blog
blog
Our mats are a laboratory. We are both scientist and experiment. Whatever we practice, will get stronger. Are you strengthening patterns of separation, judgement, scattering focus - or can we come together, and unite this breath, this moment, to harness attention back to now?
Some words on the power of intention and dedication.
To be with is to show up, with a kind and courageous sense of care. Not to idealise, but to accompany the life flowing through every tick-tock of time we have on this living breathing Earth. Isn’t this the core of our practice, whatever outward form it takes?
A letter of appreciation, and hope, for the year ahead.
What is the difference between yin yoga and restorative yoga practice?
It looks similar… but intention can change the whole experience. Read more and perhaps try this for yourself with our new Tuesday evening Rest & Restore class!
A response to our community mural being re-marked, what forgiveness means, and reasons to practice ahimsa - staying compassionate in response to harm.
What is Myofascial Release, how does it work, and how can it bring relief, spaciousness, connection, and all those juicy things we relish in our experience of body?
A short exploration of MFR and ways we can attentively weave this into our practice, and the maintenance of our changing bodies. By David Gorvett // Edit by Lucy Lawes.
We cannot afford to cover over, or forget how we got where we are: this is a potent teacher we can all learn from. What does ‘Australia Day’ really embody, and how can we honour the history and truth-telling about our collective past, and learn from this for more understanding and solidarity in our shared future?
Compassion is not a place to rest: it is a place of great awareness, for action to rise out of. It can begin now.
The flavour of our life and experience can be enriched with creativity and intention. Here’s how going beyond the checklist of resolutions might just shift you towards a more fulfilling journey.
A few words on community from Estuary Yoga director/founder Lucy Lawes - what it means, how it relates to yoga, and why it is at the heart of our practice together.
Why the learning mindset is essential to expanding your practice, and some simple reflections to play with in yoga, and in life (2 min read).
Often translated as ‘celibacy’, Brahmacharya is one of the yogic principles which causes much debate. More broadly, it is about guiding the right use and conservation of energy. How does this apply to our daily practice of life?
A reflection by Estuary teacher David Gorvett (@daveg_yoga), and some prompts for your own contemplation.
Developing a steady, unwavering relationship with our breath offers the most reliable and ever-present anchor in a fluctuating, unpredictable world. Learn about Nadi Shodana, Alternate Nostril breath, and how it can guide us towards a more present, balanced sense of body and mind.
Extensions are the most subtle of the spinal motions, which is more felt than seen. Where is this evident in our yoga practice, and how can this be useful in daily life?
There is an 'ahhh' feeling which comes with releasing a twist - why is this spinal motion so satisfying?
It is a delicious feeling to stretch and yawn open the sides of our bodies. How does side-bending benefit our spine, and our state of being?
To approach backbending with a dedicated breath, and the equanimity to accept what is available in that moment, is an advanced practice. Here are some reasons to add backbending to your yoga practice, as well as your day-to-day movements.
Instead of constantly moving energy outward, as we do in speaking, gesturing, doing, giving - forward folds invite us to quietly listen, without agenda or judgment, for what might be seeking our attention internally.
Holistic wellbeing is closely linked to the smooth and clear flow of signals - physiologically and energetically - within and along this elegantly designed architecture of the spine. What are the primary spinal movements, and how can our asana practice support the spine?
A yoga practice, as it was originally intended, is not about making shapes with your body; it is about becoming increasingly attentive of how we shape our lives. See how a few of our teachers have been adapting their personal practice to the times.
A short tribute to our community, the current changes, and a resource for spiritual hope.
Yoga Nidra, sometimes known as yogic sleep, is a practice where the body-mind is guided into a sleep state while the mind is intentionally led through a meditative journey. This time to refresh ourselves on a cellular level is integral for taking action in a wise, discerning and effective way.
A 17 minute practice for anyone, anytime you wish to soak into a deeper, more rejuvenating rest.
To reveal and unravel our stories is also to liberate ourselves from being stuck in the same grooves or patterning. This is a pathway towards new possibilities, and deeper layers of understanding.
Part 4 of a series of reflections on how our practice can flow into our lives - and how we can direct these ripples conscientiously.
To re-frame a situation through a clearer lens of conscious awareness is to become the witnessing Self.
Part 3 of a series of reflections on how our practice can flow into our lives - and how we can direct these ripples conscientiously.
Cultivating agency in your choices. Part 2 of a series of reflections on how our practice can flow into our lives - and how we can direct these ripples conscientiously.
To reflect on how and why we practice is to investigate how these transformations ripple into our lives, and all the lives we intersect with. This is svadhyaya - a form of self-study.
Part 1 of a series of reflections on how our practice can flow into our lives - and how we can direct these ripples conscientiously.
'Mindfulness is loving all the details of our lives, and awareness is the natural thing that happens: life begins to open up, and you realize you're always standing at the centre of the world.'
- Pema Chödron
On coming home, moving forward, and the challenging ease of simplicity.
Our gratitude to you, Estuary yogis. Happy 2nd birthday to this wonderful community!
A reflection and prayer. Let’s continue to journey, together.
It is one thing to stand up and fight for what is right. But, as comically and tragically true, I heard somewhere once this realism: ‘the world is divided into people who think they are right’.
Encouragement to reflect on this Melbourne Cup weekend: where we each stand, and what the yoga tradition can teach us so we move towards union rather than division.