by Nicole Allan, Raw Yoga Yoga, like most things, was and is heavily influenced by the humans who learn it, teach it and live it. Over my years of learning, practicing and sharing yoga I believe that one of the most important things we can do, whether through yoga or ordinary everyday life, is to strive to be better humans. I believe this betterment happens through regular self-reflection. The amount of times I have been a complete dick in my life is hard to handle, let alone swallow. … [Read more...]
The Tapestry of Yoga Cueing: Four Keys to Mastering Yoga Teaching
By Michelle Jayne, Yoga facilitator, therapist & coach "Step your foot forward and stretch your arms up." I looked around the studio I was practicing in, trying to figure out if we were still on the right leg, or without warning, this had changed. "Square your hips forward, breath in, stretch your arms, breath in, bend your front knee, and take one more breath." Hang on a second, I hadn’t had a chance to breath out, and if I continued listening to the teachers cueing, I was about to faint … [Read more...]
How Brandon Bays’ ‘The Journey’ Helped me Open up to Real Intimacy
By guest author Jacinta Aalsma I am always wondering if I would have chosen the path of yoga with the same passion and intensity if I didn't come across the Journey work. Would I be brave enough to follow my passion by facing my insecurity, fear of exposure and perfectionism? Would I dare to stand for a group of exciting yogis and teach them in English, my second language? Would I dare to show the real Jacinta? I guess we will never know. Clearly, Journey work has transformed my yoga … [Read more...]
Looking for the man of your dreams? … Don’t!
I’ve found the man of my awakeness by guest author Alys Titchener My flatmate Kara-Leah and I were sitting on our lounge floor one afternoon doing some stretches before dinner. I was deep in thought and before I could censor myself, I blurted out; I feel like I’ve found the man of my awakeness. I wasn’t quite sure what I meant by that, only that this statement arose because what I was experiencing was… not so familiar. What has become familiar about those times I’ve fallen in love with the man … [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...]