Pre-natal Yoga

End June I started to teach per-natal yoga which I am certified for.

 

I am still teaching it now.

Some of the mothers are already at a very advance stage of 36 months, impressive and they still go for classes. 

Unlike normal yoga, pre natal yoga is slow and rather relaxing.

It's really to mentally prepare the mothers for the day. I concentrate a lot on breathing and meditation.

The postures are meant to strengthen the pelvic region and genitalia region and open the hip flexors.

When I was pregnant I never went for any yoga as it was not popular then. Actually I laid off exercise.

But these mothers are pretty fit. I am totally impressed!

It's very satisfying sharing with them my experience. On their faces I see unknown expectation.

I hope I helped them.

Rainbow Kids Yoga

Over dinner some of my Yoga friends brought up the topic of Kids Yoga.

Some of them had gone for the course conducted by Rainbow Kids and they were singing praises for the course and the instructor.

I was convinced this was the course I wanted to attend and get certified for.

So I signed upnand looked forward to the day. The course was in May 2014.

The instructor was exactly what my friends had described. She was high energy, charismatic and generous.

Over the 3 full days, we had so much fun and gained so much. Kids Yoga is indeed different from teaching adults. The course prepared us for all the different scenarios to expect from kids.

It was a good 3 days. Now, time to play!

 

Kids just want to have fun!

Kids Yoga is FUN and to be HAPPY!

When I agreed to conduct Yoga session for a kids camp in June, I had no idea of the gender composition.

So I brought my luggageful of toys and was ready to practice.

Lo and behold! Boys made the majority of the group. The ages ranged from pre school to 12.

The boys were restless and was not able to focus initially.

Their idea of yoga was conventional

They were not able to give their attention and were even throwing toys at each other.

Totally normal for active kids.

But I told them Yoga is about respect! Unless they respect each other we will not proceed.

I think they were taken aback a little. However after that the session was rather enjoyable.

They were able to actually stay still during eating(cut apples) meditation. For the first time, they said the apple was so sweet and appreciate the texture and what they had in their mouth.

During savasana, the group actually lie down and there was quite.

I hope the kids did take something home with and apply some of the new found knowledge.

Kundalini sisterhood

Kundalini yoga. Heard of it and wondered  what it was. My curiosity was satisfied when it was made a module for my 500 hr advance teacher training. Kundalini yoga opens up our chakras from mulandara which is near the genitalia area to our crown.

Each chakra had its own yoga sequence.

I sweat as much for swadisthana as I did for astanga.

I witness kundalini rising for some in my practice. 

After a week of practicing kundalini, I am not sure if it is for me but it was an interesting journey

Fifth yoga lesson

This evening was the 5th yoga lesson that I conducted.

Today, I felt more centred and excited to do the class. I was exhausted after the kundalini ajna sequence this morning.

But I felt accomplished as I could do poses that I have never done before. 

Today after the class, I overhead one student saying that she had back pain. But after the yoga session, the pain disappeared.

Another said she enjoyed today's class as she felt challenged and sweat.

I am very pleased :-)

Sunset Yoga

H

It was a cool evening. The birds were chirping and  the cool breeze carressed our skin as we do downward dog and other poses. 

By the time it was savasana, the sun was setting. 

What a wonderful was to practice yoga amidst nature.

I even heard somebody saying,"i needed this."

Yoga anywhere, everywhere.

This is why I love Yoga.

You just need your breath, a pair of hands and focus.

There is no need for equipments. 

Your body is the weights.

Your breath is your energy

Your focus is ypur commitment.

All my gratitude

I went back to the island that I have visited countless times in the past 27 years. When I first found this island, Rawa, we stayed in A huts with kerosene lamps. It was rustic, simple and cheap. How modernity has crept in. Its now a full fledged resort. Its popularity means the price of accommodation has skyrocketed  too. But I am thankful that I have been blessed all these years. Just like the resort, my life has taken its own route, to flourish and prosper. I have only gratitude and love in my heart. I am blessed and I cannot ask for a better life.

