Yoga Aid Challenge Brisbane 2010

Namaste friends,
The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga have volunteered to host the first Yoga Aid Challenge in Brisbane and it would be wonderful if you could be a part of it. The Yoga Aid Challenge is a two-hour Yoga practice consisting of 108 Sun Salutations with your local Yoga community on Sunday the 15th November down by the river at beautiful, leafy Orleigh Park in West End starting at 9am till 11am. The Yoga Aid Challenge event is a fun and safe event for all regardless of age, yoga experience or fitness level. The event is free to attend
and all the money raised goes directly to charity. The Yoga Aid Challenge aims to raise awareness of the benefits of Yoga and money for charities by each participant fund-raising prior to the event. So far the Yoga Aid Challenge events have raised $540,000 for charities worldwide. This year we are seeing Yoga Aid Challenges take place across Australia, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan , UK and USA.
This is a morning full of fun! We will begin with Yoga Breathing followed by the Sun Salutations, then finish off with relaxation, Mantra meditation and a healthy snack. To register simply visit the Yoga Aid Challenge website at www.yogaaid.com.au and start fund raising. Internet fund-raising is a proven, simple way of raising money online. It is fully secure and provides tax refund receipts for donors worldwide. Thank you for supporting the Yoga Aid Challenge and I look forward to bringing yoga to communities across the world and raising money for children in need.
Together we can make a difference.
Kindest Regards,
Candace Earl Yoga Aid Challenge Community Ambassador
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga
23 Kurilpa Street, West End, QLD 4101
Email: Candace@asm.org.au
Phone: 07 3895 8944

Yoga and Meditation - Full Day Workshop

On September 26th the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga West End will be holding a special full day yoga lifestyle workshop. Over the span of the day there will be three one hour yoga classes, meditation, relaxation, breath work, kirtan and a delicious, wholesome, healthy vegetarian buffet style lunch. At the end of the day we will be serving our famous masala chai tea and some mouth-watering indian sweets PLUS you get to take home a meditation pack including a lovely guided meditation CD to help you to ad meditation to your life on a regular basis. The benefits of meditation and yoga are amazing and this full day will give you the opportunity to get a taste of what these ancient practices have to offer. The day will be suitable for beginners and for regular practitioners alike, so don't delay in booking a place. The space is limited and these days book up very quickly.

When: Saturday 26th September 2009
Where: 23 Kurilpa Street, West End
Time: 10am - 4pm
Bookings: 3895 8944 brisbane@asm.org.au

See you there!

Gayatri
Instructor

Mind Body Spirit Festival Brisbane

This years Mind Body Spirit festival was a great success. We've already had a number of people come along to the centre who picked up a leaflet at the festival. I've posted some photos of our stall.

Mind Body Spirit Festival 2009

Coming up this weekend is the annual Mind Body & Spirit festival. Every year the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga is a participant in this popular event. This year there will be 169 exhibiters. Our stall is 9a, so drop in and see us.

For more information see the mind body and spirit website at www.mbsfestival.com.au

See you there!!!

Gayatri
Instuctor

Yoga Fest 2009

This year we held a stall at the 3rd annual Brisbane yoga festival - Yoga Fest 2009. This is Queenslands largest clelbration of Yoga and was held yesterday Saturday 7th June from 8.30 - 6pm. I'm sure if you made it along, you'd agree that it was a huge success. It was one of the nicest festivals we have been to and had such a lovely friendly vibe to it.

Yoga Fest 09 is held in Brisbane’s beautiful & historical Old Museum which was built in the late 1800’s. The Old Museaum is one of only two exhibition halls from this period still standing in Australia.

The Old Museum
Cnr Gregory Tce & Bowen Bridge Rd,
Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

Included in the day were free classes and workshops, delicious vegetarian food, numerous stalls, massages and a wonderful chai tent.

With it’s attendance of hundred’s of Yoga students and enthusiasts, Yoga Fest 09 is the perfect opportunity to meet and connect, so make sure you don't miss this opportunity next year.

Gayatri
Instructor
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Traditional Tibetan - Vegetarian Cooking Class

For people interested in our vegetarian cooking classes, the next one is looking to be very popular, so make sure you get in early with your bookings. It will be held on Saturday 27th June and the theme will be "Traditional Tibetan".

