Yoga Philosophy

Is Motivation Really Necessary?

The other day just before a morning yoga class, a conversation ensued about the idea of showing up. The discussion was centred around whether how we actually feel about showing up for something (in other words motivated or not) is a useful way to think.

The Pose is All About the Massage..

This pose, padma mayurasana (lotus peacock) is, of course, super challenging, but it’s defined as one of The Most Important Poses and the most relevant. Why?

Go Natural, Chillax and Look After Your Liver

You might think of stress as being something that happens when we are upset or scared, but it’s not only how we feel about one-off events – that’s just one form of stress. It’s also how we process that stress emotionally. How willing are we to let go of things that don’t really matter? How do we feel day-to-day – for example, about our relationship; where we live or our job?

Why Practise Nadi Shodhana Pranyama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)?

When you think about it, the body is essentially made up of channels; consider, for example, how blood, air, water, energy information and matter is able to circulate and move. We have a windpipe, intestines, capillaries, arteries, blood vessels and glands – sweat and otherwise – to name but a few. Ayurvedic health science describes many of these as shrotas.

Introduction to Ayurveda (The Ancient Science of Self-Healing)

Just like its sister science, yoga, Ayurveda is a completely holistic system stemming from the Rig-Veda, one of India’s most ancient philosophical texts which is thought to have been written sometime between 4500 and 1600 BC. The text contains a collection of works recorded by many great sages who were concerned about human health and wellness. Much of what these ancient sages believed to be true about human anatomy and physiology has been confirmed these days by modern science.

The Yamas & Niyamas in accordance with Patanjali’s Eight Limbs (Astanga)

There’s not much that’s more frustrating to a long-term yoga teacher than the belief yoga is a form of exercise so here’s a brief interpretation of the yamas and niyamas in accordance with Patanjali’s sutras.

Whatever Else You Do, You MUST do This Occasionally…

“Practice ‘not-doing’ and everything will fall into place”
– Lao Tzu.

Its surprising how many chronic health conditions are stress-related, but typically, what kind of things would we normally describe as stressful?

Hardcore or Soft Centre? Why Opting for Balance is More Sustainable

Intellectually we understand what is meant by the words sustain and balance, and we use them constantly. But what do they really mean? Sustain: Support, bear the weight of (for a long period), encourage, give nourishment, going continuously, maintain.

 Sustainable: ..[which] conserves an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources.

 Balance: Stability of body or […]

Get Your Head out of Your Asana: Yoga is Actually a Complete Health System

Anyone can practise yoga or be a “yogi”. It does not have to be on a mat, in a yoga studio or while wearing Lululemon. We may get it wrong from time to time, but that’s all okay because we just do our best.  We are practising love and respect for all – including (or […]

Short Bursts of Hyperventilation Can Be Good for Your Health

As many of us have read/seen/heard, the latest research suggests short bursts of intense exercise (1-3 minutes a few times a week) appear to have great ‪health benefits when it comes to general health/blood tests. As of yet, there has been no conclusive answer as to why and no mention of a possible link to ‪breathing. But, […]