Our meditation courses have been running for a few years now and are continuing to grow. Accordingly, from January 2009, there will be 2 groups running on tuesday evenings(6.30pm beginners and 8pm experienced) . These classes will take place each week at 50 Altenburg Gardens, SW11 1JL. See below and timetable for start times etc.
There comes a time for many students when they wish to go beyond postures (asanas), moving deeper into their Yoga practice. These groups are about discovering that deeper purpose of Meditation and Yoga. The sessions start each week with a 20 minute guided meditation, followed by a short talk on a new topic (or chapter of the current book) . Thereafter, there will be a discussion led by Angus, exploring the relevance of that topic in our daily lives.
You will learn many techniques and practical skills for entering meditation; you will deepen your understanding of the true purpose of Yoga; and you will discover how to let go of old thinking patterens and habitual stress; the intention being to bring more ease and joy into your life. Most importantly the groups are set up to be experiential - so you can experience mindfullness in practice. (Talking about theories is interesting, but rarely leads to lasting change!)
For the beginner's course, we currently use 'The Power of Now' by Eckhart Tolle. It is essential that this book is read before the start of term. For the more experienced group, a new book will be announced some weeks before the start of each term. (see below)
These classes will be kept small; usually 12 students max. Places are offered on a first come, first served basis with a waiting list in operation.
These evenings are fun, engaging and full of debate! But if you still unsure, feel free to call me on 020 7978 7995 and we can discuss further whether a course is for you.
Email angus@batterseayoga.com or call 07771 548160 to reserve a place.
Day: Tuesday evenings
Start: 16/9/08-25/11/08
Time: 8.00-9.30pm
Venue: 50 Altenburg Gardens, SW11
Cost: £110 for 11 weeks
Day: Thursday evenings
Start: 11/9/08-27/11/08
Time: 8.00-9.30pm
Venue: 50 Altenburg Gardens, SW11
Cost: £120 for 12 weeks
Day: Tuesday evenings
Start: 6 Jan 09 - 24 Mar 09
Time: 6.30-7.45pm
Venue: 50 Altenburg Gardens, SW11
Cost: £144 for 12 weeks
Day: Tuesday evenings
Start: 6 Jan 09 - 24 Mar 09
Time: 8.00-9.30pm
Venue: 50 Altenburg Gardens, SW11
Cost: £144 for 12 weeks
For all meditation courses, missed classes can be used at Chatham Hall Open Hatha sessions on mondays - see timetable page.
Before engaging in a meditation group, it is important to understand the House Rules, as they allow the group to flourish; by joining a group you agree to do your best in adopting this common-sense approach:
1. TRUST AND RESPECT
Raja yoga is a private and confidential process; everything that comes up in our Raja yoga sessions remains confidential to the group. Always respect the privacy of others.
2. SUPPORT
Raja yoga is a supportive process, where we inquire together into the nature of our personal foibles and issues – and most importantly, how to drop them. Individuals must allow each other to express and explore their own issues in a supportive atmosphere.
3. NON–PERSONAL
While we do of course know each other’s names(!), the process of Raja yoga is one that asks us to refrain from making things ‘personal’. During the term, some members will say things that press our buttons. We might feel criticized or judged, for example. See if you can remember to not take it personally – and to watch the reaction in yourself, rather that react outwardly to the person expressing themselves.
4. EXPERIENTIAL
Raja Yoga is an experiential process; we look at our issues, we explore our mental and emotional behaviours - and then we experience dropping them. This course will endeavour to remain ‘experiential’ and will only refer to theories where a framework is absolutely necessary.
5. SELF PRACTICE OF RAJA YOGA PRINCIPLES
The value of a course such as this is that it provides us with skills we can use every day. See if you can set aside some quiet time daily to reflect on the principles of Raja yoga – and bring them into your work and relationships.
6. NON–AGREEMENT
Please remember that Raja yoga does not require us to agree on everything (or anything). I, and others in the group, may say something that you totally disagree with. And that’s fine. See if you can express your disagreement calmly and coherently – always watching any inner reaction within yourself.
7. SELF–HONESTY
Sometimes in Raja Yoga, when we look inside ourselves, we are not particularly delighted with what we find. Nevertheless, see if you can remain fearlessly honest with yourself and others – expressing for example any hidden motives or feelings. Upending our petty self-deception will bring an end to inner conflict!
8. TIME KEEPING
The evenings start on time each week and students are kindly requested to arrive 10 minutes before the session begins. Once we have started, it is not possible to let latecomers in as this is disrespectful to your fellow students who may already be in meditation.
You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water. Rabindranath Tagore |
