Yoga & Qigong - 'Balancing Spring Energy'

'BALANCING ENERGY' .. Spring Rhythms of Shakti

Hooray! Spring is upon us but are we ready to embrace her? ...

Spring is a time to move away from the inner solace of Winter and move outward with renewed energy and vigor. Renewal is all around us as Springs energy starts to take hold but unless we learn to move within her rhythms and contain our energy we can become frustrated and depleted.

Shakti is the Sanskrit word for energy and in this event we will explore and experience traditonal practices from the East including Qigong and Yoga to Balance, Harmonise and Harness Spring energy wisely so we can feel supported to shift into this vitalising season of shakti.

This inspiring afternoon will consist of -

• 2pm   -   QIGONG healing practice

with Shifu Stephen Phillips, 'Ren Shen Dao'

About Qigong -

• 3pm   -   MANTRA MEDITATON & live KIRTAN

with Kate Phillips, 'Awakened Heart Yoga', Sally Stevens, 'Singing Alive' and musician David Stott

About Mantra -

Mantra is a Sanskrit word which simply means liberation from the bondage of the mind. The effect of certain combinations of sound is experienced through vibration & repetition allowing the mind to come to rest. Mantra can lift ones energy state & assist healing at a deep cellular level.

About Meditation -

Meditation is an opportunity to develop one-pointed focus which can lead to a steady mind & balanced emotions. There are many forms of meditation including mantra, breath & awareness of sensory input often referred to as mindfulness in todays world.

All of the practices in this event are a form of meditation with different points of focus such as body, breath, repetition of mantra, sound and yantra (Yogic form of mandala).

About Kirtan -

Kirtan is a heart-based practice involving the singing of mantras and heart felt lyrics usually in the form of call and response, accompanied by live music. It is a chance to bypass the analysis of the mind and settle into what many say is an experience of profound, peaceful bliss. On the other hand Kirtan can also be very uplifting as these ancient Sanskrit vibrations have a deep vitalising effect on our cellular structure and nervous system. It is not a performance but a coming together of voices and hearts without judgement or expectation of being able to sing so you can melt into the sweet offerings of this practice.

• 4pm   -   HAVAN flower CEREMONY

with Swami Chintanshuddhi Saraswati, Samhita Wonderlich, Rhiannon Phillips & Helen Laird, 'Helen Laird Yoga'

About Havan -

Havan is a traditional, purifying and transformational yogic ritual. It can also be used to evoke healing. Fire is often the source used to cleanse and purify but flowers can also be used. Mantra is repeated as we offer up any negative impressions to be erased by the delicate petals and flowers of Spring Shakti. It is an opportunity to purge oneself of negativity and open up to the healing vitality of Spring.