TH Issue No. 115 YOG A SOU Summer 2012
www.bwysouth.org.uk
T he British Wheel Yoga BWY is the Sport England of recognised National Governing SOUTHERN REGION NEWSLETTER Body for Yoga Spotlight on Southern Region Members
A party was held in Winchfield in January of this year to celebrate the 70th birthday of Hampshire Yoga Teacher Jeanette Cassels (Swami Sharadananda Saraswati).
Jeanette lives in Fleet and has been teaching since the 1980s.
Past and present students as well as friends were able to attend the party making for a very enjoyable afternoon.
More pictures and a full article are available on our web site. Contents Contributors
2 Publishing Deadlines Tim Lewis (Regional Officer) 3 Editorial Jane Roberson (Treasurer)
4 Regional Officer’s Report Jacqui Mees (Training Officer) 5 Web Site Administrator's Report Mike Green (Editor) 6 Regional Training Officer’s Report Michaela Welz (Berks Rep) 7 Berkshire Report 8 Buckinghamshire Report Mona Baur (Acting Bucks Rep) 9 North Hampshire Report 10 South Hampshire and Isle of Wight Report June Milner (North Hants Rep) 11 Oxfordshire Report 12 Teacher Qualifications/A Poem “Change” Marie Fitzgerald (South Hants/IOW Rep) 13 DCT Corner 14 Together in Yoga 2012 Hazel Faithfull (Oxon Rep) 15 “Advice from a Tree” Guy Oltmann-Reeve (Web 16 “Molly” Cake Site Admin)
17 Regional Congress & AGM Chrissie Harrison
18 Regional Committee Nomination Form Edelgard Moss 20 Regional Diary Dates Stuart Stoter 21 Regional Contacts Sylvia Smith 40 The Source of the Ganges YOGA SOUTH is the regional newsletter of: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and Oxfordshire
The front cover photo of a camellia touched by rain drops was taken by June. “Into every life a little rain must fall“ The Camellia originates from eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalaya east to Korea and Indonesia.
Yoga South 1 Summer 2012 Publishing Deadlines - 2012/2013
Issue Deadline Date of Publishing Autumn 2012 15 July 2012 5 September 2012 Spring 2013 15 November 2012 4 January 2013 Summer 2013 15 March 2013 3 May 2013
Advertising Costs Charges are made for any advert in Berks, Bucks, Hants, IOW or Oxon. placed in this newsletter including Rates listed as "Others" apply to all seminars, classes, etc. Members rates others — this includes BWY apply only to BWY members resident members outside the region. Advertising Rates Page Size BWY South Member Others Full page (A5) £18 £22
Half page £9 £11
Quarter page £4.50 £5.50
Small Ads 12p per word—minimum charge £1
10% discount for adverts in 3 consecutive issues
No advert will be placed until paid for in advance
Cheques should be made payable to 6RUW&RGH “BWY Southern Region” and sent to the Editor (see back page for contact $FFRXQW1XPEHU details). Alternatively, by direct payment $FFRXQW1DPH %ULWLVK:KHHORI Please send all adverts by email (ideally in the size that you want them to appear). BWY South members please quote your BWY membership number. Please note that the views expressed in An advertisement, article or website link the Yoga South Newsletter are not in this Newsletter does not represent an necessarily those of the Editor or the endorsement of a product, company or Regional Committee. The Editor and/or person. No responsibility whatsoever the Southern Regional Committee can be accepted by the Southern Region reserve the right not to publish any of the British Wheel of Yoga for the article or notice including any products, services and other matters advertisement which they consider to be advertised other than those of the BWY, inappropriate. the Southern Committee or BWY Services. Yoga South 2 Summer 2012 Editorial Hello Everyone following a journey that she took from Rishikesh into the Himalayas. Edelgard also Welcome to the Summer Edition of Yoga suggested the Cree prophecy on Page 7. South which has been printed by our new print firm (who will be producing and We also have the second part of our DCT distributing all BWY Regional Newsletters). Corner from Chrissie Harrison, this time on We have taken this opportunity to rearrange the “Niyamas”; poems from Stuart Stoter some of the contents. As you will see the and Ilam Shamir; and a much appreciated Publishing Deadlines are opposite this page, (by me at least) vegan cake recipe from the Diary of Events and Contact list are over Sylvia Smith. the centre pages. I hope that you enjoy the new feature “Spotlight on Southern Region I hope that you find time to read and enjoy Members” on the inside of the front cover all of the inspiring articles and reports in this and welcome contributions to this feature edition. for future editions. As always I am grateful to everyone who has In the Spring edition we published submitted articles and advertisements. photographs taken by Edelgard of the pillar Om Shanti depicting “Twenty Instructions for a Spiritual Life” in Rishikesh. In this edition we have a Mike feature by her on the source of the Ganges The meaning of our self is not to be found in its separateness from God and others, but in the ceaseless realisation of yoga, of union - Rabindranath Tagore Jiddu Krishnamurti at one time stopped a lecture that he was giving and asked his audience if they wanted to know his "secret". The audience reportedly went silent as they waited to hear what was at the heart of his sometimes obscure teaching. "This is my secret," he is purported to have said, "I do not mind what happens." Krishnamurti practiced yoga asana for two hours each morning followed by meditation. He learned the asana practices first from B.K.S Iyengar and later from Desikachar. “The Life and Death of Krishnamurti” is by Mary Lutyens Yoga South 3 Summer 2012 Regional Officer’s Report Dear Member, Another excellent edition, thank you Mike, but also, thank you to the contributors. I am struck by our sense of community evident in these pages. Our full team of County Representatives continue to bring a good selection of events to the Region, so please support them by either attending those events, or letting them know what else you might like them to organise. It is also good to see that we can promote events in a neighbouring Region – Parinama, the London Festival, looks excellent. See you there! Alistair Shearer is our guest tutor at our Regional Congress and AGM this coming October so be sure to book your place either on the website or directly with Jane Roberson, Regional Treasurer. The morning session will be related to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, followed by an afternoon picture presentation superbly presented by Alistair. More details to follow in our next edition and online. I have been loaned some of the earlier editions of Spectrum going back to the 1980’s! What is interesting is that they were the same size as this newsletter. They also illustrate how timeless yoga is, advice and the sharing of knowledge is as appropriate today as it was back then. The oldest one I have is for Winter 1980 with an article on the first National Training Week held at Bisham Abbey with