yogblog

2012-01-18T00:26:00.001-08:00

Thursday class is on tomorrow, tree man not starting until Friday :). Jo x

2011-12-22T05:27:00.001-08:00

Wishing all my students a very merry christmas and a happy and healthy new year. Thanks for all your support throughout the year, especially after my flu and then the car crash etc. You are all stars. See you in 2012. Jo xxxx

2011-12-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

Last Monday Cairns Church class of the year - 19 December - starts back 9 January
Last Tuesday ski club class of the year - 20 December - starts back 10 January
Last Wednesday Blanefield Class of the year - 14 December - starts back 11 January
Last Thursday Guide Hall class of the year - 22 December - starts back 12 January

Please in times of bad weather conditions check this site or my blog before making your way to class, if class is cancelled it will be posted.

Jx

2011-12-08T01:09:00.001-08:00

No class today folks schools closed due to impending storm!! Sorry for short notice but only just found out myself! Stay safe Jo xxx

2011-12-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

Monday night 5 december astanga class cancelled due to snow.

jo x

Michael Gannon Retreat at Lendrick Lodge

2011-11-30T14:24:00.000-08:00

Hello Yogis and Yoginis

I am hosting a weekend retreat with Michael Gannon at Lendrick Lodge on 11-13 May. Those of you who have been to Lendrick with me before will know what a special place it is. I have been at many great retreats there, and I'm sure this one will be no exception. We have a busy schedule arranged, there will be 6 sessions of asana, pranayama and meditation with Michael and hopefully we'll get the chance to do some outside meditation and some walks, weather permitting. All food is included in the price. The food at lendrick is delicious vegetarian fayre.

Places are limited on the workshop, so If you would like to come along please don't wait to book. So don't miss out, put this on your santa list. To book drop me a line and I will tell you how to go about it.

Much love to you all.

Jo x

Class holidays

2011-10-11T07:55:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that due to the school holidays there are no classes on mon 17, Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 or Thursday 20th of October. All those coming to Michael Gannon workshop will receive an email from me shortly reminding about times, venues etc.

Jo x

2011-08-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hello All.

I am Jo's partner. Jo is unable to blog just now as she is unfortunately in hospital; she was in a bad car crash with other members of her family on Monday evening and sustained serious injuries to her shoulder. She was operated on on Tuesday and is likely to remain in hospital while her condition improves.

She is obviously very concerned about her classes and students and with ensuring that as many classes as possible are covered by other teachers until she gets back on her feet.

Unfortunately however, this week's Thursday class will not take place.

Jo has access to her email - never far from her iPhone - so if you need to get in touch with her that might be the best approach.

Craig

Michael Gannon Visit

2011-07-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

Jo will be hosting a weekend workshop with authorized ashtanga teacher Michael Gannon in Blanefield and Gartocharn on October 21-23 2011. Details of the workshop and on Michael can be found below. The cost of the workshop is £120 and is suitable for all levels of practitioner. There will also be a full led primary series on Friday 21 October 7-9pm. Cost £30. Michael is a wonderful teacher, so don’t miss the opportunity to take part in this fun weekend. If you would like a place please email Jo at jolockhart.yoga@gmail.com and she’ll give you details on how to book.

Look forward to seeing you there!
The schedule for the weekend is as follows:

Friday 21 October, The Edmonstone Hall, Blanefield - Full led primary series 7 - 9 pm - cost £30
Saturday 22^nd October, Kilmaronock Millennium Hall, Gartocharn
9.30 am – 12.30 pm - Opening Your Heart – Elements of backbending
Some of us have a spine like cooked linguini and don’t need to think about backbending. Some of us begin to hyperventilate when we attempt basic backbends. In this workshop we will break down individual elements that allow us to backbend with control and comfort. Working with partners we will explore shoulders, hip flexors, our front, our foundation and our breath. All levels, all styles of practitioners. Based on Michael’s latest DVD.

Break for lunch

2.30 pm – 4.30pm Opening Your Lotus – Elements of Sitting
For many of us, putting ourselves into Padmasana is NOT easy. And sitting there comfortably for more than 60-seconds can be like a Tapas practice of will and determination. This class will use a sequence of seated asanas to slowly, slowly free the restricted parts of the body that need to be loose to comfortably come into Padmasana and sit in peace. We can then use this new Asana, or seat, to ground ourselves for pranayama and meditation. All levels welcome.

Sunday 23 October, Kilmaronock Millennium Hall, Gartocharn
9.30 am – 12.30 pm - Ashtanga Rocks
Bust out of the traditional rules and add a little Rock & Mantra to your practice! Let’s flow through the Vinyasa System to the rockin beats of Gannon’s funky playlist. Ohhhhhh Yeeeeeeaaahhhhh!!!

Break for lunch

2.30pm – 4.30 pm – Awaken your Life Force and Quiet Your Mind
A Yogic breathing and pranayama workshop. This workshop will support the idea that the breath is the most powerful aspect of Ashtanga yoga. We will enhance our breath awareness to deepen our asana practice and develop a basic seated pranayama practice. By incorporating this practice – slowly you will be able to utilize the control of breath and bandhas to harness energy (prana) and flow with synchronicity from asana to asana, taking your practice experience to another level. Based on Michael’s CD used by practitioners around the world since 2005.

There will also be a full led primary series practice taking place on Friday 21 October 7 - 9 pm

Cost for Saturday and sunday £120.

Yoga found Michael after 10 chaotic years of deal making in the American advertising and music business. Through his yoga practice he was awakened to incredible balancing benefits that would gradually change his life path. After studying in India with the late Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois, learning the 1st, 2nd and 3rd series of the traditional ashtanga system, he was authorized directly by Jois in 2001 to teach. Since then he spends the year traveling and teaching workshops, trainings and retreats in The Americas, UK, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Michael’s rare understanding and unique teaching style of the original vinyasa system makes yoga’s transformational powers — physical, mental and spiritual — available to all, slowly, slowly, through a daily yoga practice. He has imparted this unique teaching style by training over 200 teachers worldwide in his GAVY Teacher Apprenticeships.
Michael founded the brand Yoga Dealer in 2005. He has also created the instructional breathing program CD, “Awaken Your Life Force and Quiet Your Mind”, the yoga demonstration DVD “From Earth to Heaven”and three yoga practice posters utilized by yoga practitioners around the world. 2010 introduced Michael’s latest DVD, “Opening Your Heart – Elements of Backbending.”
When Michael is not traveling, he spends time at the feet of his two most powerful Gurus, on the beach in Mexico — his 6-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son.

2011-06-21T06:08:00.001-07:00

Class is on this Wednesday evening 22 June and Thursday morning 23 June. Thereafter all day time classes stop until the end of the school Summer holidays. The Wednesday evening and Monday evening classes will be running as normal except for Monday 27th and Wednesday 29th June and Monday 4th July and Wednesday 6th July when I will be on holiday. All daytime students who wish to continue practising during the Summer please come along on a Wednesday evening to Strathblane. There may be an option to come on a Monday evening to Cairns, just text me to check availability. Have a great Summer for those of you I wont see.

Jo x

2011-05-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder there is no Tuesday class at the ski club on 31 May as I am still on course and Sinead can't cover.

See you next week.

Jo x

Timings now included!

2011-05-10T07:38:00.001-07:00

Extra Sessions on Michael Gannon Weekend Workshop

There will be two extra sessions at the Michael Gannon Weekend Workshop at my new studio Yoga Jo's in Milngavie, opening September.

