This is where I live

I know, I know... I've disappeared again!  Thank you for those of you who continue to read my blog despite the fact that I'm a very inconsistent blogger lately.

I've been preoccupied with life and have had SO much going on!  That's probably when I should be writing but sometimes when you're in the eye of the storm, you can't see through it.  I've needed the dust to settle before I can extract the meaning of it all.  Yes, I realize that entire paragraph is cryptic.

I just want to say that as a result of the last 6 months, I am going to live on an Ashram for the month of May to learn the art of Teaching Yoga.  The course covers:

• Asanas: yoga postures – moving, holding and corrective for the various bodily systems, e.g. digestive, hormonal, reproductive, etc.
• Pranayama: yogic breathing techniques to both energize and balance.
• Mudra: hand gestures that direct internal energy
• Mantra: powerful sound patterns that liberate the mind and emotions
• Yoga Nidra: systematic yogic relaxation
• Meditation: a systematic approach to release stress and increase the awareness
• Shatkarmas: techniques to purify and cleanse the body
• Anatomy and Physiology: structure and function of the main physical body systems, and the energy systems of the subtle body. The last weekend is dedicated to learning the anatomy of knees, hips, shoulder girdle and alignment for safety in yoga classes.
• Balancing: application of yoga to body, energy, mind and emotions
• Yoga Therapy: Elementary therapeutic yoga for pregnancy, back problems, migraines, breathing needs, etc.
• Posture: postural and adjustment techniques
• Teaching: Teaching methodology, useful tips and experience
• Diet: Introduction to Ayurveda – the sister healing science to yoga
• Philosophy: Introduction to yoga philosophy and ancient wisdom

On completion of the course I will be able to:

• Formulate group and individual classes for differing levels of ability and needs including utilizing yoga postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), relaxation and simple meditation techniques.
• Apply beginners to intermediate yoga practices for overall health, wellness and therapeutic benefits
• Understand how to apply the practices for optimum effect, for yourself and in yoga classes.
• Understand the physiological and psychological effects of practicing yoga: how it affects our body, energy, brain and mind.

In the meantime I wanted to share this beautiful video with you of Mount Maunganui.  Here you can see just why I've chosen to live in this beautiful place. Simply click on the link below.

***  Note:  I have never seen the beach as busy as it is in this video - but it was obviously taken during the height of summer holidays when I generally avoid the crowds.  Normally the Mount is very relaxed.

http://www.seeanddonewzealand.co.nz/Tauranga.html