Dana Paramita is the the Buddhist practice of cultivating the perfection of generosity. Join me for a day of restorative yoga, meditation, chant, discussion and good company as we bring awareness to these simple non-transactional inner gifts we can offer freely from our hearts, without expectation of others. 

The coming of true Spring marks a time of renewal and regeneration. If you’re seeking a safe and dedicated space to rejuvenate your body and mind, this is the perfect retreat for you.

What you’ll get out of the day:

• Peaceful surroundings of St Joseph’s by the Sea

• A spacious and safe exploration of body, breath, mind and voice

• The gentle guidance/support of myself, Deb (an experienced yoga therapist and Vedic chant teacher)

• Rekindle your inner fire after winter’s hibernation 

• The opportunity to weed your inner garden and sow positive seeds to water and nourish 

• The dedicated time to go within so you can reflect, replenish and integrate

• Engage in deep rest so you can relax and feel refreshed.

• Leave feeling lighter and happier after gentle movement, breathing, visualisation, chanting, meditation, deep rest and the the joy of good company 

Agenda:

• 10:00 AM: Gentle yoga practice with Prānāyāma, reflection and rest to bring the body and mind together.

• 11:20 AM: Enjoy cuppa and conversation 

• 11.45 AM: Moving the mind, exploring feelings. You’ll then discuss and explore with neural tapping sounds.

• 12:45 PM: Light lunch in the gardens (if the weather is kind).

• 2:00 PM: Vedic Chanting call and response 

• 3:15 PM: Afternoon tea 

• 3:30 PM: Integration, intention-setting and spacious guided rest.
  

Morning tea, light lunch and afternoon tea are all included. Please bring your yoga mat, bolsters, blankets and a journal.

By the end of the day, you’ll be ready to share your radiant energy and true presence with others!

10am - 4.45pm Sunday 10 December 2023

The day will begin in golden silence and will include mindful movement , Prānāyāma, mantra japa, walking meditation. Vedic Chanting and deep relaxation 

Morning and afternoon teas and light lunch included.

Booking and deposit required.

Dates: Monday 9 October 2023

Time: 6.30 - 7.30pm 

St Joseph’s by the Sea 

Boonwurrung Country 

16 The Esplanade, Williamstown 

Please join me on country to send out the ancient sounds of the Vedas chanting for Mother Earth and her caretakers, our First People, the oldest living culture in the world.

All welcome; Chanters, bring your books 

Donations to Yes campaign of your choice or Indigenous Literacy Foundation The Indigenous Literacy Foundationhttps://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.auThe Indigenous Literacy Foundation

Deadly Science 

 DeadlySciencehttps://deadlyscience.org.auDeadlyScience

Dates: Sunday 14, 21 and 28 August, and 4 September 2022

Time: 1.30–3.00pm

Cost: $140 for 4 weeks

Classes will include a herbal cuppa and discussion, notes and a simple take-home practice each week.

Prāna is said to be all pervading, invisible, immutable; it is the life force and the life duration of all living beings – without prāna there is no life.

We can influence the flow of prāna through the flow of our breath, and this in turn influences our whole system, cleansing and preparing it for meditation. 

Come and familiarise yourself with the four parts of your breath (inhale, hold, exhale, hold) and the different places and ways in which you can be aware of your breath in your body. 

• Be guided through gentle breath-led movement to establish your comfortable sitting position

• Learn a simple counting method to keep track of your breaths

• Discover the five vayu-s, the forms of prāna and the importance of prāna and apāna to our overall health

• Experience different breathing techniques and ratios of breath

• Feel the resonance of simple sounds and mantra-s and the peaceful, optimistic outlook that comes with bhavana (positive attitudes) in breathing practices

• Relax and receive a healing chant in savasana and enjoy some quiet moments before we transition back into the everyday 

Deb is a qualified Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist and Advanced Vedic Chant teacher, who has been teaching for more than 20 years. Through her extensive studies, both here and in Chennai, India, she has developed a special interest in helping people to improve their movement, respiratory function and overall wellbeing. As a life-long asthmatic she has benefitted from the healing practices of Prānāyāma, Therapeutic Yoga and Vedic Chanting in the tradition of Sri T Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar, and loves to share her knowledge and empower others by adapting practices to suit their individual needs.

Dates: Sunday 14, 21 and 28 August, and 4 September 2022

Time: 1.30–3.00pm

Cost: $140 for 4 weeks

Classes will include a herbal cuppa and discussion, notes and a simple take-home practice each week.

Prāna is said to be all pervading, invisible, immutable; it is the life force and the life duration of all living beings – without prāna there is no life.

We can influence the flow of prāna through the flow of our breath, and this in turn influences our whole system, cleansing and preparing it for meditation. 