Friday eve 21 Oct 2011 - 6.30 - 8.30 pm led primary series

Saturday evening 22nd Oct 2011 - 6.30 - 8 pm - yoga for relaxation and meditation (see details below)

Cost £30 a session or £50 for both. Full payment due at time of booking.

The timings for each have not been finalised yet. This information will follow.

So if you missed out on the other sessions, here's your chance!

If you would like to book please contact me on jolockhart.yoga@gmail.com

Yoga for Meditation (90 minutes)All asana practices can be used to prepare us and take us into a meditative state (Dhyana). When we just breathe and move, Vinyasa can become a moving meditation. We will start this session with a discusion on Energy , turning into and awakening our energetic body. We will then take this lite energetic awareness into a guided charka meditation. If your week at work or home has been stressful and making your mind rampant, this session will scrub it clean setting the tone for a relaxing weekend.

All levels welcome.

2011-05-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

There will be no evening classes on Monday 16 and Wednesday 18 May as I am away on a course. Daytime classes are running as normal and will be covered by Sinead Noble. Thanks Sinead! The evening classes resume as normal the following week.
Jo x

Extra Sessions on Michael Gannon Weekend Workshop

2011-05-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

There will be two extra sessions at the Michael Gannon Weekend Workshop at my new studio Yoga Jo's in Milngavie, opening September.

Friday eve 21 Oct 2011 - led primary series - duration 2 hours

Saturday evening 22nd Oct 2011 - yoga for relaxation and meditation (see details below) - 90 mins.

Cost £30 a session or £50 for both. Full payment due at time of booking.

The timings for each have not been finalised yet. This information will follow.

So if you missed out on the other sessions, here's your chance!

If you would like to book please contact me on jolockhart.yoga@gmail.com

Yoga for Meditation (90 minutes)All asana practices can be used to prepare us and take us into a meditative state (Dhyana). When we just breathe and move, Vinyasa can become a moving meditation. We will start this session with a discusion on Energy , turning into and awakening our energetic body. We will then take this lite energetic awareness into a guided charka meditation. If your week at work or home has been stressful and making your mind rampant, this session will scrub it clean setting the tone for a relaxing weekend.

All levels welcome.

Michael Gannon Workshop

2011-04-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Michael Gannon Workshop is now full. Should be a great weekend.

Michael Gannon Workshop

2011-04-20T03:29:00.000-07:00

There are only 2 places left, who'll get them first?

p.s. if you are on Facebook join my Facebook group Jo Lockhart Yoga. It is a closed group and open to members only. You can join it by clicking on the facebook link on my website.

Michael Gannon Workshop

2011-04-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

Jo will be hosting a weekend workshop with authorized ashtanga teacher Michael Gannon in her new studio ‘Yoga Jo’s’ in Milngavie, Glasgow on October 22-23 2011. Details of the workshop and on Michael can be found below. The cost of the workshop is £120 and is suitable for all levels of practitioner. Michael is a wonderful teacher, so don’t miss the opportunity to take part in this fun weekend. If you would like a place please email Jo at jolockhart.yoga@gmail.com and she’ll give you details on how to book.

Look forward to seeing you there!

The schedule for the weekend is as follows:

Saturday 22^nd October

9.30 am – 12.30 pm - Opening Your Heart – Elements of backbending

Some of us have a spine like cooked linguini and don’t need to think about backbending. Some of us begin to hyperventilate when we attempt basic backbends. In this workshop we will break down individual elements that allow us to backbend with control and comfort. Working with partners we will explore shoulders, hip flexors, our front, our foundation and our breath. All levels, all styles of practitioners. Based on Michael’s latest DVD.

Break for lunch

2.30 pm – 4.30pm Opening Your Lotus – Elements of Sitting

For many of us, putting ourselves into Padmasana is NOT easy. And sitting there comfortably for more than 60-seconds can be like a Tapas practice of will and determination. This class will use a sequence of seated asanas to slowly, slowly free the restricted parts of the body that need to be loose to comfortably come into Padmasana and sit in peace. We can then use this new Asana, or seat, to ground ourselves for pranayama and meditation. All levels welcome.

Sunday 23 October

9.30 am – 12.30 pm - Ashtanga Rocks

Bust out of the traditional rules and add a little Rock & Mantra to your practice! Let’s flow through the Vinyasa System to the rockin beats of Gannon’s funky playlist. Ohhhhhh Yeeeeeeaaahhhhh!!!

Break for lunch

2.30pm – 4.30 pm – Awaken your Life Force and Quiet Your Mind

A Yogic breathing and pranayama workshop. This workshop will support the idea that the breath is the most powerful aspect of Ashtanga yoga. We will enhance our breath awareness to deepen our asana practice and develop a basic seated pranayama practice. By incorporating this practice – slowly you will be able to utilize the control of breath and bandhas to harness energy (prana) and flow with synchronicity from asana to asana, taking your practice experience to another level. Based on Michael’s CD used by practitioners around the world since 2005.

Yoga found Michael after 10 chaotic years of deal making in the American advertising and music business. Through his yoga practice he was awakened to incredible balancing benefits that would gradually change his life path. After studying in India with the late Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois, learning the 1st, 2nd and 3rd series of the traditional ashtanga system, he was authorized directly by Jois in 2001 to teach. Since then he spends the year traveling and teaching workshops, trainings and retreats in The Americas, UK, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Michael’s rare understanding and unique teaching style of the original vinyasa system makes yoga’s transformational powers — physical, mental and spiritual — available to all, slowly, slowly, through a daily yoga practice. He has imparted this unique teaching style by training over 200 teachers worldwide in his GAVY Teacher Apprenticeships.

Michael founded the brand Yoga Dealer in 2005. He has also created the instructional breathing program CD, “Awaken Your Life Force and Quiet Your Mind”, the yoga demonstration DVD “From Earth to Heaven” and three yoga practice posters utilized by yoga practitioners around the world. 2010 introduced Michael’s latest DVD, “Opening Your Heart – Elements of Backbending.”

When Michael is not traveling, he spends time at the feet of his two most powerful Gurus, on the beach in Mexico — his 6-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son.

Wednesday 6 April

2011-04-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry cannot run Wednesday evening class in Blanefield on 6 April as they are revarnishing the hall floor.

See you next week.

2011-03-31T00:47:00.001-07:00

Sorry yoga cancelled this morning April 1. Am unwell. Have a lovely break. Jo x

2011-03-22T01:52:00.000-07:00

Please see below details of a workshop being run by a fellow yoga teacher. Sounds wonderfully relaxing. If you are interested in going along please contact Vicky directly,

Jo x

Relax, Re-focus, Re-energise Retreat

Are you relaxed?

Do you want to reduce stress, depression, insomnia, IBS, anxiety and many other symptoms?

Become mindful and improve your mental and physical wellbeing?

With Vicki Cook & Valerie Cowie, Advanced Yoga Teachers

At Yoga Glasgow, 10 Claremont Terrace G3 7XR

£55.00 - Limited to 15 people

Saturday 16 April 12.00 – 17.00

©Deep Relaxation (Yoga Nidra) ©Yoga/Pilates ©Posture ©Breathing Exercises ©Mindful Eating ©Meditation © Understanding stress and it’s affect on our body, mind and soul

EMAIL: Vicki@golightlycoaching.com, for information www.golightlycoaching.com & www.yogashrink.com

Class Cancelled

2011-03-16T02:13:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Sorry for the short notice but I'm afraid I am going to have to cancel class this evening 16 March. See you all next week.

