Week One - Physical Body - Annamaya kosha

Hello everyone,

I hope that you are well and enjoying this spontaneous heatwave, long may it last! I am writing to you today to announce that our new six-week yoga term will begin this Sunday, May 4th! Woohoo!! 

I began these classes in Greystones with my eyes closed and my fingers crossed, knowing that it might only be a one term sort of thing. I cannot adequately express my amazement and delight that we can now go for a second term! Thank you so much to all who have shown up to classes, for the support and warmth, and for your gorgeous dedication to enjoying your weekends and taking some invaluable time to check in with yourself and your body. 

I have designed this term's theme around the yogic concept of panchakosha; which translates in english to mean the five layers (pancha = five, koshas = layers); the five layers of the individual self. Last term we worked with the primary elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space, and explored how these correlated with the first five primary energy centres (chakras). This term, we will work in a similar way, as the panchakosha also ties in with the elements in a really fun and accessible way - yay!

You can think of the pancha kosha (five layers of the self) as something like a Russian doll surrounding your inner being...

The physical layer is thought of as the outermost layer, and you work inward from there. This physical layer of our reality, the 'food body', is known as annamaya kosha, and it is linked to the quality of earth. Going closer in towards the self, the atman, we see that the second layer, known as pranamaya kosha, is linked to the element of water, because it is the energetic body. A layer deeper lies the manomaya kosha, the mental/emotional body, which is linked to fire. Then there is the vijnanamaya kosha, the wisdom body, which is linked to air. And finally, the anandamaya kosha, the bliss body, linked to space.

The wisdom of these koshas, these layers of our self, is the understanding that each of us spend our lives primarily living in only two, maybe three, of our bodies. Most of us perceive reality only through our physical body and our mental/emotional body...perhaps our energetic body also. But all five bodies exist simultaneously, almost independent of each other, and we have access to them if we can align ourselves inward. The yogis believed that even if your life is in turmoil, even if you are feeling depressed, even if you are sick, there is a place deep within you that is wise and knows the way. And if you go even deeper than that, there is a whole and pure part of you that is living, constantly, in a state of bliss. Unconditionally. Modern day new age healers will call this your 'inner being', some will call it 'soul', some could even call it 'god'.

There is a lot to explore here! But don't worry, as in the end these will just be simple Hatha yoga classes where we connect to our breath, explore movement, think about alignment, have fun in different shapes, and take time to relax and rest. These philosophical themes are just a fun way for me to honour the traditions of yoga and remember that the practice of yoga goes so muchdeeper than just exercise and stretching. 

Every practice will be beginner friendly, and I will do my utmost to support all bodies and moods in the space, offering modifications whenever I can, and freedom of choice always.

If you haven't signed up already, just send me a little email or text on whatsapp 0834585714. The price of the six classes together is €90, and the drop-in rate is €17. If you would like to participate in the term but know you can't make a class - let me know! We can talk about it and adjust the price in a fair way :) 

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

~ Rumi ~

Le grá,

Macha