We’re really happy to share our this news of what we achieved during our first year in existence. (Just click the link, it looks pretty and is only 2 pages!)
So, what do you do?
We all get asked that question. My stock response is ‘I’m a yoga teacher’ or ‘I’m an Iyengar yoga teacher’, because people generally mean ‘What do you do to earn money?’. A more truthful response to the actual question would be ‘I do yoga’.
Some people then ask if I don’t ‘get bored doing yoga every day?’. My stock response is ‘Oh no, because it changes all the time.’ But here’s a more accurate one:
Move.
Study kinetics, mathematics, physics. Study biology.
Chemistry, biomechanics, semantics, aesthetics.
Athletics.
Study sociology and etymology.
Ethics.
Breathe.
Study physiology, psychology, philosophy. Study theology.
Art, drama, architecture, time-space, space-time.
Relativity.
Study geometry, anthropology. Pedagogy and cosmology.
No. I’m not bored. And you?
Be.
Study Self.
Conflict, revolution, resolution.
Cultivate friendliness, compassion, detachment, joy.
Practice
Peace.
Faeq Biria Spring 2017
We are delighted that Sri S. Faeq Biria, one of BKS Iyengar’s most senior students and a teacher of global renown will be coming to teach a 2-day workshop at Hereford Yoga Centre, 22nd and 23rd April.
Faeq is director of the Centre de Yoga Iyengar de Paris and his highly inspirational teaching is in great demand across the world. He travels from China to Brazil, from Russia to Canada to the Philippines, from Poland to Japan, disseminating with faithful accuracy (and much humour and humility) the teachings of his revered Guru BKS Iyengar. People flock from all over the world to his famous summer ‘intensives’- and yes, they are just that. A workshop with Faeq is an experience you are unlikely to forget.
Faeq is fitting a visit to Hereford into his demanding schedule to lead us in a celebration for the opening of Hereford Yoga Centre. This will take the form of 2 workshop days:
Day 1, Saturday 22nd April: for all students with at least 1 year’s regular Iyengar yoga practice
Day 2, Sunday 23rd April: for teachers, teacher trainees and students with at least 5 years’ regular Iyengar yoga practice.
On Saturday evening we will celebrate with a Puja (this means the spiritual celebration of an event) and a shared vegetarian meal. All attendees from both days are invited to join us for this.
You can book one or both days, and the cost is £60 per day.
Click the link to book, or you can do it in person at HYC.
FAEQ BIRIA WORKSHOP 22-23 APRIL- BOOK NOW
We very much look forward to seeing you here for a special couple of days of practice, study and celebration.
Meditation on Action
First invocation to Patanjali in the studio
Hello!
We’ve had a brilliantly memorable few weeks here at Hereford Yoga Centre. It’s been a long time in the making, and we’re finally home.
I thought I’d share just a few of my highlights (in no particular order)….
- ‘The volunteer sessions’; I was completely blown away by the level of support for the project. People turned up and put hours of graft into making the centre ready. They cooked, cleaned, sanded, built, advised, painted, governed, drove, taught, scrubbed and fixed. This has engendered a feeling of shared ownership, pride and responsibility at the Centre. It’s planted the healthy seed of what we envisage will become a flourishing yoga community!
- ‘My first class’ taught in the studio on Open Day, 35 children aged between 6 and 11 learning about peace and respect for others (whilst having loads of fun and howling like dogs). They are the future!
- ‘The radio interview’ with Andrew Easton from BBC Hereford and Worcester, and Nickie, a student who courageously spoke on air about her experiences of being in an abusive relationship and how yoga helped her through. Hats off to Nickie! Click below to hear the clips.
Clip 1
Clip 2
- ‘The hanging of the photos’ of BKS Iyengar in the studio. These images are hard to come by, so heartfelt thanks to Jayne Orton of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Birmingham for the thoughtful gift. Western culture sometimes grapples with the concept of ‘Guru’, but these 2 photos have already provided inspiration and discussion points for several classes. It’s the simplest of relationships really; take inspiration and give respect.
- ‘The facial release’. Watching students, especially beginners, in Savasana (the relaxation pose at the end of the practice) I can see the tension release from the different parts of their face. The skin becomes smooth as the physical technique transforms into a mental surrender to the moment that is rarely found in life’s everyday activities. I love my job.
I may not have much to write very often as I’ll be mostly practicing and teaching, but will use this space to keep you updated on activities at HYC and, if it’s of any interest, my personal experience of this journey.
So until next time, Aum and Prem (that is, Peace and Love)
Jenny-May
