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Anniversary .. grateful and happy to be back home

Time againI know time flies not only in my world. But once every year I am struck by this fact. Not on my own birthday, but on the yoga anniversary at Breytenbach on 3rd May. I did not seize the opportunity to celebrate in style at the centre this time, but I did it in my heart. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for your loyalty that enables me to live my dream. A privilege, as well as a responsibility, I try my utmost to deserve. So, please bear in mind how important it is for me that you are comfortable with sharing your ambiguities, issues or requests with me. I do not take for granted that I see or feel everything, even if I try ;-)I also take this opportunity to thank my dear Tamara for sharing her love for yoga and her precious time with us! And thank you all who joined her for the sessions while I was away! As for the month of May, it has taken off with a beautiful full moon Sunday to Monday. This time is perfect for detox and

preparations for the winter ahead, to strengthen both body and mind in order to stay away from colds and flus. We have only managed a few of our intended Mindful Evenings, but I am very confident that we can make them an interesting part of our practice. On this note, instead of our normal yoga session, we will once again have the pleasure of a visit by Gen Pagpa on Wednesday 20th May, 6:30-7:45pm. Maybe a good opportunity to be inspired to move on, on our own?

But let us enjoy the month of May in the meantime. Have a great Mothers day, whether you have given birth or not. I think all us women carry some motherly emotions inside. Also enjoy the silence and the candle light as a result of the load-sheddings. And lets take on the characteristics of the dolphin when practicing the pose enclosed. A fixed smile and merry-looking eyes will reflect the feeling of happiness ascending inside Namaste

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The best & most beauti-ful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart

-Helen Keller

www.yogamarie.com | twitter @meyogamarie | 2

The dolphin plank pose The dolphin plank pose

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1. Start in Dolphin Pose, knees bent. Then walk your feet back until your shoulders are directly over the elbows and your torso is parallel to the floor. 2. Press your inner forearms and elbows firmly against the floor. Firm your shoulder blades against your back and spread them away from the spine. Similarly spread your collarbones away from the sternum. 3. Press your front thighs toward the ceiling, but resist your tailbone toward the floor as you lengthen it toward the heels. Lift the base of your skull away from the back of the neck and look straight down at the floor, keeping the throat and eyes soft.

4. Stay anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute. Then, release your knees to the floor with an exhale. Contraindications and Cautions: Shoulder injuries, support torso on a bolster; neck injuries, support forehead on a block

Preparatory Poses Plank Pose

Follow-up Poses Salabhasana (arms only)

Beginner's TipRelieve any neck tension by resting your forehead on a block set between your forearms.

Benefits Calms the brain, helps relieve stress mild depression Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, and arches Strengthens the arms and legs, and core