Our primary concept regarding happiness and contentment is contained in the idea of accepting reality. To live fully and be present in our own life, we have to learn how to stop rejecting parts of our actuality, regardless of how undesirable these can be. Resistance is usually manifested as complaining, criticizing, judging, feelings of unfairness, sadness or loneliness. Initially, acceptance might be seen as a passive attitude towards life, but by gradually understanding it and applying the process of letting go, we experience new ways of dealing with anything undesirable in a more creative and less harmful way.
Naturally, our intelligence would relieve our being from any distractive thoughts, feelings, ideas or undigested sensory and mental experiences but our mind tends to hold on which captivates large amounts of energy. Once we start to let go mindfully, we realize that the energy we were using to hold on is now available for new ideas. That's the way we move forward. If we continue to feel resistance towards what life is offering, we will get stuck in reactivity without even noticing it.
Moving forward, we will notice that any life experience is not ultimately good or bad and our relationship towards it can be beneficial, harmful or neutral. We do not have to cling to anything harmful and do not have to carry past experiences with us, especially those that we could not properly understand and digest when they happened as we were either not ready or not mature enough. Any event, emotion, sensory stimulant, mental experience properly digested and absorbed transfers into wisdom. The rest, if held on to it, becomes a burden that we might unconsciously carry for the rest of our life. There is no need for that.
Other part of our unsettled mind is dragging us into predicting future events. Depending on our personality, for some these might be very pleasant stories and events that we usually refer to as daydream or phantasy. For others with tendency towards less pleasant and sometimes very negative prediction of future events, these predictions will be create what we usually call worries. We should be very mindful when dealing predictions to avoid creating emotional response around a story that did not happen. Rising mindfulness, understanding our thoughts and being able to discern them from "that what actually is" gives us opportunity to move towards idea of "living in presence”.
Increased mindfulness allows us to observe how joy and contentment can arise within, without any particular external stimulation. This is opposite to common opinion that we need certain circumstances in order to feel joy and that gives special flavor to life. Once we feel content with ourselves, we can extend our arms toward the world and accomplish our dreams, ideas and visions in a genuine, loving and caring way without seeking satisfaction or fulfillment from its results. From that moment, any action will benefit the wellbeing of ourselves and our civilization.
Hatha yoga is combination of physical postures which initially does not require any special physical ability with breathing and meditation techniques which are gradually shifting awareness from the body to subtler layers and mind. Intensity as well as sequence of postures (asana) differ between beginners and experienced practitioners and reflect the student's current strength and flexibility with stiff or weak areas receiving special attention. Once the body regains energy, stamina and resilience, the student will move to the next level of asana practice.
One of our main tasks is to assist in developing our student's inner eye, capable of observing internally and noticing fluctuations in physical, subtle emotional and energetic bodies and mind. Yoga helps us to increase our adaptability and develop inner resources to attune to current needs. Our classes are intended to respond to daily, seasonal and personal fluctuations in energy, depth of breath, stress levels and health. Our students practice insight in each class, recognizing the patterns which lead them away from balance and become less attached to habitual patterns and repetition of unskillful actions.
"Tanja demonstrates a very soothing and supportive presence as she guides you
through the meditation process. She has an extensive knowledge on different types
of meditation techniques. Whether you're a beginner or experienced in the practice
of meditation Tanja has a way of making each session a very unique and meaningful
experience for her students.
When I first began meditating with Tanja I was unable to sit for more than five
minutes at a time. I can now confidently say that I'm able to meditate for an entire
hour with her, and pretty close to that on my own! She also takes the time to discuss
the meaning behind the technique so you understand what to expect without ever feeling
lost. By the end of the class I always feel way more calm and carefree. Meditation has h
eightened my ability to focus, manage stress and maintain a positive outlook in general.
Making the decision to meditate is a life changing one. Choosing the right instructor
is crucial. I'm truly grateful to have found someone so thorough and gentle in their
approach. "
- Ruby Akin
...
"As a beginner in my yoga practice, I am so fortunate to be working with Tanja. In just
nine months, Tanja’s individualized, holistic approach to teaching has provided me with
an amazing foundation for living a happier, healthier life. Each session provides valuable
lessons in creating a routine, understanding my constitution, tuning into environmental
factors like the seasons and the weather, recognizing destructive thought patterns and
behaviors, and breathing to harness my energy and calm my mind.
I leave each class feeling nurtured, stronger—both physically and spiritually, and less
reactive to life’s daily stresses.”
- Soteria Kledaras
...
"As a recovering cancer patient I have been treated by many different types of practitioners
to help regain my energy and strength - practicing yoga with Tanja has been one of the most
effective of tools on the road to my recovery. Tanja is not only highly knowledgable,
genuinely compassionate, and receptive - but she also has a keen and intuitive ability to
get right into the root of my energy blockages through meditation and a series of poses tailored
to my specific needs. Tanja is guiding me back to my full vibrant health. She's a great teacher -
I trust her, her work, wisdom and amazing capacity to support my healing and others."
- A.L.