by Melissa Billington Hanumanasana, often called the splits, is the extraordinary experience of moving in two opposing directions at the same time, without falling apart, or holding the breath, or injuring ourselves. In practicing this great leap of Hanuman, we learn to engage actively and consciously, while releasing actively, consciously and bravely. AT THE SAME TIME! Which brings me into two chakras - Muladhara, root support and Svadisthana, one’s own sweetness or … [Read more...]
How to answer: what exactly is the energy body?
by guest author Elissa Jordan It started with a story about a mouse in a toaster. Our second weekend in Nelson, as part of the Advanced Yoga Teacher Training with Jenifer Parker of Wellington’s Healium, focused on the energy body. Looking back over my notes from the weekend I see the conversation ebb and flow as only appropriate for a weekend focusing on energy. The movement of stories rode one energetic wave after the next - starting with that mouse in a toaster, and moving to a … [Read more...]
Tantra: A system for mind expansion
by guest author Swami Muktidharma There is a huge misunderstanding about the great science of Tantra, especially in our western society. Some confuse it with witchery or black magic and a lot more think that Tantra is only related to sexual practices. As with many things imported from the East to the West, this is a gross misrepresentation of Tantra and a very limited way to understand an ancient and deep science. Tantra relates to each and every aspect of our lives, and therefore must … [Read more...]
Suggestions on What to do if You’ve had a Kundalini Awakening
WIN a copy of Kara-Leah's new book 'Field Notes from Kundalini Awakening', publishing in 2018. Guaranteed to take you on an intimate journey into the depths of the Kundalini experience. Click here to sign up for the book launch list and go into the draw to win one of THREE print copies. By Kara-Leah Grant It can be scary, disorientating, dislocating and downright awful when Kundalini awakens. Sometimes a Kundalini Awakening will look like mental illness, physical illness or emotional … [Read more...]
What is a Kundalini Awakening and Have I Had One?
WIN a copy of Kara-Leah's new book 'Field Notes from Kundalini Awakening', publishing in 2018. Guaranteed to take you on an intimate journey into the depths of the Kundalini experience. Click here to sign up for the book launch list and go into the draw to win one of THREE print copies. By Kara-Leah Grant The following information is not gospel - it's just my reflections and my understandings based on my own experience of Kundalini Awakening. As always, don't believe a thing I say unless it … [Read more...]
Be a Tree: Interpretive Yoga for Adults
It’s Autumn: trees are delighting us with a riot of colour, littering the ground with jewels from their branches. We can take a hint from Mother Nature and enjoy a similar process ourselves, letting go of old, stagnant, nonessentials. Releasing has many more nuances than just ‘getting rid’ of something. Pay attention to Nature move through a full cycle of gestation, birth, growth, and decay and you’ll see letting go as making space. Indeed, Spring blossoms and leaves come to be … [Read more...]
Chakra Vinyasa: Meeting the Energy Body
You've seen the colours and the shapes - geometric designs in vibrant shades on yoga clothing, jewelry, and various yogic accoutrements. Teachers may have asked you to direct your attention to the 'third eye' between your eyebrows, or asked you to press your hands together in a prayer gesture at the 'heart center.' Some one might have mentioned 'kundalini' or similarly foreign words while directing you through a breath practice, alternatively closing one nostril and then the other. Yet … [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...]
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...]
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...]