MYSORE INTENSIVE WEEK  TOWNSVILLE 2010 & 2011

Things I learnt: it doesn’t matter if you miss a section, just go back and do it. No one else really notices what you are doing so you needn’t feel shy or clumsy. It’s ok to laugh at yourself, but no one ever laughs at you!  It definitely clears the rubbish out of your head, makes you think clearer and motivates you to keep going, the added benefit, I started a diet and lost 1.5kg that week! I can do more than I thought I could and it is amazing how much stronger those Vinyasa’s make you! Oh yes and that I push myself to try even more and enjoy it.  If someone else had told me that a week can improve your flexibility and strength I would have not believed them but in less than one week, I did both, not hugely but enough to notice the difference.  Last night I was eager to go to another Mysore class and discovered that you can do it without the book and it can be fun to follow the more experienced class members, they certainly motivate you.

So thank-you Allison it was so much more than you said it would be.

Mandy

——-

After last week I think I could stand on a street corner and preach the benefits of this wonderful practice! Haha. It has truly been a very positive influence on my life.  Before coming along I was excited but nervous - what if I’m the worst one in the class? What if I sleep through my alarm? What if, what if, what if??!! As you can tell, I’m a little ball of anxiety But after every class I felt so calm, strong and happy - it was a wonderful feeling!It was hard to get out of bed on Wednesday but this day proved to be my most beneficial practice. Not only did I do an assisted backbend (most exhilerating experience you can have indoors!) & headstand for the first time, but I had one of those moments where I truly was proud of myself, free from anxiety and completely at peace with whatever the world has to throw at me. I think it was the day before that I had a light bulb moment where I realised that everything really is easier when you relax - it’s much easier to twist yourself into a pretzel when your toes & shoulders aren’t all scrunched up! I guess this also a metaphor for life - it really is easier when you relax and stop thinking…..easier said than done a lot of the time  By the end of the week I was so impressed with my progress - both physically and mentally. For me, the class was as much a spiritual and emotional journey as it was a physical one.  So now the hard work begins! But I just need to be gentle with myself and start small. I have your yoga class to thank for my new approach to life and I just have to keep reminding myself of how wonderful and easy life can be when I just RELAX!

Aimee

——-

The week was fabulous!  Big hugs to you and Harry for all your encouragement. Mysore week has kept me calm at work over the past two days when normally I would have lost it.  Work has been nothing short MANIC… but I have managed to breathe through many challenges.  There is absolutely no way I could have got through a day like today, i.e. tearless and still smiling, without yoga. I really mean that.  This non attachment theory is so cool… I feel like a teflon fry pan.  All my work worries just sliding off me.

You are my inspiration!!!  Thank you.

Anna

——–

I am still feeling benefits of last weeks intensive!  I find that after getting up at 4.45 pm each day, now getting up at 5.45 seems like a sleep in!  So I have managed to get up and do a yoga practice a couple of mornings this week at home.  It is harder to stay focussed than being at the studio, but I still achieved a lot!

Miriam

———

The intensive was great, just what I needed to get more comfortable with the poses, see real progression within myself, and feel awesome after a few pretty stressful weeks.  I loved after each session, going to work and feeling relaxed and ready for the day. Sign me up for the next one!

Kirsty

———

We are very fortunate in Townsville to have two very dedicated ashtanga yoga teachers as Allison and Harry.

I’m far from having my legs over my shoulders, but a week of intensive ashtanga yoga (Mysore) has seen my range of movement change dramatically – thanks to the excellent teaching, gentle encouragement, both physical and mental, by Allison and Harry.  It was well worth the 5am start and Harry’s delicious chai tea after each session.

I would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to improve their yoga.

Om shanti

Jill

———–

Ashtanga yoga is a wonderful way to focus the mind, spirit and breath whilst strengthening and stretching the body.  I find this style of yoga to be both relaxing whilst giving my body a great work out and improving circulation and core strength.  It is one of the few forms of exercise that really gets me to breathe correctly and that can successfully still my busy mind.  I highly recommend Allison’s classes to everyone.  If you are inflexible, there are many options to help improve flexibility such as using equipment provided in the classes to assist with stretches (such as blocks).  If you are already flexible, there is always room to improve with further stages of positions to strive to attain not to mention the strength and stamina and sense of achievement you gain along the way.  I always look forward to the classes – both Mysore style and led.  Classes are usually well represented by both genders and of a good mix of ages.  The atmosphere in class is usually one of light heartedness, respect and friendship.  The recent intensive was a wonderful experience and a great way to establish the habit of a daily practice whilst making friends with people who share a passion for Ashtanga yoga.

Merryn

————-

After a week of the Live and Breathe Yoga Mysore intensive I feel amazing - relaxed, invigorated and focused. I would definitely recommend the intensive as a way to challenge the mind and body, or simply to get used to daily practice. The results will speak for themselves!

Mel

———-

Thank you Allison and Harry. I would never have believed that getting up at 5am every morning to do yoga could make you feel so good! I would recommend to anyone and everyone. It helps to be organised and get to bed early. When is the next one!?! A great experience to develop your practice.

Hannah

————-

This was a great way to consolidate my knowledge of an LED class. It forced me to remember the sequences and broadened my awareness of my physical capabilities as I worked at my own pace and ability. The extra help from Allison and Harry was always available to extend my practice that little bit more, even if it was only millimetres! The Chai Tea and meeting new people were an added side benefit. Thanks Allison and Harry.

Helen

BACKBENDING WORKSHOPS MARCH & APRIL 2009

Yesterday’s backbending workshop was so good. I’m feeling taller and looser today, thanks.

