MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
August 2026

August Calendar Dates

• Sunday 2nd - “Sunday Sessions” free yoga classes at Mackie Road Neighbourhood House, Mulgrave

• Monday 17th - 5 weeks of Niyama-themed yoga classes begins

Is Winter Over Yet? Nope!

BRRRRRR! 🥶  Seriously, I’ve been driven to layering extra blankies on our beds and wearing my Ugg Boots to yoga class to combat these cold misty nights and frosty mornings.  Kudos to every single student who has donned beanie, fluffy socks and puffer jacket to rock up to yoga with pink cheeks and noses from the cold.  Every single one of you claimed it was worth it, and I’ve simply loved warming you all up with good vibes, a cosy room, and Yama-themed sequencing.

The slow cooker has been in demand for dinner, just as the kettle has been working overtime for morning coffees, afternoon teas and pre-bed hot choccy milk. A special shout out to Tracy C for sharing an abundance of lemons at class and introducing me to Lemon Fudge “Brownies”. I totally forgot to take a photo of the finished product before it was all in our tummies!

July has been busy on the home front, too.  Term 3 of high school started and there’s been a plethora of activities from Production rehearsal at one school and Musical performance at another, to a Gala Showcase evening, Parent/Teacher Interviews, Subject Selection for next year, and university Open Days almost every weekend.  My eldest daughter Tayla and I attended the Careers Expo at Melbourne Zoo to learn of all the different careers beyond zookeeping that go towards conservation, research, breeding and advocacy.  Fascinating stuff!  Between lectures we were able to roam the zoo, but as a family who used to have Blue Tongued Lizards and Bearded Dragons as pets, we didn’t get too far beyond the Reptile House!

Footy is also in full swing and it’s always so much fun to see The Boys live in action.  Last month I flew to Tassie with Fleur M to do it.  This month, my boof-head “little” brother Nick got his hands on Medallion Club tickets and asked me to join him and his three sons for the Hawthorn v Richmond game at the ‘G.  I’m a Tigers gal.  They’re all Hawks supporters.  My team was second (last) on the ladder.  Theirs was third.  From the top.  Needless to say, my nephews had an absolute ball goading and teasing me with comments like “How does it feel to be losing by X points?”  Look at those cheeky little faces (the kids, I mean)!  

Yoga Philosophy in Class

We are now up to Week 4 of my 10-week Yoga Philosophy themed classes, focusing upon the concept of Bramacharya, which translates to “self control”, “moderation” or “right use of energy”.  It’s been interesting, a little challenging, and at times a bit emotional to explore a new topic each week, to dig deeper into who we are, and the ways we think and behave.  As I say in class, tread gently if some of your musings bring up big thoughts and feelings.  For many of us, gentle encouragement to question our beliefs and perspectives can enhance not only our practice on the mat, but can help us make better choices and strengthen relationship boundaries and bonds as we move through life.

It is no accident that the first two “limbs” of of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, as described by the great sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, outlines how we should conduct ourselves in the world (Yama), and how we ought to care for and evolve our selves (Niyama). These two areas of moral codes and personal responsibilities are often neglected in modern yoga classes, which can have them feel like glorified exercise routines rather than a holistic approach to your practice. I do hope that you gain insight and deeper understanding while exploring these topics with me. 🙏

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

1. Yama - Ethical Considerations

2. Niyama - Personal Observances

3. Asana - Poses/Postures

4. Pranayama - Breath Control/Extension

5. Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the Senses

6. Dharana - Single-pointed Focus/Concentration

7. Dhyana - Meditation/Flow State

8. Samadhi - Union/Bliss/Enlightenment

INTRO PASS for New Students

New to Tania Alexander Yoga? Know someone who could benefit from giving yoga with me a try? My INTRO PASS gives you 3 x yoga credits to use at any of my weekly group yoga classes for only $13 per class - that’s 50% off! Purchase the pass and book your classes online. (Not available for Beginners Yoga Program, Special Events or Workshops.) Valid for 6 weeks from date of purchase.

They’re not just pretty words.  They’re testimonials from real people.  People with things going on, just like you.  People who may have been in the same class as you, adding to the collective effervescence of the energy in the room as we practiced yoga together. 

This is what curious, potential students look for online.  They check out the reviews to see if that teacher, or that studio, would be worth their time.  If it would suit their needs.  Perhaps that’s what you did, before you signed up for my class?

Please help more people find me!  You can do this by leaving your own Google review through the button below.  Let people know what you were looking for, and what practicing with me felt like.  It’s that easy!

Thank you. Your words make a world of difference to me. 🙏😍

Tania 🦋