by Kara-Leah Grant It's Day 17 of my forty days of a heart-opening kriya (see below for PDF of this kriya). Every day I hit the mat and do seven postures in a specific order. Often I do other asana, pranayama and meditation as well. But no matter what, there is always the consistency of the heart-opening kriya to anchor me in my home yoga practice. So, is it working? Is this yoga practice opening my heart chakra? Before I answer that, I want to take a step back and define what that … [Read more...]
November to December: Auckland, 20% off STOTT PILATES Mat and Reformer Instructor Training Courses
Core Pilates Studio is New Zealand's only STOTT PILATES training centre, offering full certification in the STOTT PILATES method. Our courses are globally recognised and provide a qualification that will equip you with the skills to compliment your Yoga practice with Pilates instructing. We're offering 20% off Mat & Reformer courses in Auckland from November to December 1 2013 while spaces last. See the Core Pilates website for more details - you can find out course dates here. … [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...]
Sacred Feminine and Yoga: It’s all about balance. Part 2
by guest author Swami Karma Karuna, Anahata Yoga Retreat The Tantric view of creation is that there are two forces called Shiva and Shakti representing the male and female aspects of creation, which exist within each and every person. Shiva, also called Purusha, is the masculine force and is pure ‘consciousness'. Shakti or Prakriti is the feminine force that is pure ‘energy’. One cannot exist without the other and both are within each of us. This duality is also described in the word 'Ha' … [Read more...]
Mala Beads for Autumn Yoga and Meditation
by guest author Jacqueline Medalye of Salt Spring Malas and Yoga Jewelry Autumn is a transition time of year. As daylight becomes shorter, days become colder, and we feel like it is time to retreat from the world, our yoga and meditation practice can become a source of strength, vitality, and enthusiasm. Yoga during autumn is critical for maintaining a healthy immune system, keeping the body warm, and helping us maintain an active lifestyle and positive attitude. Meditation is important … [Read more...]
How to anchor your Forty Day practice with consistency amid fluidity
by Kara-Leah Grant, author of Forty Days of Yoga In the 40,000 words of Forty Days of Yoga I give no specific instruction on asana or set sequences. That means that if you're looking for a home yoga practice book that will tell you what to do, this is not it. I know – you're looking for a magic bullet. That perfect home yoga practice that will turn you into a yogi. I know this because at workshops and in classes, via email and in comments, student after student after student asks me, and … [Read more...]
You’re Un•BAL•anced… 4 easy ways to bring more balance to your life without really getting off your butt.
by columnist Gabrielle Harris, The Suburban Yogini Ever since I was publicly declared 'unbalanced' I got to thinking …… how can I go about getting my balance on? Here is a sampler of treatments from the suburbs: Therapy number one: Yin Yoga After discovering that according to Ayurvedic science my dosha was pitta (fire and energy) I became aware that to find more balance in my life I needed to jump off the power yoga treadmill and sit on my butt for long periods of time letting my … [Read more...]
Video Interview: Swami Samnyasananda on the science of pranayama & breathing
Two weeks ago, The Yoga Lunchbox published a text interview with Swami Samnyasananda, a consultant neurophysiologist who specialises in research on sleeping. He sounded like such an interesting guy that we then lined up a Skype interview with him too. The Swami is coming to New Zealand in May and June this year, and will be touring around the North Island giving talks and doing private consults with people about how to use breathing and pranayama to help with various health … [Read more...]
May 24 – June 4: Where Science Meets Yoga – Swami Samnyasananda’s North Island Tour
Experience the scientific applications of yoga under the guidance of a brilliant neurophysiologist and long-time yoga practitioner. Swami Samnyasananda will be touring the North Island this May offering deep insights into where Science meets Yoga . Enjoy workshops in: Wellington - Where Yoga Meets Science Thursday 24th May ~ ‘Less Stress’ Saturday 26th May ~ ‘The Science of Sleep’ Sunday 27th May ~ ‘Body, Breath and Balance’ Contact: Adhyatma adhyatma108@gmail.com or 021 … [Read more...]