In this month's Newsletter:.
A Most Auspicious Time of Year – Being aware of the winter solstice
A Cast of One – But the show can go on in a different way
You Don't Have to be a Master – A NEW idea to add something to your weekly class.
Mudra for the Month – You can 'back' a winner with this one!
Health Creation – A brilliant concept, but what does it mean?
Phew!  ...That's better – Easy, yoga tools for reducing life's volume level!
Say Hello to Edward – Who is this young man everyone's talking about?.

Likes and Dislikes – Oh dear, philosophy corner (Yes, sometimes I do go on!)
Sneaton Castle Yoga Weekend – We are going to Whitby again.
Books I'm Reading – First in a series of 'not-exactly-book-reviews'.
Food for the Soul – Kathy's Raisin and Oat Biscuits go well with the Reiki Clinic
A Barnickle by Any Other Name – My friend Julia has some great ideas on happiness.
Foundation Courses – Foundation Level 1 & Level 2 Starting soon

It's More Than a Winter Chill
The transition from Autumn to Winter marks the long awaited return of the sun after the longest night of the year, December 21st. We have in our classes dealt with the autumn, cutting out the dead wood of stuff we no longer need to hold on to. Old patterns that have been imprinted on us by peers, parents, social declarations, that somehow don’t fit with us any more. Maybe anger, disappointment, bitterness, grief that is hanging about in us that we feel at last we can let go of. Having let go of this, or perhaps some of it.
This time of the year now is most auspicious [what a fabulous word] to let go of the old, and plant seeds for a new and brighter future. The solstice is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and express our gratitude and set intentions for the new year.
We finished our classes before Christmas with “The Big Chill”, and it certainly was. Those who were there may remember the beautiful peace that did descend on our practise room. It was so profound, so good, it felt as if we were all there in suspended animation and we could have easily stayed there till Spring.
Winter is here, and as they say ‘when Winter comes. can Spring be far behind?”, and already there are shoots to be seen, bravely pushing up into the fresh air and having a look to see how it feels.

The last line of Philip Larkin’s poem ‘Trees’ is:
“Last year is dead,they seem to say
Begin afresh, afresh, afresh”

Oops! ...I Did it Again   (with apologies to Britney)
Broken wrist  six weeks in plaster and as some of you may remember, I did the other wrist two years ago! Still it was quite surprising how many people said to me “You won’t be able to do yoga now will you”, But of course  a broken wrist [or dodgy knees, or broken legs even,] doesn’t really stop you doing the REAL yoga. It might change your practise. You might not be able to stand on your hands or your head for a while. Your warrior might take on a whole new look, but the real yoga is in your head. It isn’t about how flexible you are, although that is nice. it’s about accepting, who you are, what you are, and how you are... at this moment.
It has been nice to find something different in my yoga practise. There is always something  to do and it forces you out of routine and into new territory. It is an acceptance of things but also a working with and improving  on what you have got... a forced change...it was good to get into it, to see what I could do.
The broken wrist made me take time. You don't have to wait to break your wrist to do all the things you have wanted to do, like read a book or watch a film, because actually you can’t do these things as you have not got the concentration or energy, which is frustrating so you still have to find the time.  
I also learned that when my wrist was in a cast, it was forced to be still, so that it could heal. So it is equally important with ousrelves. When we are quiet. when we are still, that’s when our body’s healing takes place. So don’t put yourself in a cast or force yourself to be still... do it daily. Do it joyfully, have a lie down... yes in the middle of the day, or when you come home from work, before you start again.. or get yourself to the yoga class...  and experience the rejuvenation and healing that only comes from stopping, getting off the treadmill for a while and coming home to yourself.
It’s well worth it. 
In the mind / body connection...  two broken wrists?  (as I broke my OTHER wrist two years ago) ...what is all this telling me? No forward movement of energy. Not quite going where you want to be, according to Debbie Shapiro, author of “Your Body Speaks Your Mind”.  Maybe bones not as strong as I assumed, so address my diet and the absorption of calcium. For those interested, strong bones are not just a matter of extra extra calcium. There is a school of thought that says excessive calcium  can trigger, or have the side effect of, heart problems. So it is the absorption of calcium that needs to be addressed. At least that is my understanding of it. It is perhaps the time to reassess the situation and look to where you would like to be going.... and do something about it.
This last week I went back to MRI for a final check up. The consultant was amazed at the range of movement I had, he sent me for an x-ray, and then said “Wow. I have never seen such fantastic healing so quickly” and we said “hallelujah” and I skipped home (taking care not to slip).
I think staying up on my feet is my problem!
Thanks also to the hand therapy clinic at Oldham Royal.

