by Mei Lai Swan | May 7, 2015 | Uncategorized
As fierce as the earthquake in Nepal has been, it is so heartening to see the plethora of appeals and events in our community, on Facebook, and around the world to support the survivors and the rebuilding after the devastation. And it’s so important that we all contribute our small piece into this global community – financial contributions, prayers, love, and action.
I’d like to invite you to two very special events tomorrow evening in Melbourne:
FRIDAY 8th May
1. YOGA CLASS by donation at Gertrude Street Studio – Compassion and Connection in Action
I am offering my 5.30-7pm Embodied Class by donation (suggested $10 minimum) to contribute to the work of The Global Women’s Project directly in Nepal. Gertrude Street Yoga have generously offered to match all donations. It will be a very special class on compassion and connection.
GWP Director, Briony Mackenzie, now living and working in Nepal, was a dedicated student of mine at Gertrude Street, and has since become a dear and inspiring friend. As a volunteer run organisation, 100% of donations go directly to supporting vulnerable women and families affected by the earthquake.
with Sun Hyland, Mel Dobra & Chakradyan
I will be playing violin and singing with Sun Hyland for this special event.
The Art2Healing Project and The Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Melbourne Presents a Soulful Evening of Kirtan and Peace Meditation to raise funds for the marginilized communities affected by the recent earthquake in Nepal.
Starts 7.30pm at The Ashtanga Yoga Centre, Argyle St, Fitzroy.
I recommend booking your tix online here as it is likely to sell out!
MORE EXCITING NEWS AND EVENTS…
As many of you already know, on 16 May I’m heading off for 4 months of yoga training, teaching, and adventures… BUT, I will be teaching a very special EMBODIED FLOW WEEKEND WORKSHOP on 20-21 June at Gertrude Street Yoga Studio (I’m coming back for a sneaky week), and of course I would love for you to join me at one of my retreats in Bali in September…
with love,
Mei Lai xo
by Mei Lai Swan | Mar 9, 2015 | Uncategorized
In honour of the breath, your constant companion, your guide, your best friend. She is right there with you – if you listen, she will tell you so much about yourself, your emotions, your mind-states: she gets hot and fiery when you feel angry, calm and deep when you relax, light and fast when you are anxious, shallow and soft when you are in deep meditation… she is not afraid to follow you to all the places you go.
The breath taps you deep into your nervous system and your emotional state, and it’s the only visceral function of the body that is both autonomic and can be voluntarily regulated. The breath is a constant, present tool to guide your focus and awareness into your body and into the now. Which is why the breath is such a powerful tool.
Pranayama, or breathwork, is one of the ‘eight limbs’ of classical yoga, and more and more people (and science!) are awakening to the power of the breath. By becoming aware of and consciously regulating the breath in different ways, we are able to create significant changes in the nervous system, reduce stress and anxiety, purify the subtle energy channels in our body, increase our prana or life force, shift emotional and mental states, and prepare the body-mind for meditation. But because the breath is so powerful, like any relationship: get to know your breath first and develop a solid friendship with its natural character, before starting to explore uncharted territory…
Here is a simple practice to awaken you to the power of your breath:
1. Take a comfortable seat either on the floor or in a chair, where you can sit easefully for about 10 minutes. Take a moment to notice how you feel in your body, your mind, your emotions. Allow your body to rest into your seat, but lengthen your spine and feel the crown of your head reaching gently towards the sky. Feel into the space in the upper body created by this lift of the spine.
2. Find your natural breath, very simply observing the breath as it moves into the body, and as it moves out of the body. Do not try to change the breath, do not make any effort, simply observe your in-breath and your out-breath, accepting your breath exactly as it is. You might also start to notice where the breath touches the inner space of your body. Do this for 1-2 minutes.
3. Invite the breath to gently deepen. Like a somanaut exploring inner space, invite your breath to explore the full inner space of your body. Where can the breath go? How does it feel as it moves into previously uncharted territory?
4. With your deepened breath, start to work with a count: inhale to a count of 4, exhale to a count of 4. Remember to keep the practice comfortable, make sure you are not straining or struggling with your breath. This is not about how long and deep you can make the breath, but finding an evenness between your inhalation and exhalation. This is called Sama Vritti Pranayama (equal ratio breath). Do this for 2-3 minutes.
5. Let go of the count and come back to your natural, effortless breath. Observe now the quality of your natural breath. Is it fast, slow, calm, ragged, even? Where does it touch inside the body? How do you feel in your body, your mind, your emotions?
6. Thank your breath, seal the practice any way you wish, and as you continue with your day – remember to touch base with your new friend from time to time to see how she’s going!
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