How to work with an aromatic sadhana (spiritual practice)

Bergamot

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...]

Applying the first yama, Ahimsa (non-violence), to daily life

Ahimsa - being kind to ourselves and our bodies on the mat

Last week I made the decision to apply myself seriously to the study and application of each yama (or wise characteristics that denote how we interact with other people) week by week. First up is Ahimsa, which literally means the avoidance of violence. How hard can that be? Don't hit anyone. Don't kill anyone. Don't pinch, punch or slap anyone. I'm not by nature a violent, nor angry person, can't be too tough right? Ah... but wait. Does this apply to sentient beings other than … [Read more...]

Can you name all the yamas and niyamas from Patanjali’s Eight Limbs?

Ghandi's life was all about the first yogic yama - Ahimsa

I've been contemplating a few things lately, both while on my mat and off my mat. Things like how yoga and business mix, what it means to be a yoga student, what it means to be a yogi, how our shadow sides present themselves and affect both us and the people around us, and what life is really all about. I know, big stuff. Something that's mean tying it together for me, over and over and over again, is that how we choose to behave when the pressure is on reveals how mature we are, or how far … [Read more...]

How yoga helped me… find steadiness and beauty within my body

Revealing steadiness and beauty in Trikonasana

  Submitted by Zoe of the North Island (not her real name) The sexual abuse of the body started before I turned 4. I say it that way because although it happened to all of me, separating from the body it happened to became a way to survive. I could vanish into the wallpaper or the light shade in an effort to tolerate the intolerable. By the time I was in my mid-twenties my life was coming unraveled. A fiercely honed intellect wasn't sufficient for living a fully engaged life. A … [Read more...]

What’s yoga got to do with climate action?

The Big Stretch - bringing down emissions

Well, plenty actually. And this is the perfect time to write about that connection. One, it's International Blog Action Day, when bloggers around the world write about one topic that matters - this year the environment. And two, next Saturday October 24th is International Climate Action Day, also happening worldwide. Here in Wellington, there will be meditation at Frank Kitts Park all day, and The Big Stretch - a free yoga class at 3pm. We want to get as many yogis to the free yoga … [Read more...]

Day 1 to 15: Forty Day Sadhana of Infinite Energy and Prosperity Meditation

Cherry Blossom

These are interesting times. It's getting harder and harder to ignore the fact that we live on a finite planet, yet continue to promote a consumerist, throw away society that generates money for the few while decimating the planet. These were my thoughts as I sat outside this morning on my deck, eating porridge, watching the sunrise, and enjoying the presence of a handful of sparrows attracted by the stale bread we'd thrown on the lawn. They pecked and chirped, hopped and nibbled. Read … [Read more...]