Tirisula Yoga Studios and Certification Courses

Beyond an injury

Even before the start of my YTT journey, I had many doubts whether I could handle the poses with the injury I had. The fear of worsening the injury further and just the thought of having to apply pressure on it gave me little confidence that I would be able to do anything.

However, through the course of my YTT, I have learnt that a limit like an injury is not always a bad thing. What was more important was how I faced it head-on and pushed myself whenever possible. Working within limits did not mean that I was weak. It meant that I needed to know when my body needed to rest and learning how to better listen to what my body was trying to tell me. It also meant that I needed to be more aware of the right alignment and exercises to facilitate recuperation.

It was all a matter of finding balance. Strength versus flexibility, both physically and mentally. How working on strengthening my weak areas around the injury, brought relief to the injury itself. How changing my mentality and allowing myself more time to improve, gave me space to recover. How it pushed me to find the balance between giving up with the excuse of an injury and stopping just at the right moment to prevent worsening the injury. Despite the fact that the injury still causes inconveniences and I still hold back on poses from time to time, I am grateful to have improved the condition of and my outlook towards the injury throughout the duration of the course.

It was truly a timely reminder that limitations are not there to stop your growth but for you to learn ways to overcome it and come out even stronger than before. Believe that you can too!

Karma Yoga

Karma Yoga

In our YTT200 we learnt that there are four main paths of yoga are Karma, the yoga of selfless service, Bhakti, the yoga of devotion, Raja, the scientific approach and Jnan yoga, the yoga of knowledge.

I found hearing about Karma yoga and the action of “purifying the heart by learning to act selflessly in service of others” both very humbling and inspiring. This is because sometimes life can feel like it’s happening at a very fast pace, so it is easy to get caught up in focusing too much on ones self and therefore easily losing track of the bigger picture, of what you are here to be a part of and how you can help others.

Many of us carry out small kind gestures for loved ones and also polite and/or thoughtful gestures for strangers on a daily basis. This may be making a cup of tea for your partner after a hard day in the office or waiting to open a door for an elderly person but I realised it had been an embarrassingly long time since I had given back a significant amount of my time in a truly selfless way.

Of course it is unrealistic for most of us to selflessly give all the time as we are human (!) and have bills to pay, hobbies we enjoy, friends and families to tend to etc etc (the list goes on…) but every now and again it reminded me that it is important to set aside time to help serve your community. Whether it be volunteering at an organisation, organising something charitable myself or taking some unpaid yoga classes for those who are less fortunate I really want to make this one of my priorities in the New Year.

We are part of something far greater than than just ourselves and carrying out Karma practices is a wonderful way to remind ourselves!

Sirsana / Headstand – The King of Asanas

SIRSANA (HEADSTAND)

Sirsasana or the head stand will forever more hold a very special place in my heart because during the course, through hard work, trust and determination I finally managed to get up into this inversion pose having not been able to for many years and I was over the moon! However it was only after achieving this that I learnt of all the physical mental and spiritual benefits and was really impressed. I have listed these below because these explain why many refer to as the King of Asanas.

Physical Benefits

Strengthens the upper body (arms, shoulders and back) and the core
Helps to improve deep core muscles and muscular endurance as the posture should ideally be held for an extended period between 2 and 10 minutes.
Improves digestion as gastric fire is increased and due to the reversed gravity on your digestive organs,it will help to move stuck material, release trapped gases, as well as improve blood flow to all important digestive organs — increasing nutrient absorption and delivery to your cells.
Cleanses your organs; intestines, kidneys, stomach, liver and reproductive systems.
It aids all bodily systems including; digestive, endocrine, respiratory, skeletal and cardiovascular by reversing gravities pressure while in the position
Headstands stimulate and provide fresh blood to the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. These glands are vital to our welling, and are considered the master glands that regulate all the other glands in the body (thyroid, pineal, thalamus, testicles, ovaries etc…)
Going upside down will squeeze your little adrenal glands, which are responsible for the production of stress hormones. The cleaner your adrenal glands are, the better they will function allowing you to adapt to stress better.
Decreases fluid build-up in the legs, ankles and feet (edema). Once again the reverse power of gravity will help flush fluids from the body. This will also help reduce the onset of varicose veins.
The pose stimulates the lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is very important as it removes waste products from your blood and therefor the posture helps to de-toxify your body.
It is a great position if you want to increase the flow of blood and nutrients and oxygen to your face, brain and scalp. This may also aid hair growth (and some say stop grey hairs!) and rejuvenate skin as more blood reaches the skin cells and hair follicles.
Improved circulation occurs as the heart has to pump blood upwards to the brain but as you are upside down the position gives the heart a rest that reduces unnecessary strain. In addition, while in headstand de-oxygenated blood is able to flow more easily from the extremities to the heart.
It helps properly align the spine therefore helping to improve posture

