News Archives - Black Lotus Studios

Bali Yoga Retreat

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 04:15:00 GMT

In June next year you can experience an inspiring and supportive week of yoga practice in the peaceful village of Nyuhkuning, in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. We will be staying and practicing at the beautiful ALAM INDAH HOTEL.

The hotel is an easy 10-minute stroll from the centre of Ubud. Each room is uniquely appointed and set amidst lush Balinese gardens and surrounded by breath-taking views out over the Wos River valley and the world-famous Monkey Forest.

Practicing yoga daily in such a calm and peaceful environment without the distractions of normal life can be life changing. For seven days and six nights you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in practice, contemplation, relaxation and, of course, nourish yourself with the wonderful food of Bali.

5% Early bird discount will apply to the total if the deposit is paid before December 31

$1705 twin share per person (same sleeping space)

$1895 twin share per person (same building but separate sleeping space)

$2180 single room (limited availability)

SUMMER PRACTICE INTENSIVE

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 21:02:00 GMT

Summer Practice Intensive

12 practice sessions + video recordings of sessions

How to practice, what to practice, ways to practice.

December 28 > January 28 | Monday – Thursday x 3 | 6.30-8.00 am

$250 plus gst

Total $275

BOOK NOW

This is a creative response to a crazy year and is offered with a flexible range of participation options.

It is suitable for all levels – except raw beginners.

You can sign up for

IN STUDIO,

VIRTUAL,

a COMBINATION of the two

or even NONE OF THE ABOVE.

Each session will be recorded and sent to you. You will have twelve very different sequences to practice at home right throughout the year at anytime. So even if you can’t do ANY of the sessions it is still worth enrolling. You will receive all the recordings.

This is a unique, one-off opportunity. Many of you have been asking for recordings of the classes and these practice sequences will be even better.

You’ll notice that there is a two week break in there … I’ll be away on holiday. But hey…. you can practice with the four recordings at home!

Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can assist you with enrolling. I’m always happy to. Please talk to me if the issue is financial and perhaps we can work something out.

1. Monday 28 Dec: Back To Earth

Starting low and softening the back body. Extending the backs of the legs and opening the hips. Coming back in to your body and back to yourself. Preparing for forward bends.

2. Tuesday 29 December: Centering Down

Standing up, balancing, centering, Finding the bony support for standing asanas. Core support for dynamic and active extension through the legs and arms.

3. Wednesday 30 December: Reach Out

Our posture and the way we use our bodies is, at its core, a response to our emotions. Syncing body and emotion is the job of practice. Arms, shoulders, spine, hands, neck are often held and pulled in tight. Reach out, ask for what you want, put your hands up and be seen.

4. Thursday 31 December: Heart Song

Back Bends are full on. Let’s start with gentle and supported chest opening asanas and coax ourselves into opening up and letting go. Watch how the energy starts to flow through our bodies and our eyes and hearts open up with renewed joy and zest for life.

5. Monday 18 January: Connection

Developing the forward bends through the straight legged standing asanas and taking that into seated hip openings and the beginnings of padmasana (lotus). Forward bends ask us to to take a good look at ourselves in a positive and active way.

6. Tuesday 19 January: Stand and Deliver

Oh yeah! Standing pose day. How to practice intelligently, for the conditions and your situation. When to use support, how to take support, why to take support. What order and why?

7. Wednesday 20 January: Open Hand & Heart

Again with the back bends! A little deeper a little more challenging. When and how to use props to help. More variations and working through a sequence to get there before you even knew you can. We need a strong back and an open heart to take on the challenges of life and backbends take us there

8. Thursday 21 January: Upside Down and Inside Out

It’s time. Head stand and shoulder stand. I know, I know you can’t all do that yet …. but there are steps and a pathway towards inversions. Lets explore the options

9. Monday 25 January: Catch & Release

Responsiveness and resilience. Yoga builds into our system the ability to respond quickly to changing situations. To withdraw or to expand as needed. An even, balanced practice covers all the bases and helps smooth out the edges and calms us down. It gathers and stores energy. This class will be a little of everything

