Lisa Bianco
- Creator & Operator of Ascension Astrology & Yoga
I have always been drawn to traditional and ancient philosophies and practices from the east, which led me to yoga 23 years ago in India. I have trained in the world wide recognised tradition of Iyengar yoga, and studied in Pune, India with the Iyengar family and have attended numerous conventions over this time. Teaching and running a yoga school for the past 18 years has given me invaluable knowledge & experience to a wide range of students and the honour to witness, first hand, the transformational power of yoga.
Yoga in its practical and philosophical application is the path which has put me in touch with that elusive 'Inner Self' bringing to my daily life contentment, love, compassion and ongoing understanding of the link between mind, body and spirit and the connection of oneness to ‘All there is’. The famous poet, Rumi, put’s it perfectly when he states simply and profoundly –
‘You are not a drop in the Ocean, but the Ocean in a drop’
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Kristina Murphy
I attended my first yoga class in the Suffolk Park Surf Club in 1994, in northern New South Wales when I was 19 and at university. From this point onwards yoga really resonated with me and I have chased yoga classes in every place I’ve lived and traveled ever since, settling on Iyengar as my preferred choice of yoga style. This is because it appeals to a more nurturing element in relation to caring for the body using props and finding the correct alignment. Also it allows you to push the boundaries of your body in a safe and secure way, challenging yourself while still progressing at your own pace. I love moving my body in lots of different directions, finding my limitations and seeing my body do things I never thought possible. I also love the sense of peace and calm that come over me as I move through the poses focusing on my breath. This helps put any worries or anxieties I have in life back into perspective. As a high school teacher by day, and fostering my love of yoga over the years, it seemed the perfect next step for me, to bring these two elements of my life together and learn to teach yoga. Finally making that dream a reality.
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Geraldine Macklin
I have had an interest in yoga for many years and found it a wonderful form of fitness while raising a child and working. Since retiring and developing as a teacher, my yoga focus has changed. While the physical benefits of yoga are well known, I have come to see it as an integral part of my whole wellbeing, helping to navigate the twists and turns that life can present, whether physical or emotional. Yoga is a continual process of learning, exploring and connecting with oneself. It is a practice for all regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion. I feel privileged to help others find the joys of yoga.
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Jane Wood
My first Yoga class was in 2017 with Lisa Bianco - I started with the best of the best ♥️
I came to Ascension Astrology and Yoga after some big recommendations on what a lovely yoga space it was and how great the teachers were .
I signed up for a 6 week Beginners class .I was chasing peace and contentment and all things zen . I was living a very stressful lifestyle and I knew things had to change as my health was suffering ,particularly my nervous system .
Those first 6 weeks were tough, to be honest I didn’t love it . It made me slow down , made me be present , it made my body ache , it made me feel uncomfortable and uncoordinated . There was no music to distract me !!!
I struggled , felt like I was going no where fast - backwards at times but I knew I’d committed to the 6 weeks and I kept coming back .
The classes were physical and I was constantly frustrated at myself BUT I ALWAYS felt so much better after a class . The 6 weeks came and went - I wasn’t hooked but I wasn’t giving up either . Four years on and I can honestly say , I am now hooked .
Yoga has given me the opportunity to grow , to tap into and connect with who I already was - Yoga helps to peel back the layers to your authentic self . For me , my practise brings self awareness and self acceptance and is incredibly important for the nervous system to have the chance to rest ,repair and be present .
Yoga for me brings clarity and compassion for myself and others .
Teaching became the next step in my Yoga journey and I can whole heartedly say I love it . It has deepened and evolved my practise , encouraged and motivated me to research and understand the Asanas on another level . It has exposed me to Yoga philosophy and Mantra both of which I very much enjoy and are eager to learn more . I feel eternally grateful and blessed to be given the opportunity to be part of the teachers at Ascension Astrology and Yoga .
Namaste
Big big BIG love always
Janey x
Cameron Richmond
After roughly twenty years hammering my body through trade work and sporting interests such as football, motocross, mountain biking, canyoning and rock climbing, it was a breath of fresh air when Lisa introduced me to yoga and the attached benefits years ago.
On a physical level yoga has enabled me to maintain my body to match my ‘young’ mind, and continue to participate in the activities I enjoy while reducing the risk of injury and keeping my recovery time relatively short. I find that my increased awareness of the relationship between body and mind causes me to intuitively approach all aspects of my life, work and play, with a heightened intelligence around what will work for my body and what will not.
On a mental level, the benefits of yoga, and especially of a yoga philosophy course, are that the intelligence you bring to your physical endeavours will naturally flow to the health of your mind, and the journey to bringing a greater level of peace to your life will begin. Studying the yoga sutras with Lisa, and learning the deeper aspects of familiar yoga poses, served me in such a positive way that I am thankful daily for participating in her philosophy course. I find that I treat myself, and people with more empathy, especially in my work as a primary teacher, so that I can draw on the work we did in the philosophy course to remove the blockages and obstacles I carry in my thoughts.
I highly recommend the yoga philosophy course for anyone, it is a great way to begin building your internal pleasure, rather than relying on external sources for happiness. Each lesson will feel like coming home to reset your mind, and deepen your yoga practice, ultimately benefitting you through strengthening the body and quietening the mind.