Namaste %FIRSTNAME%,

I hope your week has eased you back into routines and the end of summer in a good way. We did a slow flow in class inspired by a lovely Yoga Teacher I know call Ellen Ballard.

This week I have been making preparations for teaching my retreat in Greece. Remembering to breathe, take breaks and go for a walk - all part of self care!

There's a few events coming up at the centre and with Yoga Therapy Ireland - have a peek here - https://www.anandacentre.com/schedule

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Tuesdays recording - https://youtu.be/_Uwj6a2kjcs

Full moon meditation - https://youtu.be/F0V8EDWm0Ec

It's the Harvest Full moon today 🌕.

Here is a moon salutation if you want to try at home -

🌕What to try on the Harvest Full moon🌕

Get comfy seated.
Eyes open or gaze soft.
Allow the breath to deepen and soften.
Breathe in Peace
Breathe out calm
for about 2 minutes.
THEN
Write down 3 things you forgive yourself for feeling/doing.
Burn this page.
THEN write down 3 things you are grateful for in your life right now.
Sit and embody how this makes you feel - in your whole body - this feeling of immense gratitude.
Bring yourself back gently.

Forgiveness, gratitude, balance and transition.

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Om is the origin seed, or Bija, from which all other sounds and words derive, according to Patajali's Yoga Sutras. Here in the West, yoga teachings use this fundamental seed word to deepen meditation, connect to the universe, and tune into one's higher nature.

The sacred sound om or aum, which is pronounced ah-uu-mm, is regarded by many ancient philosophical literature as the sound of the universe and includes all other sounds within it. Om is referred to as Pranava in Sanskrit, which means to hum, and is thought to be an infinite or endless sound. Om chanting is a spiritual practise that transcends culture and religion and is inclusive of all potential definitions and interpretations of God, or Brahma, despite the term's associations with Indian culture, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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“I’m here to take-up space”

This was written on a piece of street art in Athens that caught my eye a couple of years ago and on it a simple drawing of a woman.

The artists name is Sara Erenthal.

It inspired me to write a bit about finding the strength to feel that your voice should be heard and how it is a necessary step in taking up space. If you like you can read about it here - https://www.anandacentre.com/blog/taking-up-space

I've included a photo of the art too. I love it!

The piece is published in this seasons magazine from Yoga Therapy Ireland. Delighted wit myself!

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Vajrapradama mudra is a yoga hand gesture that boosts confidence. It's one of many hasta (hand) mudras for physical and mental/emotional health.

To perform this mudra, cross the fingers over the heart centre and place the thumbs on the collar bones.

Vajra means "thunderbolt" and mudra means "gesture" in Sanskrit. This mudra means "unshakeable self-confidence."

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"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. 
For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad."
-   Edwin Way Teale

May all be well,

Brenda x