Mental Benefits

Helps to relieve stress as it is a “cooling posture”. It is particularly helpful if you are having anxiety, stress, fear of otherwise worrisome thoughts. Combine headstand with long, slow breathing and you have a recipe for stress relief as it produces a entering, calming and soothing effect.
The posture helps to stop depression as the adrenal glands are flushed and detoxified with the inverted position.
It increases mental focus. When getting in to the posture you need to focus on your strength and balance which helps to generate mental clarity.
Stimulates the nervous system, increasing memory, mental alertness and clarity.

Spiritual benefits

Sirsasana is called the “king of all asanas” for a reason as it allows us to overcome the force of gravity in the material world that can age and deplete our body and mind.
Stimulate the sahasrara energy centre at the crown of your head to enhance clarity of vision and intuition.
Help a person
It it thought to enhance self confidence, roundedness, balance and empathy while diminishing fear.
Sexual energy is thought be converted to spiritual energy and stored in the brain when in this posture

If you’re not up yet keep practicing, you’ll get there and if you are ENJOY! 🙂

Yogic principles in everyday life

Yogic principles in my everyday life

YAMA PRINCIPLES

From our study of Yama -Disappearance of all suppressions – which is the first of the “The Eight Limbs of Yoga” I found there were two principles that I found very poignant and therefore want to remember to integrate into my daily life moving forward.

1. Ahimsa is in the broadest sense can be defined as “non violence” to another human or animal and acting with love of all. On first reflection I found it difficult to understand the deeper meaning of this as I was focussing on the physical and other than killing the odd mosquito or spider I couldn’t see how violence could relate to myself..

However on closer look Ahimsa is a far more sophisticated concept with far more subtle meanings to consider in everyday life. These are the meanings that I would like to be more mindful of in my life.

Non violence in respect of animals

Importance of Vegetarianism – Although I have been a vegetarian on and off since I was young it made me think more deeply of the “violence” caused by eating meat and as a consequence I feel far more committed to not eating meat moving forward.

Non violence in respect of humans.

Importance of non violent speech to others and oneself – I found this a very subtle but important use of Ahimsa as although I try not to say harmful or violent things to others sometimes when in a challenging circumstance I find my interior monologue can easily be pretty unproductive and harmful to myself. A lot of us can regularly find ourselves being our own harshest critiques and the application of Ahimsa in this way was a good reminder to be kind to oneself.

2. Satya can be most simply defined as truthfulness but once again the meaning has a far greater reach in everyday life. Although I don’t make a habit of habitually lying by any means there are times where it can appear easier to not be 100% truthful with ourselves and others. Even though these are generally only harmless excuses or “white lies” I want to be far more aware of this moving forward as it is much better practice to be honest or alternatively not say anything at all.

The other meaning of Satya that struck me as very important is “living the truth” or living authentically. I know from my own experience that often we are afraid and therefore hold back from areas of ourselves that we are scared to reveal. This is usually due to a lack of confidence, fear of what others may think and/or because the aspect in question may contradict to social norm. The use of Satya in this context reminds us that as long as we aren’t harming ourselves or others that it is healthy, invigorating and refreshing to truly allow ourselves to be who we are and not what others expect we should be. Being authentic as a person not only puts yourself at ease but also others around you as it creates a relaxed and honest energy. It essentially gives you permission to shine unapologetically in all your unique glory (whatever that my be) as there is only one you so it is good to set yourself free 🙂

NIYAMA PRINCIPLES

The second arm of “The Eight Limbs of Yoga” is Niyama, understood as the freedom from all observations or more simply the principles a Yoga teacher should follow. I found that all of these five principles were incredibly valuable to learn and that I actually experienced the need to implement most of them at different times over the last month to help me in the course.

Saucha – Purity of thoughts

Thinking well of yourself, others and the world, not getting caught up in negativities (no matter what form they may take) or gossip and looking for the positive and good in all situations.