New... Master Classes   ...when you need a little bit extra
I am very excited about these new master classes. They will be fun, innovative and move you on in your yoga practise. They are suitable for all levels.. you don’t have to be a ‘master’ to join in.  Don’t be daunted by the title.If you are fairly new to yoga, they will point you in the right direction. If you have practised for a while, sometimes we get complacent in our “Dog Downs”. We stretch and breathe, but we may have got into our own rut. Sometimes we have even got into misalignments that feel comfortable. These classes will lift you out of that. And then there is the possibilty of learning the wonderful inverted postures, comfortably and safely.  We will be using props to allow us to stay in postures for a while, and from my own experience this changes things dramatically. They are very short courses, either three weeks or four, which will enhance your practice and give it a boost.
Each series will have a theme which will be developed throughout the course.
Numbers are limited to twelve students to allow for individual attention. There will be time each session for discussion and taking down of lesson plans and so are eminently suitable for teachers as well as students.
Precision in the basics. Getting alignment and going deeper into postures with the help of partner work, equipment and hands on adjustments.
Yin Yoga A course developing the holding of postures. By the end of the sessions we will be holding postures for up to five minutes each... and observing the effect and the hidden language of the poses.
Inverted postures. Developing headstands, handstands, shoulderstands and arm balances. Getting upside down safely and falling over with friends.
Back Bends  Taking the journey and experiencing fully the value of these wonderful, energising and opening poses!
The More Unusual. Exploring the more unusual, but not necessarily difficult, postures,  not usually found in a general yoga class. Come with an open mind and a feeling of fun. An exhilarating experience
Dates:
Prescision in the Basics
February - Mondays: 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd     
Yin Yoga
March - Mondays:  16th  23rd and 30th
Inverteds
April - Wednesdays: 2nd, 8th, 15th and 22nd
Back Bends
June - Wednesdays: 3rd, 10th  17th  and 24th
The More Unusual
July - Mondays:  6th  13th and 20th
Courses are three weeks [£24]  or four weeks {£32], All classes will start at 6.30 and the practise will finish at 7.45. But allow another 15 minutes or so for discussion and taking down of lesson plans/ideas for your own classes or your own practise.
You will need to book, as the places are very limited. Phone or email to reserve your place.
For the Autumn we will be exploring:
The Chakras
Back Care
Moving on with breathing techniques
Surya Namaskara  [sun salutations] in all different dimensions

Tired or Injured?  ...Try this Mudra for your Back
I found this in one of my ancient yoga mudra books by mudra expert Getrud Hirsch
She says it is mostly effective when someone with a weak back has been engaged in  an activity [e.g. gardening] that has strained the back too much and caused painful tension, or perhaps when someone has sat too long in an awkward position.
Back pain can have a great variety of causes. A diseased organ for example whose nerves run through the spinal column can cause pain. Continuous mental stress, meals that are too heavy, too little sleep and little exercise can cause back ache.
This mudra is even more effective  when applied  in a position that relieves your back.. say lying flat with your chin pulled in a little so that the neck is stretched. This little bit of tension has an effect right down to the small of the back. It is really good to have your  lower legs, up to the knees, on a chair, or a cushion under your knees. Just 20 minutes in this position has the intervertebral discs nourished once again. What you think while you do this is very important, that’s why the mudra, and the affirmation [below] are particularly significant in this position.
Giving your back the attention it is shouting out for is the key... instead of ‘just carrying on’.

Right hand
The thumb, middle finger,and little finger are touching.
Index and ring finger extended.
Left hand
Your thumb joint on the
nail of your index finger
Do four times a day for four minutes
Affirmation:
“My backbone is strong. My back is wide and I am protected and supported both inside and outside.”