the guest speaker Swami Venkatesananda. A booking form for Congress 1981 at the University of Loughborough cost the princely sum of £36 for the full weekend! Finally, does anyone still have a ‘sew-on BWY Badge’ mentioned as one of the Member privileges?! Membership cost £4 per year. I went along to the opening of Michaela’s IST Day given by Antonia Boyle on NLP for Yoga Teachers, Part 1 —it was a pleasure to meet Antonia as well as attending Teachers in our Region. It was a great day and NLP Part 2 is already in the pipeline. For those of you keen to follow up on NLP 1—make sure you let Michaela know! I am also looking forward to meeting up with Members in our Region at the North Hants Member Day in June – last year’s was great – this one looks to be even better! Finally, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Kim Pierpoint for being our Regional Secretary for the last three years – Kim has now moved on to the BWYQ as their Head of Operations. We wish her well. Om Shanti Yoga South 4 Summer 2012 Web Site Administrator's Report Hello Southern Region, Spring is here bringing with it that unfortunate urge to spring-clean. I feel a little Saucha coming on and feel it is time to consider the classes advertised on the website. It is easy to put classes on the website but all too easy to forget to update them or even remove them if they are not running. All you have to do is log onto the regional website “Members Only” page and amend or delete. In a similar vein you can also visit the central website and check that your personal details are up to date, especially your e-mail addresses as when we find they are in error we just delete them and you miss hearing from us! This is also a good time to consider what you want from the website, it is yours after all. Any ideas would be gratefully received. I hope you have read the article, on the website, on a certain birthday celebration? If you have a BWY related celebration then please let me have an article and I will put it online. Now here is an interesting statistic, we started this year with 60 people visiting the regional website each day. That’s a lot of interest! If you would like assistance in editing or deleting your class details or on any website matter then please get in touch with me. Even if you are not an internet user I can still advertise your class, just write or give me a call, contact details are (as always) in this edition. Namaste Guy Remember our web site www.bwysouth.org.uk Yoga South 5 Summer 2012 Training Officer’s Report In Service Training (IST) Programme — 2012 Date Location Event/Tutor Region 20 May Hordle WI Hall South Hampshire/IOW “Yoga and Music” with Bruce Contact Philomena Ashley Lane Singleton Hayward: New Milton 3 South Avenue, New SO41 0GB Milton, Hants BH25 6EY Tel: 01425 612781 3 Jun North Baddesley Village Hall “Moving into Space” with Bob South Hampshire/IOW Botley Road Insley contact Marie North Baddesley Fitzgerald (see central SO52 9DT pages for contact details) 21 Oct Hordle WI Hall Mindfullness Yoga with Cathy- South Hampshire/IOW Mae Karelse Contact Philomena Ashley Lane Hayward: New Milton 3 South Avenue, New SO41 0GB Milton, Hants BH25 6EY Tel: 01425 612781 17 Nov The Oldham Hall Understanding Hip and Knee Buckinghamshire contact Mona Baur The Square Problems with Dr Ruth Gilmore (see central pages for Church Street contact details) Great Missenden HP16 0AZ Remember that attendance at an IST onto the BWY main web site day counts as 7.5 points towards your www.bwy.org.uk. For your first login annual CPD (Continuing Professional use your BWY membership number as Development) requirement of 15 the user name and your post code as points. If you have internet access, you the password to obtain members can now enter your CPD points straight access. TEACHERS PLEASE NOTE Teachers without Internet access need ALL teachers need to complete 15 to maintain a paper record of their CPD points of CPD per year and hold a points and post or email this current First Aid certificate otherwise information to head office at the end their insurance may not be valid. of the year. Yoga South 6 Summer 2012 Berkshire Report Namaste All in Berkshire ... and happy Spring time! I wrote this report before our IST Day “NLP for Yoga Teachers, Part 1” but I am sure all participants enjoyed it and will eagerly anticipate Part 2. Sorry to those who did not make it from the waiting list for the day. I hope there will be another opportunity for you to attend this event elsewhere in the region. I receive requests for first aid days from time to time and wondered if those who are due First Aid training at or by the end of the year could contact me so that I can determine if there is enough interest to organise a day. I wish you all a very nice summer! Om shanti, shanti, shanti Michaela ... and just a little food for thought in case the badly needed rain is falling as you read this…. “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” ― Albert Camus A Cree Prophecy… When all the trees have been cut down, when all the animals have been hunted, when all the waters are polluted, when all the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you discover you cannot eat money. The Cree are one of the largest groups of First Nations/Native Americans in North America and Canada Yoga South 7 Summer 2012 Buckinghamshire Report Hello, It has been a great and busy first few months as County Rep for Buckinghamshire. I have had a very warm welcome from many teachers in the region and have had the pleasure to meet some of them over the last few weeks. I would like to thank Tim Lewis and Guy Oltmann-Reeve in particular for all their advice and help in my new role and for making me feel so welcome at the January committee meeting, for which committee members provided a most delicious lunch. Thank you! I’m very happy to say that my first IST day is organized and that I seem to have got my head round the online booking system after some initial moments of panic. The following events are planned for the year: Dr Ruth Gilmore is coming back to teach another day at Oldham Hall in Great Missenden on the 17th of November. After last year’s very successful and insightful day on the sacroiliac joint, we are looking forward to learning about ‘Understanding Hip and Knee problems’ in teaching yoga. I encourage you to book early to get CPD points for 2012, as the last day was very popular. I have also arranged for Michael Bond to hold another First Aid Course for Yoga Teachers on the 15th of July at Whitespace Yoga Studio in Stony Stratford. Remember that your insurance certificate is invalidated if you do not hold a current First Aid certificate. An IST day with Uma Dinsmore–Tuli on Women’s Womb Yoga is planned, but not until the beginning of next year. The date is yet to be confirmed, to fit in with Uma’s very busy schedule. If you need extra CPD points for this year, remember to check the listings for our neighbouring counties on the web site Apart from my role as County Rep, I have been