Rawa 01

Glorious day at Rawa to pose with asanas and meditate.

One year after 46

Yesterday was my birthday. I am 47 but in my heart I always feel like I am 28. 

Anyway within one year, my life has changed so much due mainly to one gift- my Birthday present last year.

Last year I had asked hubby for my Yoga teacher training course as a Birthday present. 

It has taken me on a magnificent journey from learning new things, making new friends, teach and most of all learn new things about myself.

I love learning and I don't think I will ever stop.

So here's to getting more flexible, more knowledgeable, more loving and health alwAys.

 I love this beautiful photo taken on my birthday@ my 500hr YTTC, Tirisula Yoga

Play and fly

Today I met 7 others in my 200hr YTTC for a practice. It has been awhile. When I was in the mrt, i was feeling rather lazy and thought I will not do the demanding astanga but maybe practice some mild poses.

When I reached there, I could hear the ujjayi breathing loud and clear. Everybody was into it though some smiled and said hi.  

What i did next surprised even myself. My tiredness disappeared and in my mind I said,"I must start so that I do not lag behind." Its a total reversal of what I had planned.  

I had lots of fun today

Birthday gift came early

Last month, i was thinking, how nice it would be if I taught a class outside of my yoga studio, before my birthday.

I felt that would be the ultimate dream come true.

Apparently God heard me. Knew what is in my heart and granted my wish a week before my birthday.

Thank you.

Listen! When the Master speaks...

Everyday I learn new things about my body. Master Wei Ling has the ability to make dry subjects interesting and simple.

Throw her any subject about asana, anatomy, physiology and biology she can provide you with an answer that is easily understood. 

The day I Iearned how the body can heal itself.

On Monday, I started my module on YOga Therapy.

I was very excited as I really wanted to know how YOga can help. I have heard so much about the healing secrets of YOga. Even as we go through various postures, we have learnt how certain poses help to strengthen or lengthen different parts of the body. We learned about body alignment and how to maximize the benefits of the posture and to execute the perfect pose.

On day 1 we learned how sequence of a certain PRACTICE can:

1) Eliminate wind in the body. Perfect for those with arthritis. Meant for seniors- its gentle joint movements. Ayurvedic states that VATA people(air+space) tend to be susceptible to arthritis

2) Sequence for those with Abdominal, digestive problems and diabetes. This requires a lot of ab work

3) Sequence 3 is to clear energy blockage. However its not suitable for people with slipped disc as it has a lot of flexion movements.

This class is really fun though the first 2 days tire me. I find that slow therapeutic postures tire me but astanga strong and powerful movement invigorate me.

I still have another 1.5 weeks for this module. REally interesting.

Today we did a sequence for herniated disc. Slipped disc. REally fun.

Everyday I learned something new. I am so happy!

The photo is analysis of the spine and body form.

Saturday night poses

 

How my Saturdays have changed.

When I was in my 20s, Saturdays mean  chilling with friends checking out that new night spot. Dancing= Saturday nights.

In my 30s Saturdays are spent with my very young kids.

In my mid 40s, Saturday nights are spend playing with arm balances.

Maybe life has come a full cycle.

Its time for mummy to play.

The day my meditation teacher felt my calm energy

Last Tuesday when I went for yoga, I met my meditation teacher. I told her how I have progressed in my meditation- that I meditate daily and am able to go 45 minutes at stretch. She said that' s a good progress and gave me more tips.

How my meditation has helped me to be more calm and do not get irritated easily.

So glad to have entertained my curiosity on meditation and learned how to do it.

Yoga brings like minds together

I have never had a truly yoga bonded friends until I attended my Yoga teaching course. I signed alone and went alone. The Universe has a way of bringing like minded people together. I am very fortunate to meet these yogi and yoginis who are so giving, helpful and offered genuine friendship.

Some opened their hearts and trusted us with it. What beauty yoga brings because one of the teachings of Yoga is non- judgement.

For the 4 months, despite the grueling physical demands, we were all so happy when weekend came.

