The path of direct enquiry is the lineage of Ramana Maharshi and what he offered as a path to his own spiritual self-realisation. It is what Papaji taught, and what Gangaji now teaches. Ramana once defined the practice of enquiry by starting with the question: Who Am I ? For all thoughts the source is the 'I' thought. If thoughts arise, without trying to complete them, enquire; to whom did this thought arise. What does it matter how many thoughts arise? As each thought arises, be … [Read more...]
Falling in love with seated postures, falling in love with me
Once upon a time, seated postures were so impossible for my rigid and bound body that I could only ever practice a standing series. Now, seated postures are exactly what I need. Partly it's because my body has opened up enough that it is now possible for me to sit on the ground with my legs straight out in front of me and my spine extended upward. Until that point is reached, seated postures either need modification, or props. But also, it's because I've changed. Once a driven, … [Read more...]
Don’t look at my ass in asana
There are times I fully embrace and enjoy in the relatively hype-free existence of yoga in New Zealand. Coming from Seattle - granola metropolis, yoga studio a stone’s throw in any direction - the lack of flash, and preoccupation with being seen as a yoga practitioner is a relief. How can I worry if I’m wearing the wrong brand name practice pants when there are no brand name practice pants to be bought? In comparison, the American online community - primed by yoga ‘rebels’, issues … [Read more...]
How I Finally Kicked my Co-dependent Relationship to the Kerb
by Kara-Leah Grant, Musings from the Mat 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 … [Read more...]
Because you’ve got to have faith, faith, faith
by Kara-Leah Grant, Musings from the Mat It's a bit of an on-going saga right now, this life of mine, but I feel compelled to write about it. Why? Well... because I feel like it's important. Like I have this opportunity to face great change in my life with great courage. And writing about the challenges, the difficulties and the triumphs will show other people a yogic way to live - a way that's about being conscious and open-hearted. It's about taking the tools I've learned on the … [Read more...]
How to meditate with a baby or toddler
by Kara-Leah Grant, My daily, morning half-hour meditation is a must-do. It's the first priority as soon as I wake up, and whenever possible, I'll get up and do it before my toddler is out of bed. There are times though when he's awake before me, and that means I meditate with him. I've done this ever since he was a tiny baby - tiny enough to lie nestled on my lap, sleeping, while I meditated. He out-grew that at about four months, and now he's quite happy to play around me while I do my … [Read more...]
Love comes first, we’ll make heaven a place on earth
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...]
A podcast interview with Brandon Bays of ‘The Journey’
Alrighty then Lunchboxers... I've just spent a rainy Sunday afternoon up-schooling myself on the ins and outs of editing a .mov file and converting it to a M4a and MP3 file all so you can enjoy a live interview between Moi & Brandon Bays. Brandon Bays who some of you may ask? Brandon Bays. She who, upon discovering she had a basketball - yes, basketball! - sized tumour in her belly, asked the doctor if she could be allowed to 'walk her talk' and apply all her mind-body healing know-how … [Read more...]
It’s the end of the world as we know it… and I feel strong
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 to cope with post-pregnancy poopiness
by guest author Melissa Billington, POWA Centre, Wellington Creating a baby is such a natural thing, yet it can change your world so irrevocably and unexpectedly that it’s no wonder women struggle after the intensity of birthing to feel centred, balanced and “themselves” again. Not only is a new human created, but a new mother is created as well. As much as you read and research and reconnoitre with other women and mothers, no one and nothing can prepare you entirely for the reality … [Read more...]