Come and familiarise yourself with the four parts of your breath (inhale, hold, exhale, hold) and the different places and ways in which you can be aware of your breath in your body. 

• Be guided through gentle breath-led movement to establish your comfortable sitting position

• Learn a simple counting method to keep track of your breaths

• Discover the five vayu-s, the forms of prāna and the importance of prāna and apāna to our overall health

• Experience different breathing techniques and ratios of breath

• Feel the resonance of simple sounds and mantra-s and the peaceful, optimistic outlook that comes with bhavana (positive attitudes) in breathing practices

• Relax and receive a healing chant in savasana and enjoy some quiet moments before we transition back into the everyday 

Deb is a qualified Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist and Advanced Vedic Chant teacher, who has been teaching for more than 20 years. Through her extensive studies, both here and in Chennai, India, she has developed a special interest in helping people to improve their movement, respiratory function and overall wellbeing. As a life-long asthmatic she has benefitted from the healing practices of Prānāyāma, Therapeutic Yoga and Vedic Chanting in the tradition of Sri T Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar, and loves to share her knowledge and empower others by adapting practices to suit their individual needs.

Dates: Sunday 14, 21 and 28 August, and 4 September 2022

Time: 1.30–3.00pm

Cost: $140 for 4 weeks

Classes will include a herbal cuppa and discussion, notes and a simple take-home practice each week.

Prāna is said to be all pervading, invisible, immutable; it is the life force and the life duration of all living beings – without prāna there is no life.

We can influence the flow of prāna through the flow of our breath, and this in turn influences our whole system, cleansing and preparing it for meditation. 

Come and familiarise yourself with the four parts of your breath (inhale, hold, exhale, hold) and the different places and ways in which you can be aware of your breath in your body. 

• Be guided through gentle breath-led movement to establish your comfortable sitting position

• Learn a simple counting method to keep track of your breaths

• Discover the five vayu-s, the forms of prāna and the importance of prāna and apāna to our overall health

• Experience different breathing techniques and ratios of breath

• Feel the resonance of simple sounds and mantra-s and the peaceful, optimistic outlook that comes with bhavana (positive attitudes) in breathing practices

• Relax and receive a healing chant in savasana and enjoy some quiet moments before we transition back into the everyday 

Deb is a qualified Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist and Advanced Vedic Chant teacher, who has been teaching for more than 20 years. Through her extensive studies, both here and in Chennai, India, she has developed a special interest in helping people to improve their movement, respiratory function and overall wellbeing. As a life-long asthmatic she has benefitted from the healing practices of Prānāyāma, Therapeutic Yoga and Vedic Chanting in the tradition of Sri T Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar, and loves to share her knowledge and empower others by adapting practices to suit their individual needs.

Dates: Sunday 14, 21 and 28 August, and 4 September 2022

Time: 1.30–3.00pm

Cost: $140 for 4 weeks

Classes will include a herbal cuppa and discussion, notes and a simple take-home practice each week.

Prāna is said to be all pervading, invisible, immutable; it is the life force and the life duration of all living beings – without prāna there is no life.

We can influence the flow of prāna through the flow of our breath, and this in turn influences our whole system, cleansing and preparing it for meditation. 

Come and familiarise yourself with the four parts of your breath (inhale, hold, exhale, hold) and the different places and ways in which you can be aware of your breath in your body. 

• Be guided through gentle breath-led movement to establish your comfortable sitting position

• Learn a simple counting method to keep track of your breaths

• Discover the five vayu-s, the forms of prāna and the importance of prāna and apāna to our overall health

• Experience different breathing techniques and ratios of breath

• Feel the resonance of simple sounds and mantra-s and the peaceful, optimistic outlook that comes with bhavana (positive attitudes) in breathing practices

• Relax and receive a healing chant in savasana and enjoy some quiet moments before we transition back into the everyday 

Deb is a qualified Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist and Advanced Vedic Chant teacher, who has been teaching for more than 20 years. Through her extensive studies, both here and in Chennai, India, she has developed a special interest in helping people to improve their movement, respiratory function and overall wellbeing. As a life-long asthmatic she has benefitted from the healing practices of Prānāyāma, Therapeutic Yoga and Vedic Chanting in the tradition of Sri T Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar, and loves to share her knowledge and empower others by adapting practices to suit their individual needs.

9.30 – 4.30 Sunday 27 March 2022

St Josephs Convent by the Sea

Cnr Cole St and The Esplanade, Williamstown

Cost: $160.00

We don’t have much opportunity for reflective silence these days; we are so often distracted by our phones, our responsibilities, our worries and anxieties as well as the pleasures of life’s calls on our time.