At every stage of my life, I have opened my heart to different group of people. At this stage, it seems to Yoga lovers. I am truly humbled by their willingness to share without expecting anything in return. What a wonderful gift for me.

Breathing my best friend

Breathing is something so precious but yet we take it for granted. 

We awake each morning because we are breathing. Otherwise, we will not be here. However, because breathing is such a part of us that we do not nurture it. Unlike talent, branded things that we have , we keep them in good order, but breathing we assume that it will always be there. Perhaps we have no knowledge about the power of our breath. 

When I was going through puberty and my breasts were growing, I always find breathing difficult and I wondered why? The same thing happened to my daughter. That was the initial awareness of breathing for me. Any changes in our anatomy and physiology do affect our breathing.

As I grow! I became aware of my breathing. How when you are afraid anxious your breathing becomes shallow and how by keeping calm, my breathing becomes deeper and I become more calm. Yoga breathing of ' inhale deeply, excel slowly' has helped me tremendously in my life. It helped me to remain calm and have 2 beautiful birthing experience, while I hear other mother screaming away in the other delivery rooms.

I never realized there are so many types of breathing until I went for my yoga teaching course.

If you need to choose one breathing technique, it's KEPALA BHATI

It is not complicated to do and yet, when done even for a short time consistently, it’s benefits are undeniable.  If there was only one pranayama that you have to choose, Kapalbhati might well be the one to pick – it’s that good!

Yoga never fail to challenge

The beauty of yoga is that the practice is infinite. There are always room for improvement.

Just when you think you have mastered a dream pose, there are more to it. It's endless.

Today, I went for vinyasa with another teacher called Guat. She is shorter than me and I am no way tall. I am only 1.58m. I think she is probably 1.45m but she is a powerhouse.

The lesson went ok with most poses I could execute with little challenge. I think she sensed it which is good because I always love being challenged with tough poses. She showed this seated pose where you lift your butt up and legs above but parallel to the ground with support of the hands.

I so must practice this pose.

A teacher never stops learning.

The day I videoed my practice

Last Friday, I did a home practice and this is the first time that I ever video my practice.

Friends say that it's good to video your practice, it's one way to improve.

A picture and now a video says a thousand words.

I agree.

The day I saw purple, blue and yellow hues

The past week I have decided to concentrate on my meditation. I decided that I should increase the duration each time and try to lessen the noise in my mind.

It is not an easy task as the mind is one of the hardest organ to control though we have heard of Descartes,"I think, therefore I am." Thoughts come in and out. I am aware of the thoughts. Once when I realize that I am pulled in, I remind myself to disassociate.

In many ways, to discipline the mind, I feel is to discipline our life. If you can pull yourself away from mindless gossips and self criticisms, we can move forward in life. Many times, we nag ourselves into thinking that we are less deserving of somethings, less strong, less talented, less flexible etc. I am also guilty of such thoughts. Most of us are. So I hope meditation will help to increase focus and bring out the best in me.

The past week I have seen some breakthrough in my meditation from 15 to 20 to 30 minutes.

I have also seen colors, purple, blue and yellow hues.

Once when I am within me! I feel so rested so secure.

I also find that I am more calm.

I am less agitated with the kids when they irritate me.

I am focus and more productive.

I hope to see further progress and self realization with it.

Looking forward to each meditation journey.

Today I saluted the sun.

I have never done a studio practice at 7.15am. But today I did.

I was determine to make it for the Hot Yoga class, simply because I have an appointment at 9.30am

It was an interesting class as the instructor included a lot of astanga poses.

I folded, I became a pretzel and I sweat a fair bit.

Overall my body was co-operative today in the morning. It was not too stiff.

After savasana, I just had to do a headstand to complete the morning practice.

It was a joyful morning practice with a whole new day waiting for me :-)

This time last year...

This time last year, I had to make a decision about my birthday present. Yes trivial isn't it? Every year about this time, hubby would ask me this question,

          “What do you want for your birthday?”

