May 2022 newsletter

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Welcome to our May newsletter.

To lighter days, more sunshine, blooming gardens,  and bank holidays! Our horse chestnut tree outside the window is at its most glorious!

As ever, the details are below and in the calendar – please check it!

With best wishes from Sharon and all the teachers and therapists at Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre

Energy centres, Cakra-s and health

cakras diagram
The Yogin-s understood the human body differently from how we perceive it today. Apart from understanding it as a complex physiological structure, the Yogin-s also realised that we are made up of an intricate subtle body.

An important part of this subtle entity is the major energy centres known as Cakra-s, (note Western spelling with an ‘h’ to help pronunciation of the Sanskrit) which are linked together through subtle channels called the Nāḍī-s. Each of these Cakra-s is associated with vital physiological and emotional functions. Hence the Yogin-s firmly believed that any imbalance in the Cakra-s could result in physiological and emotional illness and vice versa.

Thus they had a deep and profound understanding of the Cakra-s and also developed tools and methods to influence them when they were in a state of disharmony. In fact this understanding of the subtle body was the main basis for evolving the multiple tools of Yoga.  For each modern Yoga practitioner it is important to learn the way Yogin-s saw the human body through this understanding of the subtle anatomy and how Yoga’s tools can be utilized to influence the energy centres in the body. When the Cakra-s are properly understood and Yoga’s tools are appropriately administered, they become powerful allies in the path of health and expansion of hidden potential.

The many tools of yoga include postures (Āsana), breath regulation (Prāṇāyāma), meditation (Dhyāna), dietary recommendations (Āhāra-niyama), lifestyle suggestions (Vihāra-niyama), chanting (Mantra), visualisations/affirmations (Bhāvanā), special energetic seals (Mudrā), symbolic gestures (Nyāsa) and guided self-inquiry (Svādhyāya).

Dr Kausthub Desikachar will be in Dorset in June and will offer a 3 day course at the yoga centre on the 10th, 11th and 12th June exploring these energy centres.

In addition, on Friday evening he will offer Vedic Chants for Peace (donations to charity), and on Saturday evening he will give a free lecture on his 3-year yoga therapy course, which he hopes to run again in 2023.

A simple practice to become more aware of each energy centre is to hold your hands over each cakra, either going to sleep at night or in the morning before getting up, or both and noticing any sensations such as  heat, coolness, a sense of energy or lack of, or simple take your thoughts to each centre when you have a quiet moment.

As with any aspect of yoga, practice is needed to be become more aware and skilled.

~ Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tat nirodhah ~
~ Patanali  Sutra 1.12 ~
~ The state of yoga arises out of regular practice and detachment ~

Classes, Courses and Workshops: May

Breathing and Yoga Nidra with Sharon Cox-Button

Yin yoga with Chrissie Haskett

Rajadhiraja Yoga with Jez Culley

Om Shanti/Kirtan with Magdalena Atkinson

Yoga Sutra of Patanjali with Sarah Ryan

Restorative Roll and Release with Dominique Preston

Iyengar Yoga Workshop with Cheree Low

Shakti Dance with Magdalena Atkinson

Reiki Share with Karen Giles and Wrio Russell

 

 

Courses: May

6 week IAIM Baby Massage Course with Sharon Cox-Button

3 day Exploring our Energy Centres Course with Dr Kausthub Desikachar