Historical Yoga Room newsletter — originally prepared in December 2013 and restored from the Yoga Room archive. References to classes, retreats, prices and events below are retained as part of the historical record and are no longer current Yoga Room offerings.
As the year draws to a close, this newsletter looks at practice, reflection and the balance between connection and detachment.
In this newsletter
- Asana of the Month — Dhanurasana
- Patanjali Yoga Sutra of the Month
- Quote of the Month
- From the 2013–2014 Events Archive
Asana of the Month — Dhanurasana
Dhanurasana, or Bow Pose, takes its name from dhanu, meaning bow.
In the pose, the hands hold the ankles while the chest and legs lift away from the floor, creating the shape of a bent bow. The arms and hands act rather like the string of the bow as the front of the body opens and the spine extends.
The original December 2013 newsletter referred to B.K.S. Iyengar’s description of Dhanurasana in Light on Yoga. Iyengar describes the pose as strongly extending the spine and front of the body while working through the legs, shoulders and abdominal region.
The pose requires appropriate mobility and strength and should be approached progressively and with suitable guidance.
Reference: B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga.
Patanjali Yoga Sutra of the Month
Chapter 1, Sutra 12
abhyasa vairagyabhyam tannirodhah
Practice and detachment are presented as the means through which the movements of consciousness may become still.
I chose this sutra especially for this newsletter because it brings together ideas that can at first appear contradictory.
Connection and relationship are an important part of life, yet Patanjali also speaks about detachment and withdrawal.
Dualities are alive and well here. But bringing apparent contradictions into relationship is part of what yoga is about.
Patanjali instructs us in how to strengthen our connection to the Self. Yet what is the point of that connection if it cannot also inform the way we live and share our lives with others?
In relationships we are naturally influenced, distracted and changed through the process of sharing experience. This can be expansive and enriching.
At the same time, maintaining a connection with the Self is important in preserving our integrity.
“Practice and detachment” provide a way of returning again and again to that inner sanctuary.
Reference: B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, p. 57.
Quote of the Month
“To bring the mind to a state of innocence without ignorance is meditation.”
B.K.S. Iyengar
From the 2013–2014 Events Archive
The following activities appeared in the original December 2013 Yoga Room newsletter. They are retained here for historical interest only.
Summer Intensive
With: Maurice McCann
Dates: 9–21 December 2013, excluding 15 December
Time: 6:00–7:30am
The Summer Intensive was designed as a progressive course of morning classes, building day by day through the period leading into the festive season.
The original newsletter described it as an opportunity to prepare for the festive season and bring a sense of completion to the year.
2014 Gold Coast Yoga Lifestyle Retreat
With: Maurice McCann
Location: Yoga Room, Burleigh Heads
The retreat was presented as an opportunity to reflect on the year just passed, clear the mind after Christmas and establish intentions for the year ahead.
Participants could choose between two formats.
Three-Day Mini Retreat
Dates: 2–4 January 2014
Included: Three days of yoga tuition and one group vegetarian lunch
Price recorded in the original newsletter: $240
Full Retreat
Dates: 2–11 January 2014, excluding 5 January
Included: Nine days of yoga tuition and two group vegetarian meals
Early-bird price recorded: $525
Full price recorded: $590
The programme described approximately five hours of yoga each day, with time between sessions to enjoy the Gold Coast environment.
2014 Tuscany Yoga Retreat
With: Maurice McCann and Daniela Casotti
Dates recorded in this December 2013 newsletter: 2–9 July 2014
Location: Tuscany, Italy
The retreat was described as a week combining yoga practice with the landscape, towns, food and culture of Tuscany.
The original programme proposed approximately five hours of yoga each day, together with seven nights’ accommodation and meals.
Prices recorded in the original newsletter:
Single accommodation — €1,790
Double accommodation — €1,590
The newsletter described the retreat as an opportunity to step away from everyday routines, gain a different perspective and immerse oneself in both yoga practice and the Tuscan environment.
From the Yoga Room archive.
Daniela Casotti and Maurice McCann
Yoga Room, Burleigh Heads