10. Tuesday 26 January: Inner Fire

A bit of hard work never killed any one my Dad always said (and all my german ancestors as well I’m sure). Yoga fit … what does that mean? I guess you’ll find out

11. Wednesday 27 January: I love Pretzels

Asana practice gets really excited by the spine. Deep twists are what yoga is (in)famous for. Working our way quietly and persistently in towards our central axis. Gently, safely, step by step and from a firm stable foundation we can really challenge our own limitations with twists

12. Thursday 28 January: Open Mind

The last sequence of the series. Quiet and deep. Supported inversions and Pranayama

The post SUMMER PRACTICE INTENSIVE appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Studio Open for Classes again…

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 23:34:00 GMT

We have now had a week and a bit of combined studio + online classes and so far so good. Temperature checks, cleaning, sanitising and mopping, mopping and mopping! But it has been wonderful to have actual bodies and warm smiles to connect with and teach. Very difficult not to get in close and adjust you though. I have taken to using a big long stick to push and prod you with, genius, even though it reminds me of my old Russian ballet teacher!

Thank you to everyone who has been making the extra effort to bring in your own props. I have mats, blocks, blankets and straps available for you to purchase and as long as you bring a towel or sarong to use as a cover you can use my blankets and bolsters to create more support.

It is interesting just how many of you are preferring to stay home and zoom. Live stream is an amazing option and it is here to stay ….. but it isn’t the same as a class in the studio. Come in to the studio if you can (for as long as we can stay open).

I have enabled a feature that allows you to see how many people are enrolled in classes. This means that you can make informed decisions about whether you feel comfortable to come in to the studio or stay with the live streaming at this stage of the COVID game/not game. Studio classes are limited to 12 people.

A reminder for those of you live streaming …. please email me with updates on how you are going with the classes and your yoga in general or in particular. When you are in the studio I catch and can determine a lot about how you are and what is going on with you just by seeing you walk around let alone working with you in the class ….. but I don’t get that via a zoom class.

Many businesses and services have had to close this year all over the world and in our own backyards. We have been able to stay open and continue to teach because of the online classes and your willingness to give them a go. I am operating with the assumption that yoga is an ‘essential service’. I know it isn’t categorised that way by the government but all of us who do yoga know how true this is. Anyway I just want to say that it hasn’t been easy, financially or energetically, and that for me to keep on going I have needed and will continue to to need your support. You are essential too. Live stream or in the studio. You simply have to keep up the classes or I won’t be able to.

However – If you are in financial difficulty please let me know. I am happy to offer you a discount or an exchange.

Updates to the timetable:

Please check the timetable and enrol before you come. NSW COVID cases seem to be steadily increasing and at some stage soon I may have to close the studio classes once again. It is a day by day situation.

All the best for staying healthy and safe and

keep practicing yoga (it’s essential)

Sue-ellen x

The post Studio Open for Classes again… appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

COVID safety plan

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 01:56:00 GMT

Having you back in the studio again is a very exciting prospect. We have missed you. Unfortunately COVID 19 is a very invisible and sneaky disease. We may not think we have it but the reality is that we don’t know. I am not going to be casual about this and it is not simply business as usual at BLYS now that classes are starting back up again.

After much consideration I have decided to ask you to bring your own yoga swag (mat, blocks, belt, a blanket and a towel) to classes and then take it home again after class. I understand that it may be inconvenient but it is ultimately the safest for all of us.

The COVID safety plan below will help maintain a minimum risk for students and teachers at Black Lotus Studios. The following requirements and practices will mean that you can be confident that we are looking after you when you come to the studio.

Live Stream:

Class Passes:

Props to buy:

A volatile and changing situation:

With the active cases in NSW and the problematic situation in Victoria I am aware that NSW may go back into lockdown at any time. I will of course email you immediately if the studio classes need to go back on hold again. In this eventuality and you have bought a new pass for the studio classes I hope you are happy to just keep them there in your account until we can again open back up. All passes are now valid for 12 months and old passes can always be extended. Of course when the situation improves we will be able to relax around these protocols.