Santosha / Contentment

This ability to have equanimity in life is one that is challenging as most of have preferences and are easily lead by external factors including our senses and emotions which trigger both highs and lows. I have experienced this many times along the way while doing the YTT. One example was the day I got up into a headstand for the first time and was incredibly happy, invigorated and proud of myself and then was called to cue sun salutations (which I did terribly!) and within moments felt sad, totally demotivated and incapable.

It was a real lesson to not get too swept up in external matters or material objects (good or bad) but instead focus on carrying on walking your path whilst maintaining a calm, humble peacefulness within whatever goes on, much like a tree grounded in the earth whatever the weather conditions may be.

Tapas / Austerities transform impurities

This principle is often defined as self discipline and performing positive duties. The course has been invaluable as we have all (whether it usually comes naturally or not) had to work very hard and be even more disciplined and regimented than in our usual every day life. This has been particularly challenging for me due to having a baby because I found it even harder than usual to keep my routine and self-discipline strong when enjoying very little sleep and always having to be flexible to study around my daughters needs (which are often changeable) not just my own.

However the course has really helped me to establish far stronger self discipline and encouraged me to really rise to challenges and keep going against adversities. I am very grateful of this as it is not until you are pushed that you realise how strong you really are. I also really appreciated the opportunity to re priorities my days as I believe I had lost focus on what things served me, my daughter and my husband best best. I have loved making asans, pranayama, meditation and study priorities in my daily routine and want to keep this practice up.

Swadhyaya – Self study

Being very honest and healthily critical of yourself so you can progress with your own evolution. Looking practically and rationally at your own bad habits and patterns; how certain things affect you, your emotions and reactions because by looking at these you will be able to understand and therefore change behaviours moving forward.

Ishwara-pranidha – Worship of the Lord within us, surrender of ego

Through meditation I suppose this is a work in progress…

The Importance of Meditation

“Dhyana” or meditation forms one of “The eight limbs of (Ashtanga/Raja) yoga” however I find in my own practice (and think this may be the same for others too) that this part of my practice is too often either given far less time or often totally overlooked. The truth is that although I know how wonderful meditation is I will far more readily make time to go to a yoga class, follow an instructor online or get my mat out and practice asanas myself for an hour rather than sit down for half or even a quarter of that time to meditate. When I think about this it appears nonsensical as meditation can be done in less time, anywhere you plonk your bum (within reason) with fewer props and at no monetary charge however I find its practice a far harder discipline to keep up.

Meditation is a discipline of the mind that requires deep mental concentration and therefore it’s benefits although just as profound as practice of asanas they are not as easily viewed by the naked eye, in the way one can clearly see well defined abs or a pert bum! In addition it is hard work to motivate yourself to sit down in a quiet place, meditation lessons are far less prevalent and taming ones mind can be VERY challenging.

A few years ago I did a silent mediation retreat which was as incredible experience but I found hard to integrate into my every day life so I have been very thankful to reconnect with this practice in our TTC. Master Sree really helped guide all of us in mediations on a daily basis and it has been one of my most treasured parts of each day as it helped keep my mind peaceful and clear. Learning mudras, beautiful mantras, the meaning and how to OM has been not only fascinating but something that from now on I want to try and remember to place equal importance on as asanas in my daily routine. You wouldn’t start your day without jumping in the shower to wash your body so it makes sense that you should also take time to clean your brain!

Most importance things Yoga teaches me in life

Breathing

When my breathing is right, everything in my life will be right. When I stuck in difficult posture during the practice, I am really feel that inhalation and exhalation can help body go further. Breathing correctly also can help you calm and go over when life is tough.

Concentration

During my yoga practice, when I have difficulty maintaining a certain posture, what I would do is to concentrate on my breathing and balancing. It stabilises the body and bring peace and calm. That’s the power of being present. We could have thousands of thoughts in a single moment however, when you are being focus, nothing will bother you.

Know yourself

Since I started yoga, I started to understand my body as well. How flexible I can, how strong I am, how to control the muscle in my body and how to control myself. Gradually, through the body you will more understand your inner self. You are a part of nature, you are amazing.

Smile

An important enlightment I discover is, the act of smiling uplifts my spirit during the struggles especially practising challenging posture. Therefore, do remember to keep smiling through all your circumstances in life. Keep smiling, even you hit the rock bottom, your body will know how to overcome it.

