by Erica Viedma, Yoga with Erica As a yoga teacher, I am aware of the delicate somatic connection between our physical sensations, thoughts and emotions. In yoga we often instruct people to stand tall and broaden the chest - opening the heart area. We ask people to open into areas that may have been guarded and held tight. At times I have observed myself and others struggle with the emotions that this kind of movement can evoke. With this in mind, I have chosen to study towards a … [Read more...]
Mindfulness and the Prefrontal Cortex
by Dyana Wells, Open Ground School of Meditation A lot of us have heard about mindfulness and its possible benefits. Recently I have learned a few interesting things about the brain that have made the benefits of mindfulness meditation even clearer to me. Meditation produces a thickening of the prefrontal cortex – the part of the cerebral hemispheres above and behind the eyes. The prefrontal cortex increased in size massively during our evolution into human beings and it may hold the … [Read more...]
This is What Happened When I Combined Yoga with the KonMari Method
by Lucinda Staniland It was a small book that made a big promise. I’ve grown to be suspicious of such books, particularly when they make prominent use of phrases like ‘life-changing’, but there was something about this one that I couldn’t shake off. It was simple, it was sincere—very sincere, in fact—and it was practical too. Maybe, just maybe, I thought, this little book might be offering something true. Maybe, just maybe, tidying up might just turn out to be as life-changing as it … [Read more...]
Cathy Gamba on Mindfulness, Deep Rest & Teaching Yoga in New Caledonia
by Lucinda Staniland Every yoga teacher brings a unique constellation of skills, interest and life history to their teaching practice, and Wellington yoga teacher Cathy Gamba is no exception. Cathy's on her way to becoming a clinical psychologist, has deep roots in the practice of mindfulness and is acutely aware of the connection between physical health and mental health. She's also French, and is stoked to be teaching an upcoming yoga retreat in New Caledonia, a French-speaking Pacific … [Read more...]
When Overwhelming Thoughts Take Over Your Restorative Yoga Practice
By Nityda Bhakti, The Yoga Wellness Space Yoga is a practice of turning inward or pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses). It can be hard to do this at times in a more rigorous yoga class, especially for those still learning the poses and therefore needing to fix their focus to others in the room in an effort to get their bodies into the right position. Restorative yoga allows us the space to hold poses for longer, with the support of props, so that we don’t have to use physical effort to do … [Read more...]
Why I’m Bringing Yoga & Meditation to Teenagers with The Soul Laundry
By Nina Rogocki, The Soul Laundry About three years ago I was new to Auckland from the UK, and embarking on a new journey that was unexpected but welcome. To settle into my new environment, I found myself a gym, as you do, and I started to attend classes and set my routine. One afternoon in a daze, I got in the lift and ended up on the wrong floor. The doors of the lift opened up to reveal a welcoming, warm environment that was quiet and felt like total calm. Upon investigation I realised … [Read more...]
Teenage Kicks! The Impact Of Yoga On Teenagers
By guest author Charlotta Martinus, TeenYoga I was 37 when I started yoga and to be frank, I thought it was all pretty weird! And so did most people. A lot has changed since then. There has been a 25% year on year increase in the UK in people involved in yoga, one way or another in the last ten years. So, clearly, perceptions have changed! When I started thinking about offering yoga in schools, it was fun and easily accepted at primary school, as little kids are so open to new experiences … [Read more...]
August 3 – 4: Auckland, Freeing the Heart-Mind Buddhist meditation retreat
Click on the PDF to open a large version that is easier to read. Find out more about Freeing the Heart-Mind retreat here. Freeing the Heart-Mind is a non-residential weekend retreat exploring Buddhist meditation practices for developing wisdom and compassion. During this weekend retreat we will explore two main forms of Buddhist meditation: insight (vipassana) and loving-kindness (metta). Together, these two practices help us to cultivate more awareness of ourselves and others, so that we … [Read more...]
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe – Which is better, Yoga or Pilates?
by guest author Jude Mahood, Suburban Yoga, Dunedin I recently heard someone describe Yoga/Pilates fusion (or Yogalates as it is often called) as the coming together of natural soul mates. I couldn’t agree more. But there are still many people out there who think that bringing Pilates principles into their Yoga is somehow tainting or contaminating. There is nothing wrong with being purist in our thinking, but it’s also important to maintain an open mind. When we close our minds, we … [Read more...]
June 10 – July 7: Anahata Retreat, Yoga Wisdom Series & Yogic Lifestyle Retreats
The doors to wisdom are never shut. Explore the deep wisdom of the ancient science of yoga. During the month of June we are celebrating with Yoga Wisdom Month - a special theme for each week. All Weeks Include: Hatha Yoga classes Satyananda Yoga Nidra™ (deep relaxation) Kirtan (mantra and music) Havan (ancient fire ceremony) Karma Yoga (action with awareness) Daily meditation sessions Come for 1 week or stay for all 4 weeks! Week 1: Purification June 10th - 16th This … [Read more...]