I have been catching up with my study of the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali, after a busy few months. The sūtras are the most important source for any yoga teacher to refer to. They present the entire yoga system, its core philosophical principles and deep insights into the many practices. In the monthly class we are studying chapter 3 with my teacher Sarah Ryan. This is the chapter for the yogi who has achieved samādhi (meditation) and wants to explore the mind further. It is the first chapter though, Samādhi -pāda, which is more suitable to those of us with a reasonably stable mind who are trying to achieve the first goal of yoga, spiritual absorption, (no not touching your toes!!).
And I find myself this morning at sutra 1.33:
“maitrī karunā munditā upeksānām sukha punya apunya visayānām bhāvanātah citta prasādanam.”
“Develop friendliness towards those who are happy, compassion to those who are suffering, appreciation of those who do good and non-judgementalism towards those engaged in ignoble actions, the mind (will then find) tranquility.”
This is an important sutra in that Payanjali doesn’t offer a choice here, but says we must develop these 4 attitudes if we want to reach the state of yoga:
- maitrī – friendship
- karunā- compassion
- muditā- appreciation
- upeksānām- non judgementalism
Workshops in June
We have many wonderful workshops this month to support our health, alongside our usual monthly yoga workshops. The two introduction workshops to Kinesiology and Iridology are a repeat from previous months due to their popularity.
Come and explore these complementary health systems: Kinesiology: an introduction with Jane Collison and Introduction to Iridology with Sarah Burt.
There is also a new workshop called Tuning Forks Stress Release with new teacher Nicki Greenham which is being offered in the daytime and evening.
And from eyes to feet, our newest therapist to join us at the centre is Susana Woods, who will be offering reflexology in the therapy room.
New classes and courses in June
- Kim Jones starts a new 5 week postnatal yoga course on the 8th June
- Toni Franklin starts Monthly Yin Yoga classes on the Last Friday of the month 6.00-7.30pm
- Jess Obermaier starts Balance and Relax Yoga: Somatic Yoga for Healing on Fridays 9.15-10.15am
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
Classes, Courses and Workshops: June
Gong Bath with Arianna Puran Udini
- Sunday 4th 10.30-12.00pm
- More about Gong Bath
Tuning Fork Stress Release with Nicki Greenham
- Monday 5th 1.00-2.30pm
- More about Tuning Fork Stress Release
Post natal course with Kim Jones
- Thursday 8th 11.00-12.00pm
- More about Post natal course
Breathing and Yoga Nidra with Sharon Cox-Button
- Friday 9th June 6.30-7.30pm
- More about Breathing and Yoga Nidra
Introduction To Iridology with Sarah Burt
- Saturday 10th 11.00-1.00pm
- More about Introduction To Iridology
Restorative Yoga For Deep Rest with Tracey Boast
- Sunday 11th 10.00-12.00pm
- More about Restorative Yoga For Deep Rest
Tuning Fork Stress release with Nicki Greenham
- Friday 16th 6.30-8.00pm
- More about Tuning Fork Stress release
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali with Sarah Ryan
- Saturday 17th 10.45-12.15pm
- More about Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Iyengar Yoga with Cheree Low
- Saturday 17th 2.00-5.00pm
- More about Iyengar Yoga
Mini First Aid with Sue Fisher
- Monday 19th 10.00-12.00pm
- More about Mini First Aid
Menopause Yoga with Kim Jones
- Saturday 24th 2.00-5.00pm
- More about Menopause Yoga
Saturday Soundbath with Bex Leonard
- Saturday 24th 6.00-7.15pm
- More about Saturday Soundbath
An Introduction to Kinesiology with Jane Collison
- Sunday 25th 10.00-1.00pm
- More about An Introduction to Kinesiology
Yin Yoga with Toni Franklin
- Friday 30th 6.00-7.30pm
- More about Yin Yoga
Coming in July
Venture into Alignment with Ruth and Ness
- Saturday 8th July 10.30am – 1.30pm
- More about Venture into Alignment
This 3 hour workshop is a journey to a frequency gateway, aligning body and spirit using the energetics of yoga and powerful energy activations. If you’ve ever wondered “Why am I here?” “What was I born to do?” or “What is my purpose?” or if you are ready to commit to who you really are and what you came here to do, this workshop is for you.