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ISSUE 1 |
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News from SPACE |
As Space celebrates its one- year anniversary, the passion and energy behind this project continues to expand both physically as the
second location in Tien Mu opens, and in more subtle ways as the community begins to discover what it means to find more Space within
themselves. As we celebrate this Space and the debut of our new newsletter, we are excited about offering you inspiring stories, interviews,
and articles, to supplement your practice.
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SPACE Community abroad |
SAVASANA – What is it? Why?
By Patrick Ko
Savasana, or “Corpse Pose”, is performed lying on the back with the eyes closed, and the body resting in stillness.
For many, it is a break between activities, a kind of reward for practice or simply a chance to slow down and observe the
body, breath, and mind. It is like a delicious nap or the rolling credits on the screen following a movie. Savasana is often
referred to as an advanced pose, even more difficult than handstand or scorpion. To completely relax and let go of effort
requires that we surrender. In our busy lives, doing nothing is as rare as a flower growing in the snow.
Savasana allows us to let the mind rest. Over time by observing the relationship of thoughts, breath, and body, the
mind may become so quiet that we begin to connect with our inner self - our inner wisdom. We have the opportunity to
stop defining ourselves according to external qualities, and to just BE. In this act of Being we come into our center.
Arriving in this place is like a wave remembering the ocean – we are no longer separate, and may feel a connection to
all of life. Whether it is letting the mind pause between thoughts, touching the divine within, or simply a delicious rest,
savasana is an essential part of practice and offers an opportunity for nourishment.
~Namaste, Patrick
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Featured Taipei Contributor |
Yoga Practice and Natural Therapy
by Margi
In the past couple years yoga has become a fashion statement, a trendy form of exercise. Yoga centers have multiplied in
numbers, sprouting up on city streets and alleys, even fitness centers have catered their work out sessions to include “Yoga”,
replacing the trend of the running machine regimen.
Most people are unfamiliar with this new form of exercise. If we take the time to gain more understanding of yoga,
it can help us to deepen our practice. What many people refer to as Yoga is fundamentally a small portion of a complete
yoga practice. Many people are familiar only with the asanas(yoga postures). Asana originated from Yogis living in the
Himalayas mountains. These yogis created asanas or postures replicating animals and plants in nature. The main purpose
of asana is to strengthen the body, spine and joints. In an Asana practice, we may discover a combination of forward and
backward bends, twists, and turns or intensive stretches of the spine and joints By strengthening the spine and joints,
yogis are able to prepare for meditation.
From the human body structure we can understand that the spine is our central nerve system, each nerve has its
particular connection to our organs and glands. In simpler expression, a healthy spine affects all the organs in the body.
It helps the glands to function normally. In other words, illness due to weaker organs or maladjustment of the glands
secretion can be cured through strengthening our spine.
Yoga practice has many positive effects, creating wellness of our mind and body. Asana is truly the perfect natural therapy.
~Margi
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Interview with a Yogi |
INTERVIEW with Matthew Alison
The Yogis behind Space, husband and wife team, Matthew and Wendy Alison, are down-to-earth, warm, and passionate about being true
to the ancient traditions of Yoga. The idea for Space came from their love of Yoga, desire for simplicity, spontaneity, and a sincere desire to
give back to the community. Matthew has a natural strength for living his dreams. “Early on in life, I discovered a willingness and intention
to do what I believe in and love. From this passion and a sincere belief, I have discovered the rest will follow and grow.” He started studying
Chinese and living in Taiwan, which he affectionately refers to as his second home, for the first time when he was 19. After a successful
career in the record business he realized something essential was missing and he needed to simplify his life.
What does the name “Space” mean to you?
We started Space, literally to create more Space in the lives of students. We felt Taiwan lacked the Space for people to find balance and
harmony in their busy lives, and to look within. On a typical day an individual may go from a home that has three generations living together
inside to an overcrowded MRT train, to a small, windowless office cubicle, and back again. We wanted to create an atmosphere where people
could explore themselves.