Please join me in the tranquil surrounds of St Josephs Convent by the Sea for a day of yoga, breathing practices, Vedic Chant, silent walking meditation, rest and relaxation.  

The practices will be suitable for all; Ill be encouraging you to work within your capacities on the day, in a way that supports your Sthiram and Sukham, your stability and ease. 

These days fill fast, so please be in touch to secure your spot.

Program:

9.30 – 9.45am        Welcome, housekeeping

9.45 – 11am             Asana practice,  breath lead movement        

Morning Tea provided

11.15 – 12.15              Prānāyāma rest, release and receive Narayana Upanishad

!2.15 – 12.30             Silent Walking Meditation, for as long as you wish

Light lunch provided or bring your own to enjoy inside or out.

2 – 3pm                    Vedic Chanting call and response, no experience necessary

Afternoon Tea provided

3.20 – 4.20pm          Closing practice

Covid protocol and vaccines status applies in accordance with St Joseph’s requirements

Bookend your day and honour the Autumn Equinox on Monday 21 March 2022

Cost: $25 or $40 for both classes

Email debyoga.au@gmail.com to book and ill send Zoom links

Bookend your day and honour the Autumn Equinox on Monday 21 March 2022

Cost: $25 or $40 for both classes

Email debyoga.au@gmail.com to book and ill send Zoom links

9.30am – 4.15 pm Saturday 11 December

St Joseph’s Convent, 14 The Esplanade, Williamstown

Cost: $160

I have been closing the year with this practice for over a decade now, inspired by YS 1:33 and Dana Paramita, the practice of giving, of generosity. We remember the many gifts we can give freely, gifts from our hearts that cannot be bought.

Stop, rest and give thanks for the year that has been, with all its ups and downs and divisions. Take time to empty out this year of pause, replenish yourself and prepare to connect from the heart with family and friends. 

Open your heart to the joy of true giving and resolve to be a beacon for peace, kindness and love this Christmas and beyond…

3 session program/experience Thursday 23 September 2021

Movement, Mantra and Meditation;  morning, noon and night on Zoom 

Cleanse the stagnant dull energy of winter and lockdowns and create space for a new energy to flow through you. 

Feel the profound effect of the ancient practice of Surya Dhyānam, honouring the sun as Gāyatrī.   These rituals have been practiced for thousands of years 3 times a day: when night meets day, at noonday and when day meets night 

6 -7.30am                    Greet the Day yoga practice 

12 – 12.45pm              Noonday Breathe, Move, Be 

6 – 7.30pm                  Close the Day mediation and relaxation 

Cost: all 3 sessions, $60

Single session 1.5hours $25; 45min Noonday session $18 , concessions available for Covid affected  

The vibrations of simple mantras in asana, prānāyāma and meditation will refresh your system mentally, physically and emotionally -  like a Spring Clean from the inside out but profound

 Contact Deb for bookings

Program

9.30 - 11am           Yoga practice with Sound

11.15 - 11.30      Morning tea provided

11.30 - 12.30      Diet and Lifestyle in Winter; Yoga Perspectives on Mind

1.05 - 1.30pm     Meditative practice and Conclusion

Worksheets will be provided, you may wish to bring your notebooks

Please bring masks, your own mats, props, blankets, eyeballs. Ill have neck pillows and some bolsters and a few spare mats, blankets just in case!

You may like to bring your own lunch to enjoy outside if its sunny or enjoy a bite in Williamstown together afterwards

I’m grateful to be one of the ten International teachers presenting in this free ten hour immersion, offered by my teachers on Zoom in Chennai on Sunday:

A Free day-long conference for all | Engage with our esteemed Viniyoga faculty from around the world!

TKV Desikachar, or Sir, as he was affectionally called, is one of the most important modern masters of Yoga. Apart from being the pioneer in bringing Yoga Therapy to the modern era, he was also instrumental in building bridges between Eastern and Western traditions of philosophy. His healing work touched thousands of people, alleviating their suffering. His contributions toward a clearer understanding of the Yogasūtra-s of Patañjali, and his innovation of stick-figures for representing the postures, have made Yoga accessible to millions around the world. He is also solely responsible for bringing forth the holistic and multidimensional teachings of his teacher, Yogācārya T Krishnamacharya. Together they formed a formidable team and revived the precious teachings of the Viniyoga tradition for the modern era! He is also the author of numerous books, including The Heart of Yoga, which continues to be a best-seller around the globe, and which has been translated into many languages.

Despite his many achievements, he remained humble and led a simple life. His humility and kindness touched the hearts of many and it is a fitting tribute that the International Day of Yoga is being celebrated on his birthday!

To show our gratitude to him, we have organized this event, called Honoring Sir | A Celebration of Viniyoga. The conference will be led by ten extraordinary Viniyoga faculty from around the world, who have been touched deeply by his presence and/or his teachings.

