YOGA

What to look for and emphasize. BAKASANA
Rooting firmly into the palms. Lifting of the belly toward the spine while drawing the pubic bone back and up. Keep gaze steadily and focused on one point.

Light a single candle and spend a few minutes softly gazing at the flame. Breathe deeply. Close your eyes and picture the flame that is burning brightly in your heart. Continue to breathe deeply. Meditate on your innate brilliance, goodness, and wholeness. Let your heart open wide and embrace your inner light.

• Recite the following Vedic chant/prayer in Sanskrit and/or in English

Om Asato Ma Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Lead us from untruth to truth
From darkness to light
From death to immortality
Om Peace Peace Peace

Get your Chair Pose on with Jo in our pose of the week (great for strengthening the legs!

The following technique was originally designed for practitioners to manage their energy during healing sessions.
Practised daily, this technique will help you stay grounded; to resist being knocked off balance; to be less drained at the end of your day; to deflect the negative energy of others; and to heighten your awareness. Your intent will focus the energy for any particular purpose that you choose.
Step 1 – Universal Energy (Yang): Iimagine a cloud or energy level high above your head and see your crown chakra extend up through this level; then expand and pull back until it locks and seals. This is to make sure there are no leaks, and prevent
unwanted energy from entering. Now imagine clean golden energy or white light flowing down into you.

Step 2 – Grounding Energy (Yin): Imagine roots or cords going down from the base of your spine and feet, entering the Earth and wrapping around the core. Draw the Earth energy up through your roots to fill your entire body all the way to the top of your head. The most common colours perceived are white, blue or silver. Imagine that energy inflating you tight like a ball full of air. This will prevent negative energy from being trapped in any creases and keep you very grounded and solid. Just take note as you perceive the Earth energy rising up through your body. Does it get caught anywhere? Any area you have difficulty filling needs your attention. What is happening there?

Step 3 – Heart Connection: To connect with the heart energy is to bring your attention to the centre of your chest and envisage a gold light or spark igniting the two energies. This amplifies your energy field. You can direct this energy for healing Self or others. You can also direct this energy as a shield if you have to deal with particularly negative people or situations. Simply envisage this energy as a gold shield surrounding you; a shield that will reflect all negative energies. You can still send loving energy and protect yourself at the same time. This technique is very effective and people will react because they can feel their own negativity bouncing back. Simply know that it’s their stuff they are projecting and there is no reason to give it any meaning. Use this wisely as there is no benefit in creating barriers with everyone you meet. A positive intent when focusing energy is always important.

Cleansing: At the end of your day, you can turn up your heart energy to burn off any negative energy that may have built up, and let the ash fall away. You can also simply imagine being cleansed by standing under a waterfall or even taking a shower.