The Dream Of Life – Alan Watts (Speech)

If you awaken from this illusion and you understand that black implies white, self implies other, life implies death (or shall I say death implies life?), you can feel yourself – not as a stranger in the world, not as something here on probation, not as something that has arrived here by fluke – but you can begin to feel your own existence as absolutely fundamental.

I am not trying to sell you on this idea in the sense of converting you to it, I want you to play with it; I want you to think of its possibilities, I am not trying to prove it. I am just putting it forward as a possibility of life to think about. So then, let’s suppose that you were able every night to dream any dream you wanted to

So then, let’s suppose that you were able every night to dream any dream you wanted to dream and that you could, for example, have the power within one night to dream 75 years of time or any length of time you wanted to have.

 And you would, naturally, as you began on this adventure of dreams, you would fulfill all your wishes. You would have every kind of pleasure during your sleep. And after several nights of 75 years of total pleasure each, you would say “Well, that was pretty great. But now let’s have a surprise. Let’s have a dream which isn’t under control, where something is gonna happen to me that I don’t know what it’s gonna be”. And you would dig that and would come out of that and you would say “Wow that was a close shave, wasn’t it?”.

Then you would get more and more adventurous and you would make further- and further out gambles to what you would dream. And finally, you would dream where you are now. You would dream the dream of living the life that you are actually living today.

 That would be within the infinite multiplicity of choices you would have. Of playing that you weren’t God. Because the whole nature of the godhead, according to this idea, is to play that he is not. So in this idea then, everybody is fundamentally the ultimate reality, not God in a politically kingly sense, but god in the sense of being the self, the deep-down basic whatever there is. And you are all that, only you are pretending you are not.

 
Credits:
Music: Goldmund – Threnody
Speech extract from “Out of your mind” by Alan Watts, courtesy of alanwatts.org

 

A Regular Yoga Practice Helps Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles

Certain yoga poses can be great to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

It is important for both men and women to look after the Pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening our pelvic floor muscles will help us actively support your bladder and bowel. This improves bladder and bowel control and can reduce or stop leakage of urine and bowel motions. Like other muscles, we can train and keep our pelvic floor muscles strong with regular yoga practice.

Especially women after giving birth, woman’s pelvic floor muscles stretch from the base of her spine to her pubic bones. Inside her abdomen, these muscles support her bowel, bladder, and uterus. The pelvic floor muscles can become stretched and weakened by pregnancy, childbirth and age. Over time, weak pelvic floor muscles may lead to incontinence, or difficulty maintaining control of bowel and bladder movements. Further, a weak pelvic floor can cause pain in the lower back and pelvic area. Yoga poses, or asanas, increase circulation and stamina, which can help to strengthen the pelvic floor.

Root Locks

Root locks, or mula bandhas, should be the basis of any yoga pose in which you would like to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Root locks can be incorporated into almost any yoga pose. To engage in root locks, you gently uplift your pelvic floor muscles by imagining that you are trying to stop the flow of urine and a bowel movement at the same time. While doing so, draw your tailbone downward. You will want to try not to contract your buttocks muscles but instead, engage your abdominal muscles. Regular practice of root locks can align your posture, strengthen your core muscles, and help to improve pelvic endurance.

Reclining Poses

There are several reclining yoga poses that can help to strengthen your pelvic floor. These include child’s poses, fish pose, spinal twists, cobra pose and lotus pose. While engaging in any of these poses, you will want to gently squeeze the pelvic floor muscles while stabilizing your lower back. Then inhale and exhale slowly for a few breaths, bringing awareness to your inner strength.

Standing Poses

Standing poses that incorporate pelvic floor strengthening include poses such as downward-facing dog, triangle pose, squatting pose, horse pose, and tree pose. Keep in mind that the resiliency of the pelvic muscles may be affected by the pull of gravity. Caution should be used with standing poses because there is a chance that sudden movements could cause or aggravate slipping of the uterus, or a prolapsed uterus. Talk to your doctor to find out whether standing yoga poses are right for you.

Inversions

Inversions, such as shoulder stand, headstand or handstand are the best poses to practice if you are looking to utilise gravity to your advantage. When held in proper alignment, inversions can help the pelvic organs to realign back to their proper places. Inversions also improve blood circulation throughout the body as blood flow is directed toward the heart and brain. This increases concentration, mental alertness, and awareness. If you are not prepared to do the full expression of inversion poses, you can use a wall for support.

Information credit Live Strong & Continence Foundation of Australia
Photo Credit Health Hints

Yoga Pose: UPWARD SALUTE ( URDHVA HASTASANA)

This Sanskrit phrase can be understood as “urdhva,” meaning raised, and “hasta,” meaning hand. This “raised hand” pose is a simple, standing yoga asana with both of the hands raised. I often just say Urdhva Hasta in the class. ;-)

When Urdhva Hastasana, a simple and easy yoga pose, is included in your daily yoga sessions, you will reap the following benefits:

  • Stretching and sculpting of your belly.
  • Enhancement your digestive processes and metabolism.
  • Definition, openness and flexibility of your shoulders and armpits.
  • Reduction of stress, anxiety and tension.

Enjoy the Raised Hands Pose while breathing smoothly, easily and deeply that your shoulders are free, open and healthy. Gently arch your back as much as feels comfortable and safe.

Extend your elbows fully and reach up through your pinkies so your thumbs turn slightly down toward the crown of your head. Making sure not to compress the back of your neck, tip your head back slightly and gaze at your thumbs.