So do I want more of that material birthday present? I thought. Do I really need another handbag? Another jewellery? Another of something I already have?

For a few years I have had the desire to go for a yoga teacher training course. After returning to Singapore, the desire was even stronger as there are so many places that offer such course and getting around in Singapore is a no brainer. My fingers did the research online. I visited many yoga studios online, looking at the schedules, testimonials and locations. After countless visits, one place suited my schedule nicely and I really like the bohemian feel of the location. It was Tirisula Yoga.

However, one lingering apprehension still lingered in my mind. The course would start on 6th July 2013. Oh my! that means the course would be right smack in the middle of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. As I am a practicing Muslim, that would impact me! Can I take the physical demand of the practice as Astanga YOga is a real workout.

During the fasting month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. That would be about 5.30am to 7.20pm. During that time no food or liquid is allowed to be consumed and one has to abstain from any temptation of the flesh or mind. I was worried. Can my physical self take the punishing demand? For years during the fasting month, I would avoid going or practicing yoga. This apprehension lingered but at the same time I felt that I have to achieve something in 2013. My spirit won.

I made my way to Tirisula, spoke to Master Paalu about my apprehension. He gave me the assurance that if I find it physically demanding I could take it easy. On that day my life changed, I conquered fear.

On the third lesson, which is on the second week, fasting month started. I went about my primary series, going through all the asanas as perspiration trickled down my face. Its like being in a sauna. As my course mates take sips of water, I was pleasantly surprised that I was neither thirsty or unable to complete my full primary series. This went on for a full 8  lessons. After each weekend I was extremely thankful that I survived.

Many course mates were surprised when they realized that I was fasting. Many asked how I managed? I think the answer is in the predawn breakfast that I had such that I could sustain till dusk. This was my inexpensive diet during the fasting month to ensure that I would survive the practice.

1 EGGS-(I had an egg daily)

Egg protein is a rich source of the essential amino acid leucine, which is important in modulating the use of glucose by skeletal muscle and in facilitating muscle recovery after exercise. It has therefore been recommended that this would be advantageous to people undergoing endurance training.

2 BANANAS (1 banana)

Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. The banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

3 DATES (2 dates)

As the body needs a certain amount of carbohydrates to function properly, one good source comes from dates.               The simple sugars of dates are easily digested and processed by the body, making them more beneficial than corn syrup or processed sugars.

4 ORANGES (1 orange)

Orange strengthens your emotional body, encouraging a general feeling of joy, well-being, and cheerfulness.    Although oranges are acidic before you digest them, they contain many alkaline minerals that help to balance out the body after they are digested. In this respect, they are similar to lemons which are one of the most alkaline foods available

5 LOTS OF WATER

The human body is anywhere from 55% to 78% water depending on body size. Drinking water regulates your body temperature. That means you’ll feel more energetic when doing exercises. Water also helps to fuel your muscle.

I am glad that I had the right nutrition. No expensive supplements, just regular food from the kitchen.  After the first try out of the above diet and I survived, I realized that my initial fear was unfounded. I am glad that I listened to my inner voice and went along with my gut feel to proceed in signing for the 200hr YOGA TTC. The experience was a wonderful one. While fasting, I felt lighter and more flexible. It has enriched me as a person. I am glad I won the battle of the will.

Sweat, toil and perseveration. I've made it!! My dream came true. I am now an certified YOga teacher after completing my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Course. I have always wanted to be one. It happened on 21 October 2013.

So though my birthday present did not come in a nice box with ribbons, the intangible experience and knowledge I gained are worth much more

Head over Heels

Last Sunday, my girlfriends and I had a sleepover at East Ledang, Johor.

Its my first sleepover with my friends after 8 years.  We had a wonderful time chatting, laughing and just being girls.

We went for a massage, ate and celebrated a good friend's birthday.

The following day, I practiced at the balcony of the guest room.

It was a lovely day.

The sun was shining, the breeze caressed the skin. While my friends, there are 6 of us are in the kitchen below chatting animatedly, I unrolled my mat.

