What are you dancing with in your life? What is your music?

When coming to write this I was thinking a lot about Yoga as a dance and the Hindu god Shiva – especially as Nataraja. I was connecting to the Vinyasa flow of Yoga and looking at my statue of Nataraja. The King of dance -Nataraja is a portrayal of Shiva as the cosmic dancer who performs his divine dance to destroy the universe in preparation for the creation process once again, for everything has cycles. To understand the dance I found to understand the concept of dance useful.

Dance, just like Yoga, induces movement, trance or meditative state, even ecstasy and the experience of the Divine. Shiva as Nataraja depicts stillness and motion in one, the stoic face of Shiva represents his composure, unaffected by all forces going on around him. Is this not a state we are all trying to achieve in modern day living?

During the practice of Yoga there is movement through the asanas and even when holding an asana there is still (excuse the pun) movement of the breath, the pulse of prana within so there is stillness and motion in one in the asana. The dance of Nataraja portrays all life and its polarities, the oneness in everything.

My dance…
For me the dance in my life is quite simply Yoga and my music is the evolving connections I make with the rhythms, pulse and creativity of life as I move through it. I think of the sequences of asanas of my Yoga as a dance that flows, resonates and moves me from within, enhancing the music of my soul, my Divine nature. This evokes the dance to evolve even deeper and further, reminding me of my Divine nature and its connection to the Divine all around. 

I am always dancing, the music within still plays, just different melodies, different vibrations; surrender and stillness turning inwards, along with dynamic, vibrant, uplifting and expansive, they are all one – Divine.

Just like Shiva as Nataraja we are all performing the dance in life through our ever changing cycles; on the one hand Shiva is tranquil, meditative, inwardly calm absorbed in the Supreme Consciousness where all differences dissolve. Yet on the other hand Shiva is total activity, frantic, playful and life’s energy as he performs his dance of destruction and creation. Does this remind you of some of your many life states?

The king of the Dance
Nataraja encourages all individuals to overcome complacency and get his or her act together – for anything is possible when you open up to greater possibilities in the dance.  The dance of Shiva represents five divine activities; creation, protection, destruction, concealment and revelation or Grace. These are all represented in the four arms of Shiva dancing in a circle of flames, lifting his left leg and standing on the dwarf, Apasmara who symbolises ignorance.

Shiva’s upper right hand symbolises creation, holding the drum which is the beating pulse of the universe and the music for Shiva’s dance. The upper left hand holds the fire of destruction; fire destroys all at the end of each cycle of creation. These two hands are symbols that portray the intricate balance of the forces of creation and destruction in the universe.

The lower right hand is held in abhaya mudra, a mystical hand gesture that means fear not or Have no fear. This signifies protection from evil and ignorance. The uplifted leg signifies Revelation or Grace that liberates all souls. The lower left hand represents concealment; it crosses the heart signifying how one forgets or looses touch with their heart concealing or camouflaging the heart qualities and forgetting one’s true nature, which is inherently Divine at essence. This lower left hand points to the uplifted leg in assurance of Grace, surrender and liberation, and each individual by means of revelation or Grace reunites with the Divine within.

The image of Nataraja has Shiva dancing in a circle of flames represents the  field of the dance with the whole universe and the lotus pedestal on which Shiva rests places this universe within the heart or consciousness of each individual. Shiva dances on the body of Apasmara -the man of forgetfulness, personifying ignorance and laziness. So creation and all creative energy are only possible when the weight of inertia is overcome.

Shiva also has the snake around his waist representing the kundalini or divine energy found in all beings and Shiva’s hair which is usually piled up in a kind of pyramid on top of his head flows freely, dispelling the idea of a conventional ascetic in his frenzy dance of creation and destruction.

Opening up to something Greater
The Nataraja depicts not just a mythical event of a deity, but on a universal level represents the cycles of life, the forces of nature, that constantly evolve and change and the aspirations and even the limitations that each individual tries to overcome in life.

