Getting out of my mind – drugs, yoga, meditation and me

Kara-Leah, walking the path

If you've been reading Musings from the Mat for awhile, you'll know that I'm honest. I put great stock in presenting experiences just as they occur in my life, because I believe that there is so much we can learn from each others' unvarnished experiences. I also am mindful of my commitment to truth because it's one of the Yamas, or wise characteristics that yogis cultivate. Not because it's a "good" thing to do, or even the "right" thing to do, but because as yogis, committed to the science … [Read more...]

The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill: Whose fault is it anyway?

Obama: It's a tough job...

Watching the news recently, I was moved to tears during footage of the devastation in the Gulf of Mexico. Remembering Alys's great article Exposing oneself to the news – what’s the real story?, I was mindful of staying open and non-judgmental of what I was watching. I wanted to be able to see what was truly going on, beyond ignorance or avidya. As I watched, an angry man flashed before the screen and said: Shame on you BP! The news shifted to the latest political goings-on about … [Read more...]

Is it wrong to mix different yoga traditions in one practice?

Mary Grace & James Onnikian demonstrating Acro Yoga

by guest author Elissa Jordan When I step onto my mat at home for a personal practice I see it as my practice. It is a practice made up of teachers, books,workshops and what feels good for my body at that time. It's got elements of Astanga, Acro Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Iyengar, Sivananda and Kundalini. It suits my mood and my tempo. Sometimes it's fast, sometimes slow, sometimes intense, sometimes restorative. It's mine. But when I was recently in India a teacher commented to me that yoga is … [Read more...]

How to create a super successful yoga event Part 3

In Part 1 of this article, we looked at booking a teacher, sorting out the timing and location, and getting clear on exactly what you're trying to create. Part 2 covered details like targeting an audience, targeting the media and creating promotional material that sells. Now in Part 3, we'll pull it all together. Make sure you've done 3. from Part 1 - that you've visualized your perfect event. This is likely the most crucial thing you'll do, because knowing what you want to create … [Read more...]

Christchurch Yoga Teacher: Pavitra of Yoga for You

Christchurch Yoga Teacher Pavrita

It's been a few weeks since The Yoga Lunchbox featured a yoga teacher from around the country, and it is my great delight to introduce you to Pavitra. Born in Germany, she discovered yoga through books at the age of 17. Already burning with a strong desire to know more about the mysteries of life, Pavitra didn't let the lack of a real-life teacher stop her from starting her yoga journey. Now living and teaching in Christchurch, New Zealand, Pavitra - a Satyananda Yoga teacher who studied … [Read more...]

Vote for The Yoga Lunchbox in the NetGuide Web Awards today

Netguide

Ok, so I'm a bit slow out of the box on this one as voting opened on April 30th (!), but it's never too late right? I figure with a groundswell of support from you, the Yoga Lunchbox reader, we can make it into the top five for the category Best Lifestyle Website. 'Cos right now, The Yoga Lunchbox is flying under the radar as far as mainstream media or awareness is concerned, and it would be real nice to get some publicity. I just know there's lots more yoga practitioners out there in New … [Read more...]