The aroma of breakfast being prepared and the banters I hear, warmed my heart. These are friends I knew since my early 20s.

With the vast clear sky and the beautiful surrounding, I dedicated my practice to friendship and greatful for the life that I have.

MEDITATE and witness its magic

In February 2013, I went for a meditation course.

This interest was triggered by a course I attended a year before on the Law of Attraction. In the course I was told that meditation is very powerful tool in practising the law of attraction.

Coincidently, my yoga teacher informed us that she was starting a short course on Meditation made Simple. Being new to meditation, I thought it is fantastic for a newbie like me.

I wanted something I can grasp and understand.

It was a 4 day course on Saturdays in the afternoon for 3 hours each.

The course can be seen in 2 stages:

1) First stage, how to use meditation for Gratitude and contentment.

2) Meditation as a way to achieve what you need, using a mantra(the thing that you want more in your life eg love, focus, wealth, happiness etc

Its seem simple enough.

We practiced the methods taught and after each practice, I do feel its impact.

For eg for stage one, if you are angry at somebody or feel uneasiness, close your eyes for just 30 seconds and feel and visualize how this person had made you happy. After practicing a few times a day, your mind and emotions will live that moment and see how your present emotions will revisit that moment. You will then work within yourself to reachieve that happy moment. The change starts with you and when you meet the person, you are a better centred person and that is infectious.

I find the second stage mind blowing, by practicing it, my life has changed so much.

Before the course I was aimless about what I wanted to centre on. I felt that after being a full time mother and coming back home to Singapore, I was slowly losing the centred me. Sometimes it upsets me. I realise I must do something about it.

There are a few things that I wished I had  more of. I wanted to be able to focus, I wanted yoga buddies. I used to go to the studio, practiced and come home. It felt lonely.  Nobody among my friends has a strong interest  in yoga. And I wish I could improve my practice.

Before attending this course, I told the teacher that I had attended a course on Law of Attraction.She told me this Meditation course, is much bigger than that. Then, I did not understand what she meant. Now I do.

Whatever I wished for in my heart is answered since then. When I pray, I use my meditation to communicate with God and I am so greatful that all my prayers are answered.

What the teacher said is true.

Since completing the Meditation made Simple course, I have attended and completed a 200hr YOGA teacher training course which is recognised by YOGA ALLIANCE, USA. I am now attending my advance 500 hr Yoga teacher training course. I have many yoga buddies whom I can bounce ideas about asanas, progress or just life.

They say your friends at each stage of your life is a reflection of what you are at that time. I am at my YOGA stage now. I am 46 years old. I feel so blessed to be able to delve into my yoga with the support of people I love, particularly my husband.

Below is my graduation photo for MEDITATION MADE Easy course.

Tripod headstand from Bakasana

It took me several falls and tumbles before I could do a headstand. And the day when my legs were directly above my head, my heart soared!

I have achieved the impossible!...at least for me. I have classmates who could do it at the first try. It was not perfect but hey you just want to see your legs up there. 

Initially like everybody else, i used the wall. It may have helped when you were just trying to get your legs up but it did not help me to balance.

So I decided to go to the middle of the mat, bring legs up at first just at the hips. That was not easy too. There was once I tried for 1 hour without success.

But that did not deter me. I was determine more than ever.

I have had sore backs from falling, painful knuckles from locking my fingers too hard and not able to unlock when I fall. There was a time, when I thought it might just be impossible for me.

Then one day when I was about to bring my legs around my hips, I decided to challenge myself a little by little and slowly I realised that I could do it. Initially it was a count of 3 then 5 then 10 and now I realise I can do to the count of 50.

What I have learnt here is that practice is everything and never give up.

So now I am trying the tripod stand.

Initially it was impossible to bring my legs up as the centre of balance is different from the basic headstand.

Miraculously after reading Light of Yoga yesterday, I suddenly find my legs above, in the tripod headstand. I shall practice till I can do it confidently. Then I will proceed to other inversions.