When I think of Shiva I also always think of his consort Shakti who balances the extreme ascetic in Shiva. So as you dance in life, I invite you to evoke the masculine image of Shiva, his strength, courage, stillness, faith, freedom and steadiness and also bring in the feminine Shakti energy of freedom, surrender, joy, playfulness and reverence.  For Shiva and Shakti are one Ardhanarishvara. Bringing these qualities forth helps you to appreciate all qualities of the heart on your Yoga mat and then bringing forth Yoga in all aspects of life.

All life comes in cycles, for me this is very apparent at present. Nataraja is encouraging you to win, go further, dance your dance with 100% attitude and love, for you are Divine already. When you open up to something greater, this Divine spirit moves you differently and the whole dance is a joy. Enjoy life’s greatness; celebrate the light and the dark, the contraction as it brings forth new expansion, as one cycle closes a new one is born.
Join me and connect with your heart as the music of your soul dances divinely!

Namaste

Michelle
http://www.yogarelax.co.uk

Alleviation for Cancer Sufferers by Krista Peterson

Krista kindly wrote this piece for YogaRelax to share how Cancer patients are receiving peace of mind from Yoga. I thank you Krista for sharing, Namaste Michelle

Yoga offers a way to heal 

Going through the treatment process for cancer can be one of the most difficult and challenging experiences you can imagine. Even in treatment, there are multiple stages of therapy, and a number of side-effects that can be incredibly taxing on the body. Complementary treatments have grown exponentially in popularity in recent years due to the ability to relieve some of the rigors of traditional treatments. One of the more popular and better known options is yoga.

One of the larger reasons for the popularity of yoga in medical circles is because of its focus on both the mental and physical aspects of the self. This popularity is also partially attributed to the diversity of the practice of yoga. Patients can engage in yoga sessions around their own treatment schedules. They can take party in short daily sessions, or longer sessions space throughout the week.

 For patients with terminal illnesses, yoga can provide a tranquility and peace of mind, and can also help to provide some clarity for patients going through some of their darkest times. A good example would be patients afflicted with mesothelioma, a rare cancer related to the exposure from asbestos. These patients have an extraordinarily low life expectancy rate, and can use yoga to relieve a lot of the stress and difficulty they may be facing during these times.

The benefits of yoga are common to most households, and have gained popularity as a low-impact exercise routine that not only burns fat, but also melts the body and mind through meditation. For cancer patients, the physical attributes are far more meaningful than just exercise. Yoga is used to relieve the symptoms of the affliction and help the patient feel as though they are on the path to recovery, and can improve sleep in sufferers as well.

Yoga will likely continue growing as a viable complementary treatment as a result of its combined mental and physical benefits. As the research on the subject continues, yoga is certainly on the path to becoming even more popular among terminal illness patients.

Krista Peterson
krista.peterson925@gmail.com

Namaste,
With 2010, coming to a close and the Solar Eclipse and tomorrows Winter Solstice 21 st December I thought i'd post you this beautiful letter by Fra Giovanni.


I have had a wonderful year with Yoga classes, retreats, workshops and my therapy clients, from my heart I Thank You for your friendship, the connections I've made and the honour of assisting you on your journey in life, for you have certainly enriched my journey this year....Blessings at Christmas time and for 2011
 
Om Namah Shivaya       Om Namah Shivaya                  
Om Namah Shivaya       OM



Written on Christmas Eve 1513A.D - Fra Giovanni
"I salute you. I am your friend and my love for you goes deep. There is nothing I can give you which you have not got; but there is much, very much, that while I cannot give it, you can take.

No Heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in today. Take Heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instance. Take Peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet with in our reach, is Joy. There is radiance and glory in the darkness ... could we but see and to see we have only to look. I beseech you to look.

Life is so generous a giver, but we, judging it's gifts by it's covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering and you will find beneath it a living splendor, woven of love, by wisdom, with power.

Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the Angel's hand that brings it to you. Everything we call a trail of a sorrow is there; the gift is there, and the wonder of an overshadowing presence. Our joys too; be not content with them as joys. They too conceal diviner gifts.

Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty ... beneath it's covering ... that you will find earth that cloaks heaven. Courage then to claim it, that is all! But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together, wending through unknown country, home.

