by Kara-Leah Grant Running a popular yoga website means I get all kinds of emails from people wanting me to review or share about their yoga-related products and services. My favourite so far was the press release from a company launching a range of yoga shoes. Because we all know you wear shoes while practicing yoga right? So I was sceptical when Jonathan from Shakti Mat New Zealand emailed me ask said he'd send me a free Shakti Mat if I did a review about it. Road-testing, assessing and … [Read more...]
A Review of Modern Yoga: An Accessible, Detailed and Nuanced Take on Yoga for the 21st Century
by Kara-Leah Grant I love yoga books, and I'm often disappointed by them - not because they don't have great information, but because too often they're just a collection of postures or sequences with very little information about actual Yoga. My favourite books are those that deepen one's understanding of yoga, as a state of presence, as well deepen our understanding of postures - which are simply a tool of yoga. Modern Yoga by Duncan Peak does both of these things. And even better, it does … [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...]
Yogawoman Soundtrack: Great yoga music, great yoga artists
by Kara-Leah Grant I've been putting off writing this review because I've got some critical things to say, and I didn't want to be critical of the wonderful folk behind Yogawoman. They've done a stellar job of telling an important story and bringing awareness of yoga to the masses. Now they've released an album to go with the movie. Who am I to nitpick? But here at The Yoga Lunchbox, honesty rules. Self-aware, compassionate and mindful honesty that is. I must have listened to this album … [Read more...]
A review of Yogawoman: Inspirational and empowering
by guest author Cathryn Monro If you are looking for inspiration to get on your mat, sign up for a class or give yoga a go, then Yogawoman is the movie for you. Yogawoman has a “You can do it” message and presents yoga as simultaneously appealing and accessible, something to aspire to without being too lofty a goal that we give up before we start. Yogawoman attempts to address as wide an audience as possible, from those who have a mat and a practice, to those who might just need a bit of … [Read more...]
Sharing Sadhana: Why yoga teachers’ home yoga practices can inspire
by Kara-Leah Grant Know what I love about this book? It delivers exactly what it promises. The tagline, on the top of the cover, proclaims: "Insights and inspiration for a personal yoga practice." And since reading Sharing Sadhana, my home yoga practice has been inspired, I've had several 'a-ha' moments of insight, and I've even been inspired to write a book on how to create a home yoga practice and stick to it. Not bad eh? And yet when I started reading it... I was doubtful. … [Read more...]
Shiva Rea DVD Review & Giveaway!
There are many benefits to living at the bottom of the world. The ability to attend workshops with big name, innovative Yoga instructors at large gatherings or conferences is sadly not one of them. Which is what should put the Great Instructors Series from Yoga Journal on the top of your Yoga DVD Wish List if you are a dedicated practitioner or teacher. I recently sat down with the Shiva Rea Free Flow Vinyasa offering from the series and gave it a critical eye. What struck me was how … [Read more...]
Is Bikram Choudhury really an alien?
by Kara-Leah Grant, Musings from the Mat On Sunday I drove a 440 km round-trip to see Bikram Choudbury speak. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Not only did I get to meet more of the NZ yoga community, but I also got to check out Bikram The Man in person as he took the stage for a three and a half hour lecture. Yep that's right - Bikram spoke with barely a pause for breath for over three hours, and if it hadn't been for the insistence of the organizers, he would have kept on going. And … [Read more...]
Kirtan CD: A joy-filled experience at your fingertips
Yoga for the Heart CD review Yoga for the Heart: what a great title! It sets the intention behind the CD; alive and joyfilled. Certainly a true reflection of every kirtan session I’ve gone to with Tyag, as his smile reaches into the lyrics, and playful nature pours out as music. On a quiet Saturday, I sat down and listened to the CD, snatching some time to myself before my lunch time guest arrived. Tyag’s low resonant voice filled my room. Very quickly … [Read more...]
Review: A Month of Mindfulness Meditation Practice with Peter Fernando
I’ve been a bit of a nomad these last six months, doing house-sits, camping, festivals, cruising in my van, and a bit of Wwoofing. I love the freedom of this lifestyle, but what I noticed after a few months was that I needed a routine that would give priority to my meditation practice no matter where I was or what I was doing. For that reason alone, I was excited when I heard Peter Fernando was offering an online course of his wonderful guided meditations, wisdom and insights. It’s … [Read more...]