Jo x

Ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm :0)

2011-03-09T02:24:00.000-08:00

For those of you who were 'Om'ing in class yesterday. Jx

Mantras, sacred chants, come in all shapes and sizes. They can be composed of sentences, single words, or even single syllables; they can be perfectly intelligible or completely mystifying (at least to the uninitiated).

Single-syllable mantras, known as bija (seed) mantras, are the easiest to remember and recite; they're also the most powerful. It's believed that, just as a tiny seed contains a majestic tree, each bija contains vast amounts of spiritual wisdom and creative force. One of the oldest and most widely known of these seeds is om.

Om is frequently called the pranava, literally "humming," a word that derives from pranu, "to reverberate," and ultimately from the root nu, "to praise or command" but also "to sound or shout." It is the audible expression of the transcendental, attributeless ground of reality.

Om is the "primordial seed" of the universe--this whole world, says one ancient text, "is nothing but om." It is also considered to be the root mantra from which all other mantras emerge and to encapsulate the essence of the many thousands of verses of Hinduism's holiest texts, the Vedas. According to the Katha Upanishad (2.15), om is the "word which all the Vedas rehearse."

As such, om is the meditative seed par excellence. Patanjali--who wrote the Yoga Sutra and is considered to be the father of classical yoga--taught that when we chant this sacred syllable and simultaneously contemplate the meaning of it, our consciousness becomes "one-pointed: and prepared for meditation. In a commentary on the Yoga Sutra, the ancient sage Vyasa noted that through chanting om, "the supreme soul is revealed." In a similar vein, Tibetan scholar Lama Govinda wrote that om expresses and leads to the "experience of the infinite within us." Thus, chanting om may be the easiest way to touch the Divine within your very self.

Yogis often meditate on the four "measures," or parts, of om. Though commonly spelled om, the mantra actually consists of three letters, a, u, and m. (In Sanskrit, whenever an initial a is followed by a u, they coalesce into a long o sound.) Each of these three parts has numerous metaphysical associations, which themselves serve as meditative seeds. For example, a (pronounced "ah") represents our waking state, which is also the subjective consciousness of the outer world; u (pronounced "ooh") is the dreaming state, or the consciousness of our inner world of thoughts, dreams, memories, and so on; and m is the dreamless state of deep sleep and the experience of ultimate unity.

By contemplating the meaning of each of these letters as we chant them, we are led through the three states of our ordinary consciousness to the mantra's fourth part, the anusvara (after-sound): om. The vibration slowly dissolves into silence, symbolic of the transcendent state of consciousness, equated with Brahman (the Absolute). This silence is the crown of the mantra; it is described in the Maitri Upanishad as "tranquil, soundless, fearless, sorrowless, blissful, satisfied, steadfast, immovable, immortal, unshaken, enduring."

Lendrick Lodge Retreat

2011-03-09T02:07:00.001-08:00

Dear All

Some of you may remember a group of us went up to Lendrick Lodge last Autumn for a retreat with Julie Hanson and Sue Woodd. A great time was had by all and a few of you were keen to repeat the event. I'm therefore delighted to let you all know that Julie and Sue have decided to run a Spring workshop this coming May. The weekend will run from the evening of Friday 13 to late afternoon of Sunday 15th May. The cost is as follows:

£250 for a room sharing with 3 - 4 people

£270 for a twin room

£290 for a single room

This will include all teachings and food.

There will be an official flyer coming out soon for the retreat but I wanted to let you know a bit in advance. If you are interested in coming along please let me know.

Jo x

2011-03-09T01:59:00.000-08:00

Big thanks to Harry for taking class yesterday. It was great to be part of a class again and share all that group energy! I was buzzing all day :0)

All classes resume Monday 17 Jan. C u soon jx

2011-01-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

2011-01-06T07:21:00.000-08:00

HI All

Thank you so much for all the get well messages, I really appreciate it! Am slowly on the mend with the help of my lovely mum who is feeding me and making sure I rest. Aren't mums the best!

I am hoping to be back on my feet by Monday 17th January when all classes will resume as normal.

Next week the Monday evening class at Cairns on 10th January will be running as a mysore class and Tuesday morning at ski club on the 11th will be running, as cover has been arranged.

Here's hoping I see you all week beginning 17th January.

Til then, be well

Love Jo x

2010-12-14T05:16:00.001-08:00

Hi All

Due to the dangerous driving conditions and the unhappy promise of more snow I have decided to cancel the Wednesday evening class in Strathblane until the New Year. The next class will be on January 5th 2011 weather permitting obviously.

For those of you who I will now not see until then, I wish you a lovely Xmas and a very peaceful, happy and healthy New Year.

Luv Jo x

2010-12-07T15:05:00.001-08:00

Wednesday 8th Strathblane class and Thursday 9th Guide Hall class cancelled. Go away snow!

Monday 6 December Cairns Church class cancelled

2010-12-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

Hi All

Probably no need really to let you know that class will be cancelled this evening, it's fairly obvious that trying to get to a yoga class this evening is not a great idea for any of us, anyway my cars stuck!!!

I hope to see you next week.

Stay safe and warm.

Jo x

2010-12-06T00:06:00.001-08:00

Monday morning 6 December class cancelled.

2010-12-01T04:58:00.001-08:00

Hi All

Yoga cancelled tonight Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd due to weather. Hopefully all will be well next week! Had enough of the snow now!

Be well and safe. Jo x

2010-11-29T10:38:00.001-08:00

Tuesday morning class cancelled :0(

Class Cancelled

2010-11-29T10:10:00.000-08:00

Hi All

It's ten past 6 and its starting to snow again. Think its best to cancel this evenings class. See you next week hopefully.

Jo x

2010-11-28T23:31:00.001-08:00

Hi all

Think its best to cancel yoga this morning, Monday 29th, dont think we should be trying to battle through the snow. Unlikely my sons school bus is going to turn up anyway!

We will add another class on to the block.

See you next week.

All other classes will be on as normal unless I inform you otherwise.

Jo x

2010-11-03T15:03:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the great group energy in class tonight everyone, and for entering into the spirit of the asana workshop. It was fun. You're all fab. Thanks Sue for the cake it was yummy!!!

2010-10-21T09:13:00.001-07:00

Just back from Aberdeen. Feeling very energised after a wonderful week of yoga. Many thanks to all who came to Lendrick for really entering into the spirit of Sue, Julie and Mary's teachings. It was a fab weekend, I enjoyed sharing the time and lovely energy with you all so much, and most of all watching you all deepen your understanding of yoga. I'm so proud of you all.

I also want to say another big thank you for the presentation you made to me of the tibetan singing bowl, I will cherish it. Sorry I cried but I was truly touched by the gesture and all the lovely things you said about me. My aim is to inspire my students to love yoga as much as I do and the words you said made me feel that you are inspired and that means a lot to me.

Big thanks to Julie, Sue, Mary and Stephen for sharing their knowledge with us all.

My trip to Aberdeen to study with Michael Gannon was great, hardwork, but great! As usual when sharing time with the direct students of Pattabhi Jois I learned a great deal and deepened my understanding of the ashtanga practice. I look forward to being able to share that with you all.

Will post some photos soon.

See you all next week.

Jo x

Class Holidays

2010-10-08T03:51:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder there are no classes now until the 25 October, except for the Wednesday evening class in Blanefield which will be running on 13 October but not 20th. Have a good break. Jx

2010-10-02T11:39:00.001-07:00

Hopefully we are all fairly organised for going to the retreat at Lendrick Lodge. If anyone has any further questions please do not hesitate to ask. All that remains now is to enjoy!