How did you create the design for Space?
“Space” is a coherent theme that weaves every part of the studio together. This Space is the limitless that we can find within
ourselves in any city. Every aspect of Space is a reflection of the city below. Within the grey and white elements of the interior is a
montage of many long threads hanging closely together. At first glance the threads appear as one solid color. As you look deeper,
layers of oranges, reds, and browns reveal themselves. These subtle layers, like the layers of oneself that unfold through a dedicated
Yoga practice only become obvious to those who are searching for more meaning.
How does the Tien Mu studio differ from AnHo?
Each studio is a representation of our initial concept, but each has its own identity and personality. I see the Tien Mu Studio as a
second home for people, a home within home. From the beginning, I dreamed of finding a house to transform into a studio, which is
very rare in Taipei. Tien Mu is intimate, beautiful, and earthy.
How do you think Space has affected the Yoga community in Taiwan?
It has had a more profound impact than I ever imagined it could. People’s lives are being transformed. The feedback I get
from students is encouraging and rewarding. Students coming to the practice with physical and psychological problems are
finding relief from their conditions. Many students are finding more meaning in their lives, and are pushing beyond their limitations
both physically and mentally.
How do you see Yoga in Taiwan in 5 years?
I see this as the beginning of an evolution that will grow at light speed. I think this culture will continue to embrace the different
styles of Yoga with a new awareness and a growing appreciation beyond the physical expression of asana into all aspects of Yoga.
The need for balance and health awareness will increase. People’s appreciation for this ancient tradition will continue to deepen to
allow for personal growth. I am looking forward to a time when less people will have to rely on a gym for exercise, and will start looking
at well-being from a more spiritual and holistic perspective. Space will be honored to share this role as this process continues to unfold.
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Organic recipe |
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Masala Chai—
Tea is the most prominent drink of India. Today's popular drink Masala Chai, is sold in trains, bus stations, or by vendors on nearly every street
corner(called "Chai wallahs") GARAM CHAI (meaning hot tea) is usually accompanied with samosas or pakoras (Indian fried snacks). The vendors serve Chai
in clay cups, which are handmade, and meant to be smashed on the ground upon completion of the last sip of tasty chai. An average Indian has four chai breaks
in a day! For a Yogi, however, it is perhaps best to limit the amount of caffeine and sugar one consumes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of Water(for a richer chai experience use less water and more milk)
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 teaspoons Tea leaves (Darjeeling, Assam, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Chinese or Nilgiri)
- 1 pod of Cardamom(crushed in a mortar)
- 1 Clove (optional)
- 1/2 inch piece of Ginger grated or chrushed
- 1/4 inch piece of Cinnamon
- 1 strand of saffron
- Sugar to taste
- (For a Spicier Version add 2 whole black peppers crushed)
Method:
In a pot, mix the milk, water, all the whole spices (masala) and bring to a boil. When it comes to a boil, add the tea leaves and keep on a rolling boil for a
few minutes or till the tea leaves are completely brewed and the tea has a golden or chocolate color. Add sugar to taste.
Strain the tea with a strainer into a serving tea pot. Serve hot in cups or mugs with biscuits or savory snacks.
Makes 2 cups.
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Yoga Vocabulary |
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ASANA —
Yoga Posture or "seat", the third limb of
Patanjalis eight-limbed system of Yoga
PRANAYAMA —
(prana=life energy, Qi) (ayama=expansion)The
breathing exercises of Yoga. The careful regulation
of the breath, the fourth limb of Patanjalis
eight-limbed system of Yoga
HATHA YOGA —
The Yoga of physical disipline, aiming at
balancing the masculine(Siva) and feminine(Shakti)
energies In the body and awakening ones potential.
AHIMSA —
Non-violence In both action, thought, and
speech. An Important moral discilpine(yama) In Yoga.
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Archive |
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Subscirbe News |
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