What is Health Creation?  ...Can we really ‘Create our own health?
I am in the middle of a very exciting new course called Health Creation.
How about that for a concept? ...Health Creation.
The vision of Health Creation is to work towards the creation of optimum health, for all, changing over time the emphasis in health care from disease management to that of health creation, through the widespread application of the holistic approach to health.
The aim of the Health Creation Programme is for those who use it to be enabled to live the happiest, most fulfilled, healthy life possible, reaching your full potential and living out your highest purpose in life.
Working with the course and in the course  is as exciting and thrilling as I hoped, and has changed my life and health for the better.
The theory behind the HCP
1. Your state of mind, emotions, body and spirit and environment are inextricably linked, all contributing to your health and happiness.
2. You are in overall charge of your health and well-being
3. Good health is based on your relationship with yourself, others and your environment.
4. You are very powerful.
We are all far more powerful than we realise, both in terms of creating our ideal health, lifestyle and achieving our higher purpose in life, and also in our attempts to sabotaging our attempt to do so. We therefore need to become very clear about what really matters to us and what we are trying to achieve in our lives as well as any beliefs and behaviours that are sabotaging our attempts to achieve our vision. Once our beliefs , behaviours values and sense of purpose are aligned, and we use both our creative will, and spiritual help that is available to us, we will be able to achieve great things for ourselves, others and the world we live in.

The NHS creaks under the strain of the ever increasing health burden and taxes soar to meet the demands of the public for more and more sophisticated health care to pay for the sometimes self-inflicted illnesses. The government have now got the message that we must focus on the solution, not the problem. The Department of Health has described Health Creation as “light years ahead of anything they are doing”,
How in Britain was Health Creation founded?
Dr. Rosy Daniel BSc MBBCh is a highly respected, internationally renowned Integrated Medical Consultant who is catalysing a healthcare revolution to reverse the epidemic of degenerative disease resulting from our unhealthy Western lifestyles. She has a vision of a world where  health and NOT illness are the norm. Where individually and collectively we all take basic steps necessary to enjoy radiant health and happiness. She passionately believes we can and must take charge now to avert the massive health crisis going on around us.
Dr. Daniel  is one of the most inspiring speakers I have ever heard,and on on meeting her, there is no disappointment. She is warm, kind, inspiring and completely passionate about health creation.
The benefits of the health creation approach are indisputable. I have experienced this, in myself, and seen it in others.
The main service of Health creation is Health creation coaching.
What is this?
Health Creation coaching is a new concept in coaching developed by Dr. Daniel.. The proposition is simple and yet very powerful. Health Creation coaching marks a shift away from the information- based model of health promotion. It is about guiding and supporting people to change unhealthy lifestyles [and we all have  them in some part] to sustainable  life enhancing behaviours and a new vitality that is enduring... it works.. I know.
The reason it works are because each individual receives individual attention. We think we know what we want, but it’s all going around in our heads,and we don’t so anything about it.. and so are in some part unsatisfied. Through your coach you will receive the crucial support to  discover what we really want and make healthy changes..  It gets to the core of why we might be drinking, over eating, smoking or any other self destructive so called mild addictions [shopping ,tv, over working] Health creation understands the interaction of our states of mind body and spirit and the environment in which we live and work. Lonliness, stress, distress and feeling lost or dispirited can cause depression of the mind and body, and along with this often comes immune collapse.
Health Creation coaching brings lasting change because it tackles the underlying obstacles to health and happiness.
Health Creation Coaching is performed by our Health Creation Mentors [by telephone] who work on a one to one basis with individuals using the health creation programme developed by Dr Daniel for this purpose.
One Course of Health Creation is about to close now and all mentors who fulfill all requirements, and pass exams will be  doing case studies. If you would like to be in this programme, and enjoy the full benefits of health creation... you are invited to do so.
I can offer up to 10 people the chance to experience the Health Creation Proactive Programme at a special reduced rate - see below.

Health Creation Proactive is inspiring lasting change and whole-hearted living.

The programme is designed to work over six months and includes 6 x monthly one hour telephone sessions with your Mentor, who will encourage and support you to take realistic achievable steps to get your life and health  on track and enjoy:
- Higher energy levels
- Better health
- Greater fulfilment than ever before
- and a joyous feeling for life

If you are interested here are some things you should know:
- You will be mentored by a Health Creation graduate Mentor  [not me]
- The mentoring will begin in March 2009
- You may be asked to provide feedback as part of this process
- The mentoring takes place over the telephone - you ring your Mentor for each session

The price and payment structure is as follows:
The  Health Creation Programme costs £40,[ plus £8.50 postage if you buy it from Health Creation.] but you can get it from me and eliminate postage.
Mentoring costs £10 per session, x 6 = £60. You pay this directly to your Mentor, in advance.
So for the special price of £100 plus £8.50 postage if applicable, [ the normal price is £385 + postage,] you will receive your own information packed Health Creation Programme, including two self assessment and self help CDs and six months of individualised Health Creation Coaching.

