February at Titirangi Ashtanga Yoga:

• Beginners classes Tuesday and Thursday mornings 6.30am – 7.30am
• Traditional led Ashtanga classes on Friday mornings 6.30am – 8am
• Tips for keeping cool in summer
• And… as usual, beginners can come for two weeks unlimited classes for just $30!

Beginners classes

Love the idea of a morning yoga class, but feel like you need to be experienced first? These classes will introduce you to Mysore style ashtanga yoga and absolutely no experience is needed.  You will learn a simple yoga routine with a focus on the breath. After only a few classes you will feel the difference yoga can make in your every day life.  These beginners classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday morning in February from 6.30am – 7.30am. If you are new to the Soul Centre you can come for two weeks, unlimited classes, for just $30.

Traditional led Ashtanga classes on Friday mornings

This traditional led class is focused on deep even breathing and smooth transitions between the poses. It keeps your attention on the experience of the practice and the flow of the breath. It challenges your habits and gives you a much greater understanding of what the yoga practice is all about.  If you haven’t experienced a traditional led class, this is something not to be missed. The class will be tailored to the level of the students who come. Every Friday in February 6.30am – 8am.

Keeping cool in summer

It’s hot in Auckland at the moment! It’s great for having deep, cleansing yoga practices, but for some of us the heat can have undesired consequences. In Ayurveda, the qualities of heat and fire are referred to as ‘Pitta’. When in balance, Pitta types have a sharp mind, energy and motivation to get things done and a caring, calm nature. When there is too much heat, Pitta types can feel more easily angry and frustrated and stressed by everything they have to do.  Physically, you may experience things like acid reflux, loose stools, headaches, migraines or skin rashes. Sun burn is a direct result of too much Pitta.

If you have a tendency towards these things, especially in summer, being aware of it is the first place to start.  There are lots of simple steps to help. Drinking cool boiled water throughout the day is a must.  Drink it room temperature, not icy cold. The general principle to balance too much heat is to eat and drink cooling foods. Avoid hot and spicey food, excessive alcohol, too much oil  and sour or fermented foods which are also heating.  Green leafy veggies are great, as are sweet fruits. Coriander (fresh and seeds), mint, and fennel are lovely cooling herbs to enjoy in summer. Milk (organic and whole) is very balancing for Pitta and calming for an overactive digestive system. If you love yoghurt, the best way to have it is to make yourself a lassi  – half water, half yoghut with maple syrup and a dash of cardamom. And, the best thing of summer of course, swimming outdoors, is a wonderful Pitta pacifier.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Ayurveda or what’s good for your own constitution, email Catherine at info@titirangiashtanga.co.nz