This newsletter will cover July and August’s news and events and then there is no newsletter until September.

We have passed the longest day of the year, and many of you may have celebrated the Summer Solstice enjoying the long light evenings. Although the days are becoming shorter and we turn toward the darker part of the year, I love the calmer energy of July and August. Summer becomes lazy rather than frenetic. I for one am looking forward to lazy days of reading and drinking tea in the garden, going to the beach, swimming and camping rather than all the rushing around of the past few months.

The emotion of love is universal and if approached skilfully and mindfully, love has the power to heal and nourish on a deep and profound level. The ancient yogis saw love and devotion to be such a powerful tool they created an entire branch of yoga called Bhakti yoga. Here are some inspiring quotes of yoga and love to inspire your practice throughout the Summer both on and off your mat.

“You are loved for being who you are, just for existing. You don’t have to do anything to earn it. Your shortcomings, your lack of self-esteem, your physical imperfections, your economic success – none of that matters. No one can take this love away from you, and it will always be here” – Ram Dass

“To love, we need to be sensitive to those around us, which is impossible if we are racing through life engrossed in all things we need to do before sunset. In fact I would go to the extent of saying that a person who is always late will find it difficult to love; he will be in too much of a hurry” – Eknath Easwaran

“Learning how to love is the goal and the purpose of spiritual life – not learning how to develop psychic powers, not learning how to bow, chant, do yoga, or even meditate, but learning to love. Love is the truth, Love is the light” – Lama Surya Das

“To love those that love you is easy. To love those that love you not is not so simple. If you want to change anyone set a better example. Show more kindness, more understanding, more love. That has a sure effect. To those who are not kind, show kindness. To those who are mean, show bigness of heart” – Paramahansa Yogananda

“Understanding someone’s suffering is the best gift you can give another person. Understanding is love’s other name. If you don’t understand, you can’t love” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“Everyday, think as you wake up, and say, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can” – The Dalai Lama

It is a quieter time at the yoga centre in August for us, as many students are on holiday or enjoying the outdoors and many teachers take a break too. Having said that, we never shut our doors, and throughout the Summer there are still plenty of classes and workshops. If your teacher takes a break, you can always find out what else is on by having a look at the calendar on the website:

https://www. dorchesteryoga.co.uk/calendar/

Our therapy room remains busy throughout the Summer, and our in-house massage specialist, Melina, is offering a 10% summer discount on all treatments in July. Why not treat yourself to a full body Swedish massage combined with energy healing for soothing, relaxing and opening to the high summer energy. She also offers relaxing reiki sessions for cleansing and recharging as well as breathwork sessions for deeper journeying and connecting with self. The offer is open until the end of July.

Get in touch to book your summer treat!
Message/call on 07538 540563
Email: melina@existinghuman.co

New Classes and Courses

In September, we have a new Beginners class starting with Claire Jones on Mondays at 7.30pm. If you would like to book this class or get more information please contact Claire on 07841 112686 or email clairejones663@gmail.com

In the Autumn, beginning Sunday 13th October Marj Snape is offering an exciting opportunity to deepen into the authentic spiritual practice of Advaita Vedanta. A 3-year course, meeting 4 times a year exploring progressively the wisdom teachings of Vedanta and the great questions of life. Who am I? Why am I here? What is this experience? The sessions will include meditation, discourse, teachings from Vedantic texts of The Bhagavad Gita and The Upanishads and supportive group discussion. Excellent resources are available for private study and reflection as you absorb the teachings and integrate them in a practical way into daily life. A genuine programme of spiritual awakening suitable for all levels of experience and students new to meditation and spiritual enquiry. For more information contact Marj at marjsnape@gmail.com or call 07747 429559.

And a reminder of our new monthly class Conversations with Chris, on the first Wednesday of the month.

Enjoy your Summer of Love From Sharon et al