If you would like to sign up for the scheme, please let me know as soon as possible.
Then, in order to receive your programme, ring Health Creation on 01225 745757, say that you are a Health Creation Programme Study Client, and give your contact details, plus my name as a reference. You can pay for the HCP over the phone, and have it shipped to you, or you can purchase it from me at the same price.

This may initially sound like a lot of money, but truly it is an investment in yourself. Have a look on the  Health Creation website. I would not be offering this to you if I did not whole heartedly believe in it. There is also a total money back guarantee if you are not happy. You may return the programme if you are not happy, but obviously it has to be in the same condition as you received it.

If you have any questions, give me a call, or speak to Mike or Jo
at Health Creation on 01225 745757.

Here's the link to the website: http://www.healthcreation.co.uk/proactive
After experiencing the programme myself, I can tell you it's amazing and has truly made a significant difference to the quality of my life and health.

Numbers are limited so please let me know as soon as possible if you'd like to take up this offer. I look forward to hearing from you soon,
With love

Yoga First Aid
These are your tools for living.
You can use them anytime you like.
Probably no one will even notice you're "doing yoga" or "meditating". Enjoy. Relaax

1. Stop what ever you are doing right now and notice if you are holding your breath. If you are, that's ok. Just take a breath in through your nose and let it out through your mouth. If that felt good, do it again. If it didn't feel good just take a few breaths in and out through your nose. That's it. If you're having trouble falling asleep tonight, try this again 10 times. If your mind wanders away from your breathing before you get to 10 - forgive yourself - and just begin again. There's no right or wrong. It is simply ‘what is’

2. Bring your focus to your jaw and your shoulders. Are you clenching your teeth together or gripping your lower jaw over to one side? Just make  a tiny smile, or loosen your tongue from the roof of your mouth. You'll automatically stop clenching your jaw. Now shrug your shoulders up toward your ears and hold your breath for a moment; then let your shoulders drop down - let gravity do this for your, you don't need to control your shoulders. Try this a few more time. Nearly all of us walk around in a perpetual state of shoulders trying to touch our ears -a constant shrug.  take a look at other people. don’t you want to smoothe down theior shoulders?This is a something we've conditioned ourselves to do as a stress response, from sitting at the computer too long, or when we're cold. And it can cause lots of unnecessary tension in our back, neck and shoulders. So whenever you can, just let your shoulders fall away from your ears. You can do this as many times as you like, until your shoulders remember to do it all on their own.

3. Pause ...Just pause! Whatever you are doing right now (and it may be 3 things at once). Suspend them all. Close your eyes and take 10 breaths (any kind of breath is fine - through your nose, through your mouth, whatever comes most easily to you). That's it. Go back to what were doing before you closed your eyes. If this felt ok, do it again in an hour, maybe try it at work.

Edward is not just another little boy.

Say Hello to Edward
Have you heard about him? He is five years old and has Duchenne  Muscular Dystrophy. That means his muscles are wasting away and by the time he is ten he may be in a wheel chair. His family and friends are campaigning tirelessly and endlessly to raise awareness for this disease and to raise money for research.  If you would like to help you can download the  song that has been written for him .   www.sayhellotoedward.com
It costs only 99p. and all money goes to the charity. It is dead easy to do [I have done it!] and perhaps we can push it up to the top of the charts...Don’t be shy about passing this on to friends. There has been very positive responses from all sorts of lovely folk who hardly know
the family at all.

What if Edward was your son?

With love and thanks to you all

Half-Full or Half Empty 

...It's our choice.

How we love the blue skies and bright days and don’t they lift our spirits?
But gorgeous as they are, if we only like the bright days, we are just simply setting ourselves up for disappointment... particularly in this country.
Likes and dislikes are one of the common causes to unhappiness and grief. This might sound a bit daft, as of course we like the sunny days. But there is a difference between liking them, craving for them and simply enjoying them as they arise.
And when the days are grey and damp and bitingly cold, if it makes us miserable... well.
True happiness and contentment comes from inside, not from outside influences.
So, how to deal with this?
Look for the joy in everything! 
Sometimes it is very hard to find. But what about taking the horrid, or perceived horrid, and making it fun. What?
Well. You could for the very very wet weather, get yourself a new funky umbrella. (why do umbrella  have to be black?) or or great new waterproof, or a barmy hat. It’s actually quite nice to go out fully protected. Don’t yearn for the days when you can go out in flip flops and tee shirts. Get your gear on!
As Billy Connelly says. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only wrong clothes”

And then come back in to candle light, crumpets and tea.
It’s changing  our mind set that keeps us in a state of bliss.
Take note from the kids.
They often just go out in all weathers, wellies on, splashing about.
It’s us that says “come in out of the cold”
Marilyn’s TopTip:
 Go to You tube and watch Gene Kelly “Singing in The Rain”

It never fails.