Jx

2010-10-02T11:37:00.001-07:00

Big Thank you to everyone who filled out my questionnaire. I got a great response and it's been very helpful. Jo x

2010-09-08T03:48:00.000-07:00

Some inspiration folks! Thanks to Wendy for the post. Jx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu9Sq1RvuoA

Mulha and Uddhiyana Bandha

2010-08-18T02:28:00.000-07:00

Hi All

I wanted to share with you, with David's permission of course, two articles written by David Keil on Mulha and Uddhiyana bandha, which I love and found very helpful. They give a wonderful insight into the elusive bandhas and reading them will help you to understand and therefore use them more effectively in your practice.

For more information on David go to www.yoganatomy.com , his newletters are worth signing up for and if you ever get the chance to be his student, go for it! I will of course let you know the next time he is in town!

Enjoy

J x

The bandhas are perhaps the most difficult aspect to grasp in the practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. For me personally, I think I know what they are. But then I look back at my little life as an Ashtangi, amazingly at 11 years now, and realize, I thought I knew what they were 10 years ago. Then just 5 years ago I understand them even more differently than I do today. My experience of them has changed over the years and will continue to as I'm guessing your experience of them will.

As an anatomy teacher I do try to bridge the gap between the subtle esoteric aspects of the energetic system and the practice of yoga and put it into western terms of anatomy. In the area of bandhas, I am careful to not too strongly make it into a physical anatomical thing. Instead, I acknowledge that bandhas are both, energetic and physical as is our entire body. We are not just energy, not just emotions, not just spiritual, not just thoughts, not just physical, but all of these at once.

To discuss mulha bandha we talk about the pelvic floor, some people say Perineum and others use the term PC muscles which stands for Pubo-Coccygeal muscles. This web of tissue at the base of our torso container is actually a diaphragm - defined as a ring of tissue. The opening at the base of our bowl shaped pelvis is more or less circular and filled with thin layers of muscles and fascia, creating a trampoline of tissues. Like many other places in the body, the pelvic floor is layered. Technically the perineum lies under the pubo-coccygeal muscles with a layer of fascia between.

Contraction of these muscles is often associated with the mulha bandha. Great debate comes from whether you should be contracting the middle or the back portion of these tissues and far be it from me to jump into this one too deeply, other than to say, Guruji (Sri K. Pattabhi Jois) always talked about controlling your anus. The translations that I've seen of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which has an entire chapter on Bandhas and Mudras, often say the same thing. That is, mulha bandha is a contraction of the anus.

As it turns out the PC muscles are actually part of the levator ani... which means elevator of the anus. Technically this would be more closely related to what we're after. Therefore to this anatomist, it makes more technical sense to use PC. But that's just me, in the end, what matters is that you have the experience of what is created, not the technical details.

If the bandha is an energetic component of who we are, what part does the actual muscle have to do with the bandha anyway? Personally I describe the pelvic floor and contraction of it as the pathway toward mulha bandha. In other words, it's the physical contraction that does two things. First, it creates a conscious mental relationship with mulha bandha and it seems that prana follows thoughts, so if you're thinking of a part of your body, you are in essence sending energy there. Second, is the contraction of the PC muscles which stimulates the energetic center. Hence, creating the mulha bandha.

There are of course physical changes that occur when performing a contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. They often fit into the descriptions given of the core muscles. There are debates about what the core muscles are, which ones should be included etc... but the pelvic floor is almost always part of that conversation. Remember that the pelvic floor muscles are at the base of the spine filling the circular like hole at the bottom of our pelvic bowl. The back portion of the bowl is created by the sacrum which links to either side of the pelvis at what we call the SI (sacroiliac) joint. Just off to either side of the sacrum, in essence filling in the sides toward the back or the bowl are the piriformis muscles.

Think of the spine rising up out of the back of the pelvic bowl, towering above its foundation at the pelvis. Almost like balancing a broom upside down in the palm of your hand. Certainly there are other muscles that help stabilize this column as it rises, but at its base, its foundation, are the PC muscles. To see the effect of these muscles in helping balance the spine, imagine for a moment that you tightened your PC muscles so much that it started to make your coccyx touch your pubic bone (not possible by the way). If the coccyx, and therefore sacrum are moving toward the pubic bone it means that there is movement at the SI joint and the spine is falling backwards above the SI joint.

If the muscles let go completely then the opposite would happen. No tension to hold the sacrum in place and the towering column of the spine would start to fall forward and the coccyx would be moving away from the pubis. The point is that the PC muscles help to create stability of the pelvic bowl and the spine that rises from it. Of course, no muscle, or in this case group of muscles, lives in a vacuum. There are other muscles (and ligaments) that help maintain the integrity of the pelvic bowl and the stability of the spine, it's just that these muscles are at the foundation of it. Therefore physically these muscles are about stability and support of pelvis and spine, and perhaps, root the spine, or are at the root of the spine. Mulha = Root.

There is another effect that happens when contracting these muscles. You should be able to feel this yourself quite easily especially on a strong contraction of the PC muscles. This effect is that you should also find that lowest part of your abdomen also changes in tension. You may want to close your eyes for a moment and do a few contraction of these muscles to see what other parts around the area contract. People may experience it slightly differently. Some may even feel a contraction in their lower back as well between the top of the pelvis and ribs which would most likely be a result of the transverse abdominus (the deepest of the oblique muscles) as it connects to the vertebrae in the lumbar.

There is still one more direction to go with this interlinking of subtle and gross aspects of mulha bandha and the pelvic floor. What better force to interlink them with than breath. You might say that breath is the ultimate link between subtle and gross. It's most subtle aspect as Prana or life force animates our physical bodies. This feeds us both energetically and then if we take just the smallest of steps toward gross, prana presents itself in the form of oxygen molecules which nourish and sustain all of our more gross tissues, be they nervous, muscular, or skeletal. Everything in the body relies upon it.

When the diaphragm contracts it compresses the abdominal contents and puts a downward pressure on the pelvic floor and if unrestricted, also pushes the abdomen out. You can give it a go yourself by closing your eyes and take a big breath or two. You should feel the further you go to the edges of your inhalation that there is more and more abdomen moving and pressure into the pelvic floor.

The diaphragm above is putting pressure on the diaphragm below (PC). The energetic purpose of mulha bandha is to prevent the escape of energy, specifically prana vayu or downward flowing energy. By contracting the pelvic floor muscles you prevent the downward movement of these muscles when breathing. You are literally stopping a downward physical force. The gross side of the subtle purpose of mulha bandha.

I'd love to follow this thread and tell you all about the muscle that is most likely associated with uddhiyana bandha and the effects on breathing there but it would be off topic. You'll just have to demand another guest post from this yogi bent on anatomy.

