Yoga Like A Fine Wine? We all definitely end up settling into a style of yoga or a teacher that suits our tastes. Something tried and tested , does what it says on the label and dosn’t make us feel funny or leave us with a nasty taste. Like a good wine, yoga needs a…
Let’s lower some barriers to meditation. Play around with what feels good, and manageable for you individually. And understand there is no rule book, no blueprint, and no way to get it right or wrong. You can meditate in the morning, or in the evening, or both – there are no rules. You can sit,…
I am an avid reader and love listening to Radio 4s Poetry Please because I wish I understood it more. So when I heard poetry read out loud reduces anxiety and depression it sounded like the wellness territory I wanted to do a dive in to find out more. It’s the reading aloud part that…
We often hear phrases like, ‘going to the gym is my therapy’ or ‘running is my meditation’, even, ‘training sorts my head out’. It’s always great when we can make those mind body connections outside the confines of the yoga studio or the latest bio hacking app- but is it meditation? Well, no but that’s…
One of the key things I ask a prospective new private yoga client about is their current activity and as soon as someone says they are a keen gardener it speaks volumes. Digging, lifting, raking, crouching, squatting, reaching overhead, leaning over, gardening has ninja warrior written all over it in my book. In fact an…
Finding Inner Peace: The True Meaning of Santosha In a world filled with constant change and external pressures, finding inner peace can seem like a daunting task. Yet, there is a concept in yoga philosophy that offers a pathway to lasting contentment, no matter what life throws our way. This concept is known as Santosha.…
Is International Yoga Day Problematic? Each year on June 21st, people worldwide celebrate International Yoga Day. Social media lights up with photos of yoga poses and inspirational quotes, and large groups gather to meditate in public spaces. However, this celebration can have a troubling side that many might not be aware of. The idea for…
Chakras: Beyond the Myths and Misconceptions Chakra, pronounced “chu-kra,” not “sha-kra” commonly translates to “circular wheel-like disc.” However, the common terms we often hear, like chakra blockages, balancing, opening, or healing, can be misleading. Traditional Yoga texts suggest that chakras don’t need opening because they aren’t closed, nor do they need healing because they aren’t…
The five kleshas (‘clay-shas’) in the Yoga sutras as known as afflictions, often translated as poisons and seen as the root of our discontent. We could simply think of them as obstacles in our minds that make us unhappy. They are: 1.Ignorance/delusion avidya 2.Ego asmita 3.Attachment raga 4.Aversion dvesa 5.Fear of death/change abinivesah These can…
Choosing to use a prop in yoga isn’t always a practical decision but more often an emotional one. Each prop carries a unique energy and symbolism, resonating differently with individuals. Whether it’s the comforting embrace of a bolster or the grounding stability of a block, or your nervous system feeling supported nestled into a meditation…