Thomas, Glasgow, 2009

The backbending workshop was great and no pain today and actually my back feels better than usual, looking forward to the next one in Stirling.

Maureen, Glasgow, 2009

Loved the back bending session yesterday.   Your own experience on the mat comes across so well and I love your relaxed and gentle teaching style. I always leave your classes and workshops having learned a great deal. Thanks again.

Jo, Scotland, 2009

Loved the Backbend workshop - great of you to follow up with a summary/reminder of what we did.   Will incorporate this into my practice to get my strength up before the next workshop. Was at a class this morning and my back felt so much more open. Looking forward to Part 2. Om Shanti

Janice, Scotland, 2009

I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop.  Out of all the postures, I always used to dread the backbend, but have to say the way you approach them and your enthusiasm for them helps to take away the ‘fear’ factor. Knowing a lot of students feel the same, I would definitely recommend they come along to what is definitely a fun couple of hours! Looking forward to the next one now :o)

Margaret, Glasgow, 2009

The workshop was great, lots of small exercises that build up muscle strength are brilliant for me, as I tend to be a bit too mobile in my back and need to stabilise it. You are a great teacher and you have really helped me to make my practise more challenging and rewarding.

Sarah, Glasgow, 2009

Really enjoyed the workshop although I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’ve never been a big fan of the back bends but the workshop certainly changed my mind. By shifting the emphasis on opening the chest rather than bending the back, I feel that my breathing has improved when doing back bends. It was very useful to learn postures I can practice to build strength in preparation for the full back bend. I also very much appreciated the wrist therapy exercises, I can already feel the difference. The delivery of the workshop was as professional, relaxed and fun as all of Allison’s classes, so I’m looking forward to the next one.

Charlotte, Glasgow, 2009

Allison’s ‘love your bendy back’ workshop does all it says on the tin. Unusually we spent as much time resting as working, but it really paid dividends. She gradually and gently but firmly took us from gentle back bends in kneeling and standing postures finally to full chakrasana or wheel. A powerful posture and great sense of achievement  - try it for yourself.

Maureen, Glasgow, 2009

ASHTANGA WORKSHOP MAY 2009

I just want to say thank you very much for the excellent explanations on Sunday. You are a great Yoga teacher and by the way really funny.

You made me smile. I am not one of the best but I can already feel some improvements. As you said it is now all up to us.

Kathrin, Glasgow, 2009

YOGA INTENSIVE WEEKS MAY 2009

I have really enjoyed the week and got so much out of it. I had been very relaxed in my practice focusing on what I could not do. Now with the small developments I have made in the last week i have renewed enthusiasm and want to continue Mysore practice.

Alison your teaching style is superb - good pointers, patience, encouragement and a wealth on knowledge

Thank you very much.

Liz, Glasgow, 2009

First of all, I would like to say how much I enjoyed the past two weeks.  As you know, my practice has been incredibly sporadic over the past few months and the two weeks intensive ‘Mysore’ has certainly got me back into it.  I really loved it despite my initial apprehension that my practice had gone back somewhat and I don’t feel as fit as I normally do.   However, I am learning all the time that it is not just the physical aspect of our practice, but also the emotional and spiritual and I feel the latter two in buckets loads in your class.   The atmosphere and energy that are generated in the class, make it feel like a privilege to be part of the group, and all that comes from you.   Your patience, understanding and empathy towards your students is just amazing and it is your manner and encouragement that keeps us all coming back to practice.   You inspire us all to get up and get on our mat, and your warmth and friendship go a long way to make us all better yogis!  You will be a huge miss and loss to the Glasgow yoga scene and it will be an incredibly sad day for us all when you go.  However, we have all been very lucky to have had a little bit of you over these past few years and I know I am not alone in thanking you for all your help and encouragement.  I may never manage Marichyasana D without you but I will always hear your encouraging words in my head when I practice!   I don’t think we’ll ever find a teacher to replace you…….

Lynne, Glasgow, 2009

GENERAL

Thank you for being an inspiration and introducing me to the wonderful world of Ashtanga.

Karin, Glasgow, 2009

Allison Dearling has gently and deftly guided me through my practise of ashtanga yoga. The result is that I am developing my focus, strength and ability and these qualities carry into my daily life. It is through Allison’s inspired skills and never-ending patience that I am where I am in my yoga practise. I highly recommend Allison’s classes, workshops and one-to-one sessions – she is fantastic and definitely not to be missed if she’s teaching in your neighbourhood.

Jenny, Glasgow, 2009

It was lovely being in your classes and you’ll be greatly missed when you head home…  thanks again for inspiring me to get into Ashtanga yoga and I hope our paths cross again at some point in the future.

Kate, Glasgow, 2009

G’day Allison, hooroo to you  and good luck when you shoot through to ozzy land. Reckon, as sheilas go , you are fair  dinkum mate. You’re also a pretty spiffy yoga instructor. Thanks for helping me take my yoga to a higher level.

James, Glasgow, 2009

Wanted to thank you for all your help and brilliant classes, I’ve enjoyed them so much - very often they were what kept me sane when a bit stressed so thanks. I also wanted to wish you lots of luck with your move and settling in back home and hope that you get some classes started up there too so you can inspire lots more people.

Nicole, Glasgow, 2009

Allison has such a relaxed attitude to her teaching and makes the whole mysore experience fun and enjoyable - she takes time to break down each asana and her adjustments are fantastic.  Her passion for yoga always shines through.

Margaret, Glasgow, 2009