May Newsletter

As the May days are passing by, often I can’t help but feel that things are out of my control. With lockdown measures being constantly changed, it’s difficult to forecast what will happen next week, let alone in a month. In a way, I think this might be a gentle reminder that no matter how much we plan, the things around us are never really under control. Sure, this situation is in the extreme. But it is also an opportunity to learn to be more accepting of the unpredictable nature of life, and to live in the present.

Word of the month

In his Yoga Sutras, Patanjali sets out an eight-limbed path of yoga. Niyama is the second step of that journey. It represents the ethical and moral stances we should adopt with regards to ourselves, our own conduct. For example, one of the stances is contentment. Practising contentment with the people and things around us will help rid our minds of unnecessary negative thoughts. As such, niyama prepares us for the following steps on the path of yoga.

From the world of yoga

3 Mantras to Build Your Self-Love

by Daily Cup of Yoga

https://dailycup.yoga/2019/07/30/3-mantras-to-build-your-self-love/

In this blog, Aimee Hughes explores three mantras that help us build more self-love and compassion for ourselves. As she notes, "the teachings of yoga are big on self-love because of one spiritual truth: you cannot fully love others until you fully love yourself."

Practice tip

Downward-Facing Dog - Adho Mukha Svanasana

While this pose is essential to most yoga classes, it takes time to master. For the ideal distance between your hands and feet, start from the Tabletop position (on all fours) and then extend your legs. Initially, it’s also ok to keep your knees bent. The most important alignment point here is drawing the chest towards your thighs, straightening the spine.

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