By Lucinda Staniland By now you've probably come across Yoga Nidra, one of the hottest trends to hit the Yoga scene in recent years. Everyone is doing it, from your trend-setting Instagram-loving best friend to your old-school internet-free great Aunt. But what is Yoga Nidra exactly, and does it deserve its sudden popularity? To the latter, I answer with an emphatic YES, which I trust will quickly become clear in the eight points below. And for an answer to the former, I turned to Swami … [Read more...]
How to Deal with the Challenges that Arise in Relationships using Yoga
by guest author Swami Neelmani First, let us look at the word relationship. What does it mean? A relationship is an association, a connection, a bond, an ongoing exchange, a link which occurs with ourselves, other people, nature, animals and objects. There are a variety of things we can have relationships with in life. In relationships we connect and interact with something or somebody else, through our mind, emotions, energy and actions. Possibly the most challenging, confronting … [Read more...]
December 29 – January 1: Anahata Yoga Retreat, Creating Change – New Year’s Retreat with Swami Karma Karuna
Prepare the foundation and plant a seed for the New Year with practical tools of Yoga and Meditation. Invite positive change into your life learning how to progressively nurture your resolutions to grow, flower and bear fruits. Welcome the New Year in an inspiring yoga environment to relax, reflect and reconnect with yourself and nature. Discover your innate resolutions inviting positive change and direction into your life. Anahata Yoga Retreat provides a supportive yogic environment … [Read more...]
November – December 2013: Anahata Yoga Retreat, Yoga Wisdom Series, Yogic Lifestyle Retreats with Swami Neelmani
Discover different aspects of your personality expressed through the five elements and chakras within each of us! During the month of November and December we are again celebrating with Yoga Wisdom Series - a special theme for each week based on the 5 elements and chakras. Using mindfulness, experience yogic lifestyle and learn how to apply these practical applications to everyday life. All Weeks Include: Hatha Yoga classes Satyananda Yoga Nidra™ (deep relaxation) Kirtan … [Read more...]
A review of Yoga for Women: Awaken the Inner Shakti with Swami Karma Karuna
By regular columnist Lucinda Staniland, Off The Mat When Kara-Leah asked me if I would like to review a Yoga for Women CD I knew there was no way I could turn down the offer. I thought to myself: You want to give me a free CD of guided yoga practices for women made by the lovely Karma Karuna of Anahata retreat? And then: Hell yes! I’m a women, I love yoga, I have great respect for Karma Karuna, and I have (almost) no disposable income to spend on yoga, so I leapt at the chance for some … [Read more...]
Sacred Feminine and Yoga: Practical Tools. Part 4
by guest author Swami Karma Karuna, Anahata Yoga Retreat There are more practical tools than can be described belonging to tantra and yoga that are beneficial for a woman’s body, mind and support the connection to the inner sacred space. The practices all work in different ways with the ultimate goal of helping one to reconnect with their higher self or the inner Shakti, which in fact is the sacred feminine. Shakti is the life force. When it is blocked or out of balance, physical and … [Read more...]
June 1-3: Auckland, Sacred Feminine Yoga Retreat with Swami Karma Karuna
Through nurturing sessions of yoga, creativity and music learn to awaken and channel the feminine force (shakti) to its creative potential. In this special retreat honouring the divine feminine energy, experience the special bond shared between women and join together to reignite our connection with Mother Earth and one another. Through nurturing sessions of yoga, creativity and music learn to awaken and channel the feminine force (shakti) to its creative potential. Join us in this safe and … [Read more...]
April 27 – 30: Anahata Retreat, Family Yoga Retreat with Swamis Muktidharma & Karma Karuna
Come together in a light hearted environment for individual, partner and family yoga fun! Yoga is like planting seeds of positivity that will sprout in future generations. Join Swamis Muktidharma and Karma Karuna for this much loved retreat for all ages, which provides the perfect setting to come together and experience heart warming fun. The picturesque natural environment of Anahata allows a return to simple pleasures and encourages the spontaneous and natural childlike qualities in … [Read more...]
April 5th – 7th: Christchurch, the Unshakeable Heart with Swami Muktidharma
Inner Peace through Sound and Positive Expression with Swami Muktidharma When we leave the periphery and come closer to the centre, we experience calmness and gain access to an inner source of joy and deep peace. Sometimes life shakes and challenges us and ripples are created in our lives. When we learn to look within, we can connect to a place of strength, balance and unwavering peace. Leave the intellect at home and connect to this innate depth and wisdom. Explore the ancient sciences … [Read more...]
January 18 – 20: Yoga and Ayurveda – Perfect Digestion with Swami Muktidharma & Sannyasin Adhyatma
Through the sister sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda tune in to the inherent intelligence that inhabits your body. In this practical hands on retreat you will learn a holistic approach to optimise your health using these sister Vedic sciences. Combined with yoga, this is the perfect approach for gaining equilibrium in the body, mind, soul and senses, and experiencing optimal health. Hands on time in our kitchen learning practical Ayurvedic techniques Understand your digestive tract and fine … [Read more...]