Shiva Rea DVD Review & Giveaway!

Shiva Rea Free Flow Vinyasa Workshop DVD

There are many benefits to living at the bottom of the world. The ability to attend workshops with big name, innovative Yoga instructors at large gatherings or conferences is sadly not one of them. Which is what should put the Great Instructors Series from Yoga Journal on the top of your Yoga DVD Wish List if you are a dedicated practitioner or teacher. I recently sat down with the Shiva Rea Free Flow Vinyasa offering from the series and gave it a critical eye. What struck me was how … [Read more...]

Starting a Home Meditation Practice

Anyone can meditate at home

by regular columnist Peter Fernando, The Meditation Guy   Are you wanting to start your own home meditation practice? The number one piece of advice I have for you is: Just do it! Having said that, a recent question that came in asked for more details, so in response to that reader, here's... Six Useful Home Meditation Tips   1) Don't meditate in front of the TV (even when it's off), or in front of the computer. If you take some time to create a meditation-only space … [Read more...]

Review: A Month of Mindfulness Meditation Practice with Peter Fernando

Peter Fernando, teacher of A Month of Mindfulness

I’ve been a bit of a nomad these last six months, doing house-sits, camping, festivals, cruising in my van, and a bit of Wwoofing. I love the freedom of this lifestyle, but what I noticed after a few months was that I needed a routine that would give priority to my meditation practice no matter where I was or what I was doing. For that reason alone, I was excited when I heard Peter Fernando was offering an online course of his wonderful guided meditations, wisdom and insights. It’s … [Read more...]

Breaking away from asana and exploring the other limbs of yoga

Eight limbs of yoga

We have just moved house, my partner and I.  In the midst of trying to insure we have all our things in spaces that make sense, I’ve been eyeing the large deck and huge lounge floor. This house is made for practicing Yoga. Which I haven’t done in I don’t know how long.  Not specifically the sort that everyone thinks of when they hear the word ‘yoga’, anyway.  That is to say: my life has had no asana practice for a couple weeks. Since asana is only one of eight – 1 of 8! … [Read more...]

Bra-Free Pyjama Practice: My Yoga at Home

Bra-less hippie girl

As I’ve grown as a practitioner, I’ve liked group classes less and less. I remember being impressed by people in my yoga teacher training programs who were there only to enhance home practice. While I was there to learn to teach, home practice is so integral to teaching that I’ve barely bothered to take any group classes since graduating my first Yoga Teacher Training in 2004. I like it that way. But why? Group class teachers aren’t bad, or offensive.  Some are downright … [Read more...]

How to make online yoga classes work for you

Jessica 'attending' her online yoga class with My Yoga Online

As practitioner who enjoys doing yoga in the morning, before getting ready for the day but after the rest of the house has left to start theirs, I have a limited time slot available. Thirty minutes is the longest I can do without anxiety, and the shortest I can do with results. Many people are similar – morning yoga prepares us for the day mentally and physically.  Precious time must be dedicated and we must step on our mats and do a practice. Raise your hand if you’ve dedicated … [Read more...]