01/05/2026
A note from Peter
There’s a story that Jack Kornfield tells from when he was training as a Buddhist monk in the jungles of Thailand.
He was walking with his teacher, Ajahn Chah, when his teacher pointed to a large rock and asked,
“Is that rock heavy?”
Jack replied, “Yes, of course it’s heavy.”
Ajahn Chah said,
“Not if you don’t pick it up.”
As the season shifts into autumn, there’s something in that for us.
The trees let go of their leaves.
There is a natural shedding, a quiet release.
And with that, a kind of respite.
The tree is no longer trying to grow, to hold, to sustain.
It simply stands, without any need to worry about what comes next.
Perhaps it is the same for us.
We carry a lot. Thoughts, worries, tensions, stories about what is happening in our lives.
But much of what we carry is only in the head.
It feels real, because it is based on things that may be real.
But when it is in the head, it is just in the head.
Worrying about what might happen in the future has not happened yet.
Replaying something from the past is not happening now.
And yet we carry it as if it is.
Yoga does not make life disappear.
The pressures and responsibilities are still there.
But stepping into the studio, even for an hour, offers something simple and rare.
A kind of respite.
A chance to move, to breathe, to stretch, and to put things down for a while.
To step out of the mind and back into something more direct.
And the more regularly we practise this, the more we begin to respond differently to life, not because life has changed, but because we are not picking everything up quite so tightly.
It is a simple thing, but a powerful one.
So as we move into autumn, a good time to let a few things fall away.
See you on the mat.
Autumn Reset this weekend
As the season shifts, the body naturally slows.
This workshop offers a gentle, grounded reset, with a practical naturopathic approach guided by Saimaa.
You will explore simple ways to support digestion and reduce inflammation, gently release built up excess, calm the nervous system and feel more grounded, and create a daily rhythm that supports energy, mood and immunity.
We will close with a nourishing organic pumpkin soup, a simple way to ground and restore.
Mike will also be offering a short myofascial release session, adding a physical layer of release to the afternoon.
Suitable for all levels. Last spots available.
Bring a friend in May
There is something about this time of year that is better shared.
If there is someone in your life who has been meaning to try yoga, a friend, partner or neighbour, this is a lovely month to bring them along.
Any friend you bring in during May is welcome to join you, on us.
Just come together.
Wine and Flow at the end of May
We will round the month off with a relaxed Wine and Flow evening with Fernanda.
A gentle flow, a chance to unwind, and a glass of wine to finish.
Saturday 30 May, 5.00 to 7.00pm
Pilates Immersion in June
Fernanda is also offering a Pilates Immersion weekend in June.
A deeper dive into foundations and how Pilates supports your yoga practice.
Saturday 13 June, 2.00 to 5.00pm
Sunday 14 June, 10.00am to 1.00pm
You can join for a single session or the full weekend.
Philosophy Cafe returns
The Philosophy Cafe resumes on Friday 15 May.
A space to pause, reflect and explore ideas together. Always thoughtful and open to all.
Mats and bolsters final chance to claim
You may have noticed the mats and bolsters have been moved out of the storage shelves and are now in the corridor near the lifts.
If you have one there, or know someone who does, please collect it over the next couple of weeks.
After that, we will clear what remains. Items will be offered for a small donation with all proceeds going to charity, and then donated more broadly.
I will try to contact anyone whose name is on their items, but do feel free to spread the word.
We are also putting together something for winter. More on that soon.
A note from Emma Sternberg, Holistic Therapist
How do we let go of hurt and pain?
We know that holding on creates tension and dis ease. But letting go is rarely as simple as it sounds.
Sometimes we just need to be heard first, before our nervous systems are ready to release what they have been carrying.
Think of a child who comes to you with a small injury. They are not looking for a fix. They want a cuddle, a moment of connection, and then, when they feel held, that deep breath comes naturally. The tears let go on their own.
We never outgrow that need. The need to be seen, to feel safe, to find comfort in another.
So as the weather cools and the season turns toward shedding, let yourself release with gentleness. With help if you need it. With each other.
If you have something that needs to be heard, or need a little help letting go, Emma is available here at the studio.
www.emmasternberg.com.au