enjoying the first warm sunshine, helping with the lambing and finding the bees happily foraging and in good shape after a cold winter. Spring is finally on it’s way! Namaste Mona Yoga South 8 Summer 2012 North Hampshire Report It is every organiser’s nightmare .... to find that your hall has been double- booked! It happened to me on Sunday 11th March as I walked confidently into the booked (and invoiced) main hall for the IST day with Paul Fox, only to find the hall filled with about 450 chairs, musical instruments and competing school bands with more huge musical instruments arriving by the second. Thirty participants from near and far due to arrive and the tutor likewise on his way. So a big THANK YOU to all the members who braved the cold gym for the event. I would never have booked the gym for that reason, but all our yogic spirits came to the fore and made the day a success. Your complaints about the change and the cold have been made clear to the hall organisers, both verbally and in writing . Despite the cold and discomfort, the evaluation forms for the day showed that the event ‘Creative teaching, working with themes and intentions‘ was found to be intensely practical and useful. Over 90% of those attending found they had not only learnt something new, but would incorporate it into their teaching and would recommend the day to others. By the time you read this, the first aid day will have come and gone… Our NEXT event is “Together in Yoga 2012” Sunday 24 June at the Connaught Leisure Centre - 10.30 to 2.30 £10.00 members; £20.00 non members. After last year’s success I have booked a larger hall so that you can all fit in. We have double checked the arrangements and we are not double-booked. This short day will be in the main hall, with good natural daylight, heating if the weather is unseasonably cold and opening onto the playing fields with picnic tables if the weather is kind and we can sit outside. A friendly day of yoga being led by:- Fiona Wells DCT; Jane Roberson, Foundation Course tutor; Jeannette Cassells ( Swami Sharadananda); Edelgard Moss (known to many of you) and Gina Arnold (my predecessor as County rep) will also add to the day. A great line-up of differing styles and emphasis bringing together mind, body, spirit and some chanting for our voices. This is a rare opportunity to introduce some of your own students to the breadth of yoga and to the inclusive nature of the Wheel. I know that those of my own students who joined the day thought it was very enjoyable and a great event. Yoga South 9 Summer 2012 North Hampshire Report - Continued I hope to meet you on the day. PS. Although not designed as a training day, I know last year many teachers found they had gained something to improve their teaching and their classes, in which case CPD points can be awarded to yourselves. The maximum would be 3 points for the 3 hours. Om Shanti June South Hampshire and Isle of Wight Report Dear Members We have already seen the first IST day in South Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It was a follow up to a highly popular day last year with Zoe Knott; this year proved to be just as fantastic! We delved into the backbend - looking at attitudes (some loved and some less positive), how we could use them in classes and different ways of working into them. It really sparked the imagination and reinvigorated both practice and teaching! So if you want to catch the next couple of IST days here in the south then make a note in your diaries of the next three days that are coming up. In May we have Bruce Singleton coming to teach us about Yoga and music; this is on Sunday 20th May in Hordle, New Milton. Please book with Phil for this day (01425 612781). On Sunday 3rd June Bob Insley is coming to teach us about moving into space. This is at North Baddesley, Romsey, and to book please call me (0790 5233175) or book online at bwysouth.org.uk. Phil has organised another day on Sunday 21st October with Cathy Mae-Karelse. Cathy came last year and did a fantastic and popular, day ... this time it is on mindfulness yoga. So book with Phil as early as you can. Please call or email me with any thoughts or suggestions for this area or what you want your rep to do. love and light Marie Yoga South 10 Summer 2012 Oxfordshire Report Dear All So sorry we didn’t get enough interest to fill the Yoga Gather in March but let me know your thoughts if you haven’t already emailed me. Indications are to hold the event outside summer holidays or early in the new year. It was interesting to meet local Oxford Student Adam McIsaac and find out how yoga is catching the business minds attention. A team of five MBA students at the Said Business School are researching the challenges facing the yoga business here in the UK and also with an international perspective. Hopefully a few of our teaching members have been able to give their time to answer the survey. Adam has offered to share the outcomes and research later in the year. Have to say I did feel a bit of a dinosaur as he moves in the world of paperless money technology and the latest “app’s” on smart phones that allow you to book classes. After teaching another winter season with chilly feet in drafty village halls a modern warm studio is very appealing! Talking of cold feet, is anyone interested in stepping into the yoga shoes of Oxon Rep? After three years I feel some fresh enthusiasm would be good, especially as I hope to focus on deepening my training later this year. The voluntary Rep role is really enjoyable and it has been a pleasure to meet so many yoga enthusiasts. I enjoyed organising great teaching days with the wealth of IST on offer and to develop general local events for all members. With all the hard work Tim, Colin and Guy have put into the website there are very few direct enquiries these days as so much information is available on the website. Phone calls are usually last minute bookings for events or those pondering the leap to study on foundation or diploma courses. The committee meetings are with a fun bunch of likeminded folk. It has felt really good to be at the coal face and do my bit towards reaching the welcome hand of yoga across Oxfordshire. I thoroughly recommend you take up the reins at the AGM in October. Do get in touch if you would like more info. I hope to see you soon. Yours in Yoga Hazel Yoga South 11 Summer 2012 Teacher Qualifications Congratulations to the following for completing their Teaching Diploma Courses in December 2011 Wendy Perry with London YTTC Victoria Southgate with Triyoga Lisa Williams with Yoga Academy Congratulations to Julia Hodgson who completed the Ayurveda Module in December 2011 with Tarik Dervish Please note that only new teachers sometimes means delays in notified to the editor by Head Office congratulations. If you have any before the deadline for publication can queries, please contact Head Office be included on this page, which direct. Change The misty moon flies across the sky on gossamer wings of cloud The moon changes from full