Tibetan cuisine, is very different from it's neighboring countries, because at such high altitudes, only very few crops can be grown. The most important crop is barley, which is made into a dough called tsampa, and is the staple food of the Tibetan people. This dough is either rolled into noodles or made into steamed duplings calles momos. Mustard seeds are another important crop which is used frequently in Tibetan cruising. Yoghurt, butter and cheese made from Yak milk is very popular as well as Tibetan flatbread made on a skillet and Thenthuk, a type of cold-weather soup made with vegetables and noodles.

We will be sticking with traditional cruisine and are researching various delicious dishes to demonstrate on the day. The class itself is sure to attract a large number of interested people as it is quite different from the other vegetarian cooking demonstrations we have had in the past. If you'd like more information or to book a place you can phone Candace on 3895 8944 or email me at brisbane@asm.org.au.

Hope to see you there!

Gayatri
Instructor
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Mantra Rock Party - May 15th 2009

This Friday 15th May, we will be holding our popular Mantra Rock Party. Experience some mellow chanting, breath meditation, a delicious vege burger and cake. After dinner, let your hair down and rock out. These Parties are only held 4 times a year, so make sure you don't miss this one as the next one won't be on for a couple of months. It starts at 6pm and goes til about 8.45. If you'd like to bring something to contibute to the meal, a block of tofu would be much appreciated. The Mantra Rock Party is held at The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga, 23 Kurilpa Street, West End. Phone 3895 8944 or email at brisbane@asm.org.au

International Free Yoga Day - Gold Coast

On March 14th this year the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga Gold Coast participated in the International Free Yoga Day which is held thoughout Australia and the world. The program was held at the Albert Waterways Community Centre, just behind Pacific Fair. Fortunately it is a very large hall as over 200 people attended the day which included:

Energy yoga
Refresh and Relax
Indian Head Massage
Sacred Chanting Meditation
Stretch and Relax
Delicious Vegetarian Lunch

Publish Post

To see a live video of the days activities you can go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO5Xeq2RZnU

International Free Yoga Day

On the 14th April this year, we were fortunate enough to be a part of International Free Yoga Day. It is the first time the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga has been a participant in this wonderful worldwide event and it was a great success. The popularity, especially of the early morning classes, were so overwhelming, that next year we will be hiring a much larger venue so that we can fit everyone in comfortably. All classes were well attended with over 80 people participating throughout the day. It was a chance for people who haven't been for a while to reconnect, regular students to get in that extra yoga class and for new people to check out the centre for the first time. Everyone had a wonderful time, Nat served out chai, chai and more chai and there were platters of delicious, healthy finger food served throughout the day. So make sure you mark March 14th 2010 on the calendar for next year as International Free Yoga day will be even bigger and better than 2009.

Gayatri
Instructor
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Full Day Meditation Lifestyle Workshop - Featuring Indian Head Massage

Coming up this Saturday is our Full Day Meditation Lifestyle Workshop featuring Indian Head Massage. Starting at 10am we will be practicing a fully guided breathing, meditation and relaxation session. Next up is Chi-Kung which is an ancient Chinese exercise similar to Thai Chi. It is deeply relaxing and meditative. After Chi-Kungen it is time for progressive body relaxation followed by a delicious Indian buffet style lunch. We will be serving out an array of traditional Indian dishes including dhal, chickpea curry, paneer in chutney, pakoras, bryani rice, parathas, chutney and yoghurt. After lunch it's time for some lovely peaceful sacred chanting meditation then the Indian head massage where everyone pairs up and has the chance to give and receive. At the end of the workshop we will be serving out some masala chai tea and almond tofee fudge. By the end of the day, you'll be so relaxed that you'll float home.

When Saturday 28th March
Where 23 Kurilpa Street, West End
Cost $45 includes meditation pack and CD
Bookins Essential

Gayatri
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

National Free Yoga Day

The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga are proud to announce that we will be participating in this years National Free Yoga Day on Saturday 14th March. We are joining many yoga schools around Australia and offering free programs for the whole day. No bookings are required and you can come to as many classes as you'd like, so we hope you can join us for this wonderful event. Our program is as follows:

Yoga Studio

• 9.30am – 11.00am Hatha Yoga Class
• 11.00am – 12.30pm Hatha Yoga Class
• 1.30pm – 3.00pm Hatha Yoga Class
• 3.00pm – 4.30pm Hatha Yoga Class

Meditation Studio

• 9.30am – 11.00am Deep Peace Meditation
• 1.30pm – 3pm Deep Peace Meditation

Refreshments will be served throughout the Day.

