Fresh and juicy conversations on making yoga a part of your daily life
By far, this has been the trickiest yama to get a handle on. Definitions of what it means vary widely - from total celibacy at one end, to the application of moderation towards all sensory experiences at the other. Some also define it according to the literal word meaning itself, which provides another spin altogether. Brahma literally means the ‘divine consciousness’ and charya, in this context, means ‘living’ or ‘one who is established in’. A literal … [Read more...]
The rich fragrances of sandalwood, frankincense, myrrh, and rose have been intertwined with spiritual practices throughout history and yoga is no exception, just think of the prevalence of incense in studios. Allopathic, naturopathic, and ayurvedic medicines all depend upon the healing properties of plants: whether in a whole state, a diluted or concentrated state, or as a point of inspiration and learning. Essential oils are an approachable, enjoyable way to add the healing ability of … [Read more...]
Up and down the country, form Auckland down to Dunedin, yoga practitioners gathered together on Sunday September 19th to do a practice for peace and raise money for the Yoga in Prisons Trust. The biggest Global Mala events were organised in Wellington, third year running, and in Dunedin, the inaugural event. Both braved the changeable weather conditions to take the yoga outside and to the sun directly. Melissa Billington wrote about her experience as the organiser of the event in … [Read more...]
by guest author Melissa Billington, organiser of Global Mala Wellington So if I look at what was (instead of what I wished would be), there were about 160 people at Global Mala Wellington, about ninety on yoga mats and another seventy on the edges, plus uncounted people coming and going around Frank Kitts Park. There were people who were very helpful, enthusiastic, supportive and who had ideas and resources to offer. And there were others who were along for the ride & still others … [Read more...]
by guest author Alys Titchener, author of blog Squashed Mosquito. Set up against all weather predictions, long term at least, Global Mala took to the outdoors on Wellington’s waterfront. An hour before, it was hard to tell if the blue sky was teasing us or accommodating us. From one hour to the next, it’s hard to know what the weather will do in Wellington. We arrived in optimism giving thanks to the sun; an attitude to befit an afternoon of sun salutations. Not having done more … [Read more...]
Working with a different yama each week has been far tougher than I ever thought. It feels like each one is showing me yet another way in which I create suffering from myself. Problem is, the patterns of behaviour are so subtle and so ingrained that perceiving them is one thing, changing them is another. Asteya, or non-stealing, has shown up in all kinds of unexpected ways for me. Far more than just refraining from stealing material items, Asteya also means not taking that which is not … [Read more...]