to new. Of this we can be sure. The sun rises and sets. Of this we can be sure. The rain falls, the wind blows, the skies clear. Of this we can be sure. The seasons turn throughout the year. Of this we can be sure The tide laps upon the beach. Of this we can be sure. The seed sets, the flower grows. Of this we can be sure. Our bodies blossom to beauty and fade, to die. Of this we can be sure. The only certainty we have is of constant change. While we live we breathe in, we breathe out. Of this we can be sure. Stuart Stoter Hold to the breath. December 2011 Yoga South 12 Summer 2012 DCT Corner with Chrissie Harrison The Niyamas are referred to as the now and remembering if we try to Observances, so how can we force things we can do more harm incorporate the five niyamas into the So if we feel intimidated by a pose, yoga class? rather than thinking I simply cannot do it, modify the pose in such a way Saucha: Purity, that it leaves us considering we could There are several ways to incorporate go further in future. the teachings of saucha in the yoga session simply by learning to put away Svadhyaya: Self Study mats, props, and blankets in an orderly In our asana practice we can observe manner, so keeping our practice space moment to moment the changes that clean and tidy. Being mindful of fellow are taking place in our body, breath students' mats and to refrain from and mind. We are our own teachers. stepping on them. After working in a pose, pause, become still, and feel the changes. The focus Santosha: Contentment during the yoga practice has to be Contentment is being mindful of living completely internal. in the moment which is something we can all apply in our asana practice – Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrender to accepting what one has achieved, our God/Universe abilities and limitations at this moment We are part of a universal force, rather than comparing oneself to every action we take can be done with others. significance, releasing the ego and becoming a vehicle of positive energy Tapas: Heat, Perseverance, and becoming receptive to our practice Discipline Perhaps we can think of enthusiasm, – In Shavasana, we are surrendering to effort and discipline. These are become replenished, renewed and required to make anything bear fruit. rejuvenated, a “clean slate” to Cutting through the distractions and appreciate everything as new. bringing the attention to the here and The Yama and Niyamas are the 10 common-sense guidelines which we can incorporate not only into our practice sessions but also our daily lives. Love and light Chrissie Harrison Yoga South 13 Summer 2012 Together in Yoga 2012 North Hampshire Sunday 24th June The Main Hall, Connaught Leisure Centre, Tongham Road Aldershot GU12 4AS 10.30 am to 2.30 pm Only £10.00 for BWY members, £20.00 non members Whether teacher, member or non member of the BWY, this is a great chance just to enjoy your yoga in good company. You’ll be in the excellent hands of a great range of tutors Fiona Wells (Diploma Course tutor) and Jane Roberson (Foundation Course tutor) will take the morning sessions. After lunch Edelgard Moss and Swami Sharadananda (Jeannette Cassells) will vary the pace for the afternoon until Gina Arnold closes the afternoon. Last year’s event was very popular and very much enjoyed. My tutors brought along some of their students to share the short day of yoga in good company and widen their experience of yoga. The venue is close to the A331 for easy transport links To join in the day, please contact June Milner….. …..on 01252 675672, …….or via the website mobile 07950 067774 www.bwysouth,org.uk Yoga South 14 Summer 2012 Advice from a Tree Dear Friend, Stand Tall and Proud Sink your roots deeply into the Earth Reflect the light of a greater source Think long term Go out on a limb Remember your place among all living beings Embrace with joy the changing seasons For each yields its own abundance The Energy and Birth of Spring The Growth and Contentment of Summer The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter Feel the wind and the sun And delight in their presence Look up at the moon that shines down upon you And the mystery of the stars at night. Seek nourishment from the good things in life Simple pleasures Earth, fresh air, light Be content with your natural beauty Drink plenty of water Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes Be flexible Remember your roots Enjoy the view! A poem suggested by Jane. It is by Ilan Shamir, whose name means protector of the trees. He is an author and professional keynote speaker on stories of trees, nature and a positive focus to life. Yoga South 15 Summer 2012 “Molly” Cake A completely fat free, sugar free, egg free, moist cake, suitable for vegans, vegetarians and for those who wish to cut down a little but still crave something sweet! Serves 8- 10; Preparation time about 15 minutes; Cooking time about 45 mins plus cooling. Oven temperature 170C / Gas 3 Ingredients: 250g stoned and roughly chopped dates (1 pkt) 300ml water 85g plain flour 3 tsp baking powder 1 tsp ground mixed spice 85g wholemeal flour 500g mixed dried fruit of your choice ( I have found it works equally well with less fruit - I used 300g) 50g ground almonds 80ml orange juice Line a 900g loaf tin Preheat oven: Put roughly chopped dates in water and bring to the boil. Set aside. Sieve plain flour, baking powder, mixed spice into a bowl. Add wholemeal flour, mixed fruit and ground almonds and mix to combine. Stir in wet date mixture and orange juice. Mix well. Spoon in to the prepared loaf tin. I like to sprinkle sunflower & pumpkin seeds on top. Bake for 45 – 50 mins, or until a skewer comes out clean. Slice and enjoy with friends and a nice cup of tea!! Thank you to Sylvia Smith Yoga South 16 Summer 2012 BWY South Regional Congress and AGM th Sunday, 7 October 2012, 10am to 4pm Highcrest Community School, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 7NQ YOGA: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF RETURNING TO THE SOURCE Guest Speaker Alistair Shearer Alistair Shearer is a writer and lecturer, who has travelled widely throughout south and south east Asia, particularly in India which he considers his spiritual home. He is also an oriental art historian, with a particular interest in the sacred art of Hinduism and Buddhism, and in this capacity has taught courses at various prestigious institutions, including the British Museum, London University (SOAS), and the auction houses Christies's and Sothebys. He regularly organises and accompanies cultural tours to India, and his latest project has been building the Neeleshwar Hermitage, a retreat hotel in Kerala. Alistair has practised and taught meditation for many years, running meditation centres in Oxford, Lancaster and Exeter. He currently teaches in Suffolk and London. Among his dozen publications are translations from Sanskrit of classic spiritual texts: the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Upanishads. He is known on the Yoga