For more information contact Candace on 38958944 or email me at brisbane@asm.org.au

Gaytri

Instructor

Australian School of Meditation

Publish Post

Caribbean Cooking Class Today

There are still a few places left in our Caribbean cooking class which will be held today 21st February. It starts at 2pm and finishes after a delicious buffet dinner which allows you to try all the different dishes demonstrated in the class. For bookings call Candace on 3895 8944 or just come along. The cost is $35 which includes a recipe booklet and full buffet meal. See you there!

Gayatri
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga
West end

Discover Meditation - 2 Part course - Dates for 2009

We have had lots of enquiries lately about the dates for our 2-part course. Here are all the dates for the Monday night and Wednesday morning courses for 2009. There is no need to book for the courses, it is free of charge, however we do take donations if you would like to donate. See you there!

Two part course, Monday nights

7.00pm – 8.30pm

• 16th & 23rd Feb
• 23rd & 30th March
• 20th & 27th April
• 18th & 25th May
• 22nd & 29th June
• 20th & 27th July
• 17th & 24th Aug
• 21st & 28th Sept
• 26th Oct & 2nd Nov
• 23rd & 30th Nov
• 14th & 21st Dec

Two part course, Wednesday mornings

11.00am – 12.30pm

• 18th & 25th Feb
• 18th & 25th March
• 15th & 22nd April
• 13th & 20th May
• 17th & 24th June
• 15th & 22nd July
• 19th & 26th Aug
• 16th & 23rd Sept
• 14th & 21st Oct
• 18th & 25th Nov
• 9th & 16th Dec

Gayatri
Meditation Teacher
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Mantra Rock Party

If you've had the pleasure of attending one of out mantra rock parties, you're sure to be waiting for the next one. Unfortunately the band can't come up on the 3rd Friday of each month like they have for the past few years. However they will be coming up 4 times this year starting this Friday 13th February. The program will start at 6pm and conclude at 8.30pm. A delicous vegetarian tofu burger, salad and dessert are provided free of charge.

Future dates for the Mantra Rock Party are:
May 15
September 11
December 18 (Christmas Gathering)

See you there!

Gayatri
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Tense and Release Relaxation

Tense and Release Relaxation is a quick and easy way to release tension from the body. We often practice this form of relaxation in our Refresh and Relax, and Deep Peace classes at the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga at West End. Try it at home, it is easy and very beneficial for stress release.

In this practice we are going to be tensing and releasing different muscle groups. Make sure that you are just as aware of the relase as you are of the tensing. Tense at about 50% of your capacity and maintain breath awareness throughout the tensing and releasing. Try not to hold your breath, especially when you are tensing the chest and abdomen.

We are going to begin by tensing all the muscles of the face, including the neck and the jaw. Hold for a few seconds and then gently release with full awareness.

Tense the muscles in the right arm, all the way from the shoulder down through the hands. Makin sure you don't make a fist, or lift your arm up off the floor. Keep your attention deep inside the arm, not just on the surface. Slowly observe the release.

Tense the muscles in your left arm in the same way, keeping your attention deep inside the arm, not just on the surface and then gently relase.

Tense the muscles of the chest and abdomen, still breathing naturally and gently and slowly relase.

Tense the muscles in your right hip and buttock, then release with full awareness.

Tense the muscles in your right leg from the hip right down to the toes. Do this without lifting your leg up off the floor and keep your attention deep inside the leg, not just on the surface. Release gently.

Tense the mucles in your left hip and buttock, then release with full awareness.

Tense the muscles in your left leg from the hip down to the toes. Do this without lifting your leg up off the floor and keep your attention deep inside the leg, not just on the surface. Release gently.

Now while you're not tensing any muscles, allow your attention to gently drift up through the legs, the abdomen, the chest and back into the face.

Lie still for a few minutes enjoying the feeling of relaxation.

Gayatri
Instructor
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Mantra Meditation

We often chant this beautiful mantra in our sacred chanting meditation sessions. However you don't have to practice it only in a group. You can sing this mantra to your own tunes anytime of the day or night; while you're hanging out the washing, driving the car or doing the housework. You will find that it will give your mind a relief from the stresses of life.

