For those of you who were interested in finding out a little more about the koshas, here's a bit more information... Kosha means a layer, and the koshas can be thought of as either layers radiating outwards from the body, or lying within us.

Annamayakosha is the PHYSICAL layer, dependant on food (anna in Sanskrit) for nourishment; we
experience sensations from it and we can direct or control it. When we practise sequences and postures we are using this layer.

Pranamayakosha is the PHYSIOLOGY layer, composed of prana, the vital life energy which organises the body parts and provides movement for mental and physical expression. The breath is one example of this vital energy, so our breath work as well as posture and sequence work emanate from this layer.

Manomayakosha the EMOTIONAL layer, where our thoughts begin to be converted into action. This
is the layer where we can be sensitive to the emotions and feelings of others. We can access this layer when we feel the benefits of our yoga practice.

Vijnanamayakosha is the THOUGHT layer, which we are access when we create intentions and make affirmations. Repeating affirmations (a positive, present tense statement) is a very powerful way to create a new way of thinking.

Anandamayakosha is the BLISSFUL sheath surrounding the true self. When our practice brings us to a still point, we are getting in touch with our true self. Our yoga and especially meditation practice may enable us to connect to this layer.

The next two weeks will be all about Finding Harmony Within Ourselves. If our thoughts, intentions and actions are all working together, we have Amazing Days. Days where we tick off everything on our to-do
list with creativity, efficiency and a smile, remember everything & take great joy in our life, without a great deal of effort or energy. Alternately, when we act against our intuition or better judgement, when we bury emotions and paste on a smile, or let people chip away at our confidence, we can be left feeling irritated, tired, anxious, breathless, unable to sleep or eat well.

I read an amazing article by Howard Napper (Yoga Magazine Nov. 2013) about how the Western World has long viewed the body and mind as two very separate entities, independent of each other and to be treated in isolation with drugs. Yogis, and many Eastern or traditional therapies or religions, have always viewed the body as being deeply and constantly affected by our breath, thoughts and emotions. Increasingly, modern science is beginning to quantify the interdependence of these different layers to ourselves (yogis call them koshas) and how they can rapidly and strongly effect each other, and this is starting to change how we view our health and lifestyle choices.

There are four koshas, corresponding to different parts or layers of ourselves. The idea of working with all of the koshas, is that if all the layers are positive and working with compassion and good intention, then your goals will be supported by the universe, and some very interesting things may start to happen. Coincidences, people and events starting to change or to happen, to make you achieving your goal easier.

Energy Block Release 4, Living with Wisdom, seeks to make us aware of our thoughts, intentions and actions; and bring them into alignment so we become very focussed on what we want.

Our Lichfield Tuesday morning yoga class is growing fast, so thank you to all of you who are spreading the word! The Guildhall is toasty warm and a stunning venue in which to practice.

In fact, due to lots of enquiries about evening yoga classes in Lichfield (and a VERY busy Monday night yoga class in Burntwood!) I am delighted to announce we will be starting a new evening class in Lichfield in the New Year. 
 
The class will be either Tuesdays or Thursdays 6.30-7.30 in central Lichfield. Please register your interest via the Contact Form on the Welcome Page.

For the last two weeks we have been working with accepting change: the changing seasons as the temperature has dropped and Autumn has begun to give way into Winter; but also change in our own lives, accepting it, flowing with it and aiming to maintain a positive outlook.

The Salute to the Four Directions reminded us that there is always more than one way to view our current situation, to teach us to go with the flow and practice acceptance in our lives. Prithvi Namaskara (the Salutation to the Earth) recharged our strength and resilience, and Chandra Namaskara (the Moon Salutation) calmed our emotions and thoughts to allow us to become quiet and reflective, in keeping with the energy of Autumn.

I hope some of you have taken up my challenge to find a high spot and see how powerful these sequences can be in the great outdoors. Castle Ring, Gentleshaw Common and Pipehall Woodland Trust all have secluded hills where you can enjoy a quick practice! These blue sky days won't last forever and the Autumn leaves provide a visual feast, so get out there in your wellies and go for it!