Regular contributor Jessica Powers looks at ways to open the heart - crucial if we're going to shift out of mind consciousness and into heart consciousness. The Meaning of Anahata The Sanskrit name for our energetic heart center is Anahata, ‘the unstruck sound’. While that at first seems to be a Zen koan, in actuality it speaks of the vibrational basis of the Universe and the place within each of us that resonates with it: beginningless, endless, eternal. Anahata refers … [Read more...]
Chanting through the chakras
by Jessica Powers, The word chakra comes from the Sanskrit language and literally translates to ‘wheel’. Often described as ‘wheels of light’ a chakra is an energy center in the human body aligned with the spine and considered to be an interface between the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual. Though there are many systems detailing the subtle anatomy of humans, some speaking of 12 or even 100s of chakras, the most common tradition is that of seven … [Read more...]
So what’s your purpose in life?
by guest author Marianne Elliott, Off the Mat NZ It’s not exactly the kind of question people are likely to ask you at a cocktail party, but increasingly I hear people asking themselves and others: What is your purpose in life? Many of us long for a clear sense of purpose: one coherent story about what we are supposed to be doing with our life. We wish we could feel confident that we are spending our “one wild and precious life” in a way that is meaningful, that is contributing … [Read more...]
How to work with an aromatic sadhana (spiritual practice)
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...]
Equaniminity and the dying mouse
by guest author Alys Titchener, author of blog Squashed Mosquito. Below is a story I wrote about being open. Why? Because I found that when I shared this story at a meditation workshop earlier this year, there was a lot of empathy for the situation. And a real life story can start to build up a picture as to what it actually means to live with an open heart. In this workshop, nicely called Refuge and run by meditation teacher Peter Fernando, we found ourselves asking; What is being … [Read more...]
Learning to soften
by guest blogger Lia Aprile of Shanti-Town If you've got your own website and would like to write a guest article for The Yoga Lunchbox on anything related to yoga or meditation, get in touch. I have recently started a meditation practice. Again. I am several weeks in at this point, and things have been going pretty well so far, but the last week of this new-found practice has coincided with a particularly rigorous yoga schedule (there's some ass-kicking virus going around, … [Read more...]
An interview with Donna Farhi
I first discovered Donna Farhi in my local library in Queenstown. Her book Yoga Mind, Body and Spirit: A Return to Wholeness was liberating, informative and challenging. She taught not asana by asana, this body part in that body place, but through universal principles that underlay every asana. It was a watershed moment in my Yoga journey as my home practice had begun to diverge from anything resembling a standard hatha class. With Donna's book within easy reach, I felt able to honour the … [Read more...]
Learn the practice of neti and experience a clear head space
by Guest Author Do you suffer from allergies? Sinus problems? Frequent headaches? Nasal infections? How is the autumn effecting you? Find your nostrils are blocked, affecting your pranayama? Looking for a way to gently clear the mind before meditation? The practice of Neti is for you. Neti is one of the easiest and quickest shatkarmas* to learn. Its mastery can be accomplished within a couple of goes then effortlessly incorporated into your daily life. You can do Neti in the … [Read more...]
Yoga-In-Action Groups: Small Circles of Change
Are you ready to take your yoga practice/teaching to the next level? Do you feel as if you have authentic purpose in the world, but are not sure what it is or how to activate it? Do you feel ready to live your life in a more meaningful and connected way? Are you drawn to service but don’t know where or how to begin? The first ever Yoga-in-Action group in New Zealand is for you! WHAT IS IT? … [Read more...]
An interview with Swami Muktimurti about the power of sound to transform
There is a rich Satyananda Yoga tradition in New Zealand, which means we are fortunate to often play host to traveling Satyananda Swamis from around the world. Next month (March 2010), Anahata Retreat just outside of Nelson is hosting Swami Muktimurti from Mangrove Mountain near Mountain. An expert in Mantra and ancient Sanskrit, she is hosting a nine day/ten night retreat focused on Nada Yoga, or the yoga of sound. Swami Muktimurti is well known for her singing. She has pursued a deep … [Read more...]