind we cultivate presence and fullness in all aspects of our life, and in doing so prepare for awareness in our own death.
Yoga postural practice reveals the innate interpenetration of mind and body ; we come at a sense of integration, interconnectedness, we re-establish connection as a known physical reality. It is the practice of cultivating connectedness.
Global body investigation.
Cultivating connectedness.
Cultivating connection.
Cultivating consciousness.
Cultivating integration.
Cultivating intimacy.