WHAT IS YOGA
Many times I am asked the same question. What is yoga, what does it do for you?
Usually I address this with explaining the physical aspect of yoga, “asana” – posture, balancing, strength with flexibility and vice versa. This is the third limb of yoga, there are eight limbs.
In our Western society we connect very strongly with the physical, the “doing” hence the third limb “asana” is a helpful way to begin your yoga exploration. As for most of us at the beginning of our journey we aren’t as familiar with “being”, less doing, just simply allowing oneself to be still, present, aware. I then move on to explain, as you link breath with movement, the mind is drawn into the body and the everyday “stuff’ or clutter of the mind seems to disappear, or be less dominant and bothersome.
Your focus is in the present moment, not on chores, shopping, errands, or even on what the next posture may be in your yoga class or personal practice. Hence, as the body becomes strong and supple, present, the mind does also. This is a gradual unfolding that continues on well after your yoga class has finished. Issues such as – work, relationships on an emotional, physical or mental level all become a lot clearer as the mind and body become focused and steady. A sense of ease is felt as you deal with your everyday “stuff”.
Yes you may still become challenged at times – this is the dance of life – but yoga, mindfulness, and awareness keep bringing you back to the present moment, not the maybes, what ifs, or the what has been. Each and everyone of us has that inner peace and stillness within – yoga helps you to tap into that sacred place – not just in class, not only on your yoga mat, but also in your everyday moments.
It ripples out with you into your everyday life. We each experience this at a different pace, and in many different ways to one another – that’s okay – this is your yoga.
Namaste
Melissa
Thank you Melissa and Marian for yesterday’s restorative yoga workshop. I slept like a baby last night, all 11 hours of it!
This is really fantastic Melissa! Love it
Love love love Melissa’s new healing space
What a wonderful weekend! Beautiful location, food, people. Melissa is a great instructor, and really knows her stuff. The retreat was perfectly matched to the description. Will definitely spread the word and be back! Highly recommend to others.
I have participated in Melissa’s ‘Being Woman’ workshops and yoga classes and I came away feeling deeply nurtured,empowered and truly rejuvenated by these experiences.
Melissa’s yoga space is a delight to immerse into.
Nestled amidst a peaceful bush setting, it is always filled with warmth and tranquility.
I can highly recommend any yoga class or course held by Melissa!
Oh wow. I’ve just had the most amazing weekend at Melissa’s Nurturing Woman retreat. I’m almost lost for words as to how wonderful this experience was. I really didn’t know what to expect but I was definitely nurtured, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Melissa is a beautiful person inside and out, and she radiates the warmest of energies. Just being around her is uplifting. Her property is divine and the food provided was delicious. The retreat was very professionally organised but comfortable and homely. Melissa is very generous in the way she shares her home, time and knowledge with her guests. She spent time getting to know each of us, shared her library with us and was really honest and open. I loved every minute of this retreat and so far it has changed my life. I hope to return to keep reminding myself of what is important and that it is ok to have some me-time.
An absolutely amazing experience, filled with wonderful information on the importance of mindfulness, meditation and yoga. The food was incredible too! The journey to complete happiness was unveiled to me during my 2 day retreat. Melissa is the most beautiful person, down to earth and so inspiring! Thank you so much for helping me to find the real me again. I can’t wait to return and I miss being at your property! Namaste
What a wonderful weekend with dear Melissa ‘Mystical’, guiding us through mindful meditation, yoga, walking and total relaxation. Thank you for facilitating such a joyful experience for all, I have some photos for you Melissa, but not many, so let me know where you would like them sent.
Melissa runs the best yoga retreats! I have just been to the Nurturing Women’s weekend retreat- everything was outstanding (accommodation, food, yoga and meditation sessions) and Melissa is one of the most beautiful people you will ever meet. She is also an excellent yoga teacher.
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