The post COVID safety plan appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Back in the studio from 20th July!

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 00:07:00 GMT

In studio classes are starting up again from the 20th July. Most studio classes will also be live streamed. Classes have a limited capacity and you must enrol before you come. For an outline of the new protocols in place to keep us safe please go to the classes tab.

The post Back in the studio from 20th July! appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

All zoom classes are now 1.5 hours

Sun, 24 May 2020 23:34:00 GMT

All zoom classes are now 1.5 hours …….

The post All zoom classes are now 1.5 hours appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Online Classes are all in full swing

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:02:00 GMT

The online classes are all in full swing …..

Check out the timetable. Classes are either open level or Level 2 and 1.5 hours or one hour either. With lots of classes and times through the week or over the weekend you’ll be able to find a time to suit the household complexity.

The post Online Classes are all in full swing appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Beginner(ish) Wednesdays

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 23:27:00 GMT

Try the One Hour Wednesday night class if you are new to yoga. This is a mixed and open class but beginners are given special consideration with options for the stiff and ungainly!

The post Beginner(ish) Wednesdays appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

The New Anti Antzi Kids Zone

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 00:54:00 GMT

I have aded a new kids class to the online timetable on Wednesdays at 4.30-5.30pm. With all our kids at home they really need to exercise and meditate and … breath. This is suitable for kids around 9 to 13 years old. We use ZOOM to create the online classroom. Your kids will stretch out and strengthen up, extend far out and then curl in close. Lots of deep nourishing breaths to let the bad stuff out. You’ll need a place that’s big enough to stretch out in all directions. A yoga mat would be great – but its ok if you don’t have one. Grab three beach towels and a belt – any belt will do. Click on the sign up button on the left and create new student account. Enrol and we will email you the ZOOM link just before the class begins. $16 a class.

The post The New Anti Antzi Kids Zone appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

LiveOnline Update

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 22:10:00 GMT

The post LiveOnline Update appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

COVID – 19 update

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 21:47:00 GMT

The post COVID – 19 update appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Christmas is coming!

Sat, 02 Nov 2019 23:22:00 GMT

Now is the time to get your discounted T’shirts ($30), Deodorant ($20), Mosquito Repellent ($20), Face Serum ($35), Props (purple blocks, stretchy belts) and Calming Oil Blend ($20).

The post Christmas is coming! appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Next Yoga Moves course for 10-14 yr olds

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 05:33:00 GMT

Black Lotus Studio is excited to offer the next four week course for young people (10-14 years old). 27th August to 17th September. Many of our kids are finding life stressful and the physical changes can be overwhelming as they enter puberty. This is the time to help them learn how to manage themselves and their lives with kindness and grace. Yoga can help by settlling and focusing busy minds. Enroll online, email or call. Tuesdays 5-6pm. $60 each.

The post Next Yoga Moves course for 10-14 yr olds appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Yoga Moves: A New 4 Week Teens Yoga Course – Tuesdays, 5-6 pm, April 30 – May 21.

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 20:25:00 GMT

The post Yoga Moves: A New 4 Week Teens Yoga Course – Tuesdays, 5-6 pm, April 30 – May 21. appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

YOGA MOVES A four week course for teens

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 22:23:00 GMT

The post YOGA MOVES A four week course for teens appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Next Saturday afternoon Beginners Course – 9 February

Sun, 27 Jan 2019 03:24:00 GMT

This course covers the basic asana and will prepare you to come along to regular classes. Enrol on line, call or email.

The post Next Saturday afternoon Beginners Course – 9 February appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Over 55’s Classes – 9.30 am Fridays

Sun, 27 Jan 2019 03:18:00 GMT

These classes are designed for those in their 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and beyond! Enrol online or call or email.