I am so excited!

Watch below my favourite Yogini and teacher, Kino Mcgregor, showing how tripod headstand from bakasana should be done...

http://youtu.be/MO_9yRrhaUQ

Of coccygeous and levitari ani.

Last Friday drew the end of the pre and post natal yoga module.

It was an interesting course. Apart from Rose whom I completed my  200hr TTC course with, I knew nobody.

Though we all started as strangers, I made some good yoga buddies here.

There was Jasmine who completed her 200 hr in India. She is now teaching. She has created her own company and she's just born to do some poses like King Pigeon. 

There was Ruba who completed her 500 hr  last Friday and also has a Hot Yoga teacher's certificate.

This group of ladies are truly amazing. I got so much energy when I go for these classes and I am just so inspired by them.

Even the teacher who is plus size has so much energy and dedication. She is from New York and is residing here. Having managed bi- polar, she has s gift of kindness to all the students.

On the last day, for beng such attentive and good students, she gave each of us a fertility bracelet. How apt.

So one module down for the 500 hr TTC and 4 more to go.

The next one will be in March. Am looking forward to that one.

I just love to learn and discover!

Pre-natal day 4

Today was rather slow and not exciting as yesterday.

We learned about post partum, depression and all that.

I felt it was rather dark.

But I take whatever I can from this module.

But I do learn a lot of how to make the yoga experience a wonderful one for pre and post natal mothers.

Pre-natal day 3

Today we did the whole pre-natal sequence, teaching.

It was fun but the most exciting part was when Paalu joined and lectured on
the cycle of life.

We learned the Upanishad's explanation of how life was created.

I was baffled, because its very similar to the Islamic explanation of how life is created.

It was a hugh point to have Paalu teaching us the philosophy part of it.

Day2 pre- natal Yoga

Today we went deeper into understanding our cervical bone abd the deep 6 muscles. How this very important hip bone prepares our body for final performance of birthing and delivery.

Its female body is just so amazing and strong.

We had to teach warming up. My partner was Rose. We decided that I start the sequence standing up:

1) activate from the base cakra to release  energy for the expectant mum and baby

2) i started wirh Tadasana to find the balance which is so important for pregnant woman.

This was the sequence

-Tadasana- for balance

-Ankle rotation- to strengthen the stretching ligaments so it becomes strong with weight gain

- knee Rotation- to keep the knees and ligaments strong

- shoulder rotation to release stress

- bring shoulder up to the face, inhsle and release exhale with the 'Ha'. A breathing technic for birthing

- rose continued with seated poses. 

- neck rotation with hand on left ear and stretch neck to the right snd reversed on the other si

- neck exercise looking up, down to the chest and the sides

- ended with variation on cat cow pose with a 'Ha'

Ok tomorrow teaching full sequence..

Pre-Natal yoga

On Monday, my pre-natal specialised advance 500hr TTC started.

Pre-natal is so slow compared to my normal Astanga practice. Its like heaven and earth.

But that is pre-natal for expectant mother. Where relaxed, gentle movement and preparation towards delivery is the aim.

I learned a few things:

1) No hand binding poses
2) No inversions
3) No scorpions.

As balance is very important for expenctant mothers, all asanas have to take this into consideration.

Using of props is also essential.

This YOga module is different but it was informative.

Saturday Night YOga

On Saturdays, I am on mummy duty from morning to evening, sending my kids for art lessons, tuition and swimming lessons. So there was no ME time.

Then I realised that my younger daughter had swimming for endorphins and my elder daughter went roller blading with her friend, so both of them had the feel good hormones released.

What about mummy? Mummy badly needed one. My husband was out of town and I was feeling rather low and needed that pick me up feeling.

I had to go YOGA!!

And on a Saturday Night, YOga I did. I made my way to the yoga studio, just in time for my HOT YOGA.

Something I really needed.

It was just one hour, but an hour which did wonders to me :-)

Massage and YOga

When your muscles are tired?

What would be wonderful?

A massage of course.