circuit for his ability to simplify subjects that are all too often confusing, and to present them in a lively and accessible manner; his deep knowledge of the cultural background of the subject adding an extra dimension to his teaching. Cost: £25 for BWY members and £30 for non-members. Please bring your own lunch, drinks will be provided. You can book online at www.bwysouth.org.uk or by post to Jane Roberson, Regional Treasurer, Lealands, Up Nately, Hook RG27 9PL or phone 01256 762891 or email [email protected] Cheques should be dated 7th October 2012 and made payable to: “British Wheel of Yoga Southern Region”. Yoga South 17 Summer 2012 British Wheel of Yoga Southern Region Annual Election of Committee Members The following offices are due for election at the Regional AGM on 7th October 2012 Regional Officer Regional Secretary* Regional Treasurer Regional Editor Regional Training Officer County Representatives for Berkshire Buckinghamshire North Hampshire Oxfordshire South Hampshire & Isle of Wight *The office of Regional Secretary is currently vacant (Nominees, Proposers and Seconders for County Officers must be Members of that County) NOMINATION FORM I wish to nominate the following for the office of: Name of Nominee: BWY Membership no: / / / Name of Proposer: Signature: BWY Membership No: / / / Name of Seconder: Signature: BWY Membership No: / / / I confirm that I am willing to stand for the above post Nominee’s Signature Tim Lewis, Regional Officer Please return this form by 10th July 2012 to: BWY Southern Region 9 Saltash Close Loudwater High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP13 7BE N.B. If there is more than one nominee for a position then there will be a secret ballot. An unbiased returning officer will be selected from the membership to tally the votes and announce the result at the Regional AGM. If a sitting officer is unopposed then there will be no vote and they will be returned. Yoga South 18 Summer 2012 The Prison Phoenix Trust Have You Ever Wondered About Teaching Yoga and Meditation in Prison? The Prison Phoenix Trust - BWY Teaching Yoga in Prison Module Mon 25th June - Fri 29th June 2012 Charney Manor, Charney Bassett, Oxfordshire Cost: £460 (includes BWY fee) This residential module is accredited by the BWY and is open to all qualified yoga teachers. During the week there will be plenty of time to discover the kind of practice that heals life-long hurts, and to explore the challenges and rewards of teaching behind bars. Comment from recent course participant: “I only regret not having done this course before, saving myself from errors in my prison work. This course is essential for anyone considering working with prisoners.” Please contact Elaine or Sally at the PPT - 01865 512521 www.theppt.org.uk Yoga South 19 Summer 2012 Regional Diary Dates for 2012 For more information on the events listed here please see the relevant page(s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vents are open to all BWY South members unless stated otherwise Please see our web site for up to date details and more events "The success of Yoga must not be measured by how flexible your body becomes, but rather by how much it opens your heart." Yogacarya TKV Desikachar Yoga South 20 Summer 2012 BWY Southern Region - Contact Details Regional Officer/ Tim Lewis Regional Child 9 Saltash Close, Loudwater, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 7BE Protection Officer 01494 819947 [email protected] Regional Treasurer Jane Roberson Lealands, Up Nately, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9PT 01256 762891 [email protected] Regional Training Officer Jacqui Mees 24 Newbridge Oval, Emerson Valley, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK4 2JG 01908 506159 [email protected] Regional Secretary Vacant [email protected] Regional Editor Mike Green Green Hill Cottage, Main Street, Hethe, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX27 8ES 07840 966383 [email protected] DCT Representative Fiona Wells 52 Wedmans Lane, Rotherwick, Hook, Hants, RG27 9BX 01256 761353 [email protected] County Representatives Berkshire Michaela Welz 17 Priory Lane, Warfield, Bracknell, Berks, RG42 2JU 01344 869024 [email protected] Buckinghamshire (Acting) Mona Baur Redfield, Buckingham Road, Winslow, Bucks, MK18 3LZ 07974 174272 [email protected] North Hampshire June Milner 26 Orchard Way, Aldershot, Hants, GU12 4HR 01252 675672 [email protected] South Hampshire and Marie Fitzgerald Isle of Wight 15 Hertsfield, Titchfield Common, Fareham, Hants, PO14 4SE 07905 233175 [email protected] Oxfordshire Hazel Faithfull 6a Brookfield Crescent, Headington, Oxford, OX3 0AZ 07931 743785 [email protected] WEBSITE - www.bwysouth.org.uk Website Designer Colin Gordon 01865 765298 [email protected] Website Administrator Guy Oltmann-Reeve 01494 819947 [email protected] BWY Equity & Welfare Manager/Lead Child Protection Officer Lead CP Officer Helen Smith 01268 775750 [email protected] British Wheel of Yoga Central Office, 25 Jermyn Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7RU Tel: 01529 306851. www.bwy.org.uk Yoga South 21 Summer 2012 BWY FOUNDATION COURSE 1 with Jane Roberson Winchfield Village Hall RG27 8BX Ideal for students with at least 2 years experience to develop and deepen their personal practice of yoga and potentially prepare for teacher training. A well balanced mixture of practice and theory, to include asana, pranayama, mantra, relaxation, history and philosophy. Ten monthly meetings 9.30 to 5.00 p.m. starting on 23 September 2012 Introductory day on 8th July 2012 For more information please contact Jane Roberson 01256 762891 07743 914277 email [email protected] BWY Foundation Course Level 1 This north Oxfordshire based course will begin in September 2012 with monthly Saturday meetings concluding with a weekend retreat in Wales in May 2013. Suitable for those who have been practising yoga regularly, have at least 2 years experience and feel inspired to deepen their personal knowledge and understanding of Yoga, its practices, history and philosophy. It is also an excellent preparation for those wishing to advance to the BWY teacher training diploma. The course will be run in the Village of Bucknell, near Bicester, 1 mile from the M40 junction 10 and 3 miles from the A34 giving good links to Oxford, Banbury, Birmingham and the surrounding areas. For full details please contact Frederica Jones; 07774 277424 or email; [email protected] Yoga South 22 Summer 2012 Mahasiddha Yoga The study and practice of Yoga in the context of examining view, meditation and conduct. With Maarten Vermaase - 01865 351650 - [email protected] British Wheel of Yoga Meditation Module, Level One (Calm Abiding) Suitable if you have completed BWY Foundation Course 1 or equivalent. Counts as CPD. Courses are planned for: Birmingham, Sept 2012 ([email protected] Swindon, Feb 2013 ([email protected]) Nr Preston, April 2013 ([email protected]) Devizes, Oct 2013 ([email protected]) Level Two (Insight) Modules are planned for: W