And so at this Christmas time, I greet you. Not quite as the world sends greetings, but with profound esteem and with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks, and the shadows flee away. "

with love,
Michelle x
http://www.yogarelax.co.uk/
http://www.michellecross.co.uk/

How Do YOU Connect....?

I hope this finds you in great spirits!



Do you ever think about the synchronicity of life?

The rhythms, the connections, the energy, the flow, how events happen, how you meet certain people at particular times?

I do, all the time and it got me thinking…

With the recent explosion of social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter, I’ve been thinking about how effectively they bring people together. They reveal how interconnected the world actually is. It’s so much easier these days to make friends and network with people, even though you don’t know them personally. More than that, you might never have come into contact with these people in everyday life situations, yet through the internet you are able to share experiences and emotions.

Connections
A sign of modern times, social media sites, the internet, podcasts and blogging are wonderful tools that enable us to connect with so many more people. They provide us with unlimited potential to influence and engage. The spirit of social media is one of free-flowing communication within an expanding network. You can join a group and meet new people, or reply to a discussion that has been posted. Friends of friends can join in conversations or comment of what you have written if they are of the same mind-set or share your interests.

The online community is growing rapidly and people are learning, evolving and growing. Sharing greater interconnectedness helps to cultivate compassion and awareness, allowing us to learn, reciprocate, and share stories. We can keep up to date with someone in a distant culture and support them through their pain and their joys, even if we’ve not met them before. For relatives whether close to home or far away, it’s a wonderful tool to stay in touch.

The more we participate in these media, the more we become aware of how much we are linked on far deeper levels. It’s an awareness of a collective consciousness, which you as an individual are such a big part of. Life may be an individual journey, yet increasingly we are all being bought together through new technology.

My Experience
I have learnt so much through Facebook and find it a medium of great encouragement and understanding. I am a member of many groups that share insights, beliefs and encouragement, assisting everyone who reads posts to view life positively, creating peace and harmony. Even at the darkest of times in one’s life, a few words from someone who cares enough to get in touch can be supportive and uplifting. Or you may just read something that you find uplifting or supportive, at the exact time you need it.

We all want to be happy, experience life at its fullest, feel love and joy. With so many people sharing positive experiences, beliefs, and encouragement, support is extended to you and shows you how many other people are searching or experiencing what you are.

Social media has expanded my world in the way I practice and teach Yoga. In a most wonderful way, I am united with numerous people through our shared passion of Yoga. Through sharing I learn, evolve and expand and I pass on this growth to other people I teach or come into contact with. I find this cycle of sharing rewarding and beautiful.

Unity
This interconnectedness is not something new to me but rather it reaffirms my own beliefs. Everything is interrelated, every moment, every person, every event, are all in rhythm – like the solar system, the seasons, time. Everything is an aspect of unity.

This is why there are no coincidences - things happen because you create them, or draw them to you. For every cause, there is an effect. You are able to choose to make the world or Universe a beautiful place or to make things ugly. You are able to choose to think positively or think negatively. It’s your choice what you eat – healthy food or junk food.

Consider the word Yoga, it means union: union of body, mind and heart, union of Self and the Universe – this is not something outside of us. We’re all individuals on our own individual path, yet we are not merely our bodies, we have energy which pulsates, whether or not we are consciously aware of it.

Spanda is a Sanskrit term for the subtle creative pulse of the Universe as it manifests into the dynamism of living form. Spanda is translated as a throb or pulse, or to mean vibration, movement, or motion. It refers to the waves of activity coming forth from an unseen source of spontaneous expression, radiating not only from the centre outwards, but from everywhere all at once. Spanda might be eloquently described as the essence of a wave in the ocean of consciousness.

Expand beyond a limited concept
What distracts us from this simple understanding of unity and universal interconnectedness is our mind or our head; the doubts, beliefs, emotions and stresses of life, that pulls us away from our innate nature. Yoga creates the union of merging with our true self, our true nature of being whole, all knowing, pure and good. It is this innate Divine essence that we all inherently possess. It is expanding beyond our limited comcept of ourself.

