Author: Kathrin

Atman

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When I was a child, there was a time I was thinking about who I am. It was very clear to me, that there is something I struggled explaining or finding the right words. I called it my “coenesthesia”. This feeling of “I”, which I believed would not die with my body. This special feeling when saying “I”, this is my true self.

I kept this belief my whole life, but many years later yoga philosophy taught me the right terms of what I already knew since a young child. In yoga this true inner essence, our inner self is called Atman. A kind of fragment of the Divine (Brahman), which exists in every one of us, and which is the very core of our being. We easily mistake it with our ego and identify with our body and mind, instead of going beyond intellect, ego and emotions.

Realizing this false conviction and identification with the ego, the mortal body and mind is called liberation (Moksha), which eventually leads to freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth (Samskara).

Frankly spoken, even if I had this insight already as a child, it doesn’t mean it’s easy to live by. To translate and implement it into daily life is where we struggle most. Knowing, understanding is one side of the medal, get it on the driver seat of life is the other side.

This is what a meditation and yoga practice helps with, no matter what style, on or off the mat. Yoga is the sum of all paths on inner development, the goal of which is to realize and experience your Divine true inner self, and thereby transform life.

This short dispatch is nothing but a very high level glance at the yoga philosophy, which is so worth a deep dive!

Utthita Trikonasana

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Utthita Trikonasana – extended three angle pose.

Think rotation, think strengthening.

Think stretching, think opening.

Deeply grounded, while reaching up towards the ceiling.

🔱 🔱

The next level

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Only when you can be extremely pliable and soft can you be extremely hard and strong. (Zen Proverb)

When practicing, find something more than just the physical challenge. Use the physical practice for controlling your mind, as the physical body is merely a vehicle. It’s not that important what you practice, but HOW you practice. It’s about deep listening, understanding your body and creating harmony. Notice when you are pushing and stop immediately. Let it go, connect with your breath, feel your body, then start again. 

Getting soft in your practice isn’t a sign of weakness, but strength. 

Yoga means union. Union of purusha (spirit, soul) and prakriti (surrounding, nature around us). Union of atman (true self) and brahman (absolute consciousness). Union of body and mind, the unity between the individual soul and the cosmic soul.

Bring your practice to the next level – get soft.

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The mind is not separate from your body, it is the inner part of the body. You are separate from the body and the mind, both. You are an entity, transcendental, you are a witness to the mind and the body, both. But your mind and your body are both one and the same energy. The body is visible mind, the mind is invisible body. The body is the exterior mind, and the mind is the interior body.

Osho

You are what you eat

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I know, this isn’t a food blog. Yoga is the topic. So what’s the thing about yoga and food? Well, yoga isn’t just physical practice. Yoga is so much more than doing postures on a mat. I mentioned a couple of times the so called 8 limbs (read more here union or here what is yoga), but today I’d like to keep it more holistic. Not diving into the yoga philosophy, but looking at some effects of a continuous yoga practice. The non-physical effects.

Even if I don’t like to generalize, it happens to everyone I know who practices regularly and consistent. Yoga helps to be more aware. Aware of the body, but also of the mind. Yoga opens the path to handle our thoughts easier, like when we control our breath. Huhhhh, really? Well, almost! Yoga helps us to open up, to release and let go. Yoga stabilizes us to better deal with what life throws at us.

Yogis tend to question what’s good for them and what’s not. Ah, now we are there – food. Of course an awaken consciousness also affects what we eat. This doesn’t mean all yogis are vegan! But all of a sudden, it catches our interest what we eat and how food effects our body. We tend to eat more conscious, no matter what diet. Whatever nourishes our body. And mind! It’s getting pretty easy to jump on that healthy path, particularly when it’s so yummy! Even if eating healthy get’s easier, it should never be a rigorous approach – it’s all about balance! Eat healthy and enjoy a glas of wine. Follow your diet and treat yourself with a gorgeous ice-cream. Balance. Just nibble on a green leave isn’t about enjoying life. Find your balance and do it conscious. Always allow yourself to sin without any regret, but fun!

 

NEW CLASS!

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Yogis!

Very happy to announce that the Monday lunch class will get a sister: her name is Wednesday! Same time (12:15 – 13:15), same style (Vinyasa Flow), same location (Stadtyoga, Zürich Binz).

We will start 1st August – yes, I know a bank holiday…. but this means you’ve got plenty of time, right?

Let’s dive into the yoga frequency together! Monday or Wednesday or both – let me know if you’re in or if new to my classes, wanna give it a try – your first one is on me 🙂

 

Prasarita padottanasana

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Prasarita padottanasana (D) – stability, productivity and self-acceptance.
Think big, think scalable. Start inside. You are the true source of the cozy security you long for. Be secure in yourself rather then searching for security outside. Turn your energy inward, get grounded in all of your bodies, the physical, emotional, and spiritual one, so you are able to embrace life and live your truth.
Think beautiful, fertile abundance.

TUNEin:BALI

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Done!!! I couldn’t feel more grateful – what a journey, what a week! Very intense, same time easy flowing. Flow is the right term, everything at the right time. No forcing, no judging. We just did it. Calm, peaceful, with a huge portion of passion. Great practice, touching ceremonies, yoga, breathwork, meditation, mindfulness.

But the best part was to share all this with stunning souls. Everyone so different, everyone in the same groove.

Thank you universe for giving me the courage to host my own yoga retreat. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done and I’m pretty sure, I will do it again!

Bali bliss to all you babes out there, keep on rocking, realize your dreams, fuck the doubts ✌️

In love with Marichyasana B!

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Did you know, it’s named after the sage, Marichi, which means “ray of light” – isn’t it beautiful?

It is said to stimulate and calm the brain, while stretching the spine and shoulders. As one leg is placed in half lotus, it stimulates the colon and massages the abdominal organs, such as the liver and kidneys. Marichyasana B is associated with the manipura chakra and such a great posture for taking the attention and focus inwards.

These are the facts, however, for me it’s a pose to release. There are many different things to feel, a deep stretch here, a bit of pressure there, and I can feel my body slowly accepting and releasing. I’m facing steadiness and ease like in no other posture. Rather easy, but same time complex due to the combination of half lotus and binding.

Honestly, the only asana I breathe extra slow and sometimes I find myself counting and counting…. oh 5, yeah, it was 5 breath…. 🙂

 

Allow your progress to unfold

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Never judge your progress on physical standards. Instead feel it. The posture might look the same, but you will feel the progress. There is more, there is always more, don‘t allow any expectations or judgment to ruin your progress. Let it come naturally, without forcing. Be patient.

Find your rhythm, vibrate in your frequency, follow your pace. This is the way to smile while learning 😊😍