London, Oct 2012 ([email protected]) Royston, 2014 ([email protected]) - TBC APPLY NOW!! Advanced Yoga Progressive Stages of Pranayama – from May 2012 For experienced Yoga students and teachers. Six Sundays per year in Oxford, can count as CPD. This year we will focus on practising progressive stages of in-depth Pranayama. A unique opportunity to study and practise these rarely taught techniques systematically under guidance. Contact [email protected] Tibetan Healing Exercises, a Buddhist Energy-Yoga – from Nov 2012 Six Sundays per year in Oxford, can count as CPD. In depth practice of Tibetan Healing Exercises, a unique slow moving ‘energy Yoga’. Includes study of Shantideva’s classical text, Bodhicharyavattara, and in-depth practice of Lojong (Mind Training) and Mahamudra (Meditation). Contact [email protected] Weekly classes in Oxford and Stanton St John – during school terms - Yoga and the Art of Breathing: Weds 17.45 and 19.30; Thurs 10.00 and 19.00 - Tibetan Healing Exercises: Fri 18.00 – 20.00 NB – The next BWY Teacher Diploma Course is planned to start in 2014. Details in 2013 Yoga South 23 Summer 2012 TWO BIRDS YOGA A Day Seminar to communicate some of the Hatha principles and practices learnt from Mr Desikachar’s senior students Dr Kausthub Desikachar, Mr S. Sridharan and M. Frans Moors at the 2011 European KHYF* Teacher Training event. As Kausthub pointed out, if Hatha means 'forceful', the real force is within and it is Prana. Mudra is the practice of cooperating with this inner force to make our Yoga practice really effective. This idea will be explored through Asana, Pranayama, Bandha and Mantra, with options suitable for all, providing an invaluable opportunity for all teachers, trainee teachers and committed students to deepen their experience of Hatha. As one of my regular attendees at these events has kindly said: “You'll always have my support as your Yoga Days are so interesting and enjoyable. I particularly appreciate your relaxed manner and your humour and easy style are exactly right and enable me to listen, participate and gain so much more from the helpful information and practice. I am most grateful to you... and your teachers!” Send £30 (BWY members) to Michael or request details from him at: Hafod, Burney Bit, Pamber Heath, TADLEY, Hants, RG26 3TN [email protected] 0118 970 1308 www.twobirdsyoga.com *Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation www.khyf.net Yoga South 24 Summer 2012 Yoga with Sarah Ryan at Park Place, Wickham, near Fareham The Breath of Life, a weekend retreat , June 8-10, 2012 Breathing is the first thing we do in life and the last. Usually we do it unconsciously, but when we unite breath and consciousness it becomes an immensely powerful tool for change. It is one of the quickest ways to make us feel calmer and clearer and the most powerful tool of yoga, whether we are wanting physical and mental health, healing, or spiritual transformation. This weekend will combine theory and practice, so that you should feel more inspired and more confident in using yoga breathing practices. It is not suitable for complete beginners to yoga. Meditation in the Yoga Tradition, three residential weekends Today, the perception of yoga is so often limited to asana and relaxation, with the emphasis on benefits for the body. Yet yoga traditionally is holistic, addressing itself primarily to the mind, perceived as the source of our problems. Meditation was seen as a primary tool in effecting transformation and this course will look at meditation within the yoga tradition. This is suitable for experienced yoga practitioners who are drawn to go deeper into their yoga practice, and who would like to establish a personal meditative practice. It includes three individual lessons. The weekends are July 6-8, Sept 21-23 and Nov 9-11. For details of both these courses, contact Sarah [email protected] or 01258 839230 Yoga South 25 Summer 2012 PROGRESSIVE STAGES OF PRANAYAMA AND THE HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA with MAARTEN VERMAASE DCT for the British Wheel of Yoga specialising in breath based Asana, Pranayama, Meditation and the philosophy of Yoga. Oxford, from May 2012. Six Sundays over 3 terms Suitable for Teachers and experienced students of Yoga committed to serious and regular practice. - Structured study and practice of in-depth Pranayama under guidance - Additional reflections on Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Sutras and equivalent Buddhist ideas. - Topics covered include: breath release; breath awareness; practice of purification; breath extension, classical Kumbhakas; theory of nadi, chakra and prana; meditations relevant to the levels of practice For full details and booking contact [email protected] or tel 01865 351650 Meditation Group with Fiona Ashdown Meditation group to meet on the first Wednesday of each month, consisting of simple movement, breathing, chanting and silent meditation. Fiona is a yoga therapist in KHYF and the evenings will be based on classical yoga techniques. The cost is £5 per session. The venue is 28, Arthur Road, Shirley, Southampton, SO15 5DY Tel 023 80632881 email:[email protected] Yoga South 26 Summer 2012 YOGA and WALKING HOLIDAYS 2012 with FIONA ASHDOWN CRETE September 11 – 18 We will be staying in the quiet and scenic north-west of Crete near Kastelli. Our accommodation is in studio rooms at Mithimna Beach, a quiet seaside village. All en-suite rooms. Each day will include two practices and a guided walk through the mountain gorges or coastal paths with plenty of time for swimming and relaxing. There will be one free day to explore at leisure – we can offer ideas! The cost of the holiday is £480 which includes en-suite shared room, a big breakfast, 4 evening meals, all tuition and guided walks. Yoga mats and blocks are provided. The flight costs approx £200 which allows you to stay another week on Crete if wanted. Bookings to: Tel: 0030 28220 31726 or 07866 731461 - text Email: [email protected] Fiona is a teacher and therapist for the Krishnamacharya Healing & Yoga Foundation. Her contact details are: 28 Arthur Road, Shirley, Southampton SO15 5DY email: [email protected] Phone/Fax: 023 8063 2881 Yoga South 27 Summer 2012 Yoga South 28 Summer 2012 www.yoga-centre.com/www.sweatlodge.org.uk f Yoga South 29 Summer 2012 YogaLiving Community Living the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi Practice Days with Derek Thorne in 2012 Who am I? What is this life? Wisdom revealed Sri Ramana Maharshi Oxford – Saturday 6th October Organiser : Frederica Jones, 01869 252613 & Lymington, Hampshire - Saturday 24th November Organiser : Ann Whiting, 01425 611881 10.00am – 4.00pm ( Arrive from 9.30am) The texts say ‘first hear the teaching, meditate upon it, then realise it in yourself’. A unique opportunity for all spiritual seekers to receive timeless and powerful wisdom from a clear and accomplished teacher and to share their questions about the nature of existence. Sessions include dialogue, meditation, silence, insight