Yoga is about creating a place where you have the space to connect to your highest potential. By going within and observing your flow of energy, your spirit, your pulse - Spanda, your radiance, your essence or your light and this is One with the Universe.

Everything is in a continuous state of expansion and contraction - all life pulsates with Divine Consciousness. Yoga postures may appear still, yet there is movement where the energy flows. This energy moves you to expand and go beyond your limits, creating space and freedom in your body, joints, lengthening and strengthening muscles. When we connect with this vibration, our spiritual Heart opens, we expand and we can move through life coming from love, joy and a real passion for the flow of Life; sharing our light and connection to the vibration within and all around .

You might think that we are all separate and perhaps you feel pulled in all different directions, physically, mentally, emotionally, even spiritually. Yoga is the means through which you come back together, where you can reconnect with your true Self or nature. You communicate with your Heart, with your inner self and let it move you, guide you and shine from this.

Practice, Power and Synchronise
Through the asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing) and meditation, through the intention and focus you can liberate your Self from the “baggage” of life stresses and reconnect as a person. The body is the instrument we have to experience life on this planet, it requires regular tuning; practicing Yoga helps you to tune in, to connect, to unite and synchronise, bringing joy and freedom.

Through opening up to your physical body and the power it possesses, you become more aware of your emotions, feelings, your inner strength, balance, stability, energy, and flexibility of mind grows as well as your physical well-being. You move, even vibrate differently, not only during Yoga practice, you bring your Yoga to everyday life and feel more whole; mentally, emotionally, spiritually and realise how much everything is interconnected.

The essence of Yoga is to realise our full potential or whole essence, every day, every moment, thus creating Yoga - creating union, creating synchronicity. Even as you share your experiences through social media tools, you exercise this union, this synchronicity. As your understanding reflects into your life, you will become aware that everything is indeed interconnected… How wonderful!

Namaste
Michelle
http://www.yogarelax.co.uk/
http://www.michellecross.co.uk/

Fantastic Yoga Holiday Retreat by the Red Sea

Join me on my Yoga Retreat by the Red Sea and combine health & wellbeing with a holiday of a lifetime!

As the nights draw in and the warm summer days fall behind us, our thoughts turn to the colder months ahead. As humans, we prefer light and warmth and energy so by winter’s end, without nourishing light, we can feel jaded, run-down, and tired…

This is why I’ve decided to hold my next Yoga retreat at the foothills of Mount Sinai by the Red Sea. With a rejuvenating programme of Flowing Hatha Yoga, meditation, Yoga Nidra (guided deep relaxation) and Pranayama (breathing exercises), against such an historic setting, I want to give you an inspiring week of relaxation and healing with a difference!

As well as the Yoga sessions, you can enjoy some fantastic scuba diving, ride Arabian horses in the desert, visit the historic and majestic Mount Sinai (view the sunrise or sunset), camp out a night in the desert under blazing stars and crystal skies, or just sunbathe, shop, and dine in the exotic bazaars and restaurants. All this against the ancient backdrop of the Red Sea, desert, and the Sinai foothills…

With just so much to do outside the Yoga room, my Red Sea Retreat is also an ideal break for non-Yoga partners and friends too, so I’m offering them a special booking rate if they join you. Contact me for more details.

I’m really so excited by the drama of the location and the range of activities on offer. It’s such a great opportunity to get away from our daily routines and really unwind in superb surroundings. What a way to start the New Year, feeling focused, re-energised, and thoroughly rested!

Have a read through the full programme, and get in touch to reserve your place. I know it’s going to be a great week! I look forward to seeing you and your friends there and sharing the power of Yoga with you!

OM shanti,
Michelle

PS My forthcoming retreat at Tilton House is now fully booked. I can’t wait to meet my fellow Yogis as we practise Yoga and wellbeing in the beautiful Sussex Weald!

A Little Relaxation? YES Please!

I thought I would share with you a simple technique to reach a more peaceful, balanced state of mental well-being, improved health, so you are better able to cope with what life throws at you! This month I am sharing with you a very simple Yoga Posture - anyone can do and a FREE audio for relaxation.