The post Over 55’s Classes – 9.30 am Fridays appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

New Year Workshop – Jan 4, 5 & 6

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 05:36:00 GMT

The beginning of a whole new year and time to get on the mat and get moving again after the exhausting and crazy end of the year festivities. This New Year workshop will be a great opportunity to revive, inspire, extend, rejuvenate and relax. Everyone is welcome. $110

The post New Year Workshop – Jan 4, 5 & 6 appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

January Introductory Yoga Course

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 04:17:00 GMT

The post January Introductory Yoga Course appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

New Beginners Course

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 21:44:00 GMT

The post New Beginners Course appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

One Hour Winter Warm-Up Class Tuesdays & Thursdays 7 to 8 am

Sun, 03 Jun 2018 04:49:00 GMT

These classes replace the 6.30am and will warm you up with an hour and a half of yoga in ONE hour! A special initiative for winter.

The post One Hour Winter Warm-Up Class Tuesdays & Thursdays 7 to 8 am appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Unlimited classes for $48 for two weeks

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 09:32:00 GMT

To take advantage of our two week unlimited pass go to the yoga classes tab and select the timetable. Choose the first class you want to come to and the sign up button. Follow the steps to the payment page and choose the ‘Introductory Offer: 14 days of unlimited classes’.

Or sign in and go to the Online Store tab and choose ‘series and memberships’ and then ‘classes’ and then the Introductory Offer.

The post Unlimited classes for $48 for two weeks appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Moving to Marrickville

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 22:37:00 GMT

We have moved! The last classes of the year will be there, in Marrickville, on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday. The studio will be closed for a break from Thursday the 21st to January 7th with classes starting up again on the 8th January. Looking forward to seeing you on the mat in Marrickville.

The post Moving to Marrickville appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Wednesday Night Beginners Course

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 02:43:00 GMT

Starts tonight – with Akhila Hughes.

This 4-week on-going course will put you on a path to strengthen your body, align your posture and relax your whole being.

Suitable for every body – complete beginners, those who have some yoga experience, those new to Iyengar Yoga and those who want a refresher.

The post Wednesday Night Beginners Course appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

September Practice Week

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 04:39:00 GMT

The post September Practice Week appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Weekend Introductory Course

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 04:53:00 GMT

Saturday & Sunday, 2 & 3 September, 10 – 11.30 with Akhila Hughes.
This is a two class introductory course covering foundation asanas, or poses, to introduce you to the basics of practicing yoga. This is a great way to check out our school and ride the yoga wave. Log in or create a student profile.
$44

The post Weekend Introductory Course appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Timetable Updates and Events…

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 00:26:00 GMT

are posted on the Black Lotus Yoga Studio page on facebook

The post Timetable Updates and Events… appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Latest News

Fri, 10 Feb 2017 20:45:00 GMT

The post Latest News appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

Easter Retreat Mulloon Creek Natural Farms

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 01:48:00 GMT

The post Easter Retreat Mulloon Creek Natural Farms appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

New Year Yoga….

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 23:57:00 GMT

Five early mornings are up this week with Sue-ellen and new courses are starting or have just started. Now is the time to get back into your yoga practice and start the year with positive energy and action.

The post New Year Yoga…. appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

ART FOR REFUGEES – a fundraiser exhibition, in support of the Syrian refugee crisis with artworks donated by leading Australian contemporary artists. Event date: Sunday 8th November 2015 2015, 3–6pm

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:27:00 GMT

Black Lotus Studios presents

ART FOR REFUGEES – a fundraiser exhibition, in support of the Syrian refugee crisis

with artworks donated by leading Australian contemporary artists

Event date: Sunday 8 th November 2015 2015, 3–6pm

Where: Black Lotus Studios, 1st Floor, corner of Gladstone & Wilford Streets, Enmore

View the Art @

https://www.facebook.com/events/883033601784279/

https://instagram.com/artforrefugees/

Tweets by ArtForRefugees

Artists include: Lisa Andrew, Hany Armanious, Lynne Barwick, Mishka Borowski, Carla Cescon, Melissa Coote, Linda Dement, Sarah Goffman, Lynne Roberts-Goodwin, Elise Harmsen, Anna-Wili Highfield, Adrian Hobbs, Anna John, Melanie Khava, Derek Kreckler, Lindy Lee, Fiona MacDonald, Fleur MacDonald, Prue Murphy, Tomislav Nikolic, Raquel Ormella, Luke Parker, Sue Pedley, Elizabeth Pulie, Marisa Purcell, Paul Saint, Nicholas Samartis, Sangeeta Sandrasegar, Catriona Stanton, Nick Strike, and Justene Williams. More artists to be announced soon.

