Turning our world upside down

• 2 min read

Our latest session, Inversions & the Flow of Amṛta with SYA Guest Tutor Lauren Gray, was a truly nourishing experience. Lauren created a calm, supportive space where every participant felt at ease, regardless of their level of experience.

The session opened with a powerful story of the Samudra Manthana, where the Asuras and Devas churn the cosmic ocean; an evocative image of opposing forces moving together. It beautifully highlighted the polarity of calm and chaos that exists within us all, reminding us that both are part of the same unfolding flow of life, and from a non-dual perspective, not separate forces but expressions of a single unified reality moving in harmony.

Through this lens, the practice gently shook us out of stillness and into awareness  inviting us to witness what rises up when we “churn” our own inner world, and from that movement, that subtle tension between effort and surrender, came the essence of amṛta; the nectar of vitality.

Lauren wove together clear anatomical guidance with the deeper philosophy of amṛta gave the practice a sense of meaning beyond the physical. It wasn’t about achieving the “perfect” inversion, but about listening inwardly and exploring balance with patience and curiosity. The use of Pilates ball props (affectionally named 'cabbages') was thoughtful and empowering, helping to build both alignment and balance among the playfulness.

Each stage of the practice felt accessible, and there was a gentle encouragement to "honour your own pace".

By the end, there was a noticeable shift; not just physically, but in a quieter, more centred awareness. We were guided to be open to a "quiet filling of the cup"… a return to something steady and life-giving. A reminder that when we meet both turbulence and tranquillity with presence, we begin to taste the sweetness of life’s own elixir, amṛta.

A beautifully held workshop that offered both strength and softness, and a lovely reminder that sometimes turning things upside down brings the greatest sense of clarity and ease. Thank you Lauren.

Lauren's website: https://www.laurengray-yoga.com/