and beauty. Open to all For further details visit: www.yogaliving.co.uk or email: [email protected] Accept what comes, Release what goes, Claim the moment, Trust the future, Realise the Self Yoga South 30 Summer 2012 The Yoga for Harmony Studio 143a Arthur Road, Windsor, Berks, SL4 1RU Full weekly class timetable including Hatha Yoga, Flow yoga, Hot Yoga, Pregnancy Yoga, Yoga for Children, Sivananda Yoga, Recuperative Yoga, Power Pilates, and Tai Chi Monthly Relaxation, Meditation, and ‘in-depth’ Yoga sessions Regular full day workshops with guest teachers including Gary Carter, Peter Blackaby, David Sye, Howard Napper, Maarten Vermaase Philip Xerri, Monica Voss, Sarah Waterfield and many more……….. Philosophy discussions with John Howell First Aid days with Colin Fordham For full details of classes, workshops and booking arrangements, look on our website www.yogaforharmony.co.uk [email protected] Or contact Julie Potter on 01628 666528/07828 132091 ******************************* Yoga in Turkey with Julie at the Faralya Hotel A beautiful family run hotel deep in rural Turkey with magnificent sea views and a swimming pool. Well off the beaten track about 10 miles from Olu Deniz on the Turquoise Coast, South West Turkey £445.00 per person inclusive of 2 to 3 yoga classes per day, shared accommodation in twin en-suite rooms, breakfast and dinner every day and 5 lunches (all vegetarian) For more information look on www.yogaforharmony.co.uk or www.faralyahotel.com. Or contact Julie Potter on 01628 666528/07828132091 Yoga South 31 Summer 2012 The Eileen Bray Yoga Summer School - 2012 at Emmbrook Senior School (gym) Emmbrook Road, Wokingham, Berks RG41 1JP (on entering the main gate, keep bearing left - parking for the gym is located towards the back left of the school) These are “drop in” classes so there is no need to book in advance Wednesday 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm T u t o r s 11 July Claire Ruben (TYA) 18 July Michael Hutchinson (BWY) 25 July Fiona Heston (TYA) 01 August Di Hargraves (TYA/BWY) 08 August Dianne Luff (BWY) 15 August Michaela Welz (BWY) 22 August Joanne Hart (BWY) 29 August Margaret Shepherd (TYA) Tutors are fully qualified. Students are advised to inform the teacher if they are new to Yoga, or have any medical conditions that may preclude them from doing certain movements. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, bring a non-slip mat, block(s), belt, blanket and / or extra sweater for relaxation at the end of the session. Cost: £6.00 payable at the door Part of the proceeds to go to: The British Heart Foundation and Other Local Charities For further information, directions, etc please contact: Margaret on 0777 889 1874 or email: [email protected] (Subject: “Summer School”) Yoga South 32 Summer 2012 The London Yoga Teacher Training Group Yoga teacher training inspired by the approach of Vanda Scaravelli and Mary Stewart BWY accredited course commencing October 2012 This supportive and friendly two year course is designed to give trainees the practical abilities to teach yoga safely and with confidence The course offers: a practical and intelligent approach to the practice and teaching of asana and pranayama a solid grounding in yoga philosophy experience of meditation and how to teach it outstanding teaching of anatomy and physiology directly related to yoga by experts in this field a team of inspirational and creative teachers, two of whom will be present on all days a high-quality learning experience enriched by the collaboration of the course tutors Course Directors: Anne-Marie Zulkahari, Chloe Fremantle and Lisa McRory. Teachers include Peter Blackaby, Cara Bowen, Jo Child, Neville Cregan, Giovanni Felicioni, Catherine James, Christiane Kerr and Belinda Shattock. For further information go to www.independentyoga.co.uk or email [email protected] Yoga South 33 Summer 2012 India for Beginners – LindaYoga BWY qualified and experienced teacher and trainer of teachers Rajasthan October 2012 Desert and Palaces including Delhi, Jaipur Udaipur with optional excursion to Taj Mahal. 11 nights – quality hotels. Air-conditioned hotels and transport. English speaking guides in cities…. Early morning /evening yoga classes . 2013: Programme: January: Kerala Beach, mountains, backwaters, tea plantations, nature reserve, Yoga/Meditation classes, relaxation, Ayryvedic spa treatments, Elephant ride and so much more….. February: Karnataka - Mangalore - peaceful unspoilt beaches – Bandipur Wildlife Reserve - Mysore...palaces and temples, Yoga &Meditation classes Easter holidays: North India - Yoga and walking in the Himalayas. Including Golden Temple Amritsar, Home of Dalai Lama and Ganges at Rishikesh May: Nepal – yoga and trekking in the Annapurna sanctuary North India trains and mountains Oct: North India – trains and mountains including walking and yoga Holidays to stretch the body, expand the mind and touch the soul. www.lindayoga.co.uk [email protected] 01872 278299 or 07427552390 Yoga South 34 Summer 2012 YOGA & WALKING HOLIDAY IN THE ALPS Now in our third year! AUGUST 2012 Staying at the chalet ‘La Ruche’ in the picturesque village of Les Carroz, FRANCE. There is the option to come for a 3 night break From Wednesday 22nd – Saturday 25th Sunday 26th – Wednesday 29th or the whole week Wednesday 22nd – Wednesday 29th There will be Asana, Meditation, Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation) Time to be and time to restore and balance Walking and Pranayama (working with the breath) in the mountain air! The cost of £325 for 3 nights or £600 for the week (discount for non yoga partners) includes…Transfer from and to Geneva airport, accommodation, all vegetarian meals, yoga sessions and guided walks If you are staying for the week there are no activities on Saturday afternoon or evening, which gives you the opportunity to explore and perhaps try one of the local restaurants for dinner. Flights to Geneva can be reasonable if booked early or it is a very doable journey by car. For more information please call Freddie on 01869 252 613 or 07774 277 424 [email protected] or Nick and Caroline at…[email protected] or 00 33 (4)4 50 90 31 80 …… Yoga teacher: Frederica Jones MAR BWY dip FCT Walking guide: Caroline Stephens Chef: Nick Stephens Nick and Caroline live in la Ruche and are our hosts....you will be well looked after! Yoga South 35 Summer 2012 Yoga South 36 Summer 2012 BWY London Festival Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th June 2012 City of Westminster College, 25 Paddington Green, London W2 1NB Booking Form Name BWY No. Address Tel No Mobile Email Festival Costs st We are offering an “early bird” discount for people booking before 1 March 2012 Rate “early bird” BWY Member 1 day £80 £65 2 days £150 £120 Non BWY-member 1 day £95 £85 2 days £170 £160 Prices include lunch (vegetarian) and refreshments Please make cheques payable to British Wheel of Yoga and return with your completed booking form to Sue Gallagher, 26 Bullhead