Gopala Govinda Rama
Madana Mohana

Gayatri

Change to Yoga Program

Just a reminder for those who attend the Stretch and Relax class on a Wednesday morning that it will now be changed to easy yoga. Candace plans on starting easy to move the stretch and relax students along into a slightly stronger stretching class and gradually work them up to general yoga. The class till starts at 9.30am, but will now be finishing at 10.45 instead of 10.30 and the price will now be going up to $10 casual $8 concession or $6 classes for $50. If you need more information please contact Candace on 3895 8944.

Gayatri
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Caribbean Vegetarian Cooking Class Saturday 21st February

On the 21st of this month, we’ll be holding our very popular Vegetarian Cooking Class. We hold them every couple of months and this month’s cooking class will be Caribbean Delights. We will be demonstrating at least 7-8 delicious, mouthwatering recipes including entrée, mains, sides and desserts, so you can go home and cook up a storm. The class starts at 2pm and finishes at around 6pm. We serve out all the dishes buffet style at the end of the class, so not only do you learn how to cook them all, but you get to eat them all too and not just a little taste, you can even go back for seconds or thirds if there is enough left. The cost of the cooking class is $35 and this includes a recipe booklet and the buffet meal. For more information please call Candace on 3895 8944 or email me at brisbane@asm.org.au

Gayatri
Instructor
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Gauranga Meditation CD - Now Available

The Australian School of Meditation and yoga has recently released a beautiful guided meditation CD called Guided Meditation. It starts off with some breath awareness and progresses to Gauranga breath meditation where you add a mantra to your breathing. It is a wonderful way to calm the mind and relax the body and the whole track lasts approximately 15 minutes. A perfect amount of time each day to add some meditation to your life. The CD is available for $5 from all Australian School of Meditation Centres or phone Candace on 3895 8944.

Healthy Breakfast Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to start the day, especially in the hot and humid weather conditions we are experiencing at the moment. They are healthy, filling and will keep you going until lunch time.

1 cup milk (or soy, oat, rice or almond milk)
1 ripe banana
1 teaspoon ground flaxseed or cold-pressed flaxseed oil
1 teaspoon wheat germ
Handful of berries of your choice
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Place all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth and fluffy. You can add some nuts or/and seeds too if you'd like.

As you can see, a healthy smoothie is a meal in itself and will keep you going for hours.

Enjoy!!!

Gayatri
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Change to Program

This is a notification of a change to our program at the Australian School of Meditation. The Wednesday morning stretch and relax class from 9.30-10.30am will now be changing to general yoga from 9.30-10.45am. The price will be $10 for casual, $8 for concession or $50 for 6 classes. For more information please call 3895 8944.

Gayatri
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga
West End

Full Day Meditation Lifestyle Workshop Featuring Hatha Yoga

Last Saturday's workshop was a complete success. Everyone left relaxed, peaceful and smiling. It was a wonderful day. The program started with a fully guided meditation and relaxation session followed by a 1 hour yoga class with Sean. Then it was time for the delicious buffet lunch. After lunch was a 1/2 hour sacred chanting session followed by Japa meditation and another 1 hour hatha yoga relaxation class with Simon. To finish off was progressive body relaxation and some of Beth's famous cherry cheese cake. If you like the sound of this full day lifestyle workshop, you could come along to our next one being held on the 28th March featuring Indian head massage. For more information you could call us on 3895 8944 or email me at brisbane@asm.org.au.

Gayatri
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Food for Thought

We've finally planned the menu for the Full Day Meditation Lifestyle Workshop this Saturday. Well this IS one of the most important things on the agenda. We will be serving out a lovely buffet lunch consisting of a brown rice, spinach and mushroom pie with homemade pasty, gourmet sweet potato, fetta and olive salad, roast potato salad with creamy avocado dressing, buttery herb breat and fetta cheese triangles. The dessert will be served out at the end of the program - passionfruit slice that is absolutely out of this world. So now you know why there are three yoga classes this Saturday!

Make sure you book now to avoid disappointment.

Gayatri
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Refresh and Relax

The Australian School of Meditation hold regular Refresh and Relax sessions twice a week on a Monday and Thursday afternoon from 5.30pm-6.15pm. It is the perfect way to relax after a hard day at work. The sessions are fully guided and are done lying down. Included are Guaranga breath meditation, tense and release relaxation, progressive body relaxation, mindfulness meditation and a host of other relaxation techniques to calm the mind and relax the body. There is no need to book, you can just turn up and the programs are all by donation. For more information you can call 3895 8944.