Apart from being a qualified YOga teacher, I am also a certified body and aroma therapist with double diploma from the International Therapy Examination Council, UK(ITEC) and the SPacademy, Singapore.

This is a video I did for my yoga teacher course on massaging those tired muscles. Hope you will get something out of it.

WHY I home practice?

On  Friday when I work up my body felt the effects of the last few days of vinyasa.

It was sore but yet I felt alive and strong.

I initialy planned to go for Mysore self practice, but decided to do home practice instead.

There is something about home practice. Its just you and the mat. Nothing to get your attention away.

The instructions come from you.

But this was not easy for me before I learnt Astanga Yoga.

I also wondered how do people do home practice? How do they sequence their poses?

Do they follow magazine? Plan before?

That was always tough for me.

Then 1.5 years ago I met a celebrity yoga teacher from Malaysia, Ninie Ahmad, she told me that only astanga yoga has a definite sequence. That was new to me then.

Then I thought if the sequences are definite, wouldn't that make alone practice easier?

I went through the internet to check the sequence.

WOW!! not easy to remember. But I found the poses very challenging. Most I have never attempted.

I also wondered how people can memorize the sequence?

I stored that wish in the memory bank.

They say if you have INTENTION, your subliminal has ways of making it happen.

Now 1.5 years later, I am so happy I can do the sequence including the "can I ever do it!" headstand.

And this I managed at a ripe age of 46!!

Nothing is impossible if you practice.

Anyway that is Mount Fuji in the background.

We had planned to go to Japan and Mt Fuji was one of the destination I had planned.

I love taking photos with yoga poses during my holidays.

And I wanted to be able to do the headstand with Mt Fuji. Well its a little of vanity there. Hey! I am a woman. So I practiced very hard for it. And when I was finally able to do the headstand it was  OMG!!

This photo makes me very proud of my accomplishment.

It also tells me that nothing is impossible.

MEDITATION

1.5hr of Vinyasa it is today. Sweat dripped. challenged and persevered.

Heard today,

"The HIGHEST form of YOGA is Meditation 
 and not difficult ASANAS."

When you practice YOGA, you stay within yourself and not let your mind wonder. When you are doing YOga correctly, you are in meditation. Your mind stays centred and does not leave your body. You do not daydream. You do not look at others.

When you do YOGA, its not a competition. You do not want to outdo others. If you do that you are depriving yourself of the gift of the moment.

Feeling centred and within yourself, you will realise that you can execute poses better as you feel your body, the joints and the muscles. Its really a beautiful experience.

Next time when you YOGA, be within and try not to look at the mirror in front of you and at others.

Feel your body.

Enjoy!

Yoga is infinite

The beauty of YOga is that you never stop learning and discovering yourself.

Though I have completed by 200hr TTC, I still go for regular classes and push myself.

In yoga you may be a teacher,  but while teaching, you are also a student as in the process you learn from your students.

Being a full time mum, I am glad I have a passion.

Something which anchors me. Something which keeps my mind alert.

Practicing asanas and stretching myself both mentally and physically humbles me, as you always want to improve your asanas, make it better and graceful.

I love my YOGA.

Invigorating Vinyasa

Today I attended Vinyasa class with one of my favourite teachers. Its my first class with her in 2014.
Its really a powerful class, breaking sweat and muscles feeling spent after.

In yoga class I always feel like I am in meditation. Always concentrating, not letting thoughts enter my mind. Not looking at others, the mirror but looking internally within me.

Today we did this pose and I feel I am feeling stronger.

You will be mine!

Durian and YOga are not friends

This morning I went for Hot YOga at 9.45am.

The night before I had Durian Party with my friend. Never ate so much durians for such a long time. Durian eating is a community activity.  Eating alone is no fun. You got to have company tasting the soft flesh of the delicious durian. So I ate and ate.

Today at practice, I can feel the difference in my body.

It feels a little rough.

For the past few practices I went, I could feel the smoothness in pose execution. Today is a different story. Though I could execute the poses, it does not feel so shiok(satisfied).