Free guide for deeper relaxation

It’s a wonderful time of year to think about improving one’s health and well-being. Sadly, many of us feel tired, mentally drained, and burned out instead... It’s all too easy to lose our sense of calm and balance in the middle of our busy and stressful lives.

So, I’d like to suggest something that will help you nourish your mind and body that takes only ten minutes to learn! My Guide to Deeper Relaxation (click here to learn more) is the ultimate, no-stress/de-stress tool for busy people! The guide includes an audio track designed especially to boost relaxation and aid deep breathing. The Guide is part of a campaign I did for the health food store - Holland & Barrett and their Summer Well Being. At the bottom of the page there's an relaxation audio to obviously help you michelle to relax. - Enjoy...

Before you go onto this page I just want to share with you the Relaxation Pose - Savasana to help get you comfortable.

Relaxation Pose – Savasana

Savasana is a pose of total relaxation—making it one of the mo st challenging Asanas (postures), as you have to remain in a neutral position and be still. In Savasana it is time to observe the body and the mind and try to let go of any distractions, including the mind or thoughts that come into it. This is not as easy as you think, as the mind wanders, so just ask the mind to be calm and any thought that comes to mind, allow it to pass through and come back to focusing on your breath.

How to practise Savasana:

• Lie on your back on the floor, your Yoga Mat or even your bed, have your legs about 2 foot apart.

• Bring your pelvis into a neutral comfortable position. Making sure your lower back is very comfortable.

• Soften your abdomen - this helps your legs to let go, and allow your ankles to fall loosely to out the side, letting go of the legs completely from the pelvis.

• Feel your torso being supported by the floor. Have your arms a 45 degree angle away from the body with the palms facing up and the fingers loosely curled.

• Allow your shoulders to draw away from the ears and relax. Allow the chest/ heart area to be open, free and relaxed. Feel your shoulders to melt into the floor and close your eyes.

• Tuck the chin in towards the chest to lengthen the neck.

• This is Savasana the relaxation pose, feel your whole body being supported by the floor; the earth below and bring your mind to your natural breath and allow your self to go deeper within.

Welcome to a path of peace and good health! Enjoy your relaxation audio...

Until next time, take a few deep breaths, let go and relax, your body and mind will be gald you did!
Namaste
Michelle
http://www.yogarelax.co.uk/

The Practice Of Yoga - How does it move You?

Yoga has its roots in India, yet its content is truly universal; Yoga is a means by which you can make the changes in your lives that you desire. The actual practice of Yoga can take each individual person in a different direction. Some practice the physical aspect of Yoga, whilst others like to meditate and others makes Yoga a fundamental aspect of every part of their lives. Whichever you choose, Yoga is like a mirror with which you are able to look inside yourself.

Through the practice of Yoga the union, the coming together occurs naturally and in its own time, not when you are forcing it, rather when you are at one with the practice and it is enjoyable, comfortable and brings everything together. After-all the meaning of the word Yoga is “to join”, “to unite” or “to bring together”.

Before you have even come to practice the physical aspect of Yoga, your mind has had the thought to practice Yoga, then you choose to do it. One union of thought and then action has united to bring you to your Yoga mat...so let’s look at how else when you are on your Yoga mat and practicing the asanas (postures) you may achieve the deeper side of Yoga.

Being Present
Yoga aims to create a state whereby you are present, really present in every action, in every moment. The great advantage to this is you perform every task, every asana, every meditation, every action with attentiveness or focus and are conscious of your actions. During Yoga your action is directed solely towards the activity of Yoga that you are engaged in so it brings you to the present moment, to observe what is going on within.

You can bring this “being present” to any area of your life, for example, writing; if you are soley focused on that piece you are composing, all your creative ideas flow, you are present and connected and attentive. However if you are writing whilst thinking what you want and need to do later, then you are not really paying full attention to the present task. You are thus not present, you are divided rather than united and the piece you are writing may suffer as a result.

When you begin to study Yoga, whether it’s the asanas, pranayama (breath work), meditation, Yoga Nidra or the Sutras, you become more conscious, more aware with each step that there is a holistic nature to your being that is made up of the body, the mind, the breath and much more.