Relax

We are living in a highly urbanized society. Our mind and body are constantly feeling tensed without us knowing that. It is like an overly stretched rubber band, it bound to break someday. Hence, relaxing our body and mind is so important before you break yourself.

How Yogis System Implement in my daily life

After taking 200 YTT course in Tirisula, I think of the yogis system main goals is:

Physical Health
Mental Health
Spiritual Health
Self-Realisation or realisation of the Divine within us

Above all of these goals are attained by:

Love and help for all living beings
Respect for life
A peaceful state of mind
Full vegetarian diet
Pure thoughts and positive lifestyle
Physical, mental and spiritual practices

Regards to the above objectives, I have yoga experience in the past and think that physical health is the most important thing. Therefore, I have strictly set the schedule for yoga asana practices in my daily activities schedule. For me, there is nothing can affect my schedule. Practices on a certain schedule can give us a physical health, then only we can talk about mental and spiritual health. Before the teacher training course, reading is a way of giving me mental and spiritual nutrients, but after this course, I think I will begin to implement meditation as the foundation for the beginning of the day to maintain spiritual purity and peaceful. Finally, I have to admit that it is more difficult to implement full vegan diet in my life now, but slowly reducing the intake of meat is the way I can do from now and strive to be a vegan. Lastly, I hope that I can fully implement yogis system in my life.

Yoga and I

Yoga is amazing and it always inspires me. Every time I hit rock bottom and confuse about my life ahead, yoga always bring me back on track.

My life had been smooth and easy until six years ago. I graduated with a poor high school score despite I had done my best. As a result, I could not successfully enter to the university and faculty that I wanted. That was my first experience of failure. I was feeling down and shut myself away in my room during that time. I was really afraid to face the reality and the messy situation.

It was then I knew yoga. I was brought to yoga class by my sister. Gradually, I started to like this sport. At that time, I only treated yoga as a sport.

After a while, I finally found my life direction and went to the University of Taiwan to study Chinese. In Taiwan while I was pursuing my degree, I was attending yoga classes. Slowly I began to discover that after every yoga class, my heart always feels calm and stable. Most of the time I felt very happy and satisfied.

After graduated from university, I started my job in Malaysia. Without any previous working experience, I could not perform well in my job and I was under pressure. I felt I was a failure and very depressed at that time.

Until I returned to yoga, once again, yoga brought me back to the right track. I began to think more deeply about yoga, and realized a very important truth. When my breathing is right, everything will be right.

Thanks Yoga for entering my life and I am sure our story will be continued.

3 ways for beginner to start implementing yoga in daily routine

Firstly, I really understand the struggle of the beginners getting yoga into their life. It is challenging to schedule yoga practice in our daily routine while having a full time job. How to maintain daily yoga practice is always the question my friends put to me. I figure out the 3 methods I use to make daily yoga sustainable:

Sign up with a yoga studio which is next to YOU

When I started yoga, I knew that there were many yoga studio to choose from, but because i am packed of my work, so that I chose the yoga studio which is the closest from my company. After working, short distance from work place, changed to yoga clothes. You can directly go to the studio and start yours yoga practice. Believe me, it is really saves a lot of time and effort.

Fix your yoga schedule

After fixing the time, it must be strictly enforced. I barely changed the time that I fixed on my practice. Your practice continuously, it can bring you the effect that you wanted. Yoga is definitely worth your insistence in yours life!

Find a Yoga teacher you like in your studio

Your favourite teacher can be your positive motivation. No matter what reason you like the teacher, I believe that the energy generated by your favourite teacher can influence you more. You will become willing and more proactive. Just like my favourite teacher.

Yoga is sublet of physiotherapy

Before engaged YTT 200 hours yoga training course, I have encountered this back pain while performing tuladandasana posture (warrior 3). This back pain had been troubling me for 2 months and I did not know what was the reason that causing my back pain.

On the first day of the YTT 200 hours yoga training course, both of the yoga masters noticed that I have slightly scoliosis while performing forward bending posture. The masters taught me a new therapy posture by squatting down and try to bend my upper body forward to the left side and move toward the right side. After trying out the therapy posture on the spot, I felt relief on my back pain. The masters ask me to do the therapy and twisting postures daily to recover and improve my scoliosis pain.

After following the master’s instruction for 2 weeks, I sensed great relief on my back pain and my scoliosis pain has recovered. Sincerely thankful and appreciate !!!