I learnt something about my body today. While it is no surprising I feel like that since durian is acidic. I think it is rajasic and also perhaps tamasic food group. Thus the sluggish feel.

Hope to make it to vinyasa tomorrow. Will see what the body whispers to me as I had beef noodle(kway teow today).

Hand Balancing

Today I went for POwer Yoga.

Once I would pant at power yoga. But now I leant something about my body.

Its stronger and my stamina is better.

Bakasana and other balancing poses are happening. Thanks to practice and practice and practice

Simple Tips to help to Arm Balancing Postures and Push-up positions:

• have the palms flat on the floor but grip with your finger tips
• press more on the inside (thumb-side) of the palms for better force transfer from the forearms to the wrists
• squeeze the heel of the palm inwards (as if trying to turn the palm out) in order to stabilise the elbow
• tighten the underarm muscles by pressing the arm pits in the direction they are pointing
• generally bring the shoulders over the over the finger tips (for most arm balances)
• spread the shoulder blades and lengthen the skin between the shoulder blades in the upper back
• push the sitting bones and lower trunk toward the same direction the navel is pointing until the front of the abdomen becomes firm without sucking the navel to the spine
• breathe into the firm abdomen to give you relaxed inner power that can be maintained for a long time without stress
• don’t do anything that feels painful or is potentially dangerous for you

Misconception about Yoga

A month ago there was a riot by some South Asian foreign workers in Singapore.

Within 3 hours law enforces managed to take control of the situation. Many people came up with theories on why this happened? Given that there has been NO riot in Singapore for the past 42years. And this riot was not from Singaporeans but a few foreign workers.

 Some said these workers were frustrated, some felt they needed more activities to fill their weekend.They do not work on Sundays. So YOGA and MEDITATION were offered to them. From the photos and videos I see, I can see that these workers who took part are flexible. I am not surprised if they practiced back in India.

 While one writer felt that what these workers need is not YOga and Meditation but some fair at work policy which is fair. But how much do you know about YOga and Meditation to dismiss yoga and meditation. They say that in Hollywood many movie stars do YOga and meditation because they have everything.

 So YOga and Meditation is sidelined as something for the rich and those who have already arrived. I think the writer has obviously not tried yoga and meditation to understand that wealth does not equate happiness.

 The more you practice the philosophy of yoga, you begin to appreciate what you have.
LESS IS MORE! You appreciate the little things in life like being able to BREATHE and your HEALTH.

 These foreign workers have certainly braved a lot of hardship back home and has taken a hefty loan to be here. With back breaking job from MOnday to Sunday, missing family back home and the thought of repaying their loan, I think YOGA and MEDITATION is the perfect offering as it teaches one to be calm and be at peace with oneself.

 Maybe the writer should try it before condemning..AHIMSA.(non-violence)

I found YOGA in California not India

The year 2005 was very significant to me for 3 things.
1) I got a new job in broadcasting
2) I met my husband
3) I met YOGA at a gym. It was California Fitness Gym.

Being a dancer in the university I thought I was flexible. That thought was humbled when I realised that there are so many postures I cannot do, simple postures which require flexibility. That was when I was awakened about how inflexible I was.

I would be in awe of people who could do pachimottanasana(seated forward bend, with the forehead touching the knees).

I remember approaching two girls after a class and complimenting them, I thought that posture was unreachable.

Then, I attended YOga classes once a week.

But though I was not as flexible, I benefited a lot from the therapeutic and spiritual aspect of yoga. I felt peaceful. I benefitted from yoga's even breathing.

I remember that after each class, I felt emotionally stronger. Nothing could anger or hurt me.

It was something very VALUABLE.

For 10 years I practiced yoga more as a recreation than passion. As a result my progress was minimal.

But I always loved yoga. My progress accelerated only after I came back to Singapore at the age of 46.

My body is stronger and is able to do things I could only dream of when I was much younger and also as a child.

So who says your body stiffen up as you age? I smell an excuse...