Om Shanti,

David

Finding your Anatomical Uddhiyana by David Keil 2010
In the last piece about mulha bandha and its relationship to the pelvic floor muscles I eluded to the muscle that might be most associated with uddhiyana bandha. Well, here we are continuing down the path to try and bridge the subtle and gross of our bodies as best we can.
I should mention that although this is one of those places where anatomy and energy seem to overlap, I wholeheartedly believe bandhas to be energetic with an anatomical component. After all, I consider myself a yogi first, anatomist second. However, There are physical parts that can help us understand and relate to these more subtle aspects of our anatomy. For mulha bandha it was the pelvic floor, for uddhiyana... well, let's talk about this for a minute.
I often ask the question, how would you know if someone was engaging or using their bandhas? The answer in some form or fashion is that you see the results. You see the qualities created by mulha and uddhiyana in the individual as they move and practice. What are the qualities? mulha is the root lock, which means one would observe a grounded quality to the asana being performed. Uddhiyana on the other hand means upward flying and is often observed as an overall ease and particularly a lightness in the practice. The very famous, floating aspect in advanced practitioners is a sign of bandha use and control.
This is not to say that there is no muscular effort, there most definitely is. One must also have strength to make these movements happen but to look effortless seems to require the use of the subtle aspects of our being.
I know I've been keeping some of you in suspense about what physical part of the body is related to uddhiyana, but some of you have probably guessed already (especially if you recognize the image to the right). If you haven't, it's the psoas muscle. I've already written a short article on the psoas posted on the website. For our purposes today I want to tie the workings of mulha and uddhiyana together.
There are three muscles that one could associate with the word psoas. First is the very small psoas minor muscle. Second, is the psoas major. Third is the Iliacus muscle which when combined with the psoas major is known as the Iliopsoas. The psoas minor is somewhat disregarded as it a small muscle with a long tendon, meaning it's not very powerful. In addition it's said to be absent in approximately half the population.
It is the function of the iliopsoas (the combination of iliacus and psoas major) as the strongest hip flexor of the body that brings everyone's attention to it. This movement of hip flexion is essential to us as humans as it is what takes us forward in our daily life. It is the primary muscle for walking. Although you could simplify walking as flexing the femur so that one foot goes in front of the other, it's certainly much more complex than that, and requires many other muscles to carry out this complicated and coordinated action.
What we're essentially doing is both controlling and moving our center of gravity forward in space and we're balancing it on those two long sticks we call legs. Our physical center of gravity is near the top of our sacrum. It's only slightly different for men or women, but not so much that we need to go into it in this article. As we transition into other types of movements, especially if you think of graceful dancers, or powerful changes in direction like football players, what we essentially do is control the center of gravity in our body.
The psoas is perfectly positioned to make this happen. It is a two-sided muscle, each side a more or less tapering tube-shaped piece of muscle falling on either side of our center of gravity. What this means, is that it is going to be intrinsically linked with the control of this area of the body.
When one jumps back, forward, or lifts up into a handstand they are essentially controlling their center of gravity over, or in relation to, their foundation (in this case hands). I hate to over-simplify it, but it's having a connection to ones center physically and energetically. Awareness of the psoas, and attempted use of it, seems to trigger the resultant effect of uddhiyana bandha, flying upward with control and lightness. If you add this to mulha bandha as we discussed in last months newsletter, we are using mulha to control from below and uddhiyana to control from either side of the center of gravity. We are in a sense surrounding both our energetic center as well as our physical center.
There are many exercises that can encourage a connection to these areas of the body and you've probably done a few if you've been practicing yoga for any length of time. At first, it does take self-inquiry to understand the relationship of both of these bandhas to each other as well as to the practice of yoga. What I've offered is simply a physical anchor for your mind which may help you discover your center of gravity. This is a great place to focus on in your practice. In every anatomy workshop that I do, when I cover the psoas we do simple sun salutations with a focus on that muscle or area of the body. The effect for the students is almost always obvious.
There is of course one more element that should be discussed if you're talking about bandha... and that is breath, without it, there is no prana to control. Perhaps next time we'll discuss that.

2010-08-12T06:30:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone, hope you have all had a great Summer. All classes start back next week, week beginning 16 August, except for the Monday morning flow class at the guide hall which begins the following week 23rd. Looking forward to seeing you all for a good stretch! Jo x

2010-07-15T11:07:00.001-07:00

Have had a fab first week of Mysore with David Keil, lots of hard work and have defintely reached some muscles I didn't know I had!!! Cant wait for next week.

Have learned such a lot in the adjustment workshop, I'm sure you can't wait for me to try them out on you all!

Hope you are all having a good Summer.

Jo x

Class Holidays

2010-07-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks

There will be no class this Wednesday evening 14th July or next Wednesday 21st July as I am on a course. See you all on the 28th.

Jo x

Summer break

2010-06-27T04:01:00.001-07:00

All classes have now stopped for the Summer except for the Wednesday evening class in Blanefield.

If you want to keep your practice going over the Summer you are very welcome to come along to Blanefield. The class runs from 7.30 until 9pm. This class will not be running on 14 July or 21 July as I will be on a course.

Have a lovely Summer if I don't see you in Blanefield.

2010-06-07T00:32:00.000-07:00

There will be no class in Blanefield on Wednesday evening 9th June as I am going to my daughters school play. Jx

2010-06-02T09:32:00.001-07:00

Have been unable to do any yoga for a week due to illness, am going completely nuts! Couldn't even do pranayama, nasal passages were just too blocked. I can't wait to get on my mat, hoping for tomorrow.

Blanefield class is on this evening. See you there

Tuesday Evening Guide Hall - 1st June

2010-06-01T04:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry class cancelled this evening tuesday 1 June am still unwell. Jo x

Cairns Class monday 31 may

2010-05-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys due to illness will have to cancel this evenings class. See you all next week.

Jo x

Class holidays

2010-05-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder there will be no daytime flow class on Thursday 27 May and Monday 31st May due to the school holidays. The Monday evening class is on as normal.

Jx

Class Holidays

2010-04-29T03:27:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder - due to the May bank holiday there is no Monday morning flow class at the guide hall on 3rd May. The Monday evening class is on as normal.

Due to the election there is no flow class on Thursday 6 May at the guide hall.

New Class Time - Tuesday Evening

2010-04-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder the Tuesday evening class at the Guide Hall, Pendicle Rd has changed time. It will now begin at 8.05 and run until 9.15. We will not be allowed access to the hall before 8pm.

David Keil

2010-04-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

David Keil an authorized ashtanga teacher is coming to Glasgow in July to do a couple of weeks of mysore.. He is an awesome teacher and adjustor. If any of you intermediate ashtangis fancy it, let me know and I will send you the details. I will be going along for both weeks.

For more info. on David go to www.yoganatomy.com

Jx

2010-04-15T03:13:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder - after the Easter break Monday and Thursday flow classes are at the Guide Hall, Pendicle Rd. So don't turn up at the ski club!

Jx

2010-04-02T14:43:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter everyone.

My daytime classes have stopped for the holidays. Get your mats out at home. Energy is rising so put a little spring into your practice. We start back on 19.04 at the Guide Hall, Pendicle Rd, Bearsden. The Monday and Wednesday evening classes are on as normal.

Enjoy the holidays. Weather was gorgeous today let's hope it continues!

2010-03-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning class at ski club is on. Jx

Facebook | Jo Lockhart Yoga

2010-03-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Facebook Jo Lockhart Yoga

New Class

2010-03-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

I have a new Ashtanga class for beginners beginning Tuesday 20.04.10 at 7.50 until 9pm. Guide Hall, Pendicle Rd, Bearsden. If you are interested let me know.

Tuesday Mysore Style!

2010-03-16T06:20:00.001-07:00

A big well done to the Tuesday ski club class who did their first Mysore style class this morning.

Mysore again next week so remember your practice sheets!

