We hope you have had a lovely Easter Weekend.

There is much-needed blue sky and sunshine out of the window as I write this. As much as I appreciate all weather, the rain has been very testing and we are all ready for some sunshine. Despite the weather, there are beautiful signs of Spring.

Viniyoga Therapy Training

Our Yoga Therapy Viniyoga training group have finished the first 10 days of the second year.

We always have a pink day, as part of our 10-day training, as it makes us feel so good, and here we are:

The closing ceremony at the end of our 10 days consisted of the New Zealand “hongi “, a traditional Māori greeting performed by two people pressing their noses together, and touching foreheads. The meaning of ‘hongi’ roughly translates to the “sharing of breath”. With this powerful practice of sharing of breath, we offered a flower or piece of fruit, to someone along with the offering of what we had learned from our yoga therapy practice that day.

My Daily Mantra

From this, I have established a daily mantra, that before I get out of bed, (and when I go to bed and any other time I feel I need it), I say or feel my mantra. I am joyous and grateful for all I have and for the people in my life. And I don’t just recite this mantra, I feel it in my body – it helps to smile at the same time! I have encouraged some of my students to do the same and invite you all to try it. This is a powerful practice, the modern science of epigenetics describes it as revealing how our thoughts, emotions and environment can influence the activity of our genes, ultimately shaping our health, behaviours and experiences. Of course, the ancient yogis always knew that we are masters of our own destiny.

Reiki Gokai (Principles)

I would like to say a big thank you to Wrio Russell who has been travelling a great distance to take our Reiki Share gatherings for the last couple of years. As well as sharing his great wisdom and experience of Reiki from his teachers, he introduced us to the Reiki Gokai (principles) which we chanted before our Reiki Share. They too make a lovely daily mantra:

Kyo dake wa (just for today)
Ikaru na. (do not be angry)
Shinpai suna. (Do not be anxious)
Kansha shite. (Be grateful)
Gyo o hage me (do your duty)
Hito ni shinsetsu ni. (Be kind to others)

Wrio feels it is time to hand the baton over, don’t worry our Reiki Share will continue, and details will be in the next newsletter.

New Classes

Early Morning Pilates

With the lighter mornings, the promise of Spring, and the clocks changing, it is the perfect time to try the new early morning Pilates session with Sharon Morgan (Wednesdays 8.00 – 8.45 am). This new 45-minute session is most suitable as an introduction to Pilates, a before-work session or to aid recovery from illness or life in general.

Mixed Ability Yoga

We also have a new afternoon class starting in April with Sam Stevens. Some of you have requested more options in the afternoon as this is your only time between work and/or picking up children. Sam Stevens will start a Mixed Ability class on Monday the 15th of April at 1.30 – 2.45 pm.

New Teacher – Ellen Wells

We are also very pleased to welcome a new teacher, Ellen Wells, who will offer two monthly Sound healing classes with Crystal Bowls (a daytime and an evening class).

Two Special Events

As well as our usual monthly workshops we have two special events.

Embodying Menopause with naturopath Sarah Burt and Qoya teacher Victorai Smisek.
The Alchemy of Sound Healing, a chance to learn how to play Tibetan bowls, tone your voice and create your own sound journey. An amazing half-day special with Rj Noble – Sound Bowl Master/teacher and healer from Sweeping Sounds, and Magdalena Atkinson – singer/songwriter, music teacher and Shakti Dance yoga of dance facilitator.

Enjoy April whatever the weather, from all at Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre.

Sharon