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 close … [Read more...]
How to use Mula Bandha (root lock) to strengthen every pose
by guest author Carol Lux, The Yoga Life Next time you attempt Wheel Pose (back bend or Urdhva Dhanurasana) tell yourself; “Lock Mula Bandha!” You won’t believe the difference it will make. Like magic your core will strengthen, your chest and pelvis will rise toward the ceiling and your arms will feel light and airy. I hear you asking; “What miracle worker could this Mula Banhda be?” Let me tell you a little story. One day I found myself at an Ashtanga workshop and we were all … [Read more...]
Forrest for the trees – no bullshit, just yoga
by guest author Seka Ojdrovic-Phillips The planted seed of a fruitful vine is a memorable moment. For me, it was hungrily reading through old issues of Yoga Journal on the second floor of the Wellington library. After starting to feel yoga as a lifestyle decision, not just an exercise regime, I wanted to learn everything I could. My body still bore the inflexibility and weakness of someone brand new to the practice, but my soul had expanded immediately. In the haze of too much … [Read more...]
How practicing yoga builds internal strength for day to day living
Finding something to passionately believe in is indeed daunting, but immensely rewarding. Discover who you are to discover what you passionately believe in. By guest author Seka Ojdrovic I was given an amazing Christmas gift this year. My aunt had taken it on herself to translate from Serbian to English a story written by my grandfather about an experience of his during World War 2. He and his fellow patriots were told that they would be taken from former Yugoslavia … [Read more...]
Top Eleven reasons to start practicing yoga TODAY!
You have just ONE body to carry you through life from birth to death. This body is the only way that you can get around on our material world. It's the only way you can perceive ANYTHING. Because if you couldn't smell, taste, feel, see or hear... what would you be experiencing? (Pure consciousness, that's what. But that is another article.) So how do you treat this wonderful personal transportation device of yours? … [Read more...]