Not Just Another Weekend   ...Sneaton back by popular request.
Banish the winter blues and look forward to a brilliant weekend of yoga at Sneaton Castle Whitby.  Whitby is everybody’s favourite seaside town. Sneaton Castle is in it’s own fabulous grounds on top of the hill overlooking the sea. We have a lovely yoga hall for our practise, which is a full programme as you will see if you download the leaflet... but of course you may come to as much or as little as feels right for you.
You know how good you feel after a yoga class. Imagine how you are going to feel after a full weekend... possibly more relaxed, more chilled than ever before.
Look forward to being with you there. We have already started booking. You may be meeting old friends from past courses, people from classes who you have only just seen in passing. It’s a great chance to spend a weekend with like minded folk and do some great yoga.
You can get the leaflet and booking form by clicking here
It will open on your computer, then you can print it out or 'save' it in your documents folder.

 

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I loved this book. You know one of those given to you by someone (in this case Adi). I didn’t want to read it, but I did, and it is funny, life changing and a jolly good read. It’s about the author, Liz, who is looking for God... sounds heavy, but it’s not. I gave a copy to all my girlfriends and to my daughter and daughters in law (much younger and not looking for God) and all they enjoyed it too.
Liz, I love this bit, is looking for guidance from God or her inner self. She can’t sleep. Tossing and turning all night, she ends up in the bathroom banging her head on the floor. “Please, please please won’t there be some guidance coming through!” She waits again and again for divine intervention.
Eventually it comes through loud and clear;
“Go back to bed, Liz.” she hears. "What?” she cries. “I want some guidance, help, inspiration. something profound.”
Again, louder and even clearer “Go back to bed, Liz.”
This time she realises that that is just what she needs. What can she do in the middle of the night and when she is exhausted through the changes in life she is going through?
She goes back to bed, and sleeps.
We often look for deep, profound messages, when if we do listen carefully, there is a lot of common sense to be heard!
Read it. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Eat, Cook, Relax ...Not necessarily in that order
Kathy brought along some of these biscuits to the Reiki Clinic.
They went down so well that I had  requests for the recipe.

Here it is:
250g of self raising flour
A pinch of salt
1 tsp baking powder
175g of porridge oats
250g unsalted butter (soft)
200g caster sugar
½ tsp of real vanilla essence
50g of raisins (or dried cranberries)

Mix flour, salt, oats and baking powder together. Cream sugar, butter and vanilla essence together using electric mixer, or wooden spoon, until pale and fluffy. Gradually work in the flour mixture and dried fruit using a wooden spoon then kneed with your hand until mixture comes together. Split mixture into 4 then split each piece into 8, making 32 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a baking sheet, allowing room to spread. Flatten each piece slightly with your fingers. Cook in a pre-heated over at 180 o C (350 o F, Gas 4) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden (not brown). Cool on baking tray for a couple of minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight tin for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Happiness and Julia Barnickle
Julia  is a friend of mine who is a life coach.

She has a very interesting web site and newsletter which you might like to have a look at. Her opening theme for the new year is happiness and has some real good things to say. She also has a free meditation to download if you would like to and a CD [for sale] on happiness.

Why not take a look?
http://www.take5minutes.co.uk

Foundation Courses - Taking your yoga to a deeper level
British Wheel of Yoga certtificate courses at level 1 and level 2 offer an opportunity to study and practice yoga at a more advanced degree. On your part it asks for a committment from you but in return it gives a deeper understanding and more involved class experience that can take you to a much more rewarding yoga practice.

Each course is spread over twelve months ( one weekend day per month) in a small group that allows individual attention to each student.
Level 1 is due to begin on February 14th

Level 2 on April 26th

Application forms are available by mail or email and you are more than welcome to contact me for a chat and more detailed information.

For more details about any of the above
Telephone: 01457 870453
or Email: enquiries@marilynyoga.com

With Love