Rd, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 1HS. Confirmation will be by email (or enclose a SAE if you would prefer postal acknowledgement) Festival Session Choices. Please indicate first and second preferred choice and we will endeavour to allocate them to you. We are unable to guarantee your choices. Please note we reserve the right to change the programme without prior notice Saturday Type Mark 1st and Sunday Type Mark 1st and 2nd Choice 2nd Choice Session 1 Session 1 John Howell Theory Ginny Kempster Practical Mara Musso Practical Jane Farrimond Practical Ruth Gilmore Practical/Theory Ranju Roy Practical Uma Dinsmore-Tuli Practical Swami Pragyamurti Practical/Theory Mary Mackie Practical Jane Sleven Practical Fiona Agombar Practical Howard Napper Practical/Theory Session 2 Session 2 Sam Settle Jacqui Purnell Practical/Discussion Andrea Kwiatkowski Practical Thomas Mueller Discussion/Practice Tara Fraser Practical Lyn Core Practical Beverley Nolan Practical Jo Manuel Theory/Practical Guru Ram Kaur Practical Mira Mehta Theory/Practical Zoe Knott Practical Darryl O’Keefe Practical Session 3 Session 3 Zoe Knott Practical Ginny Kempster Practical Gill Lloyd Practical Howard Napper Practical/Theory Ruth Gilmore Theory/practical Lyn Core Practical John Howell Theory Swami Pragyamurti Chanting? Mary Mackie Practical Jacqui Purnell Practical Guru Ram Kaur Practical/Discussion Ranju Roy Practical/Theory Session 4 Session 4 Mara Musso Practical Thomas Mueller Theory Andrea Kwiatkowski Practical Jane Farrimond Practical Uma Dinsmore-Tuli Practical/theory Darryl O’Keefe Practical Sam Settle Jo Manuel Theory/Practical Tara Fraser Practical Jane Sleven Practical Beverley Nolan Practical Fiona Agombar Theory/Practical Please enter amount enclosed £…………………………………………………………. Yoga South 37 Summer 2012 Present Two Interesting Yoga Events Yoga and the Science of Diabetes with Swami Ambikananda Saraswati and Manisha Wilmette Brown (The Traditional Yoga Association) Saturday, 16th June 2012 : 10:00-16:00 (doors open 09:30) Cost: £35 St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road, Wokingham RG41 1EH Bring yoga mats, etc and packed lunch. Light refreshments available throughout the day This is a practical workshop for those interested in the relationship of diet, diabetes and yoga. Type II Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in the developed world. The disease can have a number of implications like raised blood pressure and glaucoma, so familiarizing yourself with it is important. The day will include: The Science of Diabetes; Nutritional advice for Diabetics; Asana, Pranayama and Dhyanam for Diabetes We will also look at the diabetes precursor, fluctuating blood sugar levels, that make controlling the diet so difficult and cause wide swings in energy levels. To book, please contact Margaret Shepherd Tel: 0777 889 1874 [email protected] ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Yoga, Shiatsu and Relaxation with Swami Sharadananda (Jeanette Cassels) (BWY), Sylvia Smith (BWY) and Fiona Heston (TYA) Saturday, 1st September 2012 : 10:00-16:00 (doors open 09:30) Cost £25 St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road, Wokingham RG41 1EH Bring yoga mats, etc and packed lunch. Light refreshments available throughout the day The day will begin with Swami Sharadananda guiding us through a Hatha Yoga session, exploring “Non Action in Action,” from the teaching of the Bhagavad Gita, or in Taoist terms, “Wu Wei,” developing mindfulness and spaciousness in the body through surrender and letting go of effort. Following a brief break Swami Sharadananda will continue with pranayama and meditation. After lunch Sylvie will demonstrate and encourage us to connect with the healing power of touch using the ancient bodywork principles of Shiatsu. There will be practical experience of working in pairs, or simply observe…... Following a brief break Fiona will be offering “Give Yourself some Breathing Space – Breathwork and Relaxation.” To book, please contact Sylvia Smith Tel:01344 772298 email: [email protected] At your own discretion, you may log CPD points for these workshops whether you are a teacher with BWY, TYA, FRYOG or similar organisation Yoga South 38 Summer 2012 6 day Summer Yoga Retreat with Dr Shrikrishna Theme: Pranayama Door of Inner Silence Saturday 1 September 2012 (6pm start) to Friday 7 September 2012 at Park Place Pastoral Centre - Fareham - PO17 5HA The Yoga Biomedical Trust Cost: £550(single ensuite rooms) Dr Shrikrishna, with great skill, leads participants into meditative states through Pranayama, the chanting of OM, Yoga Philosophy and inner enquiry. His emphasis is on awareness and experience rather than theoretical knowledge in spite of his excellent mastery of Sanskrit and Yogic literature. To download a booking form visit: Web site: www.yogatherapy.org Or contact [email protected] Or phone: 07737039166 or 02082456420 Yoga South 39 Summer 2012 The Source of the Ganges During my visits to India I have visited the town of Devaprayag, where the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda join to become the Ganges. The photos opposite (and on the back cover) are taken of the corner in the mountains where this amazing confluence happens – it is quite a place and something to remember once seen. Also the journey from Rishikesh to Devaprayag is at times breathtaking. The roads, and sometimes I use this term loosely, are taking you through the lower parts of the Himalayas. Devaprayag is about 2,723ft (830metres) above sea level. The trip takes you through amazing little mountain villages where the inhabitants are having a hard time to make a living by farming on terraced fields. I can’t remember exactly how many miles it was from Rishikesh to Devaprayag, all I do remember is that it took several hours on sometimes hair-raising bends with drops of hundreds of feet at the side of the road – I do admit to closing my eyes from time to time, especially when we saw cars that had gone over the edge and were just left there. But it was well worth the journey to see this amazing ‘source’ of the Ganges. Bhagirathi OM Shanti, Edelgard Alaknanda Shivpuri Devaprayag Ganges Rishikesh The Bhagirathi, Alaknanda and Ganges generate their own spiritual energy, attracting many pilgrims to the beautiful mountainous and forested setting of Devaprayag. The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers are formed from melting snow and ice from the peaks and glaciers of the Himalayas. After flowing 250 kilometres (160 miles) through its narrow Himalayan valley, the Ganges emerges from the mountains at Rishikesh. Rishikesh, sometimes known as the world capital of yoga, is a spiritual centre with many yoga ashrams, where chanting from local temples starts at 4am and pujas take place throughout the night. Yoga South 40 Summer 2012 The Source of the Ganges The source rivers of the Ganges at Devaprayag Nearby homes and terraced fields in the Himalayas All photos courtesy of Edelgard Devaprayag - the source of the Ganges….