Jo x

Classes next week

2010-02-25T04:03:00.000-08:00

Hi All

I am on holiday next week. Classes will not be running on the following dates:

Tuesday 2 March

Wednesday 3 March

Thursday 4 March

Monday 8 March

Tuesday 9 March

Classes are running as normal on Monday 1 March.

Jo x

Just for a laugh

2010-02-16T04:51:00.000-08:00

Check this out, its hilarious. Jx

Click here: YouTube - Poo Chi

Half Term break

2010-02-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder, there are no ski club classes on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th of February due to the half term break. The Thursday class is on as normal, as are the Monday and Wednesday classes in the evening.

Have a lovely break.

Jo x

Wednesday 27th Class

2010-01-24T04:05:00.000-08:00

Forgot to mention at class last week that a pantomime is being held in the Edmonstone Hall on Wednesday 27th so there will be no class that evening.

Jo x

Music

2010-01-21T03:58:00.000-08:00

For those of you asking about the music I played during the relaxation at the flow class today. The singer was Deva Premal and the song was Om Hraum Mitraya from the album Dakshina. If you go to www.omstream.com you can download single tracks if you don't want to buy a whole album.

Jo x

The Weekend

2010-01-21T03:53:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say a big 'well done' to those of you who did the workshop at the weekend. It was a lot of hard work for you and I hope it pays off in the led classes. It was my first time running a course like that and I enjoyed the experience, so thanks for coming along.

Jo x

Um Shandy

2010-01-14T09:12:00.001-08:00

Helen has been displaying her creative talents again. Helen you crack me up. To quote one of your acronyms - ROTFL? Is that how it goes?

Om Shanti!

An Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga - Sat 16th and sun 17th January

2010-01-12T05:26:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

For those of you coming along at the weekend.

The Edmonstone Hall is on the left hand side off the main road as you drive through Blanefield away from Bearsden. It is a detatched white church-like building with its own car park and is beside the police station. For entry we do not use the front door rather the second door down on the right hand side of the building. There may be quite a few cars there so please park wisely! If the car park is full there is plenty of residential parking around within walking distance of the hall.

Please bring a blanket and a yoga block with you if you have one. Anyone who has a portable type heater can you please bring it with you in case of extremely cold weather! Hopefully the hall will be nice and warm, its just in case!

The course starts at 10am and finishes at 1pm. There will an extremely short toilet break only as we've got a lot to pack in so please make sure you eat breakfast but do not eat anything after about 8.30.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Jo x

Wednesday 6 January Blanefield Class Cancelled

2010-01-05T11:52:00.001-08:00

Sorry everyone, due to the weather thought it best to cancel tomorrow evenings class in Blanefield. Hope to see you next week.

Jo x

2010-01-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you all.

Well done all those who made it to class this morning through the snow, what a dedicated bunch you are, either that or just desperate to work off all those mince pies!!

I've just finished my practice and am torn between doing the washing or going off sledging before the kids get out of school and ruin all the good snow.

Sledging it is. It's just too gorgeous outside to miss the opportunity.

Jx

Merry Xmas everyone

2009-12-17T04:58:00.000-08:00

Thank you one and all for coming to my classes this year. I hope all that yoga has helped make it a good one and that you have enjoyed it as much as I have.

I wish you all a wonderful Xmas and I look forward to seeing you all in what I hope will be healthy, happy and peaceful New Year for you all.

Classes begin again on the following dates:

Ski club Tuesday class - 5 January
Ski Club Thursday class - 7 January
Ski Club Monday class - 11 January
Monday evening Cairns Church - 4 January
Wednesday evening Blanefield - 6 January

Om Shanti

Jo x

An Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga

2009-12-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

For those of you who expressed an interest, the date for the abovementioned course is now confirmed :

Saturday 16th Jan 10am - 1pm
Sunday 17th Jan 10 am - 1pm

The venue is the Edmonstone Hall in Blanefield, which is where my Wednesday evening class takes place. Should anyone need directions please let me know.

Looking forward to it.

Jo

Get Well Message

2009-12-10T03:46:00.001-08:00

Have had lots of poor students off with sickness or due to sick kids so just wanted to say hope you all get better soon.

Jo x

An Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga

2009-12-08T00:19:00.000-08:00

Hi All

I will be running a new course focused on the fundamental elements and postures of ashtanga yoga. The course is open to everyone and will be particularly beneficial to complete beginners and to those who joined my led classes after they had been up and running for a while and perhaps missed the basics taught at the beginning. It will also be useful for anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of the practice, or who just fancies going back to basics.

This 6 hour course will cover the following:

* The eight limbs of yoga
* The breathing system, 'vinyasa' (synchronized breath and movement)
* Bandhas (internal energy locks) and Drishtis (gaze points)
* The asana of the primary series will be covered in some detail to ensure they are practised correctly with close attention being paid to variations to make the practice suitable for all.

The course will provide you with a strong foundation from which to grow your practice and get more out of a led class.

So if you are coming to a led class and you don't understand any of the above, please come along, or if you know someone who has never done ashtanga before but you think would enjoy the practice please let them know.

I am hoping to the run the course in January sometime probably over two Saturdays at 3 hours a time. If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible as I will need to guage numbers interested to determine the size of space I need to let. Obviously availability of halls will determine dates but I will try to accommodate everyone as best I can.

The cost of the course will be £35, so let Santa know!

Jo x

2009-11-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

Am just back from my teacher training week with David Swenson and am exhausted but happy!

It was very intense and a lot of hardwork, but brilliant. He is an amazing, inspiring teacher and a truly lovely human being. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to spend the week learning from him and I am looking forward to sharing what I learned with those of you who attend my astanga classes.

Look forward to seeing you all next week.

Jo x

2009-11-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hi All

Now that the frosty mornings have arrived just a wee reminder to bring your blanket to class for relaxation at the end.

Also a reminder that there will be no classes on Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th of November as I will be away on a course with David Swenson. Classes will resume as normal the following week.

Click on the link to have a look at David in action, its incredible: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xeWmcXbmBY

Jo x

2009-11-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

Hope those of you who are doing an autumn flow with me at the moment are enjoying doing something a little different and that second time round your triceps and tummy weren't as sore as the first time!

Am posting today mainly to say a huge big Happy Birthday to one of my students Helen who celebrates her 40th on the 5th November.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HELEN

Love Jo x

October break

2009-10-11T02:50:00.000-07:00

There will be no ski club classes next week and the evening classes on Monday 12th and Wednesday 14th October will also not be on. Classes resume as normal next week.

Jo

2009-09-30T03:40:00.000-07:00

Am just back from my final session with Manju Jois. Am absolutely knackered, but enjoyed every second of it. He was lovely, very humble and down to earth and his adjustments were amazing.

Well done to those students who made it along to a session. I hope you enjoyed it and that you will continue to do the pranayama he did with us daily. I loved the chanting especially, very meditative - that's another 10 minutes added on to my daily practice!!

Jo x

Astanga Blues

2009-09-24T14:42:00.001-07:00

My friend and yoga student Colin (in action above) has written a song about his experiences in my Monday night astanga class. Have a listen by clicking on the link below, I'm sure you will be able to identify with it!!!

Brilliant!!!

Jx

p.s. For any potential new students:

he keeps coming back!!!!

2009-09-16T01:32:00.000-07:00

One of my students Helen posted this on her blog today. Thought I would share it with you just coz it made me laugh! Check out her blog FeedingFiveForFifty, it's a food blog and its fab.
Jx

Today at Yoga....

...forgive me Jo.

