Sacred Funk

08/08/2022

8/8 is AND 🦁🧡😻

As many of you know, I am a Leo AND a self-professed crazy cat lady😹 We currently have 3 felines in our family: Kopi, Kaya, and Shadow😻
On the mat, you may have practiced Cat Pose . During a Flow class, it is usually paired with Cow Pose . This ‘Cat-cow flow’ is a wonderful way to warm up your spine, kidneys, and adrenal glands.

♾Lions Gate Activation♾
Every year on and around August 8th, there is a cosmic alignment called “the Lions Gateway”. The Lions Gate is a time of increased cosmic energy flowing between the physical and spiritual realms.
The Lions Gate energy this year opens up July 26th- August 12th, with the peak of energy on August 8th!
The Lions Gate is marked by an alignment between the Earth and the star Sirius. As Sirius rises in the sky, Orions Belt directly aligns with the Pyramid of Giza, and from our perspective on Earth, it appears that Sirius (the brightest star we can see) comes closer to the Earth.
It's called the Lions Gate, or Lions Gateway because it occurs in the astrological sign of Leo (the Lion). As a Zodiac Sign, Leo is associated with the heart center and represents the individualized expression of the Divine.
Light codes of ascension, mastery, and evolution from Sirius pour towards Earth, sometimes called the Spiritual Sun as well, aligning yet another level of activation and opportunity for progression on the ascension path.

Remember:
Progress not purrfection😉🧡

20/06/2022

Happy International Day of Yoga!

Yoga is not about the poses, your ability to practice your ujjayi breath, or keeping your bandhas activated.

Nor is it the clothes you wear, how long you've been practising, or what style you love.

Yoga is about union, community and helping you accept the incredible person that you are.

This is our community. This is why we're still here. This is why we do this. This is all yoga.

To have the depth of the conversations and witness the positive changes that yoga helps create in your life.

Thank you for being part of our yoga commmunity. For creating union and for helping us celebrate you! Not just today, but every day.

💫FIND YOUR LIGHT 💫SHINE YOUR LIGHT

www.wisdomyogainstitute.org

05/02/2022

"When a yoga teacher understands that students walk into class carrying lots of different experiences in their body and hearts, and that during class they may connect with parts of their body and psyche that they have shut off from, she/he will treat them differently if she/he sees them struggle or get distracted. She/he has an opportunity to normalize how uncomfortable it can be, and offer techniques to work with that discomfort."🙏🏻

“Trauma Informed” and “Trauma Sensitive” yoga trainings are getting more and more popular these days as research is showing the benefits of yoga for those

25/11/2021

It is with great sadness that I announce the closure of The Breathing Room.

As those of you who know me will know, The Breathing Room has represented so much to me personally and professionally. It has been an incredibly hard 18 months but I continued to believe that we could get through it.

When I moved to open The Breathing Room in its newest location in May, I truly believed that I had found the ideal locale to really expand and offer the very best of what the studio could offer.

Unfortunately, despite assurances from the Landlord and Agent, the studio was not encompassed by the description of the authorised uses for the building and so we have had to leave.

This has given me time to reflect on my path forward; to reassess my priorities, my desires and my needs - as well as those of my family. I have, therefore, decided not to rush into finding an alternative location.

So, this Thanksgiving, I send my thanks to each of you who has followed and supported me on my journey thus far. Your support and encouragement has made this all worthwhile.

Please watch this space for any news in the future, as I decide on what that means.

Until then,
love all ways,

Ashley

23/11/2021

The majority of yoga practitioners in the west are women, yet traditional yogic texts do not speak much to the experiences of women or the unique rhythms and stages of life they go through. Menstruation is a taboo subject both in Australia and most certainly in India, equally menopause and the sympt

13/11/2021

Now more than EVER...
In a world you can be anything, be kind💚 Today is .
Take time to celebrate the magnificence and yet simplicity of kindness💙 Start first with self care and compassion. Then look for a chance to . Remember everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. So, be kind...always🙏🏼
If you have children ask them ‘Have you Filled Someone’s Bucket Today’ (my kids love this book💜).
Enjoy sprinkling kindness everywhere you go today🙏🏼 .

Image: (RandomActsofKindness.org)



💫

13/10/2021

Yin 🙏🏻💜

Have you ever sat through a challenge pose, only to feel an overwhelming rush of emotions?

Symptoms of stress, trauma and heavy emotional burdens often become somatized, or present as genuine physical manifestation.

The recognition of the crucial role that fascia plays in the human body and mind is relatively new to science. It was only within the past decade or so that we have really shown that this connective tissue that runs throughout the entire body and encases the muscles actually sends out signals and communicates with the body and neurological structures.

By stretching this fascial layer in a yin practice, not only can we can we influence the collagen matrix and range of motion, though we can’t measure or quantify them yet, we can also potentially unlock emotional barriers and let go of stored emotions that have been weighing us down.

“I can recall several occasions where I was holding uncomfortable postures (not painful, but uncomfortable) that sparked feelings of irritation and even tears, and I’m sure you can relate. In my case, almost every time I enter pigeon pose I get in a silent fight with myself in my mind, in the most productive and beneficial way. My mindful awareness of this inner struggle allows me to face it head on with compassion and non-judgement” says 500hr teacher, Vidya Tasa.