100% of sales from the fundraiser will be donated to:

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Please see the attached information sheet for more details, or visit their website: www.unhcr.org

What you can do:

 Spread the word about the fundraiser through your networks.

 Come along to the exhibition on Sunday 8 th November 2015 and purchase an artwork . If nothing takes your fancy, you will still be able to make a donation to the UNHCR.

 If you can’t make it to the event, any works that don’t sell on the day will be available afterwards, for a period, online. See our event page on Facebook for more info.

 If you are interested in volunteering some time , to help photograph, catalogue or hang the works, or to help us on the day, we would love to hear from you.

Contact:

Black Lotus Studios: info@blacklotus.com.au

UNHCR INFORMATION SHEET:

All funds raised from this exhibition will be donated to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) . We have chosen UNHCR as the most appropriate organisation to effectively direct the funds.

The Syrian war has created the biggest refugee crisis in the world: 4 million refugees have fled to neighbouring countries. Inside Syria, more than 7.6 million residents are internally displaced.

As a result of more than 4 years of war, it is estimated that 12 million people , over half the population of Syria, have been made homeless. Many are displaced within Syria, but there are 4 million people who have fled the country seeking security and shelter.

The UNHCR urgently needs $500 million US dollars to shelter, feed and clothe these people. As they turn away hungry and homeless Syrians, many are finding they have nowhere to go but back to Syria,where they risk death.

http://www.unrefugees.org.au/emergencies/current-emergencies/syria-crisis-urgent-appeal#overview

Established in 1950 by the General Assembly, the UNHCR is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees.

Through organising this exhibition and with the generous donations from the artists, we are doing a small bit to help these people and raise awareness of what they are suffering. There is no end in sight for the war. As our government begins bombing raids in Syria, our responsibility to help people in need increases.

We would also like to draw attention to the 1,500 asylum seekers, who are imprisoned indefinitely, on Manus Island and Nauru, as well as those detained in mainland Australian centres. Many of these people have fled the same war, or similar circumstances, and felt there was no safer place than getting on a boat and risking everything to find safety.

The post ART FOR REFUGEES – a fundraiser exhibition, in support of the Syrian refugee crisis with artworks donated by leading Australian contemporary artists. Event date: Sunday 8th November 2015 2015, 3–6pm appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

A retreat is finally on offer….

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 01:36:00 GMT

Sue-ellen Kohler is running a weekend yoga retreat on the long weekend in October 2-5. It will be held at Mulloon Creek Natural Farms in Bungendore near Canberra. For details and to enrol please email Sue-ellen at info@blacklotus.com.au.

The post A retreat is finally on offer…. appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .

What is a yoga class at Black Lotus like?

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 02:11:00 GMT

You will be introduced to the basic asanas (poses or postures). This includes standing, sitting and twisting poses with preparation for back bending and inverted poses. Generally more active poses at the beginning and then winding down to quieter asanas at the end. Each asana and group of asanas has a different effect on the body and mind. The basic postures taught to beginners build strength and muscle tone where needed and improve flexibility, stability and generally balance the ‘system’ as needed. Practicing yoga can reduce tiredness and soothe the nerves, calming the mind to help concentration and our ability to ‘think clearly’. Iyengar yoga is well known for its use of ‘props’ to help achieve deeper access into an asana. Props used in a class may include sticky mats, blankets, blocks, straps, chairs, weights or wall ropes. Props allow students to practice asanas and pranayamas (breathing patterns) with effectiveness, ease, stability and safety, providing support for the body while allowing the mind to relax and open up to the effects of the practice.

The post What is a yoga class at Black Lotus like? appeared first on Black Lotus Studios .