Manju Jois

2009-09-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Level 2 Ashtangi's

Wanted to let you know that Manju Jois, Pattabhi Jois' son is coming to the Chi Yoga Centre on 26th and 27th September. There will be a led primary series, chanting and pranayama workshop on both days. It should be a great workshop. If anyone fancies coming along with me, ask me for more details.

To find out more about Manju Jois go to http://www.manjujois.com/

Jo x

Question

2009-08-31T10:32:00.001-07:00

Is it ever going to stop raining?

Ski Club Classes

2009-08-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Hello ski club yogis

The ski club classes begin again next week; Monday 17th August and Tuesday 18th August. The Thursday class does not begin until the following week ie. 27th August.

Look forward to seeing you all then.

Jo x

Lost Jacket

2009-07-09T04:37:00.000-07:00

Has anyone left a black hooded Firetrap jacket at class. If you are looking for it let me know I have it.

Jo x

Music for Yoga

2009-07-09T01:41:00.001-07:00

Also been asked a lot about where to get music for yoga. I would recommend www.omstream.com as you can download single tracks without having to buy the whole album, you can also listen to the tracks before downloading.

I would recommend anything by Deva Premal and for meditation I really like Lex Van Someren.

Enjoy.

Jo x

Yoga Mats

2009-07-09T01:20:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone

A few of you have been asking me about yoga mats and which ones to buy. I love the mat which I use and which I think is good value for money. You can get it at www.theyogashop.co.uk

Once in the online shop go to the following:

Yoga Mats

EkoTex Mats

Millenium Mats

and the one you want to order is the EkoTex - Millenium Mat Purple Lite (3.5mm) which costs £25.

When you get it it will be slippy as it has a coating on it to protect it during transit. Wash it down with a damp cloth and let it dry before using.

Hope this helps. A decent mat will transform your practice, not to mention yer heid will hurt less during headstands!!!

Jo x

Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga

2009-06-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Judi Farrell a fab cys teacher is running a beginners introductory course to ashtanga yoga at the Chi Yoga Centre which I thought some of you might be interested in attending. Even those of you who have been coming to my ashtanga classes for a while would find it useful if you would like to deepen your practice. Double click on the link below for more details.

Jo x

Cairns Class

2009-06-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Monday night astangis

Fantastic to see class so busy tonight. There are 14 of you on the class list and there were 14 of you there! Hope you enjoyed all the sweat and high energy it was great!

See you next week.

Jx

2009-06-22T00:02:00.000-07:00

I had a great week of mysore practice with David Keil and just wanted to say thank you to those of you whose classes I had to cancel last week. Thanks for being so understanding. See you all at class this week.

Jo x

Next Weeks classes

2009-06-09T06:39:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone

As I mentioned in class to some of you already, at the last minute I have decided to do a week of mysore practice with David Keil and as such I am going to have to cancel my daytime classes next week. Sorry for the short notice, but its too good an opportunity to miss and is important for the development of my own practice and therefore my ability as a teacher. So Monday 15th, Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th of June daytime classes at the ski club will not be on. Classes will be on the following week and these will be the last ski club classes before the school summer holidays. We will make up the cancelled session in the first block after the summer.

For those of you who wish to continue practicing throughout the Summer you are welcome to come to my Wednesday evening class in the Edmonstone Hall in Blanefield from 7.30 until 9. If you need directions please contact me.

Jo x

David Keil

2009-06-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

I am off up to Birnam this weekend to do a yoganatomy workshop with David Keil (pictured), an authorized asthanga teacher who teaches on the Chi Yoga School course. He's a great teacher and I always learn loads from his courses. He is teaching at the Chi Yoga Centre over the next few weeks, if anyone is interested in attending any of his workshops you can get details on the Chi yoga Centre website. There is a link for the Centre on my blog under 'my favourite websites'.

It's been great to the see the sunshine I'm sure you will all agree. Was way too hot for us celts on Monday and Tuesday to do any ashtanga. I hope those of you who did a Hatha yoga style class with me enjoyed it. It's good to try something new and I'm sure you will agree that holding the postures can be just as challenging as ashtanga, just in a different way.

Had a lot of new people at classes this week. Hope you enjoyed your first ever yoga session, you all did brilliantly and I hope you will give it a go for at least 6 weeks before deciding whether or not the practice is for you.

Have a lovely weekend whatever you are doing. Hope the sun keeps shining.

Jox

p.s. Someone left a blue yoga mat at class in Strathblane this evening. I will bring it with me next week.

Charity Cycle Race

2009-05-26T01:31:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have seen Debbie from my Tuesday and Thursday ski club classes in the newspaper recently as she cycling a gruelling 485km from London to Paris in July to raise money for Children Today, a charity which helps disabled children enjoy a better quality of life by providing them with specialist equipment. The wee cheeky chappie above is Cameron, Debbie's lovely little boy who has cerebal palsy, and as you can see by his fantastic bike, uses such specialist equipment. This is a wonderful cause, so please if you are able to, sponsor Debbie and her husband and help them raise the much needed cash.

http://www.justgiving.com/paulanddebbieritchie

Good luck Debbie and Paul.

Jo x

Meditation

2009-05-23T03:23:00.000-07:00

A few of you have been asking me recently about meditation techniques so I have re-posted the technique below as written by Shiva Rea for Yoga Journal. This is a technique I have used and found helpful. I have found the best time, for me, to meditate is after I have practised asana. Meditation is, like asana, all about practice so don't expect to be able to just sit down and be meditating. I have been doing it for two years now and still struggle most of the time. Every now and then I get maybe a couple of seconds of mental stillness and it's all worth it!

I have found that meditation is very much about your attitude towards it. If you are sitting there thinking I could be doing something else, this is a waste of time, you will very quickly stop the whole exercise. In the beginning try to look at it as a period of time for yourself to sit, relax and do nothing physically. For most of you I know that in itself will be a treat, so try to think of it as such. If you have a positive attitude towards it you will relax much more easily. In time the stilling of the mind will come. As I said above, I only manage a few seconds every now and again, but I feel sure if I continue I will get better at it.

Let me know how you get on.

Enjoy

Jo x

Higher Hum: Breath and Mantra Meditation
The following meditation is based upon the mantra "so hum," ("I am that") used within the traditions of Tantra and Vedanta.
By Shiva Rea.

Mantra, the chanting of sacred words or sounds, is a central part of yogic meditation. Mantra comes from the combination of two syllables: "man," meaning "to reflect" or "be aware," and "tra," meaning "tool for" or "agent of." A mantra is a tool for reflection and the cultivation of awareness, and is used for both concentration and contemplation on the Source.

Within yoga, mantras are based upon sounds that reflect the energy of our divine nature. Om is considered to be the universal, consummate mantra. The following meditation is based upon the mantra "so hum," ("I am that") used within the traditions of Tantra and Vedanta. Since "so hum" also indicates the sound of the breath, it is a mantra that repeats itself effortlessly.

Find a comfortable posture for meditation (seated on a cushion or blanket, in a chair or against a wall). Place your palms facing up in jnana mudra (forefinger and thumb touching) with your palms facing up to open your awareness or facing down to calm the mind. Scan your body and relax any tension. Let your spine rise from the ground of the pelvis. Draw your chin slightly down and let the back of your neck lengthen.

