July 2010 eNews

Local Information

Hi All!

Yoga Term 2 ends Thursday 24th June and                                                                                 Term 3 begins Monday 12th July.

NEW Physio Yoga Course starts Tuesday                                                                         29th July for 8 weeks

YOGA @ Stones Corner –  Normal class times                                                                                                              

TAI CHI QIONG – Wed 8 am - at Chandler.                                                                                                                                                           

YOGA @ Chandler – Ongoing Classes at                                                                      Chandler – Mondays 7.15 pm general,                                                                              Tuesday 11 am general, Wednesday 9 am gentle

YOGA @ Kangaroo Point – 6 week terms.   MON 6.30 pm. Contact organizer on 0407169609 for booking details.   THURS  6.15 pm. Contact organizer on 0414892369 for booking details. Classes currently FULL - call to be placed on waiting list.

BOLLYWOOD – Wed 6 -7pm – begins 21st July  & Thurs 11am -12noon – begins 22nd July -  Casual $17. Wear shoes. Bring a scarf or 2.

AYURVEDA Workshops - set of 2 Days Or Single Day Workshop - Ayurveda Lifestyle & Cooking Days @ Kenmore - see workshop page for details.

Thank You – for your support. Love and Peace…

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Learn more easily

Brain, Strain, Rhythm and Blues

The brain likes to be used, and luckily, learning promotes brain health.  Our brain is plastic, meaning that it responds and changes to the environment. The brain changes, depending upon what we do, not do, stress, pain, and our feelings.

The brain also seems to need proper rhythms to function properly. Breathing practices and meditation have been shown to improve brain rhythms, the coordinated electrical flow called gamma waves. 

Exercise and physical activity have also been shown to aid brain function.

Mindfulness, the process of being aware and attentive in the present moment has also been shown to improve brain function, mood, and memory. Yoga itself is a process of mindfulness and research has shown its practice has translated into more mindful activities, such as eating.

Sleep, Rest, Pause and Reflect

Sleep is important to learning and memory consolidation. However, our memories are strengthened during periods of rest while we are awake, researchers at New York University have found. Additionally stillness, relaxation and reflection time after learning have also been shown to aid the process of improving memory formation. Much like the yoga process of pausing after activity. “How pleasant it is to do nothing, then rest afterwards ……” 

Good Stress, Bad Stress

Research has also shown that chronic stress damages memory, but a short bout of stress prior to learning may actually aid memory. A short bout of stress may include some vigorous exercise, a challenging balance, a difficult yoga practice, etc.

Go Slow vs Quick Fix

Learning also appears to occur better when given in short bouts over time, than when all together. Classical yoga promotes the importance of time to integrate and understand concepts properly. This goes against the modern learning principle of quick mass learning over a weekend.

Pay Attention

Even our attention can greatly influence learning. A researcher at Queensland University found that specific attention to a dysfunctional muscle during exercise was much better at restoring function, than during general exercise, even though both exercises activated the same muscles. Attention appears to specifically reactivate brain pathways involved in the movement.  The Yoga process itself is one of attention and awareness. Attention is often targeted in yoga by a theme or intention of a specific yoga practice.  The same yoga moves practised with a different attention and intention, produce a different outcome and effect. 

Extend Yourself

Knowledge learnt needs to be used:  solve problems in new ways, teaching to others, or practising with challenge and difficulty. Learning languages, sport, and travel are often considered challenging. We need to challenge ourselves by stepping outside of our comfort zones.

“The road to improvement isn’t necessarily about getting more and more information, but transforming our understanding of the information we already have. This requires us to look inside at what we already know and to use that knowledge in a more effective manner. The educational tools and resources are already inside of us.” Sahar 

Tips

• Learn something new every day

• Challenge yourself – step out of your comfort zone

• Stay active

• A little stress before learning is helpful – constant stress is bad

• Pause, rest, reflect and relax after learning something new

• Approach learning in a mindful way and give attention to what you are learning

• Practise Practise Practise

References:

• www.theemotionmachine.com/can-stillness-and-reflection-improve-learning

• A mind at rest strengthens memories - www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127121522.htm

• Building fit minds under stress - www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100216101153.htm 

• Exercise is associated with improving and preventing mild cognitive impairment - www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111161929.htm

• Regular yoga is associated with mindful eating - www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803185712.htm

• Short stressful events may improve working memory - www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723113657.htm

 • One way of learning is better than another - www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163730.htm

Disclaimer - these newsletter are for information purposes only - see your health professional for specific guidance for your individual needs.