See also How to Salute the Sun

Keeping your feet straight and firm with toes spread wide, don’t let your lower front ribs protrude forward. Bring your front ribs down (toward your pelvis) and in (toward your spine), and lengthen your tail bone toward the floor. Then lift your rib cage evenly away from your pelvis to stretch the circumference of your belly. Hold for a few breaths.

 

happy practicing!

 

Namaste,

Carmen Lee-Schneider

Have you noticed time passing faster as you get older?

Have you noticed time passing faster as you get older? However, it doesn’t have to be like that.there

There are ways to change your perception of time. The key is to slow down the pace of life while increasing the amount of new and unique experiences you have. When we keep going to the same places, doing the same things over and over, we don’t create distinct memories. As a result, time seems to fly by us as the monotone nature of your days simply merges into what seems like one and the same memory. As you travel more often, constantly stay open to learning new things and create unique experiences you will notice your perception of time slowing down.

Also, focus on positive past memories and try to live more in the present. Holding a positive perception of the future and envisioning a future full of hope and optimism will vastly increase your level of happiness. Learn to love yourself more and make time to meditate regularly. Time with yourself is very important to reflect, appreciate life more and plan your future.

Learn to appreciate each moment and use your time wisely. The time we have on this planet is limited.

Yoga helps us to slow down, live more in the moment and be more aware of what is happening around us. I would like to invite you to come along to one of our yoga sessions and experience it for yourself. To help you get started, head here to claim a free $25 gift card: https://bundyyoga.com.au/giftcard25

I hope to see you on the mat soon.

Namaste,

Carmen

Sun Salutation with Cat & Cow

A few rounds of sun salutations with Cat & Cow movement is to improves posture and balance, strengthens and stretches spine and neck, stretches hips, abdomen and back, increase coordination, massage and stimulates organs in the belly, creates emotional balance, relieves stress and clams the mind.
I created this sequence and love to use it for the warm up at the beginning of the class.

Happy practicing! ?

Namaste,
Carmen

2016 Yoga Teacher Training & Mentoring Program

After spending two months with this group of awesome folks, we are close to finishing this mentoring program. It is amazing to witness the progress of each individual and how far they have come.

There is no one teacher for everyone, but everyone of you can share your love of yoga with others. Everyone of you is so special and unique, we will never be the same but we will always have something to offer to the yoga community. Do what you love and share your passion and knowledge of yoga and inspire others.

“Not everyone can teach everything, but everyone can teach something. Teach what you love and people will come to you because of you.” ~Carmen Lee-Schneider

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CONTACT US and secure your spot for the next New Yoga Teacher Training & Mentoring Program.

VIDEO: BACKBENDS

Video: Backbends flow with Vrschikasana, Ganda Bherundasana, Bhujangasana and Kapotasana.

Backbends are important part of a well-rounded yoga practice and there are many benefits of practicing Backbends. One of the most notable benefits of backbends is relief from anxiety and stress.
There are different ways and levels of practicing Backbends. There are also suitable for beginners for example Bridge pose, Locust pose and Bow pose.
Deep, full Backbends can be satisfying, exhilarating, and liberating, but they don’t always come easily. If you are not moving carefully, you can end up overworking your lower back and neck and causing compression and pain.

Learning how to slow down and breathe. ?

Happy practicing!

 

 

11 Yoga Poses for Neck, Shoulder and Back Pain Relief.

I had a nice chat with a gorgeous lady on the phone this morning. She started joining our classes last year and mentioned that Yoga has helped her so much and stopped her previous shoulder and lower back pains caused by a shoulder injury before. It is always wonderful to hear stories of how yoga changes people’s lives. They remind me of why I teach yoga.

Many of us suffer from neck, shoulder and back pain on a regular basis. Stress, poor posture, accidents, and long-stored physiological tension can cause muscle spasm of the muscle from our neck to lower back. When confronted with the pains, we tend to find different solutions to stop the pains. However, there are several yoga poses that have works magic to release the pain.

The next time you have a twinge of pain on your neck to lower back, maybe you would like to give these 11 yoga poses a try!

Try to hold each pose and each side for 5 breaths, focus on each breath with deep inhale and exhale through your nose. ;-)

yoga poses

 

Namaste,

Carmen

Smiling is the most important yoga pose you will every practice.

Smiling as a Way of Life.
“Smile you guys, it is just yoga.” One of my yoga teachers often said it in class, her voice will always come to my head especially when I am working very hard on my practice. Sometimes I asked myself why I am practicing so hard, I don’t want to do this anymore. But and again, I let go the moment and practice my smile. Smile helps me find my smile again, find me again.
A smile is not just about curling the corners of our lips, but rather an approach to life.
We can’t take ourselves so seriously all the time. We have to laugh at ourselves, because isn’t it silly that our legs are behind our heads? ;-) At least for me it is funny!
Sometimes I will give myself a laugh and tell myself it is ok that I will never be able to do that yoga pose ever or maybe try it another time.
” Even though yoga is filled with complex ideas, intricate philosophy, and profound spiritual meaning—happiness is still the most important part. What is the point of all the work, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice if you are not happy?
There is nothing sadder than a yogi who only eats bark, wakes up at 3 am to meditate, chants instead of talks, and is miserable.
Life is not easy, but yoga helps us to appreciate the little things, have gratitude, and always remember to smile.” Said by Toni Nagy who is a comedy writer.
Namaste,
Carmen

Video: “RISE & SHINE” Class

Rise & Shine is a slow and easy Vinyasa flow that will move you through the power of inhaling and exhaling. Smooth flowing with the synchronised breathing relaxes your mind and helps to release any blockage of energy flow throughout your body. It is the best way for awakening and opening up your body.

Get ready to start your day!