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...]

How I finally kicked my co-dependent relationship to the kerb

Strong & independent or insecure & needy?

Who'd've thought? Strong, independent, courageous Moi was stuck in a co-dependent relationship. Yep, me neither. Despite getting wind of this fact about halfway through our 3 year or so relationship, it took me another 18 months to break the pattern. Which in the end meant breaking off the relationship. This relationship had been increasingly volatile ever since I got back from Prana Flow yoga teacher training in LA. I'd made a commitment to myself on the return plane flight that I … [Read more...]

Love comes first, we’ll make heaven a place on earth

Havan - fire ceremony

I landed back in Wellington last Thursday under a Full Moon, after spending a week making my way up the South Island staying at friends' and family's houses along the way. The trip unfolded spontaneously, as I allowed each next step to reveal itself in it's own good time. Fortuitiously, my Dad and step-mum arrived back a few days early from their camping trip, so Samuel and I were able to spend a fun-filled afternoon and evening at their house in Blenheim, before catching the ferry the … [Read more...]

It’s the end of the world as we know it… and I feel strong

Nothing but mountains ahead

I feel raw right now as it's been an intensely challenging three or four weeks. I finally broke up with my partner of three and half years on December 30th, a decision that's been a long time coming, but something I was fervently doing my best to avoid. In the end, there was no avoiding the facts. I couldn't continue my practice of being loving and open while standing strong in my truth, and stay in the relationship. Initially there was a feeling of relief - finally no more back and … [Read more...]

How yoga helped me… stand tall, both literally and emotionally

Yoga can make us stand tall, in many ways

This is an on-going series of yoga stories submitted by Yoga Lunchbox readers. Tell us how yoga changed your life and go in the draw to win a yoga prize package. Submitted by Kathie  Overeem of Dunedin, NZ, winner of a Yoga Prize Package I’ve been a sporty type for 10 years or so now I go through phases of running, biking, and weight training. Over the last 5 years I’ve found yoga and since then it has typically part been part of my weekly routine. I’m prone to very bad posture … [Read more...]

Everything is stable… until it’s not

Anusara Yoga Teacher Katie Lane

by guest author Katie Lane What the Christchurch earthquake is teaching me about stability. Just when I thought I’d found my roots...the ground shook. AGAIN. Tuesday morning, 11.32am. The biggest aftershock I felt since our original 7.1 magnitude earthquake in early September. It was also the first *big* aftershock for me since arriving back in NZ from an amazing therapy training with John Friend in Maui. Compared to the BIG event, this shake was minor. However, a 5.0 on any scale … [Read more...]