Hello! Welcome to another Yamala Yoga Monthly Newsletter.
Term 3 Yoga Classes: A big thank you to everyone who has joined in so far for Term 3. A reminder that we are running classes on Tuesday & Thursday nights 6:15-7pm AND Sunday mornings 7:45-8am. It’s great to have such a lovely group of students, but….we always have space for more. So tell your neighbours, friends, work colleagues and family. We welcome everyone with open arms and a warm smile.
You’ll still see Hil joining in classes until she “pops”…and soon our littlest yogi will join the YY Tribe. Keep an eye out for updates to the timetable on Facebook/Instagram incase the little babe doesn’t want to cooperate and come at a suitable time for our yoga classes. Apologies in advance if we have to cancel a class…hopefully we won’t have too!
A reminder that Casual Classes are $15 or $100 for a 10 Class Pass. Don’t forget to tell your friends – your first class with Yamala is free!
THIS MONTH’S TOP STORIES
Laughter is the best medicine
The world can often seem like a very sad place, with negative news on tv, in our newspapers and online….so what better reason is there to bring a smile to your dial to make you feel good! Research is constantly confirming that laughter is indeed the best medicine. It releases stacks of endorphins which make you feel like you are on cloud nine, and often when you are laughing you are breathing deeper…which is a great cardiovascular workout!
Laughter can help manage pain and pain tolerance, as well as helping with issues such as anxiety and depression. It has also been linked to strengthening the immune system (even better for this time of year!)! Laughter also has a lovely social benefit – it can bring people together!!! Laughing is the easiest form of communication as it crosses language barriers and can help break down social barriers. Laughter has the ability to help people connect and relax.
The key is to figure out what makes you laugh in the day-to-day activities of your life. Although going to a comedy show, or watching Kath & Kim on telly is hilarious and will make you giggle and laugh for a few minutes…there is certainly nothing wrong with incorporating more laughter in your life. After all, it’s just what the doctor ordered!
Try a few a of the suggestions below to introduce more giggles to your day:
- Include laughter in your morning routine – maybe you can watch some crazy cats on YouTube or read a funny comic to get your day off to a great start!
- Smile more (It’s a warm-up to laughing!)
- Have a couple of really funny friends
- Have a favourite comedian – and watch their shows!
- Watch a funny sitcom
- Hang out with some kiddies – they’re always having a good time
- Learn to laugh at yourself
- Do more of what makes you really laugh
- Start a ‘Joke Jar’ with your family and take turns to read the jokes to each other over dinner
A Final Thought
Meditation for the stressed out city slicker….
We’ve all heard it a thousand times before, and it can be so difficult in our hectic lives- but finding just a few minutes a day is all you need to get started with this life changing practice. With numerous benefits including stress reduction, higher concentration, improved circulation, promotes a healthy lifestyle, increased happiness and acceptance, slowing aging, improvement in cardiovascular and immune health (WOW the list just goes on and on) why not get started today and see how it helps you transform your life.
If you’re interested in beginning a meditation practice, but don’t know where to start- here are a few helpful techniques that might help you out.
- Appreciate Nature
When you’re next out taking your pooch for a walk, or even just standing in your own backyard- focus your full attention on the sights and sounds around you. Big deep breaths in and out. This will clear your mind, sooth any stress…and really help you appreciate just how lucky we are to live where we do. Natural beauty surrounds us, feel the nature and vent out any worries you’re holding onto.
- Get a Hobby
Engaging in creative activities is a fabulously liberating process in life. It helps you focus on your creation, without having to worry about anything else. Join a choir, write in a journal, tend to some plants, go for a swim, go rock climbing, head out for a run, draw a picture, colour in…anything you like. Just focus on this activity as much as you can and let everything else melt away for the time you’re working at it.
- Soak in the Bliss
Sometimes the only thing that will soothe is a nice warm bath. Fill the tub, throw in some epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil and focus on your attention on your breathing, how you are feeling and just let you mind unwind. There is nothing around to distract you, and the warm water will help to cleanse and relax the body.
- Pay more attention to the things you do daily
Tasks like brushing your teeth, taking a shower, doing the dishes or even eating lunch can often go unnoticed. Tune in to being more mindful when doing these activities. Instead of flicking through your phone when you scoff down lunch, pay full attention to the process of eating. Notice the smells, textures, thoughts or feelings that may arise during the meal.
- Find company
A little support goes a long way. Find others who practice meditation and it will help you learn and grow. It’ll make you accountable in a lovely supportive environment. Pair up with friends or family or join a meditation group.
We LOVE “Australia School of Meditation and Yoga” with locations all over Brisbane. They offer Meditation classes throughout the week for a gold coin donation. We guarantee once you walk out of there you’ll be on cloud nine and buzzing! Visit http://asmy.org.au for locations and more information.