We discuss the science behind the physiological and psychological benefits of a yin practice in-depth during our self-paced 55hr Yin and Meditation training which is available now!! We will take a deep dive into the fascia and its current research to look at the therapeutic implications of yin yoga, the science of stretching and everything you need to teach group yin classes & incorporate yin yoga into private sessions.

Click the link to learn more about this training and enroll now: https://yogamedicine.com/event/yin-meditation-yoga-teacher-training/

29/09/2021

💜 STAY STRONG

Today is National Women's Health & Fitness Day, observed across America - but important for us all worldwide.

Man can’t live strongly without a woman. Every year last Wednesday in September is the National Women’s Health & Fitness Day is observed in the United States of America.

Though we shouldn't celebrate it only once a year, women's health & fitness needs to be front and centre daily because overall health depends on exercise of the body and mind.

Two-thirds of women in the United States are caregivers who provide regular support to others, and caregivers are at a greater risk for poor physical and mental health.

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic can increase this stress, making it even more important to advocate for and promote the health of women.

Because of the Stabilisation Restrictions here in Singapore, and the fact that many women are juggling Home-Based Learning and Work From Home, finding the time to stay healthy both mentally and physically can be a real challenge.

So how about including them?

💜 Get your family up and moving; play a game that requires physical activity.
💜 Go outside and take a socially distant walk or bike ride.
💜 Walk in place or do jumping jacks or push-ups during recess breaks and at the end of the school day.
💜 Dance to your favorite song.
💜 Grab your mat and move intentionally
💜 Grab a hot drink and go for the "Morning Brew" meditation with

Above all, be kind to yourself. Be empathetic to everyone around you. You've got this.

Love All Ways,
Ashley

24/09/2021

🙋‍♀️ AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN'S DAY

September 22 marked the 1949 founding date of the American Business Women's Association, the mission of which is "to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership; education, networking support and national recognition".

Take a moment to reflect on the contributions and achievements of the millions of women in the workforce, as well as considering the impact of millions of women business owners in the U.S.

Through small businesses and corporate leadership, women provide a variety of skills in the business world. They set examples for young women driven to become leaders themselves. Generation after generation pave the way for new and inspiring professionals.

As Founder, CEO and Instructor at Sacred Funk, I am honoured to work alongside many amazing women in business - and so I invite you to give a shout out to an amazing woman (of any nationality) who is heading their own business, an SME or even a worldwide corporation. Maybe you'd like to tag someone who works silently in the background of one of these - and you feel she'd appreciate some gratitude and love!

Love All Ways,
Ashley

21/09/2021

🕉 Peace Day & Equinox

September 21 is International Day of Peace and typically coincides with the Equinox💛
I welcome you to please embrace these virtual offerings, in celebration of both🙏🏼

🌎 International Day of Peace
Established in 1981 by the UN resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

• Virtual Offering•
6:00 AM or PM TODAY:
Can you take just ONE minute to sit silently and meditate on PEACE?
Within you, all around you...
Imagine it, feel it, believe it, live it💫
BE THE PEACE💚
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti ☮️

🌕 The Equinox happens twice a year; when day & night are approximately the same length.

•Virtual Offering•
Whilst on the mat today, play with the theme of ‘balance’ by incorporating balanced breathing (Sama Vritti*) as well maybe eagle or tree pose. Find peace knowing the only place we can truly find balance, is in the present moment🙏🏼

🌬️*Sama Vritti means equal fluctuations. In practice, it is a steady inhalation and exhalation of equal duration. This even breathing pattern is both soothing for the mind and body. When you find yourself anxious, overwhelmed, or simply disconnected from your body/mind, this breath teaches you steadiness and supports a gentle shift into your parasympathetic nervous system. It grounds and stabilizes, so the mind and body can relax again. Sama Vritti is also the breathing pattern used in asana practice, so by learning this breath in a seated practice you’ll increase your ability to flow through movement with deeper connection to steady breathing.

Love All Ways,
Ashley

13/09/2021

👍 DAY OF ENCOURAGEMENT

"Sometimes you face difficulties not because you are doing something wrong, but because you are doing something right."

The 12th of September is recognised, in the USA, as National Day of Encouragement - and it is not by mistake. The day following the 9/11 attacks was designated as a day to lift someone when they are down.

Encouragement is free. It never costs anything to say a few words to inspire a student, coworker or friend. Even a reassuring word to a stranger may make a difference in their lives.

Last week saw national and international days in the fight for Mental Health Awareness and Wellness with
9 Sept R U OK? Day
10 Sept World Su***de Prevention Day

So I encourage you to find something positive in today - even if it is small.

If you are struggling to find something in today or any day, then I encourage you to reach out to someone. Don't fight the darkness alone.

Love All Ways,
Ashley

11/09/2021

💜 N E V E R F O R G E T

A day that changed the lives of many.
A day that changed the world forever.

20 years on, many of us know exactly where we were when we herd the news.

Today, I invite you to reflect and remember…and also to realise the importance of each and every day.

Love all ways,
Ashley