Ananda Kennard

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December 9, 2014 by Ananda Kennard

Merry Christmas – Light Up the Chakra Tree

shakra tree

For many, especially children, the joy of the festive season revolves around the Christmas Tree. On top of this symbol is a star, or guiding spirit, who orients the communal celebrations. Whilst not all people celebrate Christmas, this holiday spirit is part of our popular culture. There is so much divine play, Lila, moving in us through the festive season, that we cannot help but see this brilliance all around. Reveling in this presence, the ritual of concealing and revealing presents, embodies the movement of Shiva, who dances the creation of the world.

This image has roots in the Jewish Cabalistic tradition with the Sephiroth, also known as the tree of life. The Tree of Life is the divine subtle body structure that supports all of life, as if from above. It is often depicted as the cosmic body of Adam Cadamon, who like Shiva (or Purusha) from the Hindu tradition, unfolds down through the Tattvas, as different aspects of reality. The lighting up of the Christmas tree thus reenacts the illumination of these different aspects of a divine essence in a joyful celebration. In yoga, this subtle body structure is known through the chakras, and our practice is also a ritual dance, lighting it up.

The Vedas depict this as a Bodhi Tree, with its roots in the starry firmament. Our entire existence is supported by this presence, which is immanent, growing down into the world.

To all who came to Preshana this year for practice, and everyone who made it in spirit, we thank you, and wish to see you in the new year! 

Holiday Blessings To All,

Ananda, Jim & the Preshana Team

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Testimonials

I began practicing yoga as a beginner with Ananda five years ago. At the time I experienced frequent, severe migraines, back and neck pain and wrist pain which all resolved themselves within several months of attending Ananda’s classes. I have taken Ananda’s classes as a beginner, during pregnancy a…
Student
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Ananda is among the best of teachers. And the best of teachers constantly learn, grow, shift and expand. I have witnessed and experienced this in her classes. Her passion for the craft is infectious. While guiding and prompting and encouraging with rigour, the element of play is ever present…
Tracy Mann
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I have attended many of Ananda’s classes over the last few years, and I love to be her student whenever I can. Being a teacher myself I am discerning when it comes to attending a yoga class and Ananda is my favourite teacher in Sydney. She is one of those rare person who you know is meant to be a yo…
Dominique Marill
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I have had the pleasure of working with Ananda since early 2014. Preshana was the first studio to bring international teachers to Australia, and through Ananda and Preshana I have participated in teacher trainings and workshops put on by the studio, including in a 200hr training with Naoh Mazé and …
Rachel Falconer
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Ananda is a special teacher and unlike any other that I have had the privilege to study under. Her passion for yoga is evident in everything that she does and she walks a path of truth and understanding. Her classes are taught with a clear and thorough understanding of the body so that her students …
Cassy teacher
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After practicing all different types of yoga for over 15 years you know when you’ve come across a special teacher. Ananda is one of those rare teachers with the ability to teach with ease, humour and technical precision all at the same time. She can sense what each student needs at so it feels like …
Jared
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I am writing this as a personal reference for Ananda Trettin. Ananda has been my yoga teacher for over 5 years, during which time she has guided me through a truly unique physical and spiritual yoga journey. I had been practicing for many years, various styles of yoga, before joining Ananda’s cl…
Karen McLeod
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Ananda has awaken my practice. Her presence in the yoga room draws attention to a person’s body, mind and soul. She teaches with passion in her heart. Her classes are never easy but her tough love for students pays off. Her constructive and detailed instructions brought me out of my comfort zone and…
June Chard
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My first class with Ananda completely changed my view on yoga and sparked a sense of curiosity that I had not had before. She has an acute awareness and understanding of the body and movement, which she so clearing articulates. She explores movement and alignment seamlessly and effortlessly. He…
Heidi Ancich
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Ananda is intuitive and her classes uncannily sensitive to the current mood. She has challenged me to work toward my individual capabilities. Perhaps more importantly, Ananda has presented yoga in a way philosophically that can be taken out of the yoga class and into everyday life. Yoga has been a…
Christine Price
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Recent Blog posts

  • New Years Intentions December 31, 2015
  • Living through the Heart January 8, 2015
  • Merry Christmas – Light Up the Chakra Tree December 9, 2014
  • Article with Ananda January 26, 2014
  • An Invitation To Listen Within By Ananda and Jim December 14, 2013

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