Bring your attention to the tidal rhythm of your breath, feeling the rise and fall of your inhalation and exhalation. As your focus settles on your breath, begin to employ the simple mantra "so hum." As you inhale, say "so" silently to yourself, and as you exhale say "hum." Keep your focus on the sensation of your breath while silently repeating the sacred syllables, "so hum." As you drink your inhalation, gently drawing your breath along the base of your throat, listen for the sound of "so." As you exhale, listen for the sound of "hum" as your breath is amplified in the throat.

Let your mind become absorbed in the sound of so hum-in your internal chanting and your actual breath. As if you were watching the waves of the ocean, let your mind be naturally drawn into presence and stillness—no place to go, nothing to do, so hum, so hum. If a thought (vritti) arises, come back to the mantra so hum.

In the beginning, it may be helpful to set an external timer for 10, 20, or 30 minutes so you are not distracted. When you are finished, bring your hands together in anjali mudra (prayer position) and close with a moment of gratitude, reflection, or prayer to soak up the energy of your meditation into your being and life.

Blanefield Yogi's

2009-05-20T15:49:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to give a bit of blog time to the Blanefield ashtangis who have been diligently slogging away for the last, well almost 10 months now. Just wanted to say how well you are all doing and that watching you all practicing tonight and seeing how much you have achieved is a joy for me as a teacher. I hope you are all feeling the benefits of the practice.

Jx

Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois

2009-05-18T13:06:00.001-07:00

Sadly Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois the guru of ashtanga yoga passed away today. He was almost 94 years old and dedicated most of his life to yoga. I wasn't fortunate enough to visit his shala in Mysore, but by all accounts he was an inspirational man full of wisdom and humour who will be sadly missed by astangis the world over. Jx

"If we practice the science of yoga, which is useful to the entire human community and which yields happiness both here and hereafter - if we practice it without fail, we will then attain physical, mental, and spiritual happiness, and our minds will flood towards the Self"
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

School Holidays

2009-05-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that due to school holidays there will be no class at the ski club on Thursday 21st, Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th May. You are all welcome to pop into Strathblane class if you don't want to miss a practice.

The Monday evening class at Cairns is on as usual

Jo x

Why you should practice Yoga

2009-04-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Just had to post this. This Australian lady is 83 years old and has been teaching yoga for over 40. I struggle to do the posture she is in - it requires a lot of strength. Why don't you all give it a go and you will see just how amazing she is. If that's not inspiration to keep practising I don't know what is.

Jx

Holistic Massage

2009-04-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

Now that you are hopefully enjoying the benefits of holistic exercise I thought I would let you know about my lovely friend and yoga student Christine. She gives a fabulous holistic massage (I should know I was the body she massaged when she did the exam!) She does this from the comfort of her lovely little massage studio within her home in Strathblane, normally on Thursdays. So for those of you who might be interested and would like further details - she can be contacted on 07842 206019.

Have a lovely weekend everyone. See you next week.

Jo x

Sunshine - isn't it great!

2009-04-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a lovely Easter break. We had a glorious time in Sunny Pitlochry, when the weather's good there's nothing like a family holiday in Scotland. My kids were butt naked swimming in Loch Faskally in April, great thing there were no midges!

Hope everyone has been enjoying the sun. I've been outdoors doing some yoga practice. Practicing outside in the fresh air feels really great. My neighbours probably think I'm a bit strange, but hey ho!

See you all at class this week.

Jo x

Change of Plans

2009-04-04T01:04:00.000-07:00

The class on Monday 13 April at Cairns Church will no longer be running. I have sent you all an email, but just in case you didn't get it thought I better post it too! See you all 20th April.

Jo x

yogblog

Michael Gannon Retreat at Lendrick Lodge

Class holidays

Michael Gannon Visit

Timings now included!

Extra Sessions on Michael Gannon Weekend Workshop

There will be no evening classes on Monday 16 and Wednesday 18 May as I am away on a course. Daytime classes are running as normal and will be covered by Sinead Noble. Thanks Sinead! The evening classes resume as normal the following week.Jo x

Extra Sessions on Michael Gannon Weekend Workshop

Michael Gannon Workshop

Michael Gannon Workshop

Michael Gannon Workshop

Wednesday 6 April

Saturday 16 April 12.00 – 17.00

Class Cancelled

Ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm :0)

Lendrick Lodge Retreat

All classes resume Monday 17 Jan. C u soon jx

Monday 6 December Cairns Church class cancelled

Class Cancelled

Thanks for the great group energy in class tonight everyone, and for entering into the spirit of the asana workshop. It was fun. You're all fab. Thanks Sue for the cake it was yummy!!!

My trip to Aberdeen to study with Michael Gannon was great, hardwork, but great! As usual when sharing time with the direct students of Pattabhi Jois I learned a great deal and deepened my understanding of the ashtanga practice. I look forward to being able to share that with you all.

Class Holidays

Hopefully we are all fairly organised for going to the retreat at Lendrick Lodge. If anyone has any further questions please do not hesitate to ask. All that remains now is to enjoy!Jx

Mulha and Uddhiyana Bandha

Class Holidays

Summer break

Have been unable to do any yoga for a week due to illness, am going completely nuts! Couldn't even do pranayama, nasal passages were just too blocked. I can't wait to get on my mat, hoping for tomorrow.Blanefield class is on this evening. See you there

Tuesday Evening Guide Hall - 1st June

Cairns Class monday 31 may

Class holidays

Class Holidays

New Class Time - Tuesday Evening

David Keil

David Keil an authorized ashtanga teacher is coming to Glasgow in July to do a couple of weeks of mysore.. He is an awesome teacher and adjustor. If any of you intermediate ashtangis fancy it, let me know and I will send you the details. I will be going along for both weeks.

For more info. on David go to www.yoganatomy.com

Jx

Facebook | Jo Lockhart Yoga

New Class

I have a new Ashtanga class for beginners beginning Tuesday 20.04.10 at 7.50 until 9pm. Guide Hall, Pendicle Rd, Bearsden. If you are interested let me know.

Tuesday Mysore Style!

Classes next week

Just for a laugh

Half Term break

Wednesday 27th Class

Music

The Weekend

Um Shandy

An Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga - Sat 16th and sun 17th January

Wednesday 6 January Blanefield Class Cancelled

Merry Xmas everyone

An Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga

Get Well Message

An Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga

October break

Astanga Blues

One of my students Helen posted this on her blog today. Thought I would share it with you just coz it made me laugh! Check out her blog FeedingFiveForFifty, it's a food blog and its fab.JxToday at Yoga....

Manju Jois

Question

Ski Club Classes

Lost Jacket

Music for Yoga

Yoga Mats

Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga

Cairns Class

Next Weeks classes

David Keil

Charity Cycle Race

Meditation

Blanefield Yogi's

Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois

School Holidays

Why you should practice Yoga

Holistic Massage

Sunshine - isn't it great!

Change of Plans

There will be no evening classes on Monday 16 and Wednesday 18 May as I am away on a course. Daytime classes are running as normal and will be covered by Sinead Noble. Thanks Sinead! The evening classes resume as normal the following week.
Jo x

Hopefully we are all fairly organised for going to the retreat at Lendrick Lodge. If anyone has any further questions please do not hesitate to ask. All that remains now is to enjoy!

Jx

Have been unable to do any yoga for a week due to illness, am going completely nuts! Couldn't even do pranayama, nasal passages were just too blocked. I can't wait to get on my mat, hoping for tomorrow.

Blanefield class is on this evening. See you there

One of my students Helen posted this on her blog today. Thought I would share it with you just coz it made me laugh! Check out her blog FeedingFiveForFifty, it's a food blog and its fab.
Jx

Today at Yoga....