We heartfully welcome you all to participate in this day-long event! Come and celebrate this great man’s birthday with us!

The event will be live on www.facebook.com/TKrishnamacharya on 20 June 2021 from 9.15 am India Time onwards. This conference is free and has no cost to participate in.

9.30am – 4.30pm
Saturday 20 March 2021
St Joseph’s Convent, Williamstown 

Join me on this Equinox Day to attend to your body, breath and mind in the tranquil surrounds of St Joseph’s Convent by the Sea.

At these seasonal transitions, it’s important to take care of all aspects of our health, especially as we move from Summer to Autumn and prepare for the colder, darker months to come. 

We will have a day of practice, learning, chanting, discussion and reflection.

Morning sessions:

• Yoga practice to move our bodies and clear our minds

• Prana and the panchamayas, an introduction to the energetic layers of our multi-dimensional human system

Afternoon sessions:

• Self-care at season’s change from an Ayurvedic and Western perspective

• A meditative practice with sound and gestures to ‘embody’ your personal intentions

Practices will be suitable for all. Deb is an experienced yoga therapist and will suggest modifications for your comfort. 

Herbal teas, fruit and biscuits will be provided. You may choose to bring lunch and enjoy it in the peaceful surroundings of the Convent, or take advantage of the many cafes in Williamstown.

Cost $160, bookings essential at:

E: debyoga.au@gmail.com 

T: 0448 978 818

Join me to take a breath before Christmas at the Sound and Silence Day Retreat from 9.30am - 4.30pm, Sunday 13 December at the peaceful haven of St Josephs Convent by the Sea,

A couple of last minute spots have appeared. 

The Program 

9.30am - 11am : Yoga practice with sound

11.15am - 12.30pm: Experience Vedic Chant, call and response

1.30 -3pm: Introduction to Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

3.15 - 4.30pm: Deep relaxation and meditative practice on the gifts that come from the heart

The Venue

St Josephs Convent by the Sea 

114 Cole Street, Williamstown, down the water end. 

Cost: $180 for full day, 

Half day is possible , please call or email Deb  

These classes are offered on Zoom. They are open to all levels of experience and to all faiths or personal belief systems -  these ancient sounds do not discriminate

Practices will be guided, simple yet profound.  

Cost: $20 per session or 4 sessions $68, please email or call to book your spot.

9 – 9.50 am  

Offer peace and gratitude to Bhūmi Devi, the goddess as Mother Earth, sustaining and supporting all life on this beautiful planet we share. She symbolises stability, boundless fortitude and compassion. Receive BhūSūktam, her full chant.

10 – 10.50

Movement with Bhū Mantra,

11 – 11.55

Introduction to theory and concepts of Samantrika-Dhyanam, Vedic Meditation practice with Mantra Samantrika-Dhyanam practice, meditation with mantra-japa 

12 – 12.50

Group Chanting – both chant groups will come together though only I will be heard. Students are welcome to join as they feel - or simply relax and receive the healing benefits

Opening Prayers offering thanks to or teachers who have preserved and passed down the teachings of the Veda-s through sound, through oral recitation

Gāyatrī-mantra, Sūryanamasskṛtya-mantraḥ, Candranamaskṛtya-mantraḥ, honouring the sun and the moon.

Āyur-mantraḥ, Mantrapuṣpam, Ārogya and Laghunyāsaḥ for healing.

Bhū for healing the earth and the forgiveness chant

‘Chanting uplifts and supports me, it buoys me. No matter what may be going on inside or outside myself

As soon as I begin chanting  my internal distractions drop away and my mind concentres on making the right sounds, whether in my role as teacher, or student, or doing my practice. Even this drops away when I settle, its as though these ancient sounds move through me. 

Deb is a qualified yoga teacher, Y Therapist and Vedic Chant teacher and continues her Vedic Chant studies with Menaka Desikachar on Zoom

Join me on Zoom this Saturday afternoon, as we invoke Ganesh – the benign elephant god of the Vedas, honoured for his ability to clear our paths and remove obstacles – to relax and receive an asana practice with mantra, and meditation with mantra japa. This is the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, where Ganesh is honoured with more Ganeshas big and tiny, than you’ve ever seen! During the practice, we will have a few minutes break and resume to learn Ganapathi-Prāthanā the traditional age-old way of call and response.

Have no fear, you will all be on mute!

To book your spot, email me back as soon as possible.

The price is just $40 for one individual.

NOTE: class full, capped at 6 participants for COVID-19 precautions

ThinkFocusAct,

COST: $50; $44 health care card

LOCATION: Challis Street, Newport

Booking essential, maximum 11 students