Gayatri
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga

Discovery Series

The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga West End started back on Monday the 5th January. Our first program for the year was our Refresh and Relax class at 5.30pm. It attracted the usualy regulars who couldn't wait to get back for some R and R. Most people were very disappointed that the centre was closed for 2 weeks, but the instructors at the meditation centre work hard all year without a break, so it was a much needed time to get some much needed rest, ready for a very busy 2009.

We've all returned very refreshed after a relaxing break and enthusiastic to get into the 2009 programs. All our programs have been very busy, the yoga, guided relaxation, deep peace sessions and of course our Discovery Series. We hold these 2-part meditation courses twice a month, one course held on a Wednesday morning from 11.30am-1pm and one on a Monday evening from 7-8.30pm, the first for the year started last Monday. It attracted 30 people. Most who have made new year resolutions to live healthier, relax more and of course learn meditation. It was a lovely class, the people were very friendly and relaxed and even though there wasn't much floor space we all managed to sail through the night and float out the door relaxed and refreshed. Our next 2-part Discovery Series is February 16th and 23rd and the 18th and 25th. Hope to see you there!

Gayatri

Friday Chanting Meditation Evening

Every Friday evening the Australian School of Meditation hosts it's sacred chanting evening or kirtan which is the traditional name for chanting. It is a relaxed casual evening that will relieve the body of stress, calm the mind and enliven the spirit. If you've never experienced chanting meditation before, then you are definitely missing out and fridays are a great way to experience the wonderful benefits of chanting meditation

It is suitable for beginners and you can even bring the kids. They will love it too. We chant for an hour then we serve out a lovely buffet meal, with gourmet salads, Garth's famous spicey barbequed satay tofu and of course Madana's not-to-be-missed dessert. After this very satisfying meal there is another session of chanting to finish off the evening.

There is no need to book, you can just turn up and i so what are you waiting for, see you on Friday!

6pm-Chanting Meditation
7pm-Vegetarian BBQ
7.45pm-Chanting Meditation
8.30pm-Program concludes

For more information call 3895 8944

Gayatri

Full Day Meditation Lifestyle Workshop

Well 2009 has gone off with a bang. Just as I was saying in one of my previous blogs, a lot of people make new years resolutions to take up meditation and yoga. Our yoga and meditation classes have been very busy with last Monday night’s 2-part course attracting 30 people.

It is great to see people are so motivated and enthusiastic. I hope that their enthusiasm stays with them throughout 2009 and I’m sure they will be much calmer, more peaceful, healthier and very flexible by the end of the year.

We have some very nice programs coming up this year. Our first Full Day Meditation Lifestyle Workshop is on the 24th January and features 3 x 45 minute yoga classes throughout the day as well as guided meditation and relaxation sessions and Sacred chanting meditation. We will be serving out a delicious traditional Indian lunch and will be learning a little about Ayurveda and Ayurvedic cooking. Last but not least we will finishing off the day with some Indian sweets and our famous masala chai tea.

Our workshops are very popular with people who have never been to our centre before as well as with quite a few regulars that love coming to every workshop. If you would like to attend one of the workshops held at the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga make sure you get in early as places are limited. You can call 3895 8944 or email Brisbane@asm.org.au to secure your place.

New Years Resolution

January is the time many people make a new years resolution. It may be one of many different goals, but I think that a large percentage of people decide to lead a healthier lifestyle, especially after the Christmas break when a lot of fatty, junk food and alcohol is consumed. Our yoga classes are very busy all year round, but particularly for the first part of the year and hatha yoga is a great way to begin on your journey to a healthy lifestyle. Hatha yoga classes increase flexibility, strengthen and tone muscles, balance hormones, cleanse and flush all the internal systems of the body, calm the mind and reduce stress. Our centre provides yoga classes Monday – Thursday nights from 6.30-7pm, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday mornings 9.30-11am as well as a 5.30-7pm easy yoga class on Tuesday afternoon. With so many classes to choose from, you are sure to find a class to fit into your busy schedule.

For more information on the many benefits of hatha yoga, check out the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga website.

Namaste
Gayatri