With every action there is an effect. The unity of the practice of Yoga helps to stretch the body and the mind in subtle ways that then reflects into your present moment. It enhances all aspects of human life, including your health, your breathing your relationships with others, and your behaviour. Gradually, moment-by-moment subtle changes occur as you mature through your practice of Yoga.

How do you feel...
In the physical aspect of Yoga, the Asana practice you focus on the body, the breath and the mind. These three can work separately from one another; however Yoga aims to unite their actions. Primarily people tend to see the physical aspect of Yoga - how flexible and supple you are or how long it takes to master an asana like Headstand.

What others can’t appreciate how you feel, how you breathe, or how you feel the breath or how you co-ordinate your breathing with your movement. How you feel the postures and the breath is so important. The sense of felling is an aspect of the mind.

The breath is the bridge between the body and mind, the inner and outer body. It is only by bringing together, by uniting the body, breath and mind, that you truly realise the true quality of the asana. The quality of your breath is so important as it expresses your inner feelings. For example if you are in pain or anxious or distracted you cannot control the breath.

Steady and Comfortable...
Asana means posture and comes from the Sanskrit word “as” meaning “to be”, “to sit”. Patanjali Yoga Sutras describe an asana as having two essential qualities: sthira and sukha. Sthira is steadiness and alertness, sukha is comfortable or the ability to remain comfortable in a posture.

Sthira is about being present, alert and steady both physically and mentally, sukha is about finding the ease and finding that place of comfort that feels good. Both of these qualities should be equally present when practicing any posture. The aim of practicing an asana is to achieve the steadiness and alertness of sthira and the comfort and lightness of sukha for the length of time you are in the asana. Without these qualities there is no asana…

If there is real discomfort or tension when you go into an asana, it is hard to think about anything else apart from the tension. This means that you are not ready for this asana, and a gentler one should be practiced until you are ready or you ease out of the posture. If you are comfortable in an asana yet your mind is elsewhere or agitated then you are not being present or connecting with sthira.

Yoga is about accepting yourself just as you are; from the person you are when you start your practise through to the person you eventually evolve into. Every Yoga practice is different dependent on what is happening within you and how you are feeling. Yoga gives you the mirror to see and explore. While you practice keep both sthira and sukha in mind to assist you on every journey with Yoga.

The key...
When you breathe consciously, you become aware of the significance of the breath on the body and the mind. By feeling and connecting with the breath, the quality of the breath while you practice asanas gradually improves. When practicing an asana your focus should be directed towards the movement of your breath; on the inhalation the breath moves from the chest to the abdomen and on the exhalation the movement from the abdomen. Connecting with these movements also helps sthira and sukha helping you to stay focussed and use the breath to find the comfort and stillness of the asana.

The moments of stillness between the inhalation and exhalations can also be observed. If you can master this you can direct your attention towards any sort of activity; so you see Yoga does reflect in everyday life simply by focussing on your breath. Consciously breathing is also a form of meditation.

You
In conclusion, you will perceive that Yoga is not an external experience, but rather something that you experience inside, deep within your own being. You feel it, you experience it, and it is your journey. As you practice asanas or pranayama or meditation or Yoga Nidra, you observe what you are doing and how you are doing it and how it makes you feel. You do it only for yourself to improve, to feel better and to expand yourself and to grow.

Back in London preparing for November's weekend retreat

It’s great to be here in London again after a wonderful holiday where I enjoyed some fantastic Yoga and relaxation.

Now that I’m back, I've been getting ready for my new Yoga retreat at Tilton House on 5-7th November.

I’ve designed the programme to be a wonderful tonic to prepare us for the winter season. I’m making it suitable for all levels and abilities, and of course, I’ll be offering individual attention, adjustments and support.

I’ve planned a weekend of relaxation and reinvigoration; I want to extend the feeling of well-being that we all feel during the summer months! So there'll be over 12 hours of Yoga, meditations and breathing exercises, along with wonderful food and views of the beautiful Sussex countryside.

You can read more about the weekend or book your place by clicking on the links. But don’t forget, you can always get in touch if you want to find out more.