I always say that meditation is the real game-changer when it comes to Yoga practices. The trick is to find a meditation style that works for you because we are all different. Luckily there are many types of meditation practices to explore. When you find one that works for you, stick to it and practice, practice, practice.
If you’ve studied yoga with me you will know that my main focus is on the subtle body… but what is that exactly and why does it matter?
Many people are not aware that our physical body is not the only body that we have. In yoga we describe other layers in the body as sheaths called koshas.
If you’re anything like me you’re probably cringing as Valentines day approaches with all its tacky cliches, unrealistic expectations, and the way it divides us into the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’. It seems to me that this has nothing to do with love and everything to do with consumerism and ego.
I was recently interviewed by “Live with Upasana” on Instagram. She lives in Mumbai where they are still in lockdown and she asked me to share some practices to support people who are struggling with their mental health.
You can listen to the interview HERE (it’s only 15 mins) or if you prefer reading, here is a summary:
Q: How has your work changed in the last 12 months since we last spoke?
Do you wear Mala beads?
I wear my malas everywhere… for me they are a constant reminder to stop, breathe, and to pay attention to the moment.
I’ve collected malas in my travels throughout India and Bali and each holds significant spiritual meaning for me.
Mala is a Sanskrit word which means garland, however it is much more than a beautiful adornment, a mala is a powerful and symbolic tool for meditation.
Have you ever asked yourself why you practice yoga? Not the reasons that the ‘experts’ tell you but what YOU personally get out of it.
It might be for your physical body, perhaps you want to be strong and flexible.
It might be for your energetic body, perhaps you yearn to be full of vital life force.
When I first started practicing Yoga in the late 80’s it was with the Iyengars who were very strict about alignment and the way one should fold blankets. There was certainly no sound or chanting! I always refer to that part of my yoga journey as my army days:)
I knew in my heart that there was more to yoga than the angle at which my foot was pointing.
Yoga Nidra is a Sanskrit term meaning “yogic sleep”.
It’s a deep relaxation technique sometimes referred to as body scan meditation. It is often prescribed as an effective way to calm the nervous system and promote deep quality sleep. For this reason it is popular with those who experience insomnia.
If you’ve been to my yoga classes or workshops you will know that I always begin by inviting you to create a Sankalpa, which is to set an intention. I love this ritual because it’s a reminder that your yoga doesn’t just happen on the mat.
Now that we have all had a chance to experience online yoga and yoga studios are re-opening, we’re about to find out how the Covid experience we’ve all been through is going to influence our yoga practice for students, teachers and studios alike.
I released a survey on my Instagram last week to gauge the sentiment amongst students and teachers regarding how they would deliver and practice yoga when studios reopen.
