For some time now the yoga classes that I teach have included a sprinkling of yoga philosophy. In particular, as I have been taught by my first yoga teacher Serge, I’ve been inspired to share with you various aspects of the eight-limbed classical yoga system, e.g. yama (restraints, moral disciplines or vows), niyama (positive duties or observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing practices), dhyana (meditation). More recently I’ve shared with you basic information about energetic centres called chakras (cakra in Sanskrit), first mentioned in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts of Indian spriritual knowledge dating from 1500 to 1000 BCE.
Over the course of the Winter 2022 I focused on seven main chakras (some say there are as many as 114 different chakras) that run along the spine. Chakra means “wheel” in Sanskrit and these “wheels” are thought to be “spinning disks” of energy that should be open and in alignment in order to positively affect our emotional and physical wellbeing since they are said to correspond to bundles of nerves, major organs, and important aspects of our subtle energy body.
As you might recall, some topics brought about thoughtful reflection and discussion, in particular qualities of the third eye chakra (ajna or guru chakra) such as insight, vision, wisdom, clarity, and intuition. A rabbit-hole discussion led us to the topic of gut feelings and whether or not it’s important to listen to these signals.
According to researcher and writer Jeremy Sutton, PhD, “intuition is that feeling in your gut when you instinctively know that something you are doing is right or wrong.”
You probably have experienced this and can relate to times when your “gut” told you something. And the outcome was likely positive or negative depending on whether you listened to and acted upon that feeling. I find this is closely linked to intuition on a very basic level and you can find much to read about and feed your interest if you google these topics. Whether you refer to it as a “sixth sense”, a “hunch” or a “gut instinct”, this is what we’re talking about when we speak of intuition.
Getting back to the question of listening to that sixth sense… My recommendation? Always listen and pay close attention to that feeling that you can’t quite explain, that gut feeling or instinct, especially when it involves a sense of danger. Sensations coming from your belly are real and thankfully science is now able to explain this as the “gut-brain connection”. In addition, the communication system between your gut and brain is called the “gut-brain axis”. There’s a lot of heavy science here which I will leave you to deep dive into at your discretion.
I haven’t yet chosen a theme for the upcoming live-streamed 10-week session so stay tuned. Speaking of which, please visit studio71yoga.com where you’ll find details about the Spring 2022 schedule, class descriptions, in-person private classes and more.
As requested, Tuesday morning Yoga Nidra classes will be 60 minutes in duration (previously 45 minutes), and these are still offered FREE to current session Studio71Yoga class participants, as well as Frontline Healthcare Workers, First Responders, 9-1-1 Operators & Call Takers, Bus Operators, and Post-secondary Students so please spread the word. Of course everyone else is welcome and you’ll find the registration fee posted on my website.
Due to popular demand, I’m once again offering a special workshop. I hope you’ll join me for a live, virtual session where together we’ll work towards discovering your heart’s deepest longing or purpose, your personal life mission. This workshop will bring together breathing practice, meditation, reflection, somatic yoga, and restorative yoga. You’ll learn how to elicit stillness and contentment within, as you begin to uncover your heart’s deepest desire and more.
When: Friday, April 1, 2022 @ 6:30-9:00 pm (Central Time)
Where: Live stream via Zoom
Cost: $40 CAD (e-transfer to studio71yoga.com)
Register: E-mail studio71yoga@gmail.com (by Tuesday, March 29, 2022)
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds up to 3 days prior to the event. No refunds will be given after that time.
Maybe your intuition is telling you to register soon… I look forward to hearing from you!
With joy and gratitude,
Jeannine
